“Fresh Legs,” Elite Play Expected From Carlton Davis
January 20th, 2022
Tampa Bay’s No. 1 cornerback, Carlton Davis, blew out a quad muscle and missed two months before returning in early December.
Joe asked defensive coordinator Todd Bowles for some perspective on Davis’ recovery today.
Bowles said Davis needed 2 1/2 or 3 games to get his game back — presumably his wheels. But Bowles now says he sees a veteran playing well and one who should have “fresh legs” after missing all that midseason wear and tear.
Davis, 25, really has jacked up his game in the past few weeks, being around the ball more and looking nastier. He could/should have had a couple of interceptions during that time, but Davis’ hands have never been a strength.
Joe agrees with Bowles. Not only is Davis healthy and fresher than most, Davis is playing for a massing free agent contract. That always helps with focus and fire, unless you’re Antonio Brown.
Last year, Bucco Bruce Arians said multiple times that he considered Davis to be a top-5 cornerback. That chatter quieted down this season, but Davis certainly has the requisite talent.
If Davis really wants to cash in, he can make a few standout plays against Rams receiver Cooper Kupp on Sunday. Nobody shut Kupp (1,947 yards, 16 touchdowns) down all season. Green Bay and Arizona limited him early in the season, but that’s about it.
January 20th, 2022 at 2:29 pm
He played outstanding last week. Would love to see him hang onto one of the INT chances he will get
January 20th, 2022 at 2:43 pm
We’re going to need him and the entire defense to play elite ball on Sunday. I would like to see the offense run more 12 personnel (one back two tight ends two receivers) given all the injuries and run the ball when the Rams counter with nickel and throw when they play their base defense against the BUCS. When an offense is in 12 personnel they must be successful running against nickel and throwing against base defenses or it will be a very long afternoon
January 20th, 2022 at 3:05 pm
I guess it’s time to start digging graves 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
January 20th, 2022 at 3:22 pm
I’d say this.
The trainers need to glue Davis’s helmet on his damn head. And stand him up in front of a jugs machine for a couple hours. He drops too many interceptions. On the plus side, he gets himself in position to make those plays, and the helmet play he got the penalty for was a fourth down and better for the Bucs he dropped it – until he took his helmet off.
January 20th, 2022 at 3:51 pm
Joe say. “That always helps with focus and fire, unless you’re Antonio Brown.”
hahahaha! good one!
January 20th, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Davis got tagged for 2 TDs last time we played the Rams. Got a hunch he still has a chip on his shoulder about that.
The CB we really need to show up is Dean. Stafford loves to throw deep it appears, and Jamel has a much better chance than Carlton of picking him off on one of those deep passes.
Edwards should be ready to play some Nickel, but I also hope that SMB is in there. Both those guys seem to have a nose for the ball in crunch situations. And this is crunch time.
January 20th, 2022 at 9:31 pm
Defense needs to step up like they have been and hit these rams recivers hard and in thier mouths. Make them pay for.every inch pressure stafford and pick his ass off, look to 49ers on how to beat LA, LFGO TAMPA BAY ALL THE WAY
January 20th, 2022 at 11:05 pm
Love Davis but it is Dean that is holding opposing QBs to a 50.0 passed rating. He’s killing it.
January 22nd, 2022 at 5:09 am
They r going to pick on Dean. With his size n speed, he play too passive n timid. When I compare him to other cb around the league, he comes off as confused on where to lineup or as if he was shocked he made the play. Maybe he’s still developing n learning the small nuances of the game. However, at 6’1 206 4.3 forty, at this juncture in his career, I would expect more of an aggressive in ur face type player.
January 22nd, 2022 at 11:31 am
I’ll agree with the Defense Rules statement, therefore the offense should focus on protecting TB12 which is Priority One. placing Stinnie at guard and Cappa in at tackle, I can see us either using a package which includes OJ Howard in Max Protection, or maybe even putting a 6th O-Lineman in Goal Line AND using our RB in protection also. one thing holds true in Life as well as Football which is the the only “thing constant is Change”, let’s See how creative BL can be with making the proper adjustments to slow down an aggressive Rams DF Front in this dire circumstances, in order to move on to the next Challenge. Don’t become too complacent in this situation, Adjusting to Sudden Change how to Remain Champions, “It’s Not What Happens, It’s How You Handle What Happens. GO BUCS!!