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5 Players to watch for Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints

By JT Squillante

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 09: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks off a pass intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone for a touchback in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 25: Cornerback Ryan Smith #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers picks off a pass intended for wide receiver Dante Pettis #18 of the San Francisco 49ers in the end zone for a touchback in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the San Francisco 49ers 27-9. (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

CB Ryan Smith

After serving a four game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, Bucs’ cornerback Ryan Smith will be eager to kick off his start to the 2019 NFL season. What better start than to go up against a talented Saints’ receiving core led by Pro Bowler Michael Thomas?

The highly criticized Bucs secondary could use a spark, and with a backup quarterback getting the start for injured Drew Brees, this could be a good game to develop some confidence for Smith. The Bucs have a very young secondary and the Saints play very well at home, but Teddy hasn’t shown the ability to spread the field and take deep shots.

With that said, this is a division game and they are always hard-fought. Look for Todd Bowles to continue to bring pressure which should take some heat off the secondary. Smith could get some playing time right away in the nickel with the early struggles of M.J. Stewart.

Entering a contract year, Smith is starting from way behind to prove to the Buccaneers that he deserves to stay in Tampa. Can Smith help out this Bucs’ secondary and get himself back in good favor with the organization?

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