Jordan Whitehead: Lavonte David’s Leadership Was The Difference
October 1st, 2019
Two Sundays ago, the Tampa Bay defense soiled its collective pants and shamefully walked off the field a loser after blowing a big halftime lead.
This past Sunday, the defense certainly needed a strong diaper but found a way to keep everything clean enough to lock down a win in a similar scenario.
The Bucs’ best safety, Jordan Whitehead, hopped on Buccaneers Radio last night and was asked what was different after halftime a week after the Giants meltdown. The bone-crushing hitter went right to the top-dog linebacker.
“I think it was Lavonte came up to us on the sideline and just gathered us up and reminded us that we can’t let this one slip away,” Whitehead said.
That intrigues Joe. Whitehead didn’t cite coaching or on-field plays by the defense; he went to the leadership card. Whitehead did credit the offense, as well as offensive coordinator Todd Bowles for how his scheme and calls take away the run game. … And then Whitehead mentioned David again for unifying the defense.
Thanks, Lavonte.
October 1st, 2019 at 2:11 pm
Maybe LVD is finally getting his mental toughness to match his physical toughness.
Perhaps we’re seeing the Bruce Arians mentality really start to seep in and change this losing culture in Tampa. Hopefully…
Bring it again this week against New Orleans and I’ll fully buy in. Go Bucs!
October 1st, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Uh oh….that statement obliterates tmaxcon’s argument on LVD not being a leader.
October 1st, 2019 at 2:16 pm
Better late than never I guess. Could used that 2 weeks ago but as not mucj of a big talker myself I can understand not embracing that role right away. I’ll step into more of a leader role if it’s seriously lacking but otherwise fine letting others who want it. In this case he realized the urgency. . Disappointing because I thought wr kay have had a couple of those on d already.. if it has to be lvd we must be lacking
October 1st, 2019 at 2:19 pm
It’s this type of leadership, assumed and exercised by the players that I’ve been waiting to hear about. Hope it leads to an attitude on the whole team that we will not let opponents take control of the game.
October 1st, 2019 at 2:23 pm
Mentioned the exact thing last night on a post and said “How the hell does LVD not have Bowels in his ear not wearing the dot?” Minter is good and knows the defense but LVD is calling out good formations all day just because he see’s it.
October 1st, 2019 at 2:26 pm
LVD should have been a DPOY. The reason why he wasn’t chosen is cos Bucs were in their normal spot: the bottom. Barrett deserves the praise BUT he is playing next to a DPOY and getting tips. This game Sunday will be something else: looking forward to cranking up Bucs Radio. Go Mighty Bucs!!
October 1st, 2019 at 3:15 pm
T M A X I P A D takes one comment an blows it out of proportion. LVD has bin wrecking havoc his whole career. It’s not his fault he has bin on a terrible terrible Bucs defense. It’s a team sport. One man can’t do it by himself unless his name is LT an LVD isn’t LT but he’s way above average. Give him some good coaching schemes an decent players around him an he will shine
October 1st, 2019 at 3:18 pm
I was waiting for a Jordan Whitehead article. This kid is way underrated starting with his three pass deflections last Sunday. Great job kiddo
October 1st, 2019 at 3:26 pm
There is a very noticable difference in David’s attitude this year. Several times during games I have saw him being very vocal to his teammates. Even saw him hollering at them a few times.
He has defientally taken on more of a leadership role under Bowles and is demanding more accountability then we have saw in a long time.
Gotta credit Bruce for changing this culture.
October 1st, 2019 at 3:30 pm
Now we need White to get back out there. Really hoping to hear some good news when injury reports come out this week.
Either way I am getting the sense that the Rams game was a turning point for us. Got a real good feeling we are going to manhandle the Saints.
So awesome having a team in this town you can use legitimatly the word manhandle about!!!
GOOO BUCS!!!
October 1st, 2019 at 3:32 pm
I assume you mean DEFENSIVE coordinator Todd Bowles…
October 1st, 2019 at 3:34 pm
1. LVD
2. Vita
3. Whitehead
4. Shaq
We have had a sh!tty defense for so long but LVD has always been a great leader of his sh!tty players and coaches. I think he can play great LB till Brady age. It would be a sad day for me if he were to leave. Pay him his $10 million next year and create a cheaper contract hopefully.
October 1st, 2019 at 3:38 pm
And this is why Bruce had to kick a Gerald McCoy out on his ass. He though he was head honcho of that locker room and would of done nothing but stand in the way of real leadership and accountability……….Now the soon as he is out the door a guy like LVD emerges as a real leader. Gerald indeed held this team back.
Disrespect? How about you disrespect and total embarrassment your defense gave to each and every one of us fans?
JPP didn’t have to say a name…..Every fan on this team knows exactly who he was talking about when he said now all the players on this team were “real”……Can’t wait to see Marpet throw your ass to the turf again in London. That’s the exact amount of respect you truely earned!!
October 1st, 2019 at 4:16 pm
I’d like to see Whitehead in on goal line gadget plays. He’s a offensive weapon we’ve never utilized.
Any word on Jack Cincy right elbow?? It didn’t look good when he was coming off the field.
October 1st, 2019 at 4:55 pm
Someone consistently used to post on field leadership was overrated. Pretty sure it was a McCoy fan but whatever. Point being if you’ve ever played sports especially college sports on the field leadership is crucial. The NFL is a little less but important to younger players like rookies and first year players. When players like Sapp, Lynch, Barber & Brooks spoke the entire team (offense & defense) listened. When a veteran player like David (who doesn’t say much) talks you had better listen.
October 1st, 2019 at 5:07 pm
ALL HAIL TMAX!!! The JBF Mecca of knowledge.
Of what, I have no Idea though
October 1st, 2019 at 5:08 pm
Lol T-you know what should be proud.
I am not even allowed to type his name without going into moderation
October 1st, 2019 at 5:10 pm
Great Point Bucjim
David’s lack of being vocal should draw his teammates to listen when he chooses to speak. Still waters run deep and all of that
October 1st, 2019 at 5:20 pm
Really Joe?
October 1st, 2019 at 5:36 pm
So instead of 32 points we give up 40 points and somehow that’s better defense? Gimme a break.
October 1st, 2019 at 5:51 pm
So in order to use said troll’s name in a post I have to go to the trouble of spelling it tmox or something?
October 1st, 2019 at 6:50 pm
The defense did not give up 40 points. Don’t understand why people keep saying it, defense gave up 33 and then the pick 6 added 7 points to the score. IMO, there were lots of positives for the Defense.
Both defense and offense did enough to win. The defense set up two very easy TD’s. Suh scored a TD. Shaq was Shaq. Goff was off on key plays.
October 1st, 2019 at 7:44 pm
So if you take away Carolina and an injured cam our def is giving up 32 points per game. That’s still too high only 4 teams score more than 34 points on Sunday yet 8 teams win games.
If you want to consistently win game you have to hold them to 21-24 points max.
If you want to go to the SB I believe the magic number is 20 points allowed.
October 1st, 2019 at 8:09 pm
@jimmyjack …….. many many fans knew this for years and YES you are correct !!!!!
October 1st, 2019 at 8:54 pm
Haha DB55 you can’t just take out games. That’s not how PPG works.
We get Teddy and the Saints this week and they just won without getting a TD so this might be a confidence builder for our defense. Just like the Chicago game should of been last year……but Todd Bowles defense is a whole nother animal.
The we get the Panthers in London. I’m hoping they take a beating this week or maybe even get Cam trying to come back for a little QB controversy. I would guess that London trips arent kind to reeling teams or team with some lockerroom noise.
Maybe after them two games we can all relax more about our defense.
October 1st, 2019 at 9:03 pm
But I don’t think there’s no magic PPG numbers to win in this league. Mine opinion is you gotta win games in different ways to be able to contend. Just look at the Patriots last year win a dogfight vs the Rams…..A couple years ago they had to win a shootout to comeback on the Falcons………Or look at the Eagles SB run. Without their QB they got there led by the defense and had to win another way in the Big Game……Or how about some of them great Seahawk teams. Largely led by their defense but their offense could be very explosive when it was needed.
I was kinda glad to see Winston win a shootout. He has not won many of those. And this team was built to win them. ……Now let the Bucs keep it rolling and keep getting better & when we play some meaningful games down the stretch let’s see if they can win in other ways……Can’t win all of em like we did this past Sunday. But it sure was fun!!
GOOO BUCS!!!
October 1st, 2019 at 9:06 pm
But one thing that their is absolutely no doubt about with this defense. We absolutely defientally have the big play ability & the playmakers……..Which is probably the toughest thing to find.
October 1st, 2019 at 10:06 pm
I dunno why everyone’s getting on Tmaxipads case. Since the 1st comment hes ever made on this forum we new he was clueless. I dont even read his dumass comments except for when I need a good laugh🤣😂
October 1st, 2019 at 11:12 pm
I like Levonte a lot, one of my favorite players.
The defense has needed him to step up as a leader for a while.
Perhaps it’s his time?
I’m sure it’s easier not to have to stand behind the old #93. The anointed, fake, fraud and mental midget telling everyone “calm down, it’s only football, just have fun” meanwhile you’re getting boat-raced every week.
The defense has to step up, and Lavonte can hopefully lead it.
October 1st, 2019 at 11:46 pm
FireJasonLicht Says:
October 1st, 2019 at 10:06 pm
I dunno why everyone’s getting on Tmaxipads case. Since the 1st comment hes ever made on this forum we new he was clueless. I dont even read his dumass comments except for when I need a good laugh🤣😂
I agree!! However he insults Joe at will as well as all of us with this spew. Yet we can’t mention his name in a comment. Well me anyways. All good tho this is Joe’s site and I love it so …………
October 1st, 2019 at 11:49 pm
“his”