Work Hard, Play Hard
September 30th, 2020
How to be a ballhawk.
There is no question that rookie defensive back Antonio Winfield has had the biggest impact for a Bucs rookie safety in years.
The way Winfield is always around the ball, the way he blitzes and tackles guys at the line, he looks like a four-year veteran Pro Bowler.
Winfield takes great pride in being around the ball. If a defender cannot make a tackle or defend a pass, the next best thing is to be near the ball. Not only does that help prevent broken tackles (in other words, gang-tackling), he could be in position to get a takeaway.
Winfield actually practices being around the ball, so he said yesterday in a Zoom conference call.
“I would say it’s natural, but it also comes with a lot of hard work,” Winfield said. “If you do it in practice, you’ll do it in the game, so my goal is always to stay around the ball in practice.
“Then, it shows up during game time. You have to practice it all the time for it to actually happen.”
Smart stuff there and Joe bets Winfield got that from his dad, the former Bills and Vikings cornerback.
If Winfield hustles to the ball in practice like he does in games, Joe hopes that practice rubs off on his defensive teammates.
September 30th, 2020 at 11:19 am
I must admit he is a Very pleasant surprise! Guess people were right when they said he was first round talent.
September 30th, 2020 at 11:35 am
I agree with SB. This kid has really impressed me so far this season. Joe would often talk about players “flashing” in practice. That’s exactly what it seems like in a real game with Winfield.
Also, what a perfect last name for a db…
September 30th, 2020 at 11:47 am
Not hard to tell that this coaching staff absolutely loves Winfield. Out of the 204 total defensive snaps we’ve had in 3 games, he’s been on the field for 203 of those. Of course, what’s not to love when your rookie safety, after 3 games, has 23 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 QB hits, 1 TFL, 1 FF & 2 PDs. Impressive for a rookie … or a veteran.
Another safety who really impressed me in the Broncos game was Mike Edwards. Came in when SMB went out (I guess Winfield moved to nickel?) and got in on 42 snaps. He was a 1-man wrecking crew on the Broncos last series of the 4th qtr: made the tackle when Cushenberry recovered the fumble, then made the tackle on Freeman on the short pass following that, then intercepted the pass to Jeudy in the end zone to close the door on the Broncos with 4 mins left in the game. Excellent nose for the ball on all 3 plays. Nice to have depth.
September 30th, 2020 at 11:57 am
When I saw that we drafted yet another DB I was like what the heck how many is that now we have other positions that need help too. After 3 games I love this pick and our other DBs are rounding into form. Only knock is Davis needs to cut down on PIs. Really impressed with all these guys especially our rookie. Let’s go Bucs
September 30th, 2020 at 12:54 pm
Beast.
September 30th, 2020 at 12:55 pm
#Licht4President
September 30th, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Antonio Winfield??
tickrdr
September 30th, 2020 at 1:22 pm
The Real Deal Winfield!
September 30th, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Legit ROY canidate. With all the misses in the draft, nice to see. GO BUCS!!!!
September 30th, 2020 at 1:26 pm
i absolutely love the kid, winfield jr will be DROY and make the pro bowl, hell he might make all pro, and be voted as capt next season, please lord keep this young man healthy, as always go bucs
September 30th, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Great pick. He’s legit, big time. And it filled a need. Exact same can be said about Wirfs. Well done JL!
September 30th, 2020 at 1:44 pm
This reality just puts a smile on Bucs fans faces. The momentum and excitement is flowing over.
September 30th, 2020 at 2:16 pm
LOVE THIS KID!!!
September 30th, 2020 at 4:52 pm
“Kobe likes
Work hard, play hard
Better than
Standback, Standby
But some here might like the latter”
Kobe Faker
September 30th, 2020 at 7:23 pm
lol Kobe, something I can finally agree with you on.
September 30th, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Antoine! Antonio is that nutcase.