The Pewter Plank
FanSided

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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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington high fives fans after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington high fives fans after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

DT Vita Vea

Along with the inability to run the ball offensively in 2019, the Buccaneers could not stop the run either. Vita Vea is expected to make a huge jump this year and potentially make the Pro Bowl this year, and the Buccaneers will need their former first round pick to stay healthy and perform at a high level for them this season.

Vea is back at practice after missing all of the preseason with a knee injury and looks good to go for the Buccaneers’ week one matchup with the 49ers. Him and free agent acquisition Ndamukong Suh need to slow down Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, and the San Francisco rushing attack if the Buccaneers want to have a chance at tasting victory.

The former Washington product climbed the PFF rankings week after week to end the season last year, so the Buccaneers are hoping to see that jump to start the 2019 season as well. Staying healthy has been Vea’s biggest nemesis at this point in his young career, but if he can stay on the field, the Buccaneers will lean heavily on his large frame.

Vea has the ability to not only plug up running lanes and keep linebackers clear of blockers, but the ability to get into the backfield as well. Watch for 50 as he looks to make his 2019 debut in the pewter and red after sitting out the whole preseason.

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