After last season defensive performance in the secondary, Tampa has been looking for ways to improve, and one of those ways was the addition of Brent Grimes. Grimes, who was cut by the Miami Dolphins early in the offseason, was quickly snagged by Tampa. Tampa was in much need of an experienced veteran corner, and one that has the talent to compete in any conference or division. Grimes has proven he can do that. In three campaigns with the Miami Dolphins, Grimes intercepted 13 passes and was a Pro Bowler each of those seasons. Grimes played six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons where he played under current Buccaneers’ DC, Mike Smith. Brent Grimes is comfortable in Mike Smith’s defensive scheme and should have no problem thriving in the system. “It’s a big deal for me because I like the system and one thing I know about Mike Smith is, he’s a great coach as far as everybody on the field knowing where they need to be and knowing what their assignment is, and he pays great attention to detail.”
The fact that Grimes knows what Mike Smith expects and is able to mentor the rookie corner Vernon Hargreaves III and young free agent corner Josh Robinson has Tampa pointed in the right direction in halting the allowing of so many passing touchdowns. Tampa had allowed 31 last season.
