Bucs Inside Linebackers Defeat You
July 30th, 2021
Handing offenses a defeat.
Football Outsiders has a pretty cool stat they call “defeats.” That’s basically when a defender owns a ball carrier or gets a defense off the field. In a good way.
And when it comes to being a highly mobile force, the Bucs’ starting inside linebackers “defeat” opposing offenses very, very well.
This defeat stat consists of a tackle-for-loss (including sacks), a forced turnover and a tackle or a pass-defensed that directly forces a punt or change of possession.
Devin White tied for the NFL lead in defeats (33). David finished fourth (29).
The only other Bucs defender in Football Outsiders‘ top-10 for defeats was a guy who doesn’t get enough credit for his run defense. That’s Jason Pierre Paul (22), who was tied for 10th.
(Just think of how Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht stole JPP from the Giants for a third-round pick. LOL)
So the Bucs have three of the top-10 defenders in defeats. That’s damn impressive.
Given how stout Will Gholston has always been on the run, how Vita Vea is an immovable beast, how Ndamukong Suh is a battering ram and then the Bucs have three guys in the top-10 for defeats, it’s no wonder the Bucs smother running backs.
July 30th, 2021 at 12:07 am
Gholston has been a silent warrior for a long time. For a while he was considered one of the best run-stoppers in the league. UNDEFEATED OR BUST!!!
July 30th, 2021 at 12:14 am
#54 & #45 are Eric B. and Rakim
July 30th, 2021 at 1:17 am
Something tells me Winfield could get a peak at top 10 here this here.
Especially if he has 8 picks like I think he will.
Either way he will be a Top 5 S very quickly.
July 30th, 2021 at 1:29 am
What? No mighty Fred Warner, master of not making big plays on this list?!? Shocking. Barrett Ruud Jr. making all pro over our guys is a travesty of the highest order.
July 30th, 2021 at 11:29 am
@Joe: Your (Y’alls) take on JPP90 has always been right on target. To get him for a 3rd round pick is one of the best moves by any GM in the last five years. He’s a modern-day version of Hardy Nickerson. The parallels are there: Top-tier free agent arriving from a successful organization; emotional, high-energy leader who truly takes pride in their effort and will always hold their teammates accountable, all while mentoring the young guys with how to be a professional.
@AtlBuc: I must give props to WG92, as well. He’s been a rock since he was drafted in the 4th round (Sparty on!) almost a decade ago, all while getting better each season. He has completely vindicated the name of Gholston, which his cousin, Vernon, soiled so appreciably.
Go Bucs!
July 30th, 2021 at 12:00 pm
David has now finished among the top five defenders in total defeats eight times in the past nine years. How rare is that kind of dominance? Consider that David’s quarterback, Tom Brady, has finished in the top five in touchdown passes only five times in the same timespan.
July 30th, 2021 at 12:44 pm
A true savior