Historic Impact
October 16th, 2021
A former MVP sees iconic greatness in the Buccaneers defense.
No, not the old school Monte Kiffin brand.
The legendary 1985 Bears had Steve McMichael and Refrigerator Perry clogging up the middle of their defensive line in a way that hadn’t really been seen previously. Then there was Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa with the lockdown 2000 Ravens, big two-gappers that you couldn’t move off the ball.
Those descriptions came from former MVP quarterback Rich Gannon.
And when Gannon watches the Bucs today he sees a true iconic duo Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh.
For Gannon, they drive the bus of the Bucs defense, not the dynamic duo of linebackers behind them, so he said on SiriusXM NFL Radio yesteray.
Gannon talked about not being able to move Suh and Vea off the ball and them collapsing every pocket to some degree. (Joe will note that fans should see what defensive tackles were off the field when the Eagles were driving late Thursday).
“This guy’s a monster,” Gannon said of Vea. “He’s got like light feet, if there’s such a thing. Just an amazing talent. I mean for a guy that size. I’ve just been so impressed with him. What a difference-maker.”
Of course, Gannon referenced the Bucs’ impactful pass rush and their historic run defense.
Joe thought it was a little comical that when Gannon was talking about legendary interior duos, he only referenced Bears and Ravens. A convenient omisson from a guy that lost a Super Bowl to Warren Sapp and the Tampa Bay defense.
Joe will add that the Rams took a step back defensively when Suh was no longer alongside Aaron Donald.
October 16th, 2021 at 9:48 am
Vea will be in the ring of honor instead of Ice Cream man.
Go Bucs!!!
October 16th, 2021 at 9:50 am
If anyone thinks Suh has lost his edge, go back and watch him chase Hurts to the sideline and how he dove head first into the sidelines to get him. Nothing to say about Vea, just watch play where he shreds double team and stops RB dead in his tracks for a 1 yd loss.
October 16th, 2021 at 9:55 am
“…the Rams took a step back defensively when Suh was no longer alongside Aaron Donald”
Fully agree
October 16th, 2021 at 9:59 am
I always thought Sapp’s WEAKness was the run
October 16th, 2021 at 10:28 am
Two points:
1) About the only thing you *could* do against the Kiffen defense was run right at them. “We play the run on the way to the quarterback.” So said #99, back then.
2) On the Eagles’ last possession, I got the feeling the Bucs wanted them to run, so that they’d have to burn too much clock getting back into the game. Worked out for them.
October 16th, 2021 at 11:32 am
@Patrianakos
I agree. If a team is running against this defensive front, it’s by the Bucs own design and wishes.
October 16th, 2021 at 12:35 pm
Vea is a monster!! I love how he is starting to get big time national recognition. I also love his personality. On Thursday’s game he was snapped dancing on the sidelines and also had a funny moment trying to get his pads off behind Erin Andrew’s postgame interview. Vea is a smart guy and if I had to bet on it, I would say he was well aware that interview was going on. Very Savvy move that will only help grow his name and brand. Aaron Donald won’t be able to get away with pretending like he doesn’t know who Vea is after this season. Go Bucs!
October 16th, 2021 at 2:39 pm
Going for ✌️In a row Says:
October 16th, 2021 at 9:48 am
Vea will be in the ring of honor instead of Ice Cream man.
Go Bucs!!!
______________
Sabby should make it before Softie!
😀
October 16th, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Oh yeah……. I forgot……
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
October 16th, 2021 at 3:37 pm
Who do you think schooled up ol’ Vita? SUH BABY SUH!
October 17th, 2021 at 10:19 pm
Joe. Gannon doesn’t want to remember that super bowl when 99 , 97 and the entire defense ate his offense alive. It was a thing of beauty