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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 X-factor players for Week 5 vs. Bears

By Bob Blackwood

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks to Rob Gronkowski #87 at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saintsat the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 13: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers talks to Rob Gronkowski #87 at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saintsat the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

X-factors for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 against the Bears.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are playing their first game in primetime on Thursday night when they head to Chicago to take on the Bears. The team is riding a three-game winning streak and is looking for its first 4-1 start since 2005. As you might expect, no one on the current roster was on the team back then so this is new territory for many players on the team.

The Bears are also 3-1 and ironically enough, this will the third straight season the Buccaneers will be seeing Chicago starting quarterback Nick Foles. Unfortunately for Foles, this will be the third different team he’ll be facing the Bucs with. Tampa Bay has a two-game winning streak against Foles and will look to put together a consistent game to beat him again this week.

The Buccaneers will be facing a Bears team still led by what can be a dominant defense. Even without their current list of injuries, this would be a tough game for the Tampa Bay offense. Despite Tom Brady having his best game of the season, the team will have to adjust on a short week and shorthanded.

Here are some key players for the Buccaneers in their matchup against the Bears in Week 5.

5. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, running back

It’s possible that Ke’Shawn Vaughn might be only one of two active running backs in this week’s game. Leonard Fournette is currently listed as doubtful on the latest injury report, and LeSean McCoy has already been ruled out for the game. This is a prime opportunity for Vaughn to step up and earn himself more playing time.

Even if Fournette plays, Vaughn will probably get the first crack at passing game duties for the team on Thursday night. Vaughn will most likely fill the role held by McCoy and if Fournette cannot play or is limited in what he can do, Vaughn may see a good amount of carries.

Vaughn already played a role in the team’s win over the Chargers with three catches including what ended up being the game-winning touchdown. With injuries at tight end and receiver, he may be looked upon to fill targets and be more than just a safety blanket for Tom Brady.

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