DT Sealver Siliga Was Brought In To Stop Ezekiel Elliot

by Douglas O'Connor
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    Sealver Siliga joined the Buccaneers in November of this year after spending the first part of his career employed by the elite teams of the NFL. Stops with the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and finally Seattle Seahawks before the Bucs plucked him from the waiver wire. His acquisition came as a bit of surprise, since the Buccaneers had just gotten healthy on the defensive line and it wasn't looking like a position they needed more depth in.

      In Real Bucs Talk tradition we took a deeper look and found not only is a player like Siliga sorely needed but his role should dramatically increase the last few games of the season and hopefully into the playoffs.

     Sealver Siliga, who wears number 70 for the Bucs, is a mountain of a man tipping the scales at a whopping 345 lbs. Described as like having 3 guys in there by All Pro DT Gerald McCoy and someone who needs 4 hands to keep under control by Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Monken. If both of these statements are true expect Siliga to face a lot of double teams this Sunday, which is good news for the Buccaneers. Freeing up other defensive linemen especially McCoy to get extra one on one match ups to get pressure on Dak Prescott and bottle up rookie running back sensation Ezekiel Elliott.

     Look for big number 70 to be in on mostly 1st downs to take up blockers and clog up inside running lanes. The Dallas Cowboys run the ball on 1st down more than any other team in the NFL. Siliga's should be found on the field on all 3rd and short situations and goal line as well.

     With the importance of being able to stop the run as the weather turns late into the season as well as the playoffs. A player of Siliga's size and skill set will be needed. Credit GM Jason Licht, again, for having an eye on the future and bringing in Sealver 5 weeks ago so he would be up to speed schematically when his number was called. If Siliga has an impactful game you can add him to a long list of fringe players that have played a big role in the Buccaneers win streak.

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