Is There Anything Lavonte David Cannot Do?
December 4th, 2012
Joe has no doubt that in the coming years, Mark Barron will be a force at safety. He already is a bone-crushing tackler, just as RGIII.
And Bucs fans, and the NFL in general, go into a tizzy when “The Muscle Hamster,” Doug Martin, gets on his wheel.
Right now, however, Joe’s of the mind that the Bucs’ best rookie was the team’s second round draft pick, Lavonte David. We all know how David is a monster at tackles for a loss. We all know how David is a sideline-to-sideline warrior. Sunday, he showed he can pick off a pass, too.
But the numbers crunchers at ProFootballFocus.com suggest Sunday, David showed he may be the Bucs’ best pass rusher, claims Cole Schultz.
What’s the Rush?
Keeping two safeties deep whenever the Broncos weren’t in the red zone, Tampa forced Peyton Manning to beat them without many opportunities for the deep ball. And though they were successful in that regard (Manning attempted two passes over 20 yards in the air), the result was a short but methodical passing attack that left the Bucs’ defensive line little time to apply any pressure. Over half of Tampa Bay’s QB disruptions came from rookie Lavonte David (four hurries), but two of those occurred when he was unblocked. Neither Michael Bennett (-2.8 pass rush) nor Gerald McCoy (-1.3 pass rush) helped out the secondary as they generated one hurry apiece. A disappointing return considering their capabilities.
Now remember folks, David is going wilding each Sunday afternoon as a rookie — a rookie! Imagine what this guy will be able to do in the next few years when he has a better read on what NFL offenses are showing?
What a steal this David has turned out to be. Joe’s just glad he was the first media type in the Tampa Bay area to point him out to Bucs fans.
December 4th, 2012 at 7:03 pm
I predicted in the Bucs’ Usenet NG that David was the player the Bucs were targeting when they moved up. He has been better than I expected.
December 4th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
well Joe you finally got something right. jk.
December 4th, 2012 at 7:40 pm
What’s more to say. This rookie reeks of pineapple – to coin a phrase!
December 4th, 2012 at 7:59 pm
“Is There Anything Lavonte David Cannot Do?”
How about force a fumble? A lost art on this defense.
December 4th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
@Bayfisher. I was just thinking that earlier today. Every time theres a kick ass defense in this league, it’s always the same thing. Forced fumbles is the number one goal. We don’t do that very well. I’m sure IF they don’t coach it up, David will adapt and take it upon himself
December 4th, 2012 at 8:37 pm
Toot that Horn Joe….
December 4th, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Best linebacker in the entire draft and best running back in the entire draft. Pretty nice. Too bad Mark Barron doesn’t appear to be the best safety in the draft.
December 4th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
If Barron is not the best safety in the draft, then who is?
December 4th, 2012 at 9:21 pm
David is an absolute F-ing STUD! It’s amazing watching the difference between 2012’s #54 and 2011’s #54 on the field and I assume off the field too.
Great move and pick by Dom and Schiano.
Go Bucs!!!
December 5th, 2012 at 2:34 am
Im not going to compare this kid to Brooks because I think it’s ridiculous but what they do have in common is that they were both the perfect fit for the defense they play(ed) in.
This defense lets David fly. If you just keep your eye on him during the games he is all over the damn place. Constantly running full speed. It’s awesome.
December 5th, 2012 at 11:15 am
Wow….self loathe much? Guess you love you some you ! Like T.O.
We know your a nebraska homer joe. So congrats i guess!
December 5th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
What a great draft the Bucs had this year!
December 5th, 2012 at 7:33 pm
Harrison smith is a banger
December 8th, 2012 at 6:44 pm
Wasn’t David one of the leading tacklers in College, not to mention all-time at Nebraska? Good call, Joe, but it wasn’t as though he was a diamond in the rough.
Glad the monster is on our team no matter who printed it first.