Calijah Kancey Is Todd Bowles’ New Swiss Army Knife
December 18th, 2024
Not just a defensive tackle.
In light of how Bucs coach Todd Bowles trumpeted the play of Calijah Kancey on Monday with WFLA-TV, Joe doesn’t know what to make of the following.
The second-year defensive tackle from Pitt is coming into his own. The lightning-fast Kancey is really a handful. He and Vita Vea are a nasty one-two punch.
Kancey is an incredible athlete. Joe doesn’t know how many Bucs fans have noticed but it’s not uncommon to see Kancey line up as an edge rusher.
Hey, the way the Bucs don’t rush the passer from the edge, why not use Kancey out there? He’s quick enough and he’s already shown he knows what to do when he gets close enough to breathe on a quarterback.
That’s not all. In Los Angeles last weekend, Bowles had Kancey drop back into pass coverage. Bowles’ explanation for this is very curious.
“He’s more than willing,” Bowles said of Kancey’s approach to pretending to be Derrick Brooks.
“He’s so athletic that he drops as good if not better than some of our linebackers.”
Joe can take that comment all sorts of ways:
For example, Kancey is just that good and it’s no shock he can cover dudes in pass defense. Or, Joe could take that as a Parcellian jab by Bowles to motivate YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to start putting quarterbacks on the ground.
Given Bowles’ many years working for Bill Parcells, Joe wouldn’t be shocked if Bowles was copying the master motivator.
But don’t get too freaked by Bowles’ words. He has zero intention of turning Kancey into Lavonte David II.
“Obviously, we don’t want him to make a living off [dropping back into pass coverage],” Bowles said. “We want him to rush the passer, but in a few instances and circumstances when we know they’re keying on him, that we can get him out of there and get somebody else free.”
And that last sentence is the key. If offensive linemen are keying on Kancey, by him taking a few steps back, it’s liable to create a crease for a blitzing defensive back. In theory.
This is one of many reasons why Joe is so irked by the wet-noodle edge rush. If the Bucs had an edge rush, then teams couldn’t key on Kancey (or Vea), and the entire offensive line of an opponent would then become a jailbreak.
December 18th, 2024 at 5:19 pm
Long as he doesn’t blow a calf muscle I’m all for it.
December 18th, 2024 at 5:26 pm
Bowles is in his bag manufacturing sacks and pressures. Hope he keeps it up. It’s obvious to me that Antione should have been on IR all year with that foot injury and that Jamel Dean is the real key to the secondary.
December 18th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
Jason will get a rusher this year. Going have to sign one. Bad a drafting them much success he has in the draft. N hopefully be drafting to low to get a good one. Even though a lot of D line talent this year coming out
December 18th, 2024 at 6:04 pm
He was covering the Chargers #1 receiver on a 4th down attempt that was unsuccessful! Lol
December 18th, 2024 at 6:22 pm
Sack Totals by Year
2019-2024
* 2019: 47 sacks
* 2020: 48 sacks
* 2021: 47 sacks
* 2022: 45 sacks
* 2023: 48 sacks
* 2024: 38 sacks* (*3 games remaining)
1996-2001
* 1996: 35 sacks
* 1997: 44 sacks
* 1998: 37 sacks
* 1999: 43 sacks
* 2000: 55 sacks
* 2001: 42 sacks
Here’s the breakdown of the sack totals and averages:
2019-2024:
* Total Sacks: 273
* Average Sacks per Year: 45.5
1996-2001:
* Total Sacks: 256
* Average Sacks per Year: 42.67
December 18th, 2024 at 6:24 pm
Note: This highlights consistent production in the Bowles era (2019-2024) compared to the earlier period.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:33 pm
It’s funny how some folks can’t quite figure out what Bowles is doing with Calijah Kancey, so let me help: It’s not desperation—it’s modern defensive football. Dropping Kancey into coverage isn’t about turning him into a linebacker; it’s about creating confusion and exploiting matchups. That’s the magic of fire zones and simulated pressures.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:34 pm
When Kancey drops back, it pulls blockers and opens lanes for blitzing linebackers or defensive backs.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:40 pm
A Swiss Army knife isn’t very good for butchering a steer. Let the d-linemen be d-linemen and the cover guys cover. This is why coach earns the criticism he gets.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:44 pm
Meanwhile, quarterbacks are left guessing because pre-snap reads don’t match post-snap reality. And when Kancey lines up on the edge or mirrors receivers like Ladd McConkey on an out route? That’s calculated scheming, using his athleticism to disrupt timing and force mistakes.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:47 pm
This leaves quarterbacks guessing because pre-snap read don’t match up to post snap reality.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:48 pm
As for the “wet-noodle edge rush” talk—sure, more production would be nice, but Bowles’ system accounts for it by leveraging non-traditional rushers and disguising looks. This isn’t guesswork; it’s chess at an elite level. If the edge isn’t producing, it’s not because the scheme is flawed—it’s because execution needs to match the blueprint.
December 18th, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Both Parcells and Belichick used defensive tackles in coverage as part of their broader strategy to outsmart offenses. It’s not a gimmick; it’s a tool in the defensive playbook that has been used effectively by some of the greatest minds in football history
December 18th, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Thank you, Luvmybucs. Todd’s schemes represent contemporary NFL football. His sack results are consistent from year to year. We are doing just fine.
Of course I am old school in that I track who our sack leaders are.
Go Bucs!!
December 18th, 2024 at 7:06 pm
The struggles this team has had this year have come as result of Bowles defense. That is the reason they are struggling to make the playoffs, right now. Not the offense. If his defense had held up its end of the bargain they would looking at a top seed. Putting together a couple of respectable performances is akin to putting lipstick on a pig. We have heard all the excuses from injuries to Licht not being able to draft the players Bowles needs. In all fairness Bowles should be fighting to keep his job as this team heads down the homestretch. Saying his defense is inconsistent is the best thing anyone can say for the job he has done this year. If his defense doesn’t rise to level of this offense in the coming weeks he should be gone.
December 18th, 2024 at 7:07 pm
Senior
You’re welcome, Sir
December 18th, 2024 at 7:09 pm
Before, someone yells, but it’s a passing league now.
Passing Metrics Comparison:
1996-2001:
* Pass Yards Per Game: 210.62
* Pass Attempts Per Game: 33.37
* Pass Play Percentage: 55.93%
2019-2024:
* Pass Yards Per Game: 242.53
* Pass Attempts Per Game: 36.82
* Pass Play Percentage: 60.9%
Incremental Differences:
* Pass Yards Per Game: +31.91 yards
* Pass Attempts Per Game: +3.45 attempts
* Pass Play Percentage: +4.97%
December 18th, 2024 at 7:10 pm
Coach Bowles knows what he is doing ! Obviously !! Chargers 17 points ? Bucs 40 !! Punched the Chargers IN THE MOUTH!!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Cowboys !!
December 18th, 2024 at 7:48 pm
Man if we could just add a legit proven edge rusher it would go a long way but at the same time yaya should be winning his 1vs1 match ups
December 18th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
I just get so angry watching JTS out there waltzing around with OT’d every week. It’s infuriating. Put someone out there who has some real hunger and dawg in them like Watts or Ramirez.
December 18th, 2024 at 7:57 pm
Algorithm just vaporized my post. Others are having the same issue. It was critical of Bowles and the way the defense has played this year. Hate to think Joe is screening out reasonable criticisms of Coach Bowles. But it sure seems that way. If so, would be helpful if Joe would post something letting readership know about this. Otherwise, seems kind of sketchy.
December 18th, 2024 at 8:01 pm
Good stuff luvmybucs
December 18th, 2024 at 8:20 pm
ReeeBarrr
Much appreciated bro
December 18th, 2024 at 8:20 pm
JTS is not walzing around. He’s usually found in the opposing team’s backfield causing disruption. I know cos I listen to the Radio broadcasts. I’m hoping I’ll have the energy to listen to this one. Life-long Cowboys hater. Bucs stomp Dallas in Irvington and that’s a Xmas gift for me.
December 18th, 2024 at 8:28 pm
JTS is not producing, why is this allowed? why not replace him with next man up.
December 18th, 2024 at 8:43 pm
@Durango 95
It’s not just posts that are hard on Todd. Joe’s letting about 1 out of 5 or more lately for me and my comments have been regarding Chucky, positivity towards Todd etc..
Although the Joe’s do let all types of posts thru @ least one of them does have a heavy hand, at least with me, when I question his opinion on certain things. If I wasn’t right most of the time it probably wouldn’t bother me as much – Lol
December 18th, 2024 at 8:46 pm
Not so sure about pass league LUV !! Pass game is absolutely worthless without a successful running game. A one dimensional NFL team will not succeed. For example: Rachaad White 573 yards rushing, 4.2 per carry 3 Touchdowns. Bucky Irving 852 yards rushing, 5.6 yds per carry 6 Touchdowns!! There you go, without that explosive running game to possess the ball, burn clock, and were down defenses, where would the Bucs be ??
Go Bucs !! Beat the Cowboys!!
December 18th, 2024 at 8:51 pm
They should have tried Shoyinka at ILB, imo. Long and rangy can work there. He just isn’t a good edge rusher and that has been obvious since year two.
December 18th, 2024 at 8:55 pm
RIP Jimmy Wilkerson!
December 18th, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Bartow Buc
I agree
December 18th, 2024 at 9:09 pm
Barstow
I am with you.
#Repost
LUVMYBUCS Says:
February 25th, 2024 at 8:05 am
Relax?
Unmasking Our Team’s Abysmal Rushing Performance (2023).
Advanced Rushing Stats: (2023)
• Rushing Yards: 1509 (32nd)
• Rushing Touch Downs: 8 (28th)
• First Downs Rushing: 79 (31st)
• Yards Before Contact: 900 (29th)
• Rushing Yards Before Contact Per Rushing Attempt: 2.1 (31st)
• Rushing Yards After Contact: 609 (30th)
• Rushing Yards After Contact Per Rush: 1.4 (31st)
The pitiful state of our rushing game is exposed in these damning stats: dead last in total rushing yards, a feeble touchdown count, and a woeful scarcity of first downs on the ground. Our offensive line’s inability to create opportunities is stark, evident in dismal numbers for yards before and after contact. The urgency for a radical shift in our rushing strategy has never been more apparent
Fixing our rushing attack isn’t just about more yards—it’s the secret to our play-action game. A strong ground threat makes defenses bite, creating prime opportunities for game-changing play-action plays that can make our offense more potent.
December 18th, 2024 at 9:10 pm
This team has some serious talent and a lot of the young guys are just now figuring it all out!!!
Imagine if the Bucs run the table and finish 11-6 and another Divisional title.
And then the Falcons win out and finish 10-7 in 2nd but sneak into the playoffs as a wild card. And then what if the Bucs got to host them in a second round playoff game with the chance to gain vengeance for those earlier two losses. That’s about a perfect season. Not likely perhaps but not impossible either which is pretty exciting in and of itself with just 3 weeks left in the season.
December 18th, 2024 at 9:28 pm
StPete
You’re spot on—this team’s young talent is clicking at just the right time, and the thought of a playoff rematch with the Falcons? That’s the kind of storyline that makes football special. Nothing’s impossible in December football, and that’s what makes it exciting!
December 18th, 2024 at 9:39 pm
Ok, what we should be talking about is how luvmybucs is clearly someone from within the organization. Is this Jason Lichts, burner account used for Joe Bucs fan? You provide metrics and data with your responses , you laud the coaches for their ability to adapt to scheme of players , which comes across as defending the staff.
You refer to coaches as high level, elite level of chess. This comes across as ego or pride as if you are offended that people minimalize your skill or achievements
If your not affiliated , crazy awesome to see you are optimistic support of team!t
December 18th, 2024 at 10:13 pm
You all are aware that the last 4-Offenses we faced absolutely SUCKED, right!? I mean, horribly BAD. God AWFUL. I can’t remember who, but someone on here was bragging that the Bucs destroyed the “Chargers High-Powered OFFENSE” LoL. They have been one of THE WORST “Offenses” in the entire league, all season LONG. And, Herbert was so ‘banged-up’ he could barely WALK, & honestly shouldn’t had even been in the game if they’d had any other choice. On top of THAT, their best weapon and ONLY ‘legit’ RB on their entire roster (J.K. Dobbins) is OUT on IR. DeVito/Lock. Bryce Young. Someone named “Aiden,” I think LoL (O’Connell) and Ridder. I mean, REALLLL BADDDD. Thank-God we have Rush, Young (again), & Rattler (“Spencer” LoL).
December 18th, 2024 at 10:30 pm
thanks for this one Joe, been wondering whether he’s ever rushing the edge by design. i guess jason thot diaby was all that. can’t think of any other reason they’d have virtually ignored the edge in the off-season. no way jason was banking on gregory right?
December 18th, 2024 at 10:31 pm
Durango 95, I like your takes. Constructive criticism is healthy even if several seem offended by any suggestion that coach could maybe do better. Keep it up regardless.
Go Bucs.
December 18th, 2024 at 10:51 pm
Durango95
I was absent here for about two months because sometimes the software has a voracious appetite.
It’s not the Joes exercising editorial control, it’s the “Ghost in the Machine.”
As for defending Bowles Joe doesn’t need to do that. Bowles record speaks for itself. People may not like his style but the proof is in the pudding. IE THE RESULTS!
Over the past five years in the month of December the Bucs have gone an amazing 20-5!!!!! A division title and playoffs every year Bowles has been HC.
He wasn’t handed a SB team but rather a collapsing shell of the Championship team. Last season the Bucs had to survive cap hell, an new OC and new QB.
Bowles may not be the best coach in the NFL but he’s far from the worst. That’s the major thing I try to point out. The absurd negative hyperbole, much of it inaccurate about Bowles.
December 18th, 2024 at 10:56 pm
I would really love to see Braswell take a big step up and be “That Guy!” You know what I mean… Be “HIM.” I’d like to add Jalon Walker in the Draft, to go along with him, Yaya, & Cancey. And, try to get the other Walker, as in BIG Deone at Kentucky (he lines up at EDGE a lot too, just like Cancey)… He is a MONSTER, and the perfect replacement for Vea. Sign an EDGE in free agency, IF there is someone available that is a good ‘fit’ (at a good value), & still in the beginning of his Prime (and same ‘timeline’ as the rest of our very young defense). But, hell, everyone is looking for THAT. Then, a sign solid veteran CB (and draft one, too)… Nothing fancy. Just Solid. There’s supposed to be a lot of OL-talent in this upcoming draft… There is a bunch of ‘em. Everyone will be loading up! You can never have enough depth there, so might as well get one to groom in the later rounds.
December 18th, 2024 at 11:18 pm
I never really remember there being a year before, with just so many bad teams. There is always, at least two or three REAL BAD teams. But, this year though, there are like, 7 or 8. And, I mean ‘7 or 8’ REAL BADDDD Teams. Guess, that’s why I anticipate there to be a BUNCH of Head Coaching positions ‘open’ for this upcoming offseason. Which, is VERY ‘bad news’ (Cohen) for the Bucs. JAX, Saints, Bears, Jets are all LOCKS. And, you have the Raiders as a probably, & then then the Giants and Cowboys… Maybe, even the Browns (tho no fault of his own doing), & Patriots. I was thinking 6-8, but it could be MORE… In all honesty tho, it probably should be. Just some REALLLL BADDDDD freakin’ teams (and franchises overall) out there this year, & some REAL BAD ‘QB-play.’ Pshew.
December 18th, 2024 at 11:26 pm
@LUV – do those totals include playoff games too or just the regular season?
I’d also note that 2021 – 2024 has 17 games per season vs 16….
December 18th, 2024 at 11:31 pm
LUVMYBUCS – Do not compare those all-time NFL great defenses from the 97-02 Bucs vs the current run. I like Bowles (as a DC anyways) a ton, but Dungy is a HOF’er for a reason (and Kiffin should be one as well). Show the turnover numbers, and points per game.
Part of the entire thing with those all-time great defenses from the Bucs in that era was that the opposing teams had one of two options. Throw the ball under pressure and turn it over, or hold the ball and take sacks. Also take a look at opposing passer ratings – while not the greatest stat, it at least gives an idea of how those old Bucs defense just completely dominated. In fact the 2002 Bucs defense is, without any doubt or debate, the best passing defense of all-time, and it’s not particularly close.
December 18th, 2024 at 11:42 pm
2002 Bucs defensive stat line:
Opposing QBs: 2490 yards, 10 TDs, 31 INTs, 48.4 Passer Rating.
Opposing teams scored 12.2 points per game.
That is incredible. Also, offense and passing was up in 2002, and I believe if memory serves me right, the Bucs played in the highest scoring division in football – not in some some trash division like the 2000 Ravens that run up their stats vs two all-time awful offenses in their division.
December 18th, 2024 at 11:43 pm
Munch
C’mon now, let’s not get cute here bruh. No one is putting this defense on the same pedestal as the ‘97-02 Bucs—those were all-time greats, and we both know it. Dungy is in Canton for a reason, and Kiffin’s Tampa 2 was revolutionary. The 2002 defense giving up a passer rating of 48.4? That’s the gold standard, no debate.
But let’s not pretend Bowles is working with that kind of roster. This isn’t Sapp, Brooks, Lynch, and Barber. Yet Bowles is still finding ways to compete using creative concepts like fire zones and simulated pressures that confuse today’s pass-happy offenses. Sure, the turnover numbers and PPG don’t stack up, but let’s be real—this league isn’t built for dominant defenses anymore. The game has shifted, and Bowles has adapted while keeping this team competitive through injuries and roster turnover.
Comparisons are great for nostalgia, but let’s not act like these are the same circumstances. The ‘97-02 Bucs were a masterpiece of talent and execution. Bowles is building something solid in a completely different era. Both things can be true—Dungy and Kiffin were legendary, and despite all the injuries, Bowles deserves credit for finding ways to succeed now.
December 19th, 2024 at 1:13 am
We need a thorough, detailed article explaining why Yaya has 2 sacks the entire year. TWO!
Thoroughly expected him to flirt with 10 this year. He gets after it, he’s built for it. He’s got speed and must be developing other moves. I don’t understand.
Disappointing
December 19th, 2024 at 1:31 am
LUVMYBUCS – Like I said, I like Bowles, just get touchy when people compare anything to those all-time great Bucs defense, which are way underappreciated. My favorite stat is in the 2002-03 SB run, the defense gave up a net of 3 points – total, over 3 games, just 3 points.
Also, while you say the league is different – and you’re right – look at this fun fact:
2002 NFC South, Points Per Game:
Falcons, 25.1
Saints, 27.0
Panthers, 16.1
2024 NFC South, PPG:
Falcons, 20.9
Saints, 22.0
Panthers, 17.6
The 2002 NFC South opponents put up a lot more points than they do now – so you can’t just say the Bucs in 2002 did what they did because scoring was down (although you can say that about the 2000 Ravens, because scoring was down).
As for Bowles, I agree, he’s built a solid defense that can occasionally be dominant (like late in 2020) – but it’s like comparing Baker to Brady. One is the GOAT, and the other is, well, not the GOAT, but can have some good years from time to time.
Anywho, I appreciate the effort in your post. Where is Defense Rules to come in with a bunch stats, he’s needed here as well.
December 19th, 2024 at 1:32 am
*2002-03 SB run — meant the playoff run, over the 3 playoff games, all 3 games vs top 8 offenses, they gave up 3 net points.
December 19th, 2024 at 5:42 am
Thank you LUVMYBUCS for tour research . I will say I knew the sack stats were close but what your in depth research shows me is todd is getting more from his defense with almost zero edge rush production . I stiff feel we need an edge rusher who can dominate because then we would be able to still get sacks without having to blitz as much . One less blitzing player means one more in coverage but either way if they can get hot at the right time on both offense & defenceman look out !! Go bucs
December 19th, 2024 at 6:08 am
Always forget Simeon Rice.
December 19th, 2024 at 8:46 am
Another thing you have to take into account is players length of play on the team.
That 2002 team was slam full of Veteran HOFers.
Key word VETERAN.
We obviously have a few Veterans on Defense with David and Vea, but after that these guys are still YOUNG!
Still LEARNING
No one should be comparing this defense to 2002 because it’s not even close to being the same.
But the projection of good players learning Bowles system is finally coming to fruition and it is fun to see!!
If Braswell does take a step this team looks dominant!!
December 19th, 2024 at 9:21 am
To quote Bill Parcells, “let’s refrain from getting out the anointing oil.”
When Kirk Cousins can look like Dan Marino against you, twice, and look like Dan Orlovsky against everyone else, that’s a problem. And not the only example. The pass defense is still subpar. Has been since Coach took over for BA. Have they finally turned a corner?
The first test is what we do against Cooper Rush, Spencer Rattler, and Bryce Young (who was looking very Mahomesian against Coach in the loss that Anthony Nelson single handedly won). This is not a daunting quarterback field.
All the copy-pasted stats in the world don’t change the fact that Coach is one game over .500 with the Bucs, overseeing a bottom tier pass defense. If this “don’t focus on the opponent, focus on fundamentals” thing really works, great!
Let’s see. Finish the job.
December 19th, 2024 at 3:51 pm
Quit saying it was Kiffin’s Tampa Two D; it was Tony Dungy’s team. I sure don’t see Monte Kiffin in Canton. LUVMYBUCS, appreciate your detailed comments. I sure hope DR comes back.