Return to Form?

The Bucs signed Alterraun Verner in 2014, expecting him to play at pro bowl level like he has done in past years with his former team the Titans. In his first year with the Bucs, he had a decent year with over 70 tackles, 2 int, and 9 pass breakups. However in 2015, his play suddenly declined as he made only 6 starts, and was demoted to playing nickle back. Verner needs to find his 2013 form where was outstanding, putting up 23 pass breakups to go with 5 ints.

So Verner is still a good player, you just don't go from putting up all-pro numbers to being a average player playing half of the time. I think there were two issues that cause the decline in Verner's play. One was too many voices in the defensive backs room, the Bucs had three secondary coaches which is just insane and it obviously caused confusion because the secondary was terrible. Second issue was scheme fit, where Verner was asked to play off coverage which is not his strength and needs to be in more press coverage.

Good news is both of those issues look to be solved with the Bucs hiring Verner's former coach in Brett Maxie, who coached Verner when they were at Tennessee.  Also Mike Smith will provide a scheme that fits the players strengths which is good for a lot of the players on defense. Hopefully with coach Maxie on board, Verner can return to 2013 form and the Bucs can worry less about their defensive backfield.