Devin White Could Be The Key
September 17th, 2023
Secret weapon?
Last week, Joe had flashbacks to the old Bucs. The glory years Bucs.
In the second half, the defense absolutely put the clamp on the Vikings. Dangerous Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins did virtually nothing in the second half when All-World receiver Justin Jefferson likewise turned into a ghost.
Is that a sign of the Bucs for 2023? Jeff Kerr of CBS seems to think so.
Kerr, too, got a vibe of the old Bucs, specifically the run defense. And last week’s performance suggested to Kerr that if the Bucs do damage this fall, it likely will be because of the Bucs’ run defense.
The run defense is back: After finishing 15th in rushing yards allowed per game and 19th in yards per carry allowed last season, Tampa Bay’s run defense looked like its dominant self again. The Vikings had just 41 rushing yards and averaged 2.4 yards per carry, as Tampa Bay’s defense forced Minnesota to become one dimensional. Having Devin White and Lavonte David back at off-ball linebacker certainly helped the Buccaneers get back to that 2019-2021 form.
That may have been the best game White has played since the Bucs won the Super Bowl in 2020. White was everywhere. He looked like he wanted to get paid. If he continues to play like that he will.
Just make White a spy on Fields. If White has the type of game today as he had last Sunday, White will do a number of Fields.
September 17th, 2023 at 12:53 am
Hit him early, often and hard.
September 17th, 2023 at 1:27 am
remember when you had to spy michael vick…
this fields dude is not the same caliber imho…
but spy his azz anyway…
lock down dj moore as best you can, and chase claypool is flopping himself out of the league the way he’s going these days, but just be careful with him – you’ve seen what he was able to do his first couple seasons in pittsburgh…
30-20 bucs
September 17th, 2023 at 1:49 am
It may not be easy. GO BUCS!
September 17th, 2023 at 3:45 am
If the Bucs pay him, does he take his foot off the gas again? Will he become soft when he gets paid?
September 17th, 2023 at 4:03 am
He should be afraid. Very afraid…
Go Bucs!
September 17th, 2023 at 6:17 am
White was everywhere in 2020. Whether it be causing or recovering fumbles, sacking the QB or making a key interception, he was the man.
Then, as though he was abducted by aliens, he was gone for two years.
Then, last week, ‘His Ubiquitous’ returned with a vengeance.
Some might say he is playing for a contract. If true, sign him to a series of one year deals. Okay, I know that’s impossible, but something motivated him last week to play like a man possessed. Whatever it was, I’m looking forward to its continued presence.
September 17th, 2023 at 6:35 am
We tend to forget how young these players are coming out, and how young they still are. Some mature faster than others. White did the right thing not holding out. He has a great mentor in David, and the perfect coach in Bowles. Lawerence Taylor, maybe the greatest, might not have reached those levels without Parcels. Let’s hope he no longer has to get it, but has finally got it. He balls out, I have no doubt he’ll be back. Will he slack with a big contract? Not if Bowles is around.
September 17th, 2023 at 6:59 am
“The Vikings had just 41 rushing yards and averaged 2.4 yards per carry…” Problem is – this is really close to Tampa’s rushing output as well. I don’t think it’s too early to say “It’s Tucker time”. Replace White as the RB1 based on his entire body of work.
September 17th, 2023 at 8:24 am
Fields 4.44……..White 4.42……I think it’s time for the Grizzly….
September 17th, 2023 at 8:36 am
White already has a SB ring courtesy of the Bucs. He wants the big $$$, then go earn it. He couldn’t have a better player/mentor than future HOFamer LVD.
September 17th, 2023 at 11:35 am
Devin looked dialed in last week, but that raises even more questions. Did he pick bad angles and overrun plays last season from complacency?
If he did it once he will do it again, even if he is paid big bucks.
September 17th, 2023 at 11:57 am
Tampabaybucfan Says
“Fields 4.44……..White 4.42……”
That was years ago, things have changed since then for White.
Fields has to get past White to get yards…that’s where White can shine.
September 17th, 2023 at 11:59 am
Lt. Dan Says
“I don’t think it’s too early to say “It’s Tucker time”. Replace White as the RB1 based on his entire body of work.”
It may happen at some point, but it really is too early.
Don’t forget, the offensive line still needs time to gel. Tucker will do no better until it does. Let White take the hits.
September 17th, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Craig Says
“Devin looked dialed in last week, but that raises even more questions. Did he pick bad angles and overrun plays last season from complacency?”
The entire team played worse. Mostly due to injury. Even when certain players were healthy, they had to help cover for the scrub players. One man cannot do it all.
That isn’t to say White is blameless…but keep in mind he is still developing. Last year was a part of that process. This is the year he’ll break out.