Duke in the NFL: Shaun Wilson ready for his first taste of primetime
The former Duke Football running back is ready for his first taste of primetime NFL football on a national stage as the Buccaneers get set to play on ‘MNF’.
Former Duke running back Shaun Wilson has been given the workload of what you would expect from an undrafted rookie.
The third string running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has been given one carry in each of his first two games, six yards in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints and nine yards in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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However, thanks to the outstanding play by journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Wilson and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-0 heading into tonights game with the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football’.
While at Duke, Wilson was most effective in the running game, but he also had his moments as a receiver coming out of the backfield, but now in the NFL, he is just trying to do whatever the team asks of him.
The Buccaneers have a talented running back room led by Peyton Barber, along with Jacquizz Rodgers and Wilson’s fellow rookie Ronald Jones who has yet to see the field this season.
However, it is sometimes on the biggest stage with everyone watching when the one player will shock you and take over the game, and that could be Wilson tonight.
The major focus of the Tampa Bay offense is Fitzpatrick’s white hot start to go along with his receivers in the passing game, however, the Steelers defense has been less than average in the first two weeks of the season, the Bucs could try and get the Steelers off balance by establishing a running game.
Could Shaun Wilson have a breakout type game on ‘Monday Night Football’?
Absolutely.
But as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers try and keep their momentum going, I’d imagine they ride with Fitzpatrick’s arm until he proves them otherwise, which he has done in his many stops before Tampa Bay.