Buccaneers vs. Browns: 3 key matchups to watch

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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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Justin Evans #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after catching an interception thrown by Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Justin Evans #21 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after catching an interception thrown by Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Buccaneer defensive backs vs. Browns receivers

The Buccaneers defense has been torn up by every form of receiver in the book, but those who do the most damage tend to be the quicker type. Wideouts like Ted Ginn, Taylor Gabriel and Nelson Agholor have given the Bucs trouble this season.

The Browns have a pair of speedy, tough-to-tackle receivers in Antonio Callaway and Jarvis Landry, and both present significant problems for Tampa Bay. Manning the slot receiver position, Landry ate the Bucs up last season while playing for the Dolphins, scoring a touchdown on six catches for 95 yards. He is poised to do the same or more against Tampa’s perilously weak slot cornerback defense.

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Antonio Callaway plays primarily as a boundary receiver, so he’ll face off with Brent Grimes and whichever healthy corner starts opposite him between Ryan Smith and Carlton Davis. This is going to be a problem, and could further expose the Bucs issues with communication deep down the field.

Callaway struggles with drops, but he gets open downfield with ease thanks to his speed and quickness out of routes. If the Buccaneer corners aren’t in sync with the safeties, you can bet your last penny that Callaway will score a long touchdown.

Play both Callaway and Landry in your fantasy football leagues. With that said, it would tilt this game majorly in favor of Tampa if they can contain these two and by extension the Browns passing game.

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