The Pewter Plank
FanSided

4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their last straw in 2019

By Cory Kinnan

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 11: Vernon Hargreaves III #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass at the goal line intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – AUGUST 11: Vernon Hargreaves III #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers intercepts a pass at the goal line intended for Brandon LaFell #11 of the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of a preseason game at Paul Brown Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

CB Vernon Hargreaves

Talk about a player in need of a fresh start, Vernon Hargreaves must capitalize on the guidance and leadership of new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Hargreaves, who is now on his fourth chance after continuously burning the trust of former defensive coordinator Mike Smith, will not get many more chances moving forward.

While Hargreaves has had injury issues as well that have kept him from seeing the field in Tampa Bay, he has also had a series of off-the-field instances that have raised some eyebrows of the Buccaneers as well. Not to mention, his play has been poor when he has been on the field for the Buccaneers as well.

Hargreaves missed all of last season, facing a season-ending injury in the first game of the year. He has started 24 games through his first three seasons in the league, but has only intercepted just one pass. In addition, he has defended 15 total passes, forced two fumbles, and four tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Under Bowles, Hargreaves will be able to get back to the press-man coverage, where he thrived in college with the Florida Gators. If he cannot produce consistent numbers on the field this year, he may never see that fifth-year option that the Buccaneers just picked up.

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