“We Can Do A Lot”
October 16th, 2024
Antoine Winfield feels the end zone on his 58-yard scoop-and-score Sunday at New Orleans.
You’re beginning to see the real Bucs defense. That’s the word from its now healthy All-Pro safety.
The Bucs are getting healthy, even though Jamel Dean may miss some time with a bum hamstring. (Dean told Joe Sunday afternoon after the game he’ll be OK. He didn’t seem too peeved about his injury, for whatever that is worth.)
A guy who missed a month of playing time with a bad foot, Winfield, said the defense showed in New Orleans what it can be when it has all of its parts back on the field.
Along with Winfield, starting defensive tackle Calijah Kancey returned to the lineup. It was Kancey’s first time on the field since the Bucs played the Lions in the divisional round of the playoffs last winter.
“We can do a lot,” Winfield bragged about the defense. “I feel like that was kind of on display [Sunday].
“I feel like we have players everywhere that can make plays, and our goal was just to go out there and get as many takeaways as we can and that’s just something that we kind of work on every week.
“Once we have all of our pieces there then I feel like that’s something that we can do consistently.”
They might. But man, imagine how much help the defense would get if it had a guy coming off the edge scaring quarterbacks. With a third of the season gone, the Bucs’ most productive edge rusher is a backup, Anthony Nelson, who has two sacks.
Two! From a backup!
The Bucs not having a quality player from a defense’s most important position is the only thing keeping this defense from being Super Bowl-run quality.
And it’s not like that hole can’t be filled. The question is, do the Bucs want that position filled?
October 16th, 2024 at 9:09 am
We can be really superior if we are healthy. The silver lining is that our younger players are gaining valuable experience…..and they are playing well…
October 16th, 2024 at 9:10 am
gotta give bowles his flowers….bowles knows how to develop talent and obviously has an eye for good coaching….
great work coach!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
October 16th, 2024 at 9:16 am
At this point, I’ve seen a lot from Bowles and his different packages on defense that when we can get pressure (Vita Vea up the middle) we do just enough damage on defense (obviously we all want something better) but I think next year could be the super bowl push. Why waste money and take potential development time from the young guys? If they are not up to scruff by the end of the season, bolster the DLine and get serious about getting Baker a ring.
With that being said, I’m still delusional enough to think we can run away with a bowl this year
October 16th, 2024 at 9:18 am
Bucs in Top Ten in team sacks so far and that is with a bunch of injuries and playing with backups. When healthy they will get more sacks and that is without the dominate edge.
Joe you may want something that in this defense scheme may not even exist or is needed. But I for one would like to have at least one Monster on the Edge, so I get it.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:23 am
BakerFan Says:
October 16th, 2024 at 9:18 am
Joe you may want something that in this defense scheme may not even exist or is needed
—–
You’re so right, I would also love to be a team with a Miles Garrett or Maxx Crosby type superstar on the edge, would wouldn’t. It’s kind of similar with the running back situation, why bank on 1 guy making the headlines when a committee does the job as effectively, at least for the time being and while they’re still young
October 16th, 2024 at 9:24 am
who wouldn’t*^
October 16th, 2024 at 9:25 am
I hate to harp on it but something must be done about KJ Britt. He’s an awesome and vocal team leader but he’s killing this team in coverage. Sirvocea going down (again) hurts badly. That is the weakest link on this defense and every OC we play
will take advantage of it. It’s a shame. I like the guy. He has a big heart and plays hard every down. He’s just too darn slow out there.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:29 am
They can a lot except defend the forward pass even when they know it’s coming
Bucs DB’s are frequently not even close to receivers when passes are attempted
October 16th, 2024 at 9:29 am
In Jason We Trust.
When I say that, I mean I trust that Licht and Todd Bowles are doing what they feel is the right thing to do for the defense, the locker room, and the salary cap. The culture on the team is pretty amazing right now, and like Dan Snyder never learned, more important than the individual players.
The defense is coming along, and if Licht and Bowles don’t feel like they need to add anyone via trade, I’m with them. Braswell, Diaby, Ramirez, heck even JTS are all improving at their pace.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:35 am
We GET sacks when we send 6 people, but most of the time there’s no pressure on the QB at all
October 16th, 2024 at 9:35 am
KJ Britt is a problem for sure just too slow a lot of heart but so slow this team won’t have a problem getting sacks with vita and kancey playing together again it’s going to help Yaya.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:44 am
personally, I could care less if the sacks come from the edge, interior or blitz.
we are currently tied for #9 in the league at 2.8 per game.
I will take it, especially the way Todd dials up different looks.
Would love another Simeon Rice, but that was 20 years ago and have never seen anyone like him since then and it’s a different game now. So, hats off to
Todd for this.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:45 am
sweet baby jesus, looks like I am one of the few people positive in this thread. OMG
October 16th, 2024 at 9:52 am
Hard to be positive with a coach who refuses to use timeouts, adjust his coverage schemes, is ok letting teams use the clock as he hopes and prays for either a fluke turnover or a field goal attempt.
Todd Blows is NOT a good Head Coach, might be a okay defensive coordinator but managing the game, teaching pass defense and situational football is over his head.
October 16th, 2024 at 9:53 am
Antoine Winfield is another great player! So many we take for granted and just like that, there he is. Glad Kancey is back too. We do have a full team and when they are healthy other teams better look out. Go Bucs!
October 16th, 2024 at 9:54 am
@First Name Greatest – Todd definitely doesn’t believe in time outs unless the Bucs need a stop at the end of a half or game. His game management is a real weakness and it could be the difference on Monday night.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:02 am
Boss Says:
October 16th, 2024 at 9:45 am
sweet baby jesus, looks like I am one of the few people positive in this thread. OMG
Maybe Boss, just maybe, the Bucs fans on this site (yes, we are fans- -that’s why we are spending our time here) are wary of getting all hyped up about a “laugh-er”. This season, like most others, Bucs fans’ emotions are treated like a rag dog that my Maltipoo beats up every day. Euphoria over the blow out of the Saints last week after enduring the Bronco and Atlanta fiascos. Yes, it’s great what an improved health for players will do. Let’s see how the season turns out before we print Super Bowl tickets.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Crosby from the Raiders is worth a #1 and #3 pick no doubt!!! Please Mr. Licht put a call in. Can you imagine the havoc that would be caused by our defense, Crazy!!! Go Bucs!!
October 16th, 2024 at 10:49 am
Zyon gets a few more INT’s, lets say 5-6, we gotta resign the kid
October 16th, 2024 at 10:51 am
Upstate NY BUC Says:
Crosby from the Raiders is worth a #1 and #3 pick.
^^^^^
Throw in JTS or Braz, if necessary. Our defense would be ridiculous.
October 16th, 2024 at 10:58 am
This team needs Reddick if they want to go to the SB. Jason has the cash to make the trade and a 3rd rounder next year. Bucs should also bring White back on a one year prove it deal. He still has some gas left in the tank. Lamar is going to expose this defense and Bowles is very slow to change. Don’t think any blitz package is going to slow Lamar down. Didn’t work with Cousins and certainly won’t work with Jackson. Bucs need a stud on the edge that can blitz and stop the run.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:14 am
I don’t care where the sacks come from, but we need them to be consistent.
Almost all our sacks came in just 2 games. Having Kancey back will help but we still need a consistent beast on the edge.
That, along with our ILB KJ Britt, are the 2 positions preventing this defense from being truly special, IMO.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:33 am
It’s nice of him to say.
Show me.
Hold the Ravens to less than 400 total yards and fewer than 24 points and I’ll be impressed. Not because that’s dominant defense, but compared to what they’ve been putting on the field, it’s a major step forward. That might not be enough to win but the Ravens are elite with an MVP winning QB and John Harbaugh is a HOF level head coach.
Liam will have to out-coach Harbaugh.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:42 am
They should make an example of JTMs and just cut the pretty boy. At this point they sure won’t keep him around next year so why delay the inevitable.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:52 am
Liam will have to outcoach Todd Monken (sp) according to the “experts” on here. It will be Bowles vs. Harbaugh. Okay AWJ, I’m looking at you and Whitehead. How about a couple of pick 6s, and no flags? Is Harbaugh the dude with the bad ticker? Hope RJS is in halfway decent shape after all this hurricane mess.
October 16th, 2024 at 11:55 am
Big test coming up against the league MVP, and Henry. That’s all you need to know. Tampa has not faired well on Monday nights. If the Bucs can shut down those two, and we win, then tell us how good your defense is, not how good it can be. Sorry, I’m still seeing those 509 passing yards, and 4 TDs from cousins. He can’t even run! Time to put up, or shut up.
October 16th, 2024 at 1:40 pm
Ha. We gave up 27 points in the first half. Did we figure out everything at halftime?
October 16th, 2024 at 2:29 pm
Even after the Saints win the Bucs are a 3.5 point underdog at home which is usually another 3 point consideration. Watching some Ravens this year they have an incredible offense and Jackson is playing unbelievable. His ability to escape is better than any QB we’ve gone up against. We did a very good job containing Hurts but Jackson is much faster and more elusive. I only hope that the Bucs can keep their assignments because once he breaks contain he can easily break off a 30+ yard run, or hesitate and throw accurate balls.
Raven defense is giving up 25 points a game. Bucs should be able to put up 35 but that may not be enough to win.
Raven D gives up 275 yards passing but only 60 yards rushing per game. Coen will have to sell Bowles on not getting giggy on the running game and passing the ball to set up the run. The days of running White up the middle on first down are history I hope. Pass on first, get your 6-8 yards and then run on second. That is what the Bucs have been doing and why change it?
Ravens are the most balanced team the Bucs play, averaging 205 yards rushing and 240 yards passing per game. I think the key is to make Jackson check it down and tackle. Also Bucs have been so bad defending the middle of the field and Mark Andrews is as sure handed a tight end as their is. He is a nightmare matchup but the did a great job handling LaPorta at Detroit.
This is a tough matchup. Bucs have to show up big time Monday night to pull off the upset and show the fans they can beat a SuperBowl contender like they did Detroit earlier this season.
October 16th, 2024 at 4:36 pm
It’s going to stink Joe when I read an article about Haasan Reddick signing with an NFC rival, maybe even someone we might meet latter in the playoffs.
October 16th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
It’s going to stink Joe when I read an article about Haasan Reddick signing with an NFC rival, maybe even someone we might meet later in the playoffs.
October 16th, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Yeah, because the Bucs could use him. You don’t want the Bucs to win? Why don’t you want the Bucs to win?
October 16th, 2024 at 6:50 pm
Orlbuc, the Harbaugh with the bad ticker is Jim (Chargers). But I like where the thought was headed……………..
October 16th, 2024 at 7:28 pm
Let’s Go Bucs!!! I lov that we have these problems. Our team can only stop themselves..