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This season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken on some of the NFL's best on the defensive front. Just before the bye week, Todd Bowles' team had to deal with Chris Jones and Nick Bosa in consecutive weeks. Of course the opponent changes this week, but the Bucs will continue to deal with the same quality of defensive star in this game.
Lined up in the middle of this unit, Dexter Lawrence will look to wreak havoc for Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay offense Sunday afternoon. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Lawrence's nine sacks are tied for second among all players in the league and the most among interior defensive linemen. He also grades the second highest among interior defenders at 89.
8. For Liam Coen, limiting Lawrence will be a point of focus in this matchup. "We have to be aware of him on every play.
Run, pass whatever it is, we have got to have a plan for 97," Coen said Thursday. "This is going to be a huge challenge for Graham and our interior line..
. I have a ton of respect for Dexter Lawrence and the player that he is." Related: Bucs' Baker Mayfield’s Generosity Fuels Inspiration This will mark another test for center Graham Barton who Coen believes could deal with Lawrence on nearly every snap.
The green rookie may be a primary area of attack for the Giants looking to create pressure. But the challenge does not stop there. The attention Lawrence draws at the center could open opportunities for Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns who both have six sacks to their name this season.
Much of this matchup has centered around the Giants' rush to tank and dismissal of Daniel Jones at the quarterback spot. But for the players who have no need in worrying about draft position, the battle between the Giants defense and the Bucs offense at the line will be significant in deciding this game. Related: Bucs Fans All Saying The Same Thing About Bucky Irving.
