New Look Defense On The Way

May 12th, 2023

All smiles for Todd Bowles after first rookie minicamp practice.

It seems the Bucs defense will look different this fall. How much is to be determined.

Head coach Todd Bowles spoke publicly for the first time since the Bucs introduced Calijah Kancey to the Tampa Bay area. Bowles was asked about his defense and he said changes are coming.

While he was vague about what those changes will be, Bowles noted his rotation on the defensive front will depend on who the Bucs are playing and on the situation.

Bowles said he has “tweaked” the defense and with the addition of so many new faces in the front-seven, Bowles said he has the luxury of “morphing” into a variety of looks and fronts.

Asked for an update on disgruntled linebacker Devin White, who has demanded a trade, Bowles wouldn’t comment other than to say all the current workouts are voluntary. Bowles did point out that on any given day, 93-94 percent of the roster shows up to One Buc Palace.

An example of that was Jamel Dean today. Fresh off a new contract, Dean, after working out, sat on the back patio of One Buc Palace and watched the full rookie minicamp practice.

Bucs veterans did not have a scheduled workout today but Dean still showed up and trained.

20 Responses to “New Look Defense On The Way”

  1. Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says:

    Hopefully, we will have a good pass rush, for a change ?
    Shaq will be back, and I am excited about these rookies.
    In fact, I am excited for the Bucs this year, and think we may surprise some naysayers.

  2. Jack Clark Says:

    Hopefully the “New Look” defense will not have our defensive backs running around like headless chickens because they don’t know who to cover

  3. Relraprovert Says:

    Looks like 5 games this year will be against rookie QBs in all likelihood, including a stretch of 4 out of 5 mid season. (Bryce x2, AR15, Levis and Stroud)

    Good opportunity for our newer, faster D with morphing abilities

  4. Casual Observer Says:

    Agree with Apple. Some intriguing rookies.

  5. Pelsbuc61 Says:

    All those “miscommunications” on defense even late in the season last year shows Bowles needs to dumb down the defense especially for all the new players. As for Devin White, let’s see what are record is like before the trade deadline.

  6. Jason Says:

    Hopefully he tweaked it by simplifying it a little bit. I’ve heard it said that his defense takes 3 years to master, plus I’ve been hearing about “communication issues” after a losses since he’s been here. Just saying.

  7. Jason Says:

    I need to learn to type faster. Lol.

  8. J Says:

    It most definitely has the potential to be special. Licht and company might have knocked the cover off the ball in this draft, if so.

  9. SB~LV Says:

    Yeah
    Tongue dragging after all the offense 3 and outs and INT’s

  10. DoooshLaRue Says:

    I like hearing that about Dean.

  11. 1#bucsfan Says:

    Jason. We’ve bin hearing about about miss communications since Mike smith was out DC

  12. MadMax Says:

    Im really liking this new look defense on paper…hopefully it transpires and he crafts a great front. I might criticize Bowles when im mad, but he is a great defensive mind! I think thats why Mr. Licht gave him the reigns in this draft.

  13. MadMax Says:

    And yeah, Dean has his head and heart in the right spot….i love that!

  14. MadMax Says:

    Next year, we focus on QB, O line and a 3rd rd WR/returner burner

  15. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    Is requesting a trade the same as demanding a trade?

  16. Voice of Truth Says:

    Banking on rookies and low level free agents on D is probably not a safe plan for Todd’s job security

    Completely expect the opposite this year, the offense will produce and Toad will stop no one – it’s a blitz or lose D – very little size, very little depth – recipe for disaster – expect the ball run down our throat early and often forcing us to run blitz and play off zone behind it while getting picked apart with play action

    I just don’t see the optimism in this group of players and the HC is very bad…bottom 3 in the league

  17. garro Says:

    @Voice of Truth

    Well stated.
    Nothing against the new draft picks but…
    Sign Golston and Hicks!

  18. BA’s Red Pen Says:

    I still think Dean has some flaws as a player but you can never question is his effort and enthusiasm.

  19. orlbucfan Says:

    If Barrett has a hair up his butt about being here, cut him loose. Resign Will Gholston. I already know Bowles is a defensive whiz; now, I finally get to see what he has as a HC. Dean is simply showing he’s a pro and team player. We can always use more of them.

  20. Larrd Says:

    Trade Vea and White for Myles Garrett!