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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Le'Veon Bell Pittsburgh Steelers
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are off to a disastrous 0-3 start following a 56-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Things won't get much easier for the Bucs this week when they take on a Pittsburgh Steelers' team that looks rejuvenated behind young running back Le'Veon Bell. With that being said, here are the top five matchups to watch when the Buccaneers take on the Steelers Sunday.

5. Buccaneers' RBs vs. Steelers' LBs

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Buccaneers' RB's vs. Steelers' LB's

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers running back Doug Martin returns this week after missing the past two games and is likely to split carries with Bobby Rainey. Against a Steelers' defense that allows 130 rushing yards per game and will be without linebackers Ryan Shazier and Jarvis Jones, the Buccaneers should look to establish the running game early.

4. WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB William Gay

Vincent Jackson Buccaneers
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. WR Vincent Jackson vs. CB William Gay

Vincent Jackson Buccaneers
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

With just 10 receptions for 102 yards, Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson has yet to have a breakout performance this season. However, that could change Sunday with new starting quarterback Mike Glennon at the helm. Jackson and Glennon developed a good rapport last season when Glennon was the starter and will look to pick up where they left off against William Gay and the Steelers.

3. WR Antonio Brown vs. CB Alterraun Verner

Antonio Brown Steelers
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

3. WR Antonio Brown vs. CB Alterraun Verner

Antonio Brown Steelers
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers' Antonio Brown is one of the top wide receivers in the league that nobody seems to talk about. Brown has a knack for making big plays, so he could be in store for a big game against a Buccaneers' defense that has already given up 10 pass plays of 20 yards or more.

2. QB Mike Glennon vs. Steelers' Secondary

Mike Glennon Buccaneers
Jason Gets-USA TODAY Sports

2. QB Mike Glennon vs. Steelers' Secondary

Mike Glennon Buccaneers
Jason Gets-USA TODAY Sports

Buccaneers second-year quarterback Mike Glennon will make his first start of the season in place of the injured Josh McCown. Glennon has played well in his previous 13 career starts and could have a good game Sunday against a Steelers' secondary that will be without top cornerback Ike Taylor.

1. RB Le'Veon Bell vs. Buccaneers' Front Seven

Le'Veon Bell Steelers
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

1. RB Le'Veon Bell vs. Buccaneers' Front Seven

Le'Veon Bell Steelers
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers second-year running back Le'Veon Bell has been the breakout star of the NFL thus far. Led by defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker Lavonte David, the Buccaneers' defensive front will need to keep Bell in check if Tampa is to have any hope of getting out of Pittsburgh with a victory.

K.J. Momberg is the Jacksonville Jaguars writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @k_momberg or add him to your network on Google.

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