3 Saints who need to step up against the Bucs this Sunday night
Number Two: Marcus Davenport
Marcus Davenport hasn’t played much for the New Orleans Saints so far this season, but he needs to make his presence known against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football.
Tom Brady got lucky that he didn’t have to square off against a healthy Marcus Davenport in week one, but you better believe the 6-foot-6, 265-pound defensive end will be going all out on Sunday to welcome Brady to the NFC South.
Davenport needs to step up in a big way to prove to the Saints he has what it takes to make big plays in big games. He’s sharing snaps with Trey Hendrickson, and he’s yet to take over the starting spot. It could be his if he can dominate Brady’s Bucs.
Let’s just say he’s been off to a strong start since getting to 100 percent.
Marcus Davenport's 2020 campaign has been off to a beautiful start now that he's back on the field.
— PFF NO Saints (@PFF_Saints) November 3, 2020
His 27.9% pass rush win rate leads ALL NFL defenders with 50+ rushes in 2020.
Davenport's 19.7% pressure rate also ranks 3rd among all NFL defenders.#Saints #WhoDat pic.twitter.com/z61XKqfhw8
If Davenport is able to get consistent pressure, it will force Tom Brady to move out of the pocket and make throws he’s not comfortable making. Getting Tom Brady out of his rhythm will be key for a Saints victory and Davenport has an opportunity to play a large role in doing that.