Jamel Dean Basks In The Win Thanks To A Key, Rare Interception
December 15th, 2024
Makes game-changing play.
The streak is over!
Bucs cornerback Jamel Dean sat at his locker and saw Joe coming. Joe could tell by Dean’s smile he knew what Joe’s first question would be.
Joe said to Dean, “The streak has been broken.”
Dean busted out laughing.
Joe can’t blame him. Not since Dean picked off two passes at New Orleans against the slimy Saints on Sept. 18, 2022, has Dean had an interception. That’s over two years, plus playoffs, for a starting corner in the NFL. That doesn’t happen often.
Not only did Dean get a pick, but it also happened to be against a quarterback who rarely throws picks. The last time Justin Herbert threw an interception was Week 2.
Somewhere, Tom Brady nods his head in approval.
And for the icing on the cake, Dean’s pick changed the game.
Late in the first half with the Bucs leading 23-17, Herbert tried to connect with Quentin Johnston down the left seam. From where Joe was sitting in the press box, Joe couldn’t tell immediately if Dean picked it off or Johnston made a crazy catch. But the roar of the thousands of Bucs fans at SoFi Stadium tipped Joe off that Dean got a pick.
And the Bucs offense didn’t eff around. Four plays later Baker Mayfield threw an absolute laser to Mike Evans who had single coverage for a 35-yard touchdown and a 30-17 lead.
Yes, Gene Deckerhoff, that was a dagger, set up by Dean’s pick.
“It’s big because we know what we are playing for,” Dean said. ” We’re playing for the division. To be able to help my team and have them feed off my energy, it’s big.”
As for the Bucs winning with smashmouth football, Dean said, “We were just trying to match their intensity.”
If Dean suddenly keeps this play up, who knows how good this defense can be?
Here’s a fun fact for Bucs fans: When Dean got hurt in New Orleans and went on injured reserve, the Bucs lost four straight.
After Dean returned against the Giants, the Bucs are now 4-0.
December 15th, 2024 at 9:29 pm
Glad he got it but the INT was more of the result of the defensive pressure being put on Herbert that made him put it up for grabs. With Herbert being immobile he was a little gun shy today from the blitz.
December 15th, 2024 at 9:33 pm
awesome for dean to snag one!
also let’s not forget the mantra:
go bucky go…!
run bucky run…!
score bucky score…!
🙂
December 15th, 2024 at 9:34 pm
You know its special when Dean even gets a pick.
December 15th, 2024 at 9:36 pm
Cmon!! Give Dean his Just Dues!!! HE helped Major league way in Turning the favor for us and encouraging the team Everyone Played Great Everyone!! Way 2 get that interception Dean, it was SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!!!!
December 15th, 2024 at 9:48 pm
GJ Dean…. you showed out today…keep it up
December 15th, 2024 at 9:49 pm
Y’all chill out and give Dean and his nose ring some space!
He made a play.
December 15th, 2024 at 10:24 pm
Funny what happens when the pass rush gets home and disrupts timing and throws…
December 15th, 2024 at 10:43 pm
I love it when a plan comes together.
December 15th, 2024 at 11:04 pm
Can dean finally play well. He is better than how he plays
December 15th, 2024 at 11:19 pm
I am so happy for him!!
December 15th, 2024 at 11:51 pm
Congrats to Dean, get on a roll with some more picks!
December 15th, 2024 at 11:52 pm
That game was fun to watch. Teams don’t want to play us in December. Did y’all catch that? Bowles is a good coach most of you are crybabies. Gu BUCS!!!!!