Three Bucs who could be the difference between a good and great defense

Greg Auman

NFC South Reporter

The biggest story of the Bucs’ offseason was the successful push to keep the team’s veteran core together, working out deals to re-sign a quartet of free agents in Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield and Lavonte David.

And as much as continuity was a priority, the Bucs also made the difficult decision to move on from three mainstays of their Super Bowl defense who had been there for all five of Todd Bowles’ years in Tampa. Cornerback Carlton Davis was traded to the Lions, edge rusher Shaq Barrett was released and linebacker Devin White wasn’t re-signed.

In their place will be three younger, less-proven players: Zyon McCollum at corner, K.J. Britt at linebacker and a rotation including rookie Chris Braswell on the edge. The difference between good and great this season could hinge on how well they’re able to step in and match or even exceed last year’s production.

“I feel great,” Bowles said about his confidence in the shift to new leaders on defense. “We’ve still got Lavonte, we’ve still got Vita [Vea], we’ve still got Winfield Jr., obviously. The guys that are taking their places … Zyon started nine games last year — he’s played. K.J. got a taste last year — he’s a natural leader for us. Joe [Tryon-Shoyinka] has been here for us for a while. 

“And we’ve got some hungry young guys at those positions. When you have a lot of good players, you’re either going to lose some to free agency, or some to retirement, or some to injury, and you’ve got to start having somebody back behind them. I think Jason [Licht] did a good job of getting guys in here that can play and step in at the right time. They may not be the household names that you’re used to, but as the season goes on, you’re going to get to know them very well.”

The Bucs have leaned on their defense under Bowles more than most realize. In the past two years, Tampa Bay has 11 wins in games in which the Bucs scored 21…

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Publish date : 2024-07-29 17:34:45

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