3 Buccaneers that have to step up to beat the Chicago Bears
By Rob Leeds
Ke’Shawn Vaughn experienced an unceremonious start to his NFL career. From missing parts of camp on the COVID list to losing his spot to players like LeSean McCoy and Leonard Fournette, Vaughn fell short of the expectations.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
After injuries sidelined two of the essential running backs, Vaughn got his first opportunity in an NFL game last week, and he did not disappoint. The narrative that Vaughn was going to be a pass-catching back in the preseason was hopeful at best based on the tape and college career, but Vaughn has shown upside as a potential third-down back.
In his first career game, Vaughn was able to haul in a pass for a touchdown with an opportunity missed for another. The consistency will come with time, but Vaughn could start to edge out McCoy at the pace that he showed in week four.
With Chris Godwin, Justin Watson, McCoy, and potentially Fournette out, Vaughn should see an increased role in this game as a runner and as a receiver. The Chicago pass rush is fierce, and Brady will have to rely on his backs for consistent check-down passes.
There is a lot of pressure on Vaughn going into this game, but this opportunity is exactly what he needs to live up to the post-draft hype surrounding his NFL future, and if he plays well, the Bucs will be in a great position to win.