Vernon Hargreaves has become one of the reasons the Buccaneers secondary had made a huge turnaround this season. The same thing can be said about wideout Amari Cooper, and the success of the Raiders. These two young talents have met on the same field of battle before. The last meeting between the two came in college when Cooper’s Alabama Crimson Tide played Hargreaves’ Florida Gators. That was a game of legendary status for Amari Cooper as he recorded 10 catches, 201 yards, and 3 touchdowns, one of which came as Vernon Hargreaves was covering him.
Vernon has gained more confidence with every game he has played in and he was able to slow the production of Demaryius Thomas of Denver, which is a tough task for any corner. During the Buccaneers vs Panthers Monday Night game, Hargreaves had a prior chance at redemption when former Florida State receiver Kelvin Benjamin was limited to 5 receptions on 9 targets and no scores. That night I knew we had something special.
Hargreaves is growing more confident every week however, I assume that Brent Grimes will get the majority of the work against Amari Cooper, in today’s contest. I do believe that if Cooper lines up against number 28, that Hargreaves chance at redemption will not go unfulfilled. Hargreaves not only has the familiarity, but the confidence, and ability to settle the score. If Hargreaves is put into the driver’s seat and is called to take the majority of matchups on Cooper, I believe that the rookie’s swagger will take off to a whole new level and put the league on notice.
I hope after today we can finally say these words: Tampa Bay has a No Fly Zone.
