Todd Bowles has officially changed this defense from react to attack! Bowles called a pretty good game on defense. Most of the points given up weren’t because of the defense, the defense should be on the hook for only 17 points.
Secondary
The secondary played very well locking up receivers and playing very aggressive. Vernon Hargreaves and Jordan Whitehead stole the show in Sunday’s game. With Hargreaves getting a pick six and Whitehead leading the team with 8 total tackles. The secondary has been adjusting to changes and is still currently making roster moves with Justin Evans going on IR and the Bucs signing Andrew Adams again. The Bucs defense definitely made a statement to the fans that things are changing in Tampa Bay.
The Front Seven
The front seven played very well in creating pressure and making Jimmy Garoppolo uncomfortable majority of the game. The combination of Vita Vea & Ndamukong Suh will be something special this season the two consistently took up two or more blockers and it kept the linebackers free from lineman getting up to the next level. The Bucs defense forced several bad passes and were only able to come away with one sack by Shaq Barrett, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Lavonte David played like he was 24 again showing rookie White how things are done in the big leagues. David made several tackles for loss and covered really well on passing downs.
Summary
The Buccaneers lost their home opener, but all isn’t lost the defense has definitely made strides and has myself and other fans hopeful more big plays on defense are sure to come in the remaining 15 games this season.
Photo credit: buccaneers.com
