The Pewter Plank
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5 players who must step up for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 49ers

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field before halftime against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field before halftime against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 02: Ryan Jensen #66 hikes the ball to Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on December 02, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The entire offensive line

The Buccaneers have the fourth-most expensive offensive line in the entire NFL, yet they got near the bottom of the league in production out of them. If Tampa wants to take a huge leap forward this season, then the big boys up front in the offensive trenches have to step up.

Donovan Smith got a massive extension this past year at $13 million annually after surrendering a league high in pressures the year before, Ryan Jensen struggled in the first year of his $10 million per year deal, while Ali Marpet has earned every penny of his massive deal he is receiving from the Buccaneers. Smith and Jensen have to live up to their paychecks or general manager Jason Licht and Arians are going to feel sorry for the financial situation they find themselves in up front.

At right guard the Buccaneers have stood beside last year’s third round pick Alex Cappa, so he must step up and prove to the city of Tampa why he was deserving of every single first team rep at the right guard position. Demar Dotson has been a solid presence across the line at right tackle, so expect consistency out of him.

Running lanes were non-existent for running backs Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones a year ago, largely due to the subpar play of the front five. If the Bucs want to take pressure off of Winston by establishing a rushing attack early, then this offensive line must flip a switch on Sunday vs. a strong 49ers’ front containing Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Dee Ford.

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