There are not many positive things to talk about lately when it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense. In fact, it is one of the worst units in the entire NFL in all major defensive categories. This needs to change quickly if the Bucs want to have any kind of chance at making the 2018 campaign a successful season. The question is, who is supposed to step up, take matters into their own hands and lead the rest of the pack to finally being a competitive defense again?
Well, there are a few potential candidates for that role:
- Gerald McCoy: He is clearly one of the most important players on this defense. He often draws double teams, he has been with the team for more than eight years, and brings a lot of experience to the table along with six Pro Bowl selections.
- Kwon Alexander: A vocal leader on the field and in the locker room, Alexander always seems as motivated as anyone in the game. Now in his fourth year, he has been to the Pro Bowl and has proven over and over again that he is a major and indispensable part of this defense.
- Jason Pierre-Paul: Even though Pierre-Paul is only playing his first season with the Bucs, his presence on the field is undeniable, and his stats reflect that. In his first four games with the Bucs he has already recorded 4 sacks, 16 tackles and one forced fumble. The experienced veteran, who has been in the league for over eight years, does not only bring along multiple pro bowl selections, but he can call himself a Super Bowl champion as well.
Either one of the above-mentioned players is certainly capable of filling the role of the defensive leader. Who will it be eventually? In a perfect scenario, multiple players step in and find a way to lead and motivate the younger players. Time will soon tell, as this defense has to show massive improvement against a high-caliber offense in the next game—Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons.
