Buccaneers vs. Saints: 3 rookies that can step up big time
By Rob Leeds
Antoine Winfield Jr.
As the second-round draft pick for the Buccaneers, Winfield was the next logical option to play a significant role for Tampa Bay in the week one matchup. Winfield will go down as one of the best draft picks the Bucs have made over the last few years, and Winfield will get a shot to show why from the first snap.
Winfield had a monster training camp and was able to beat out Mike Edwards for one of the starting spots. Edwards and Winfield fought down to the wire, but Tampa Bay decided the more significant upside was with their rookie.
It is no secret that the Saints are one of the best passing teams in the NFL. Drew Brees and Michael Thomas were one of the best duos in the league last season, and everyone should expect New Orleans to come out and throw the ball early this Sunday.
The Buccaneer secondary has steadily improved since the halfway point of last season, but Winfield will still have to play at an elite level to keep Brees from picking the defense apart.
Winfield may not be in a constant one-on-one battle like Wirfs, but he will still face multiple matchups that will significantly challenge the rookie safety. If Winfield can play at the same level he displayed during camp; the Buccaneer defense will be well on its way to shutting down the pass in New Orleans.