Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 11 X-Factor: Breshad Perriman

Breshad Perriman is used to coming into things with high expectations. As a rookie in 2015, the first round draft pick was supposed to help the Baltimore Ravens launch their offense to a new level. Three years, 27 games and just 43-catches later, he was off to Cleveland.

With the Cleveland Browns, Perriman had fewer expectations, but still there was hope he could have an impact on the offense looking to get going with a hot new quarterback and plenty of buzz about what could be for the future.

He finished 2018 with 16 catches and two touchdowns, agreeing to a new deal this past off-season until the team landed star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

Then he came to Tampa. And fans were skeptical about what Perriman might do, but they were hopeful as well.

Under Bruce Arians, Perriman’s downfield ability was supposed to be showcased and help the Bucs stretch the field in a way DeSean Jackson never could. This receiver, was better equipped to play with a guy like Jameis Winston. Mostly because he’s 6’2 and still has wheels.

Thus far, it hasn’t worked out. Perriman has just nine catches in seven games for 75-yards and one touchdown. The score coming off a deflection, not a target.

So you could say, Perriman has consistently not lived up to expectations. Well, he’ll get a new chance this weekend.

With the New Orleans Saints forced to play cornerback Eli Apple, P.J. Williams and Patrick Robinson in an increased role this weekend there is a new opportunity for a big game from all of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receivers.

For Breshad Perriman, this means he’ll be facing a cornerback further down the depth chart than he would have before, and likely one who is less talented than those who would have come before him.

It’s simple really, the Buccaneers’ third receiver will be facing off against a corner who most likely was considered to be the team’s fourth best.

And Perriman’s ability to exploit the situation will be crucial. If he can do so, then the Saints defense will be forced to help out the struggling defender, opening up more things for players like O.J. Howard and even Ronald Jones in the screen and short passing games.

If he can’t, then the Saints defense will gain more and more confidence, making the Buccaneers focus on guys we already know will be heavily involved in the game plan. You know, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Evans and Godwin will have eyes on them. We know this. Perriman needs to come through and divert some attention his way. He hasn’t really done it yet, but I expect, this could be the best chance he’ll have to do so this year.

Perriman wasn’t on the field the last time when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the New Orleans Saints on the road in Week 5. This time, he’ll be on the field and with many fans wondering how he’s survived while Vernon Hargreaves III was shown the door, it’ll be a chance for him to show them why.