Todd Bowles Picked A Defensive Star Of The Game
November 15th, 2024
The positives within the Bucs defense are much harder to find these days.
That’s what happens when you’re riding a four-game losing streak and your defense is allowing an average of 31.25 points per game.
Tampa Bay head coach/defensive chieftain Todd Bowles watches every game’s film many, many times and he had no problem picking out a major defensive highlight Sunday versus the 49ers.
Bowles — twice — went to backup nickel cornerback Christian Izien during the head coach’s sitdown on the Buccaneers Radio Network. Izien started in place of injured Tykee Smith and really impressed his boss.
“I thought Izzy did a great job of getting hands on receivers all day,” Bowles said. “I tell you what, Izzy stepped in and he played probably the best game on defense.
“I thought Izzy was very physical with the receivers. He covered. He tackled. He blitzed. He understood the gameplan. He executed everything that we talked about during the week. I thought it was one of his best games since he’s been here.”
Joe’s a big Izien fan. The guy has stepped up various times in various ways. He’s an undrafted warrior who has proven himself through 26 games plus a postseason.
Izien won’t be confused with a Pro Bowler, but he’s made the most of his limited size. Rutgers listed him at 5-8 at his Pro Day; the Bucs magically have him at 5-10.
Given how much the Bucs have been struggling in their secondary, Joe hopes the Bucs find ways to get Izien on the field more when Smith returns to the lineup, which is likely to be imminent.
November 15th, 2024 at 1:58 pm
Obviously must be a new category of dwarf star.
November 15th, 2024 at 2:08 pm
I agree with you about Izien Joe. He makes a lot of plays while he’s out there. I’m a proponent for using the 4-3 more, and Christian COULD become that 3rd LB in those scenarios IMO. Really like Tykee Smith too though, and after seeing how Whitehead has been playing, wouldn’t be opposed to starting Tykee at Safety with Winfield in those 4-3 formations.
November 15th, 2024 at 2:24 pm
All I know is whenever the 49ers needed to make a play someone was always open for a big gain, usually on third down. I’m glad according to coach he had a good game, but for me standing out for a DB would be a pick on that final drive to end the game.
November 15th, 2024 at 2:31 pm
Wow somebody understood the game plan!!!! Well except for that last drive to lose the game. Zyon, Vea, Kancey, Winfield he could only pick one guy out of 11 twice and it was Izien the backup yea lol let’s get more backups on the field
November 15th, 2024 at 2:33 pm
5’9″
November 15th, 2024 at 2:48 pm
DR
agree with you 1000% with the 43….
imo, winfield has played a little sloppy in coverage….his eyes arent in the right spot and he’s taking bad angles….
i’d rotate winfield and whithead at the backer spot with izzy and t.smith at safety…
GO BUCS!!!!
November 15th, 2024 at 4:35 pm
Bowles will be gone at the end of the season. so let’s play this season out and hope we can get a wild card and then watch Bowles get outcoached and fired.
November 15th, 2024 at 4:36 pm
Liking Izzy too!
November 15th, 2024 at 4:40 pm
Now that Edwards is back can Izein switch from S to CB and Tykee at NCB?
November 15th, 2024 at 5:22 pm
Are we even gonna pick anybody in the secondary? Vita & Kancey are the only two lineman that seem to be showing up.