Todd Bowles Doesn’t Seem To Want To Think Of NFL Life Without Lavonte David
January 18th, 2025
Tight with Todd Bowles.
Todd Bowles doesn’t seem to get very sentimental about football players, at least not in front of the local pen and mic club.
But Bowles seemed to turn sentimental early Monday when asked about how much Bucs legendary linebacker Lavonte David means to the franchise.
“Personally, we’ve gotten very close over the years I’ve been here,” Bowles said at his season-ending news conference. “He’s a coach on the field, he’s a captain, he’s a leader, he’s a heck of a person off the field.
“He’s our bell cow. When things go wrong, he’ll fix it from a mental standpoint in the locker room. He gets everybody lined up in the right plays, he understands the game – as well as making a ton of plays himself.
“He’s meant everything to me, as well as our coaching staff and the players in this building.”
Simply put, you don’t replace a guy like David not just for what he has produced on the field, but for what he has meant to be a professional.
There is a reason the Bucs personnel department has a poster of its model franchise player. That graphic happens to be a silhouette of David.
The Bucs defense is shaky now. If David goes, the Bucs really have no inside linebackers. Remember, K.J. Britt is a free agent, as well.
But Joe, what about SirVocea Dennis? How can Joe bank on an injured guy who entering his third season has never started a game and last year missed 13 games in addition to the playoffs?
January 18th, 2025 at 11:08 am
IMO LVD will be back if for no other reason than to mentor SVD & others….perhaps a high ILB drat pick.
That, plus he his having a ball….making money he’ll never make again and he’s playing at a high level……with very little drop-off….
LVD will be back!!!
January 18th, 2025 at 11:15 am
LVD is the ONLY ILB on the Bucs right now. Britt and the rest are simply not NFL quality much less stars.
It seems the draft is pretty clear…ILB’s and DB’s!!!
People who play basketball get what Todd was trying to do this past year. When you know your five are better athletically than the opposing team you play man to man defense. When the other five are simply better you play zone D. Maybe a simple 2-3 or a 1-3-1 maybe with some traps and gimmicks.
Todd has said on the record that his two “starting” DB’s Dean and McCullom give him freedom to play some man coverage, otherwise he’s trying to patch a gaping wound with a band aid zone D. OLB’s SHOULD be athletic enough to drop into coverage.
Interior linemen like VV perhaps not so much. But recall this season the Ravens dropped their 350lb NG into coverage and he got a pick six…yeah it was against the Browns but it’s still pretty amazing.
Bottom line – when you have the talent you can man up whether it’s BB or FB.
When you do not you have to get creative.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:15 am
They better pray he comes back. KJ is so slow, and Dennis has 25 tackles in 2 years.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:22 am
David when he does retire should immediately be offered the LB coach job.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:34 am
LVD is still playing at a pretty high level. Unless his body is beaten up to bad, I think he comes back.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:36 am
I’d be happy if they fire Foote and bring in David to coach the Linebackers
January 18th, 2025 at 11:37 am
Hate to say it but K.J. Britt is nothing special and very replaceable. He is descent on run support but too slow to cover on passing downs. I think defenses know this and have game planned to take advantage of Britt.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:40 am
None of us do, man. None of us do.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:40 am
Big swing, and a miss by Licht when he drafted White. Fifth pick in the first round had a great rookie season, then dud. He even had David, JPP, and Suh to learn from, not to mention Tom Brady. We got to find that guy at ILB. All the better if he’s a fire starter like Nickerson was. Bucs are sorely missing that guy, even if David does come back. Need some bad arses on this defense we’re much to passive.
January 18th, 2025 at 11:45 am
The Bucs really need to address the ILB position this off-season.
I would like to see at least one quality ILB added via free agency and one added via the draft in the 2nd or 3rd round.
Hopefully we can re-sign LVD for one more season as well and Dennis can finally stay healthy for once…
January 18th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
LVD is the only one on the defense who can translate Bowles’ ancient Aramaic calculus into something remotely understandable for his teammates. Of course Bowles doesn’t want to think about life without LVD.
January 18th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
It’s called a draft and free agency. Time to get faster. Bowles likes older players because he can’t develop anybody. LVD is a future roh member but he’s 35 and can’t cover anymore he’s just so experienced he sees it pre snap. How can you be so confident in Licht hitting on a corner to replace Dean but be scared to draft LVD replacement?
January 18th, 2025 at 12:36 pm
Pewter – good point. Aside from LVD, name me a player on defense who has not regressed under Bowles? Maybe Vita, although I think if he had proper coaching he’d be getting Hall of Fame notoriety. Diva regressed. Davis regressed. Dean regressed. Whitehead regressed. Edwards regressed. JTS regressed. Yaya regressed. Maybe Kancey didn’t? Maybe Logan Hall didn’t although he’s best known for injuring his own teammates. Braswell never showed up, probably because he was in a drop zone somewhere.
This coach has to be forced to hire a full time defensive coordinator who will develop players and mold the scheme to fit them. Bowles has turned into the reincarnation of Lovie Smith.
January 18th, 2025 at 12:42 pm
If Bowles wasn’t back I would be worried, but I think Lavonte will be back for 1 more year.
Pretty easy sell considering what the offense has accomplished and how much they will be adding to the D this year, high potential for a SB run.
If David does retire, Bucs will have to target Nick Bolton, Zack Baun, or Tyrel Dodson in FA and get one of the top vets on the market to go along with whatever draft picks.
January 18th, 2025 at 12:48 pm
Speaking of FAs, if we aren’t able to trade for a big name or find a gem in the first round of the draft, the FA pool of edge is pretty weak. Old guys and guys off injury for the most part.
I think 3 names to consider that we could afford would be Azeez Ojulari, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Baron Browning. All 3 are under 27 years old. Azeez from the dumpster fire in NY and Chaisson is maybe under sized if I recall but I remember his draft profile being solid and he was with the Jags and Raiders… couple more dysfunctional teams that maybe couldn’t get the most out of him.
Browning looked great. the little bit I saw of him in Denver, last year, this year didn’t do much in AZ.
January 18th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
KJ Britt is a FA? Oh no!
I think he managed to play worse than White. That’s saying something.
January 18th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Why do people keep changing names?
Dave’s working on his 3rd since I got here. 🤣
January 18th, 2025 at 1:07 pm
“the Bucs really have no inside linebackers.”
Sir Dennis looked good when he played in the first few games.
Acting like he has no chance to help this team in 2025 is rather dismissive Joseph.
I think Dennis has been ‘hurt’ ever since we drafted him – shoulders are very tricky things once they get messed up – and after trying to ‘play through it’ for all of 2023 and the first part of 2024 – he re-injured it yet again in the 3rd game or whenever – and was likely told sternly this time by Drs to shut it down for the year and get surgery. Come back 100% in 2025.
We’ll see how it works out – but the Bucs have had long range plans for “Voss” to replace LD54 at that weak side middle spot when needed ever since they drafted him.
Bucs do need to draft an ILB with a top 100 draft pick this year – but I’m pretty sure Sirvocea Dennis will either be starting at David’s spot in 2025 if LD54 retires – or vying for a starting spot and/or significant playing time at MLB if Lavonte stays for 1 more year.
January 18th, 2025 at 1:17 pm
@ Pick
I agree re Dennis. If you watch the Detroit game he made several plays in that game that helped us win.
We certainly missed him after his injury especially in pass defense.
January 18th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
I have no doubt in my mind that the Buccaneers get David back on another 1 year contract
January 18th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
We can’t trade for established high dollar players because even NEXT year 20% of our cap money will be tied up in deferred contracts, etc. I bet we re-sign JTS (assuming he will agree to a small amount)
January 18th, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Licht will draft at least one MLB in rounds 1-3. It would be amazing if the rookie got to study under LVD for a year.
January 18th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
We need 3 good ILBs post LVD so draft 2 with a 2nd and 5th and hopefully Dennis can stay healthy. Lavonte can teach them how to be a pro. I think Lavonte wants to be a preacher when he retires so not likely stays as a LB coach. Save FA dollars for Chris and proven Edge rusher. Draft CB in round 1 and 4 and Edge in 3rd round. Speedy WR/KR and DT with the last two picks.
January 18th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
stpetebucsfan Says:
January 18th, 2025 at 11:15 am
LVD is the ONLY ILB on the Bucs right now. Britt and the rest are simply not NFL quality much less stars.
It seems the draft is pretty clear…ILB’s and DB’s!!!
People who play basketball get what Todd was trying to do this past year. When you know your five are better athletically than the opposing team you play man to man defense. When the other five are simply better you play zone D. Maybe a simple 2-3 or a 1-3-1 maybe with some traps and gimmicks.
Todd has said on the record that his two “starting” DB’s Dean and McCullom give him freedom to play some man coverage, otherwise he’s trying to patch a gaping wound with a band aid zone D. OLB’s SHOULD be athletic enough to drop into coverage.
Interior linemen like VV perhaps not so much. But recall this season the Ravens dropped their 350lb NG into coverage and he got a pick six…yeah it was against the Browns but it’s still pretty amazing.
Bottom line – when you have the talent you can man up whether it’s BB or FB.
When you do not you have to get creative.
VERY WEL SAID! 💯 AGREE. MOST PEOPLE HERE WHO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE DEFENSE AND COACH BOWLES DON’T UNDERSTAND THIS PREMISE. GREAT OBSERVATION AND IT’S APPRECIATED! SPOKEN LIKE A TRUE FAN.
January 18th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Devote the entire draft to Defense. Also FA too.
January 18th, 2025 at 2:25 pm
The dream is LVD comes back for one more year and we sign Bobby Wagner for one year. They both miraculously stay healthy for the whole season and we literally have the smartest, most exceptional team leaders at both LB spots since Brookes and Nickerson!
January 18th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Licht and Bowles been scouting top notch LB for a while now. I wouldn’t say defense is shaky. Banged up bad. Think if weinfield hadn’t gone down for the year, as well as others. We got a promising young defense if we can stay somewhat healthy.
January 18th, 2025 at 2:40 pm
It is so sad that a great player could be on a defense that has been so bad, so often. Hard to imagine how bad this defense would have been without him. Talent wasted. How many young and upcoming players are having their talent wasted being stuck in this vortex of mediocrity. Will the Glazers ever wake up. We all respect the work that the “Big Guy” (JL) has done but he is a bit of a meathead at times. Right now, he is letting his heart get in the way of his common sense.
January 18th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
Sir-‘glass’-e-a to the rescue.
Seriously tho, even if David stays, Mondon Jr. should be available on 2nd day in the draft
January 18th, 2025 at 2:58 pm
Agreed @Durango 95,
Also think keeping Todd will prove to be a mistake, the possibilty of this team backsliding is far greater than improving next year. Curious to hear what excuses are made to justify the decision when it happens. Not doubt the loss of David (if he retires) will be served up instead of the responsibilty being placed where it truly belongs.
Could be said he’s also a security blanket for Todd as well. Hope David gives it another year, but with the piss poor coaching the D has received these last few years. losing his “coach on the field” is only going to magnify that issue.
January 18th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
They’re keeping Todd…so f it, lets roll with it…maybe its been the players all along and not him….anyways
Nick Emmanwori (our Derwin James type safety)
Shavon Revel (CB)
Kyle Kennard (OLB/DE)
Cam Skattobo (RB)
January 18th, 2025 at 3:12 pm
That’s hilarious I didn’t think about the kj Britt era is over. The Bucs have no choice but to go after a big name free agent if they are going all in for 2025. Under those circumstances nah still Dennis is a better long term option just draft somebody in case he’s the new Mr glass
January 18th, 2025 at 3:13 pm
and Mr David aint done yet…he knows
January 18th, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Well anybody that thought D White would have helped, he is inactive for the game against the Chiefs.
Bowles dealt with what he had.
Just wasn’t good enough.
We will find the right guy(s).
January 18th, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I think LVD may wait to see what they do in FA and draft first. He and Vea can’t cover the field for everyone. Sure people now want to talk about the replacements. Britt.. failed Whitehead… failed. Edwards…failed. Hayes and more. Just about all didn’t even belong on an NFL roster.
January 18th, 2025 at 3:40 pm
Beg LVD to come back, even though his play is skipping.
Cut Dean and let Britt walk
Sign vet FAs ILB & CB
Draft ILB & CB in the first two picks.
Sad thing is, Bowles scheme is too “complicated” for a decent rookie to see playing time.
January 18th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Let your pass rushers pass
Rush. Idk why that’s so hard for him to get. If we don’t have it we better get it. Lb. We need a Fred Warner type there period. We need guys that cover and hit. Todd doesn’t play to his players strengths.
Maybe If we simplified it , we wouldn’t bust 15 coverages every flipping game. Just a thought
January 18th, 2025 at 4:28 pm
I’ve read many posters support going to a base 4-3 alignment. I agree. Stop dropping your big guys to try and cover anyone. Rush the passer with pass rushers. Train them. Develop them.
Coaching . A novel concept.
January 18th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
LVD’s been my favorite Buc since his rookie year. Hope he’s able to play one more year.
January 18th, 2025 at 4:44 pm
@Ufc, yep. You would think with all of the failed attempts, it woudlve been figured out by now….i just smdh like most of us. Getting cutsie with this kind of chess playing loses games…its evident. Use the pieces in place for their intent! Its not rocket science….
January 18th, 2025 at 4:47 pm
“intended purposes”…trying something new on my phone and its disappointing me…my apologies guys.
January 18th, 2025 at 6:23 pm
Mad max — good point, well taken. Phones suck.
January 18th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
It’s such a shame that Baker wasted such an amazing season by David.
Hopefully David is back, because the Bucs have nothing else at LB (and no, I don’t count Dennis since he can’t play more than 2 or 3 games without getting hurt – and behind him there is literally nothing but trash players at ILB).
January 18th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
The Bucs don’t have the players to change to a 4-3.
They’re already short ILBs and have too many OLBs/ edge guys.
IOW, it would create too many holes
January 18th, 2025 at 6:58 pm
Devon White is a perfect example of why intangibles are so important. Of course scouts and GMs cannot read minds.
January 18th, 2025 at 7:08 pm
I wonder what the coaches thought of Deion Jones the past few weeks. He was very good at one point and isn’t that old.
January 18th, 2025 at 7:19 pm
My god can you imagine how bad this defense will be when Lavonte is gone?
There’s not a single other defender that shows up as consistently as David does. We’ve got some good pieces in Vea, Kancey and Winfield, but they all miss way too many games and don’t come anywhere close to the consistent productions that David has.
January 18th, 2025 at 7:28 pm
^yup…if anything, bring him back as a coach when he decides to hang the cleats…
January 18th, 2025 at 9:40 pm
Jayden so calm in the pocket as a rook…great pick up….thats how its done.
January 18th, 2025 at 9:53 pm
Fake Bucs fans and Baker hater Rod Munch posting lame takes again. Please go away or just go away.
January 18th, 2025 at 9:59 pm
How old is David now? It’s going to be shaky even if he stays.
January 19th, 2025 at 12:31 am
You could pull Dewey Selmon out of the Senior Center at Oklahoma and he’d play better than KJ Britt. They need to make LVD a nice offer to stick around and teach the others how to play defense, because no one on the coaching staff has proven they are capable.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:21 am
Of course not. The cupboard is bare at LB. I’ve asked for several drafts about our LB group. LD fixes a lot of those LB issues. The rest of the group, not so much.
January 19th, 2025 at 2:37 pm
Another “model franchise player” was Lee Roy Selmon. He never got a SB ring. Think about that one. LVD has been my man since his rookie year. He’s set. He’s got his family settled; he’s made plenty of $$; he has a SB ring, and he da##ed well better get voted into Canton. He is in very good physical condition in spite of playing D. He also figured out who and what the cheaters and illegal hits are. If he does retire, I salute him. Licht and Bowles will find his replacement.
January 20th, 2025 at 12:09 am
I believe David and Dennis will be a formidable duo. Our youth is amazing talent. A full yr of Chancy will enhance the d-line causing more disruption for YaYa
The addition of the draft, we’re gonna elevate our numbers. Go bucs!