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Buccaneers vs. Seahawks: 5 key matchups to watch closely

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades defensive end Robert Ayers #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks evades defensive end Robert Ayers #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass the football during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to pass the football during the first half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /

Todd Bowles vs. Russell Wilson

Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles was sure to lose sleep this week as he gameplanned Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson. The former third round pick of Seattle back in 2012, Wilson is playing his best football and is leading the race in the Most Valuable Player conversation.

Not only will the likes of Shaquil Barrett, Carl Nassib, and Jason Pierre-Paul need to get pressure on Wilson early and often, but the linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David must keep a close eye on him as he could tuck the ball and run at any time as well. Discipline must be the key word for the Bucs’ defense today, and Bowles must have preached it all week.

If the Bucs’ defense finds themselves undisciplined against Wilson, he has the wits and savvy to make them pay. Bowles must not only call the correct packages to contain the Seahawks’ quarterback, but also make sure his players are doing their jobs and are where they need to be.

Playing Wilson and the Seahawks is such a nightmare for defensive coordinators because of his ability to improvise and make plays outside of structure. While keeping Wilson under wraps is impossible, Bowles must do his best to keep him within structure and constantly under duress.

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