Lavonte David + Devin White = Bowman And Willis
January 28th, 2021
The ferocious, top-10 Bucs defense racked up all kinds of numbers during the regular season.
Tampa Bay entered the postseason ranked fifth in forced turnovers, tied for fourth in sacks, second in quarterback hits and best against the run in numerous categories.
Fun fact: the mighty Saints defense allowed or opponents 30 or more points in more games than the Bucs did. But it’s neither a perfect defense nor any kind of historic unit. They struggled often on third down, ranking 19th in the league after finishing fourth in 2019.
It’s why Joe has said the secondary that walked off the field last season was better than this year’s version in many ways.
Regardless, one thing about the Bucs defense is clear to Joe and three-time former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
In the NFL Network video below, Hall lays out his belief that Devin White and Lavonte David are the best inside linebackers in the NFL. He likened them to NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis, the multiyear All-Pro tandem that got the 49ers to two Super Bowls in the last decade.
Of course, those guys got loads of honors that have escaped David and White.
When Joe heard the names of Bowman and Willis, Joe immediately thought of how short their careers were. It’s a great reminder of why the Bucs have to win now. Nothing can be taken for granted in the NFL.
“These two are the best middle linebackers in the National Football League.” 👀@DeAngeloHall23 has his eye on a tandem out of Tampa Bay. 👇
📺: @NFLTotalAccess pic.twitter.com/sq6YoOFYbP
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 28, 2021
January 28th, 2021 at 10:18 am
Studs, but we need more coverage in the center of the field. It’s wide open 1/2 the time.
January 28th, 2021 at 10:20 am
Lavante David plus Devon White equals Kevin green and Greg Lloyd
January 28th, 2021 at 10:25 am
Lavante David plus Devon White equals Kevin green and Greg Lloyd
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Without the roids and flagrant fouls I assume
January 28th, 2021 at 10:29 am
They are the nucleus to the defense. I really hope Lavonte gets the rest he needs and that his hamstring injury isn’t anything serious or to worry about.
January 28th, 2021 at 10:51 am
LVD will play in this SB, period. He has endured all the home office/HC musical chairs, the ridicule about the Bucs being losers, etc. He was very emotional when the Bucs cemented making the playoffs. He is a great football player, and a class act off-field. No surprise that White is flourishing under LVD’s tutoring. Mahomes might be the wunderkind but he still faces LVD, DW and VV. Bucs have a very good chance to win. BTW, LVD will be back next season.
January 29th, 2021 at 10:01 am
Bucs can win the Super Bowl.
Smash Ass Football
Pressure Pressure more Pressure
Opponents left on the ground
Leave knowing your SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS
HAVE A GREAT OFF SEASON.
January 29th, 2021 at 11:14 am
SB Says:
January 28th, 2021 at 10:20 am
Lavante David plus Devon White equals Kevin green and Greg Lloyd
_______
Wow. Worst comparison ever. Like really. Two pass rushing OLBs being compared to a pair or off the ball LBs? If you’re gonna make a stupid comparison, why not go for the homerun and say Rickey Jackson and Pat Swilling… assuming you know who they are.