Mental Giant Lavonte David
December 17th, 2024
It’s obvious that the Buccaneers’ defensive MVP through 14 games is iconic linebacker Lavonte David, but the depth of his contribution is not obvious.
David’s consistency and durability is stunning. And then throw in 5 1/2 sacks and 3 forced fumbles.
(Joe’s not counting the interception because the Bucs would have been better off without it.)
But overlooked is David’s on-field ability to command a complex defense with a constantly-changing roster due to a rash injuries and new signings.
Consider what Todd Bowles said after David recorded his best tackling day on Sunday, which included 1 1/2 sacks and a season-high 12 combined tackles (8 solo).
“The game he had physically does not even outweigh the game he had mentally,” Bowles said of David on the Buccaneers Radio Network.
“… He did an oustanding job with all the different personnel groupings and people coming in the ball game of executing the calls and carrying out the plays and making a ton of plays himself, and getting back in the backfield making sacks — making a ton of tackles and keeping everybody on the straight and narrow.”
Complete player.
Hall of Fame player.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:37 pm
Always wondered why Kwan and White were calling plays instead of Lavonte. This piece only adds to the puzzle.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:39 pm
Hall of Famer for sure.
December 17th, 2024 at 5:42 pm
Wonder how his numbers stack up aside from pro bowls
December 17th, 2024 at 6:09 pm
Lotta Lavonte Love!
December 17th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
The ageless wonder. I listened to a bit of the Chargers radio broadcast, and they were profuse in their praise of LVD, saying he is a lock for the HOF. I wish that were true.
December 17th, 2024 at 6:56 pm
Joe
That interception on 4th down was only a -8 yard difference give LVD is his pic love 🙂
December 17th, 2024 at 7:13 pm
It’d be cool for LVD to pick off a pass or recover a fumble for a defensive TD Sunday in front of everyone.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
It sounds like LVD was partially responsible for JJ Russell having a good day.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:38 pm
Absolutely, that would be awesome for him to get some prime time love.
But my bold prediction for the game Sunday night is a Zyon pick 6. Why not.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:55 pm
HOF for sure! Hands down one of the best to play the game.
December 17th, 2024 at 7:58 pm
Incredible season – hard to think he won’t be back again next year.
December 17th, 2024 at 8:03 pm
On a different note, listening to Chargers podcasts to hear them whine – and I think being a bunch of LA cupcakes makes them less likely to whine, since they’re really not crying as much as I’d like. But it is interesting to keep hearing pretty much all of them talk with envy about this offense, how crisp, well coached, well planned everything is – how the Bucs offense plays with violence, attacks, is modern, uses motion to get guys open. There is no way that Coen isn’t going to get a HC job this offseason – and what do the Bucs do? Do you fire Bowles to keep Coen – or trust that Bowles can once again go out and find yet another OC.
BTW, credit to Bowles, when he’s fired or retires as a coach, he should demand a huge finders fee to scout and recommend OC’s. What a great job he’s done the last two years. In 2023, with what, his 11th pick, he gets Canales – a guy who was literally demoted the previous year – and a year later he’s a headcoach. And it’s going to happen again with a guy who might be the hottest name out there by seasons end.
December 17th, 2024 at 8:05 pm
7th in the NFL all time in total tackles SINCE 1994.
December 17th, 2024 at 8:10 pm
Yeah Coen is as good as gone unless the Glaziers can figure out a Ben Johnson type situation.
Liam has HC written all over him but perhaps he would like to take some more time to develop. Dude can call plays
December 17th, 2024 at 8:51 pm
Falcon bench Kirk Cousin!!
December 17th, 2024 at 8:53 pm
Liam just got hired by Chicago!lol
December 17th, 2024 at 8:54 pm
Cousins is our new OC! lol
December 17th, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Bunch of cry babies. Smh
December 17th, 2024 at 9:00 pm
Americas Quarterback Jameis Winston benched!!!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 9:13 pm
Anyone else remember LVD’s first game as a rookie when he had a late hit out of bounds on the opposing QB? That extended the drive and we ended up losing. LVD was distraught.
He’s come a long way and is truly an amazing Buc. Future HOF and Ring of Honor player.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:22 pm
That was not his rookie season, that was week 1 2013 season and that QB was Geno Smith. Ironically that season was his only first team all pro selection.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:28 pm
Atlanta benched Cousins today. Starting phenix JR going forward. You like that!!!
December 17th, 2024 at 9:40 pm
In other news, Teddy Bridgewater is unretiring. We should look at him closely to back up Baker, as we don’t really have a legit number 2 on the roster currently.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:42 pm
And – regarding Cousins — what a disgrace to make him look like Dan Marino in his prime. Two losses. Horrible. Well done, Coach. Let’s hope that the corner has truly been turned for the defense and the remaining games.
December 17th, 2024 at 9:57 pm
LVD= gold 🧥
December 17th, 2024 at 10:49 pm
Morale will not improve until LD gets another RING. MARK PLANT CITY
December 17th, 2024 at 11:21 pm
HOF
December 18th, 2024 at 5:16 am
Hall of Fame player.
December 18th, 2024 at 9:01 am
One of my favorite Bucs, next to such luminaries as the late/great Leeroy Selmon (HOF/RIP), both as a player and a human being.