New Orleans Saints: 5 X-factor players for Week 1 vs. Bucs
4. Cameron Jordan
Moving to the other side of the ball, these next two players are on their way to becoming defensive superstars and a good game against the Bucs will only help their case. First is Cameron Jordan.
Jordan was dynamic last season against the Bucs and no doubt we’re hoping he’ll put on a repeat performance. Despite the Bucs looking a lot different, Jordan’s gameplan isn’t as he’s going to do what needs to be done to pressure Brady and get the ball back to the offense as soon as possible.
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In addition, Jordan serves as a leader on defense. If he doesn’t play well, the entire defense could fall apart. Time and time again, Jordan has proven his value to the New Orleans Saints and he’s going to do it again against the Bucs.
Overall, Jordan is easily going to be among one of the deciding factors if the New Orleans Saints end up victorious at the end of Sunday. However, he isn’t the only player on defense who is going to change the outcome of the game.
3. Marshon Lattimore
The Saints’ other defensive X-factor is going to be Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore is easily one of the most hyped young cornerbacks in the league. Week 1 is going to be his chance to prove he can go toe-to-toe with some of the best.
No doubt we’ll see him matched up against Mike Evans and possibly covering Rob Gronkowski. It’s not going to be an easy day for Lattimore but he has enough experience and talent that it shouldn’t be an issue.
For Lattimore, the major key is going to be either breaking up passes or trying to nab an interception of Brady. While Lattimore’s numbers were down last year, he has the chance to prove it was only due to his injury. Having a solid Week 1 including intercepting Tom Brady would be a great start to the 2020 season. As Lattimore mentioned earlier this week, he’ll do anything to win no matter who he’s playing against.