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Buccaneers' Russell Shepard: Chemistry with Winston could lead to more success

Shepard was able to parlay his solid chemistry with Jameis Winston into a career-best day against the 49ers in Week 7, despite only playing 36 percent of the snaps, Jenna Laine of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis:

The Bucs' special teams captain turned in one of the more unlikely performances of Week 7, as he'd been thought of no higher than the fifth option in the passing game heading into last Sunday's contest. Veteran Cecil Shorts had been named the starter opposite Mike Evans in Vincent Jackson's (knee) stead, while Adam Humphries had retained his usual third receiver role. Meanwhile, tight end Cameron Brate, who'd proven to be a reliable target in the short and intermediate passing game for Winston, appeared slated for more attention as well. However, Shepard managed to haul in all but one of his six targets, receiving much more attention than Humphries and Shorts, who played 51 percent and 41 percent of the snaps, respectively. While it's difficult to gauge if Week 7's production will carry over, Winston certainly seems to have no hesitation in relying on Shepard when necessary.

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