Lavonte David No. 87
June 15th, 2022
Still a stud.
Father Time ignores no one. Well, except Tom Brady.
Joe can visualize Father Time tapping on Bucs linebacker Lavonte David’s shoulder whispering in his ear, “Soon.” The old war horse is battling bumps and bruises like you would expect an old warrior to have.
David already had a gimpy knee. It was enough of a concern that former Bucs Super Bowl-winning coach Bucco Bruce Arians often held David out of practice whenever the Bucs moved into the Glazer Shed. That’s because the turf made David’s knee sore.
And this year, some five months after the 2021 season, David was held out of every underwear football practice because of a sore foot.
When it comes to the regular season, David will likely be ready but those ailments demonstrate that all the pounding David’s body has endured is catching up with him at age 32, an old man for an NFL linebacker.
Still, even at 32 and his body starting to bark, David remains one of the game’s best. In his annual 100 best players list, prickly Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has David at No. 87.
The leader of the Tampa Bay defense remains a top run-and-chase linebacker in their scheme. While Devin White’s play leveled off a bit, David again had a good season. Age is starting to be a concern.
How long will David play? More importantly, how long will he play for the Bucs? After this season, David has three more years on his contract, all voidable. Even when he spoke with the local pen and mic club earlier this offseason, David confessed this could be his final year in Tampa.
Joe hopes that if this year really is his final season with the Bucs, David will out a champion. Again.
June 15th, 2022 at 12:43 am
Would be a shame to see him play for another team. Hopefully he’ll still be playing well this year and they can bring him back for another couple of years on team friendly money. He’s been a warrior for this team. He shouldn’t wear another uniform.
June 15th, 2022 at 12:43 am
No LVD and DW becomes invisible. LVD is arguably better than some HOF LBs.
DW is overrated.
June 15th, 2022 at 3:08 am
LVD is one of the great WLB in NFL history.
His stats are as good as Kuechly.
I hope we let him play until he wants to retire.
We owe him that.
He played his ass off on some horrible teams.
He never gave up.
He’s one of the greatest Bucs of all time.
June 15th, 2022 at 4:38 am
LVD replacement will be drafted in 1st or 2nd round of 2023.
June 15th, 2022 at 5:36 am
LVD has been my favorite Buc for years. No doubt the NFL has taken it toll on him. Have been thinking this may be his last season so I hope he’s healthy and has a great year. I’m a KJ Britt fan, but really need to see if he can step up this season.
June 15th, 2022 at 5:57 am
Awesome player and second only to Brooks in regards to best Buc linebackers of all time.
June 15th, 2022 at 6:16 am
Prisco … ‘While Devin White’s play leveled off a bit, David again had a good season. Age is starting to be a concern.’
That’s kind of a praise & damnation all in one it seems. ‘His play leveled off a bit?’ Sorry but LVD’s play leveled off more than ‘a bit’, as should be expected for someone who played hurt quite a bit last season. Missed 5 games on the season, and probably should’ve sat out several more. His pass coverage was his worst in the last 4 years at least (54 completions allowed in 67 targets for 80.6%). He blitzed a lot (41 times) but only got 5 Pressures all season (2 sacks, 2 QB Knockdowns, 1 Hurry). And his TFLs (5) were the lowest of his career by far. Still, not unexpected for someone not playing at 100% health.
At 100% there’s none better than LVD. But I still remember watching Derrick Brooks play his last year. He was warrior but he was hurting, and his play & numbers reflected it. I’d love to see LVD rebound & get a couple more years, but when the legs start to go, it’s obviously hard to be at the top of your game as an ILB who depends on speed. Only time will tell though if that’s the case with LVD.
June 15th, 2022 at 7:50 am
Not only was he one of the best OLBs to ever play the game but he has transitioned to one of the best MLB in a 3-4 scheme to play the game. Not many players have that type of versatility. I know the Pro Bowl is crap but they take that into affect when voting for hall of fame. Kueckly and Wagner will get in because they have all the accolades but it is a shame because David has always been and continues to be just as good or better than the two. (I believe they were all drafted in same class I would have to look up though could be wrong)
June 15th, 2022 at 9:23 am
Groningen Groningen. When,
June 15th, 2022 at 10:42 am
The Bucs can’t let David go. He has given his all to Tampa Bay and when it’s his time he deserves to retire a Buc.
June 15th, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Should have drafted Nakobe Dean with their 2nd the 2nd. Nakobe is LVD v2.
June 15th, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Hey goatman ,DW is one of the most dynamic LB’s today.LD is and has been world class, we are blessed to have both. This will be LD’ last year in TB. So let us enjoy a superstar at work.
June 15th, 2022 at 9:09 pm
Now if we can just get the Real 87 to play……