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BY IRA KAUFMAN

During their two years together in Nashville, Mike Vrabel considered Logan Ryan a pain in the neck.

In a good way.

Ryan would routinely walk into Vrabel’s office and question the defensive schemes of Tennessee’s head coach. It didn’t take long for Vrabel to realize the range of Ryan’s football intelligence, so he learned to take those visits in stride.

Now, it’s Todd Bowles’ turn.

Bucs defensive back Logan Ryan is having a wide-ranging impact. Ira Kaufman caught up to him this week.

“I’ve always had a mind for the game,” says Ryan, who made a critical play last week in New Orleans, forcing a fumble to stymie a long drive. “I was a quarterback through high school, then played defense in college. I’ve always wanted to know the game from both sides. Vrabel used me in a lot of different ways and I was kind of a voice in the locker room to ask why we’re doing it this way.

“Mike and I had a great working relationship. Football ages you like dog years. Call me old man, I don’t feel it and I don’t think I’m playing like it. Experience is the best teacher in life. I’m fortunate to have so many games under my belt, lots of big moments, but you still have to bring it every day.”

At the age of 31, Ryan lends a veteran voice to a young secondary that has played exceptionally well through two games. The longest-tenured Buccaneer is thrilled Ryan’s aboard.

“I knew he was a great leader even before he came here,” says Lavonte David. “He’s a guy who can catch up with this defense real fast and help other guys see the game the way he sees the game. He’s definitely made a big impact.”

Logan Ryan is mentoring Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield, Jr.

This is Ryan’s fourth NFL stop, having played for the Patriots, Titans and Giants. When Ryan speaks up in Tampa Bay’s defensive meetings, he carries a big voice.

“It’s been great to hear him ask those questions,” says Antoine Winfield Jr. “Why are we doing that? He’s a vet, super smart, and he makes our room more versatile. He’s also played a lot of nickel, so I ask him a lot of questions about the way he handled certain situations or his technique on a particular play.”

It’s a heck of a coincidence that Buc corners and safeties have displayed more communication skills and understanding of Bowles’ complex schemes since Ryan arrived in March, one week after his release from the Giants.

“Logan’s real smart and he has so much experience,” says Jamel Dean, who picked off two Jameis Winston passes at the Superdome. “He’s seen so much that everything comes to him instantly. He’s all about communication and playing your game.”

Ryan is enjoying his mentor role, helping Buc coaches mold a stifling pass defense. He knows Bowles, a former NFL safety, has lofty standards for this secondary.

“They’re young. but they’ve won a Super Bowl together and played in big games,” says Ryan. “We’re not playing checkers, we’re playing chess. It’s not a simple defense. Disguising things and communication are some of my strengths as a player. Coach Bowles has put a lot on our plate. We’ve also been doing a lot of extra meetings and extra preparation. When the head coach is the D-coordinator and played in an NFL secondary, he’s going to have high expectations for our position group.

“I’m spending a lot of time with him to get an idea of how he wants things to get done out there. The difference between this week and last week is I think Jameis lost his patience a little bit there and started to force the ball. Aaron Rodgers doesn’t tend to lose his patience. Guys like him and Tom Brady have great control over the game, so you’ve got to stay patient as well. You can’t get flustered because he’s going to keep taking what you give him. He’s got a great arm and he’ll test you over the top if you lose your patience.”

Ira loves that lifetime warranty on new and used vehicles!

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