5 Saints That Need to “Come Up Big” to Beat the Bucs
By Bob Rose
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive end Paul Kruger (99),defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) and free safety Vonn Bell (48) celebrate after they get a safety against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Jordan, Defensive End
Jordan has had perhaps the finest season in his six year career. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks and is one of the best all-around defensive end in the entire NFL.
The fact that Jordan and Drew Brees were left off of this year’s “Pro Bowl” roster only shows how absurd the selection process is for what is supposed to be the NFL’s all-star roster.
Nevertheless, Jordan will lead a much improved Saints front seven group that not only pressures well, but has done very well stopping the run.
Lost in the 41 point letdown to Arizona last week was the fact that the Saints held all-world Cardinals running back David Johnson to just 53 rushing yards.
The key to shutting down the Tampa offense for the second time in three weeks will be how well Jordan performs with fellow front seven running mates Sheldon Rankins, Nick Fairley, Dannell Ellerbe and Craig Robertson.
If Jameis Winston does have the time to pick out his receivers, all eyes should be down the middle, where our next key performer has had his ups and downs…