The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a clear effort this offseason to add more physicality to their defense.
They accomplished that by adding Alex Anzalone, Rueben Bain, Josiah Trotter, A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nuñez Roches. Todd Bowles has praised the unit’s ability to fire off the ball throughout training camp.
The defensive line has also shown its strength during one-on-one pass-rush drills. Tampa Bay’s defensive linemen have consistently stacked up wins throughout camp.
That newfound energy has spread throughout the defense. Tristan Wirfs has taken notice of the unit’s revamped identity and believes it could cause problems this season.
“They are tough,” described Wirfs. “It is fine to watch and fun to compete against. I think we are going to be a problem this year but it is nice to be that kind of asshole mentality with Nacho (Nuñez-Roches) coming back and of course adding A’Shawn, I do not have to block him twice a year anymore, that’s always a fun matchup – but you have Bain and Yaya [Diaby] on the edges but I think [Calijah] Kancey is back too so to me, it is a mean front. I know they are excited for a big year coming and I think we all are too, I think they are going to do great things.”
Wirfs Sees a ‘Mean Front’
Wirfs’ description says plenty about how Tampa Bay’s defensive front has changed.
The Buccaneers now have several players bringing a physical edge to the unit. That mentality has created an identity Wirfs clearly believes can translate to success.
He also highlighted the familiarity brought by Nuñez-Roches’ return. Meanwhile, Robinson gives Tampa Bay another difficult matchup in the trenches.
Bain and Yaya Diaby provide the edge presence, while Kancey gives the interior another disruptive piece. According to Wirfs, the entire group has the makings of a “mean front.”
The Buccaneers’ offensive line has experienced that physicality throughout camp. Now, Wirfs believes the defense can turn that mentality into something special when games begin.
Quotes and concept via Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com.
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