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Buccaneers: Grades for week 9 loss to Saints

By Philip Schwegler

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sits on the bench during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 29: Justin Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defending a pass in the second quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 29: Justin Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defending a pass in the second quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Again we see a week of Buccaneer football without corner back Brent Grimes. Robert McClain did return this week, taking the place of an injured Grimes. McClain and Hargraves handle the outside while second year player Javien Elliot at the nickel.

Hargraves has been playing so much better after having a rough few weeks. He seemed to have found his stride again.

Rookie Justin Evans showed signs of being a rookie again this week by blowing his assignment on several occasions, allowing a touchdown and a few splash plays.

Eleven total tackles were made from the defensive backfield. Like the rest of the defense, poor tackling is an area of concern. Several big plays that were given up could’ve been prevented with better tackling.

At times there seems to be a basic mechanical technique that is being missed when tackling.

Poor communication is an issue for the defensive backfield especially in the safety group. For example, communicating the passing of an offensive player to the safety playing the top of the defense would prevent some of Brees’ big passing plays.

Grade: C-

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