Brian Baldinger Marvels At Lavonte David’s Consistency
February 16th, 2024
No slowdown.
Bucs legend Lavonte David just finished up his 12th season with the Bucs and 12th season in the NFL. And whenever NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger watches David, he sometimes forgets that David is, in NFL circles, a graybeard.
“I’ve been watching Lavonte since he was a weakside linebacker when he came out of Nebraska,” Baldinger told Joe last week at the Super Bowl Media Center at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. “There’s no slowdown. There is just no slowdown.”
And just like when David was first drafted by the Bucs in 2012, speed is still his main weapon.
“I mean, he is still just as fast to the ball as any inside linebacker,” Baldinger said.
Baldinger likes to compare David to the greatest linebacker in Bucs history, first-ballot Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.
“Derrick Brooks was just here about an hour ago,” Baldinger said as he stood near the NFL Network set. “And I was thinking about the great linebackers when I think of Lavonte, like Derrick Brooks.”
Baldinger reiterated that David does not play like he’s in his mid-30s.
“I don’t know how he is doing it, how he is beating Father Time,” Baldinger, a former NFL offensive lineman, said. “Because eventually your reactions all slow down. And you just don’t see that from him.”
Joe mentioned to Baldinger that Matt Ryan had told Joe that David’s instincts were second to none. Baldinger fully agreed.
“Instincts? Oh, there is no doubt,” Baldinger said. “He has played a lot of snaps. And he has had very few injuries. Injuries can slow people down of course, especially if they start accumulating.
“But there is no question experience helps. What’s the old saying, ‘The great thing about experience is, sometimes by the time you get enough of it you might be too old to enjoy it?’
“But he’s still young enough to where he can enjoy it.”
The question now is, can David enjoy it with the Bucs for another season?
February 16th, 2024 at 9:09 am
HOF
February 16th, 2024 at 9:18 am
Nations most underrated Backer.
February 16th, 2024 at 9:19 am
LVD belongs in the HOF. Baldinger has the right take here. Fast, tremendous reads and angles. Also great in coverage! I hope LVD comes back for at least one more year with his great play and mentoring the young guys.
February 16th, 2024 at 9:20 am
They should put him on the ROH while he is still playing for the team!
February 16th, 2024 at 9:22 am
Example for kids….Good positive leader, low profile…..
Something that is just disappearing….
Just take a Look at Travis Kelce, pushing his own coach…..I know he regreted, but those things can´t happen…….
LVD would never do somethging like that….leader by example, not a leader via a podcast or with a public girldfriend……
February 16th, 2024 at 9:42 am
Many don’t realize just how good David is because he just keeps his mouth shut and plays balls to the walls every single game. I thought that would rub off on White. It did not. Hope David gives us another couple of good years. But I do understand if he walks.
February 16th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Go Bucs, Go Lavonte.
February 16th, 2024 at 10:42 am
This man has never been shown the respect he should has received. One of the best in the game. At least he does have a ring to show for his efforts. Belongs in the HOF and ROH.
February 16th, 2024 at 10:44 am
We’ve been so lucky to have him. I hope he plays for us another few years! L0ve Lavonte!
February 16th, 2024 at 10:50 am
Can you imagine if Devin White had any of Lavonte’s professional traits he would be one HELL of a player!!! Thank you Lavonte… Go Bucs
February 16th, 2024 at 10:59 am
Luke WHO?
February 16th, 2024 at 11:15 am
Lavonte deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and his stats show it. Now we just to get our hometown hall of fame voter on board SMH…………
February 16th, 2024 at 11:15 am
Love when players hang with a team for most/all of their career. Like the old days.
February 16th, 2024 at 11:31 am
I hope he plays 3-4 more years.
And become the leading tackler in NFL history.
February 16th, 2024 at 11:38 am
teacherman777 Says:
February 16th, 2024 at 11:31 am
I hope he plays 3-4 more years.
And become the leading tackler in NFL history.
Would be nice, but it looks like he has 533 to go. thats 133 for the next 4 years……..
February 16th, 2024 at 12:23 pm
Lavonte is a MUST RE-SIGN, as is Winfield.
February 16th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
He deserves HOF consideration. And by far one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL. It’s odd that the Bucs simultaneously had the most underrated linebacker with the most overrated. Looking forward to Britt starting full time.
February 16th, 2024 at 2:15 pm
HOF!
HomerSimpsonRocks Says:
“It’s odd that the Bucs simultaneously had the most underrated linebacker with the most overrated.”
HaHa – I never really thought of it that way. But its very true!
The contrast between LD54 and White has been very stark the last 2 years regarding dedication to craft, onfield achievements, how they go about their business and humility…..
February 16th, 2024 at 2:28 pm
When I watch LVD play, I swear I’m watching Derrick Brooks all over again.
February 16th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
Sign him to a three-year deal
February 16th, 2024 at 5:19 pm
HOF indeed. The best thing about LVD is his tackling but he is also very elusive for a lineman to block. I watched him all year dip under or cut around a block that would’ve broke a play for big yardage. The dude is like a rb the way he makes blockers completely miss him. Would love to see LVD for one more year.
February 16th, 2024 at 8:23 pm
I mean I sure hope we sign him He deserves it just like Evans
February 17th, 2024 at 5:03 am
Spread the word Baldy!
David for first Ballot when he does call it quits. Till then, tell them all I’m here all day long!
Go Bucs!
February 17th, 2024 at 10:03 am
ROH, HOF.
February 17th, 2024 at 10:42 am
Lavonte is a guy the Packers could really use. With a young squad, a new Defensive scheme, they could really use his talent and experience. But I’d imagine Lavonte will be a hot commodity. Yes he is getting long in the tooth… but everyone in the league knows he can still play, his heart, and his value.
February 17th, 2024 at 7:38 pm
Why are we ripping him off? Underpaid
February 18th, 2024 at 10:27 am
Most underrated linebacker of the last decade.
As good if not better than all his contemporaries, yet he gets almost zero respect or credit.