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Buccaneers vs. Browns: 3 key matchups to watch

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Running back Peyton Barber #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers evades a tackle by defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game on August 26, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: Running back Peyton Barber #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers evades a tackle by defensive end Carl Nassib #94 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game on August 26, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Ali Marpet #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – AUGUST 15: Ali Marpet #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on August 15, 2015 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Buccaneers 26-16. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Buccaneers interior offensive line vs. Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi

It’s been a tough season for Buccaneers right guard Caleb Benenoch. The young lineman played especially bad last week against the Falcons when he allowed defenders to blow up several key plays. Things get a lot more difficult against the Browns and their rising star defensive tackle, Larry Ogunjobi. Now in his second year as a pro, Ogunjobi already has 3.5 sacks in six games this season, along with three-run stuffs. He’s frequently embarrassed guards and has created havoc in backfields all season long.

The Buccaneers will almost certainly attempt to get their running game sparked this week as Cleveland is more susceptible to that form of attack, but if they can’t block Ogunjobi, then all hope is lost. This inconsistent interior blocking has been the case in multiple games this season and a large part in the Buccaneers’ last ranked rushing attack. This match-up will play a huge role in the outcome of the game, and Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Caleb Benenoch and Evan Smith will no doubt have their hands full.

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