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New Orleans Saints: Players who need to step up against the Buccaneers

By Jason Reed

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the start of a NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the start of a NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 10, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) – New Orleans Saints
(Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) – New Orleans Saints /

1. Eli Apple

Eli Apple very well could make or break this game. It may sound like an overreaction to state that one player, especially a cornerback, can be the ultimate difference, but in this case, it couldn’t be more spot on.

The Saints are coming up against arguably the best receiving duo in the NFL in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Albeit they have a shaky, inconsistent quarterback, Godwin and Evans can make plays happen and are the reason why the Buccaneers’ offense is dangerous, to begin with.

Last time around, Marshon Lattimore absolutely locked down Evans, not allowing a single reception. However, Godwin had his way while being matched up with Apple, finishing the game with seven receptions and 125 yards.

The problem in this game is that Lattimore could be out, as he is week-by-week with a knee injury. That will slide Apple up in the depth chart, giving him the matchup against Evans that should be terrifying for Saint fans.

The way that the Buccaneers beat the Saints is in an offensive slugfest, we have seen it time and time again. Apple needs to step up and be better than his play in the rest of the season if the Saints want to avoid this offensive slugfest.

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