The two Super Bowl teams feature very good defenses paired with slightly above-average offenses.
If we’re being honest, how many current Buccaneers defensive starters would actually start for Seattle or New England?
At Most, Three:
- Vita Vea
- Antoine Winfield Jr.
- Calijah Kancey — and that’s only when he’s healthy, which hasn’t been often
Beyond that, it’s hard to make a convincing case.
This isn’t a matter of effort. Jason Licht and his staff have tried to draft and sign defensive talent. So what’s the real issue?
Either: The Buccaneers aren’t identifying the right defensive talent, or, they don’t know how to develop It has to be one or the other.
It’s impossible to believe that Licht doesn’t consult Todd Bowles before drafting or signing defensive players. Bowles has significant influence over the defensive side of the roster. When Bruce Arians took over as head coach, he emphasized the importance of having good teachers on his staff — and his choice of Todd Bowles as defensive coordinator suggests he believed Bowles was one.
During the Super Bowl run, the defense consistently generated pressure with just four defensive linemen. But when you look closely at that 2020 front four, context matters:
- Jason Pierre-Paul — Acquired via trade
- Ndamukong Suh — Free agent
- Shaquil Barrett — Free agent
These were proven veterans, not developmental projects. How much teaching did they really need?
Since those players departed, the Buccaneers have attempted to replace them through the draft and lower-cost free agency:
- Drafted: Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, and Yaya Diaby
- Depth Signings: Greg Gaines
- Big Swing: Haason Reddick, who was expected to be the next Shaq Barrett.
When that failed, the desperation became obvious — the team even brought back Jason Pierre-Paul, who hadn’t played in two years.
Now, heading into 2026, the Buccaneers will have their third different defensive line coach, Marcus West. History tells us this much: unless the Bucs bring in proven defensive linemen — especially edge rushers — the impact will be minimal.
At This Point, Every Part of the Defensive Operation Needs Scrutiny:
- Scouting
- Coaching
- Player Development
Because the results are undeniable — it isn’t working.
The blueprint for winning another Super Bowl is clear, elite edge rushers drive championship defenses. The Buccaneers already have enough offensive talent to compete with any team in the NFL.
As I watch the defensive linemen in this Super Bowl, I keep thinking one thing:
“I want that.”
For more from Greg click here, then make sure to follow him on Twitter.
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