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Buccaneers vs. 49ers: what to watch for in week one matchup

By Cory Kinnan

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) /
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TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 23: Vernon Hargreaves III #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with Kentrell Brice #24 on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – AUGUST 23: Vernon Hargreaves III #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks with Kentrell Brice #24 on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of the preseason game against the Cleveland Browns at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

Is the VHIII, Davis, Stewart turnaround for real?

Speaking of the three defensive backs taken on day-two of the draft last April, neither Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean were able to win a starting job entering week one. Actually, the one drafted the highest is lowest on the depth chart as Murphy-Bunting struggled mightily this preseason.

Instead, the Buccaneers saw their veterans fend off the young guns as Vernon Hargreaves III and Carlton Davis are slated to start outside the numbers after a strong showing this summer. In addition to Hargreaves and Davis showing off for the Bucs this summer, second year cornerback M.J. Stewart has also locked down the nickel role for Bowles’ defense.

Can Hargreaves rebound after missing the whole season with an injury a year ago, and can Davis and Stewart bounce back after a rocky rookie year?The 49ers are set to be a good test as they do not have a star receiver, but they do have some burners and route running technicians.

Tasked with manning Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, and second rounder Deebo Samuel today, we will get a great sample size to get a sense of the improvement of the Buccaneers’ secondary. Look for Hargreaves, Davis, and Stewart to lockdown the small-but-strong receivers of the 49ers today.

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