The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers vs Saints: Week 17 game-changing players

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Pregame views prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Pregame views prior to kick-off between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 5: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball in for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 5, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 5: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball in for a touchdown during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 5, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Alvin Kamara

Bucs fans, doesn’t it hurt to think that our team could’ve had Alvin Kamara in this year’s draft? I’m sure 31 other teams are kicking themselves for not taking the former Tennessee Volunteer. He is having a spectacular rookie year, rushing for 652 yards and seven touchdowns while catching 68 passes for 684 yards and five touchdowns. Kamara has given the Saints so much versatility this year, making an already-dangerous offense even better.

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No matter how hard they try, it could be pretty difficult for the Bucs to stop Kamara on Sunday afternoon. They certainly didn’t have an easy time doing so back on Nov. 5. The rookie ran for 68 yards and a touchdown on ten carries while adding six catches for 84 yards and a touchdown. Isn’t Drew Brees dangerous enough? He and Michael Thomas already presented enough of a challenge, as did Mark Ingram. Now, factor in Kamara and you have a lethal threat. Kamara elevates those around him, which is showing on the field as New Orleans has turned into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The fact that he is so effective in the run game and passing game is what makes things so difficult. He is what the Bucs likely wish they had in Charles Sims. Kamara is a better runner and receiver than Sims. When he is in the game, the defense doesn’t know what’s coming. Interesting concept, no? It’s far different for the Bucs, considering everyone sitting at home, not to mention the opponent, knows what’s coming when Sims enters on third down. But I digress. The point is, if the Bucs can’t stop Kamara this time around, things will go exactly how they did back in New Orleans eight weeks ago.

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