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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 – DECEMBER 17: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the New York Jets at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – DECEMBER 17: Marshon Lattimore #23 of the New Orleans Saints in action against the New York Jets at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 17, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

Marshon Lattimore

Our third rookie on this list is also having a very good year. Marshon Lattimore leads the Saints in interceptions (four), passes defended (thirteen) and ranks eighth on the team in tackles (44). He is definitely proving that he was worth being taken eleventh overall in this year’s draft. New Orleans truly got a stud cornerback to bolster a previously-horrendous secondary. He has immediately proven himself at the professional level and looks like someone who could be a defensive leader for years to come.

Must Read: Spotlight on Mike Evans

Lattimore’s fourth interception of the season came in this past Sunday’s win over the Falcons. And it came in, uh, odd fashion. The pass went off the receiver’s hands before landing on Lattimore’s butt. The rookie was then able to reach back and secure the ball for the turnover. It really was a game-changing play, as the Saints turned that into a Ted Ginn touchdown. Instead of a 6-0 halftime lead, it was a 13-0 lead for New Orleans.

I wouldn’t expect to see Lattimore intercept another pass off his butt again this Sunday, but he will definitely be a difference-maker in the game. If he is marking Mike Evans, that should be the matchup of the day. Tampa Bay presumably won’t want to attack him too much, considering the success he is having, but it may be forced to if he is stuck on its top receiver. One way or another, the Ohio State product should figure heavily into the outcome on Sunday afternoon.

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