The Game Within The Game: Bucs vs Saints

by Douglas O'Connor
follow me on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     How to beat the Saints: Stop Drew Brees, don't turn the ball over, run the ball effectively, and eat up the clock.

     Well yeah.

     Here are three not so obvious keys to the game to look for on Sunday that could insure another Buccaneers victory.

Pressure Up The Middle: Let us face facts, stopping New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is tougher than herding cats and almost as impossible. For example, Brees had 34 passing yards with just over 2 minutes left in the 1st half of last weeks game against the Lions and then came roaring back and finished with a total of 319 yards. One of countless passing feats Brees as pulled of in his career.
     One of his many strengths is moving up in the pocket and delivering a strike downfield. This is why the Bucs interior defensive lineman need to keep in their rushing lanes and push the pocket into Brees lap. Effectively taking away his ability to extend the play and find receivers deeper down the field. Ideally, hindering his ability to step into throws and giving him the general feeling standing in front of a pile of tumbling luggage all afternoon long,

Open Field Tackling: Drew Brees is very decisive with the football. He progresses through his reads is as fast as any quarterback in the league. Often he settles on the check down route just before the pocket collapses around him. A back or tight end that has leaked out from the pass protection scheme and settles into space. Waiting in the wings to make a reception and pickup some positive yardage.
     Closing the yardage gap and making immediate stops can turn a possible 7-12 yard gain into a 0-5 yard gain. These extra yards nearly always make the difference between a fresh set of downs or getting the Bucs offense back on to the field. This responsibility is going to fall squarely on the shoulders of linebackers Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander. The duo, as of late, seem to of shaken of the overall slow start and have begun to replicate their play from last season. The Buccaneers ability to limit the Saints short passing game could hinge on these two players tackling ability on Sunday.

Injuries: Normally I would not use this as a factor, with the release of  Fridays injury report you know who is in and who is out. Football is the ultimate next man up sport so there is no crying about how the game would of been different if so and so would of played. I'm looking at you Seattle fan. But the the injury report out of New Orleans is so interesting, and could play a big role in the Bucs game plan on both sides of the ball.
     Early in the week it was big news that on Thursday, leading rusher Mark Ingram and leading pass catcher Michael Thomas were both held out of practice. The pair were limited on Friday but their health arrow is trending up and I expect them to start Sunday.
     However starting center and 2 time Pro Bowler Max Unger didn't practice all week and is listed as questionable, same for leading tackler, linebacker Craig Robertson. The Saints don't have an official backup center listed on their depth cart but whomever it may be if, Unger can't go, will have almost zero experience and will be lined up in front of All Pro Gerald McCoy for most of the day. Robertson who has exactly 100 tackles on the season would be replaced by newly acquired Sam Barrington who only has 56 tackles in his 3 year career, 53 of which were recorded 2 years ago while playing for the Green Bay Packers. If either of these two players can't go on Sunday it will be a huge downgrade in talent and a beacon of weakness that the Buccaneers can exploit on both sides of the ball.

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as always thanks for reading and GO BUCS!
   
   

2 Out Of 3 Last Week, What To Look For Against The Chargers

by Douglas O'Connor
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love answering Bucs question

     Chances are that writing about Mike Evans, Jameis Winston and the turnover battle will just be a regurgitation of obvious keys to victory that you have read this week and all season long. Here are some lesser known things to watch versus the Chargers that can deliver a Buccaneers victory.

Open Field Tackling: San Diego Head Coach Mike McCoy's offense relies heavily on draws, screens, and rubs (legal picks). Getting his athletes the ball in space and letting them make a play. Outside corner backs Brent Grimes and Vernon Hargreaves are going to have to get off blocks and make solo tackles against bigger Charger receivers. When you hear "another great open field tackle by a Buccaneer", coming from announcer Sam Rosen, you know they've been doing their job.

Rush Lanes: I spotlighted this one last week as well but for a totally different reason. Rush lanes were important against the Seahawks for keeping Russell Wilson in the pocket. This weeks importance has to do with stopping the draw. Buccaneers DT need to stay in their lanes, pushing the pocket back and clogging the middle giving Gordon nowhere to go. MIL LB Kwon Alexander will also have to challenge the releasing center instead of using his speed to slip the block awarding Gordon an easy cut to get into the secondary. Here against the Rams is a 3rd and 19 that went for a 1st down. Bad lanes and slippage from Kwon left the runner uncontested until he reached the 3rd level.

Disciplined rush lanes will be a factor in keeping Gordon from doing this against the Bucs on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/1akfZvOANx

— Douglas Sean OConnor (@Ren_Daxt) December 3, 2016

Max Protection: Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter believes in protecting the passer more than spreading out the defense. Last week the Bucs threw the ball out of a 6 OL set and have used backs and receivers to chip opposing DE to ensure his quarterback remains upright. The Chargers have 20 sacks on the year with half coming from two players, Melvin Ingram and rookie Joey Bosa. Look for the Bucs to continue this trend and allow Jameis Winston to progress through his reads and pick apart a poor and beat up San Diego secondary.

     Seven out of eight experts have picked the Chargers in this game, for the record these same experts all picked the Chiefs and the Seahawks too. The more I look at this game I see a double digit win for the Bucs. San Diego is 6th against the run but their leading tackler is out this week leaving 3rd stringer Korey Toomer at ILB. I think the soaring confidence and new found nastiness of the Bucs OL puts up a nice performance in the run game. The ability to run the ball and the extra protection for Winston equates to the Bucs easily moving the ball up and down the field. The Chargers offensive scoring numbers are inflated by all the short fields their defense have been giving them. Couple this with San Diego's leading receiver will be wearing a brace on his shoulder for a torn labrum and the new look Buccaneers defense stinginess. I envision lots of smiles on the team flight back to Tampa.

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Lavonte David Is Still Very Good!

While listening to the vibe of bucs fans I've come across a disturbing point about how Lavonte David isn't that good and not worth the 10 million he currently is being paid. I'm here to totally disagree. While watching tape on David he is still always involved in the ball and around the ball. He had one bad game against the Cardinals where he didn't register a tackle and all of a sudden people think he isn't that good. Other than that game he's had at least 5 tackles in every game totaling 34 tackles, 1 sack and 2 forced fumbles. The guy is a man as you can see below.

Watch as David takes on a lineman and still almost makes the play. He is still one of our best players. Sma... https://t.co/s9mdDEImuV

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) October 24, 2016

David is still alive people! https://t.co/EG3mJ3EYRw

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) October 24, 2016

The first vine shows it all, David is 6'1 233, the pulling Guard is rookie Josh Garnett who is 6'4 312 lbs. David is an animal and doesn't hesitate for a second and lays him out, then attacks the runningback. He doesn't make the play but he sets up the rest of his teammates and the play ends up going for a loss. David plays the game from the neck up and I believe he is still that dominant linebacker but now he finally has help in Kwon Alexander. There should be no criticism to David and more of a realization of how good Kwon is actually becoming.

Interesting Buc Stats For Consumption During The Bye Week

 
by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

    No Buccaneers football this weekend, no problem. We here a Real Bucs Talk gotcha covered. Most of you that read our blog more than likely follow @TBBuccaneers on Twitter. I'd like to introduce you to another organizational Twitter feed that all Bucs fans should be following, @BuccaneersPR. They are continuously putting out great content, just like us. Tweets about Buccaneer stats and records that our kind of Buc fan gobble up like a handful of jellybeans.

    Recently they tweeted out a 57 page PDF file that had some interesting tidbits. I've sifted through the abundance of material and picked out some of the more interesting facts and placed them here for your enjoyment.

Jameis Winston started the season outside of the top 10 for passing yards in Buccaneers franchise history. After 5 games he has moved into 8th spot. Knocking out local legend Shaun King and pushing down Brian Griese and Jeff Garcia one spot. Winston should pass Craig Erickson by mid season and be right on the heels of  6th place holder Steve DeBerg after 16 games.

Brent Grimes interception Monday night bumped him up to 4th in most picks since 2013, Only 2 behind stat leader Richard Sherman. It's not to far out of the question to see Grimes leading this category by years end.

Tampa Bays Defense is impressive in a few categories. They rank 3rd in 3rd down conversion rate at 31.1% only .7% behind the leading Seahawks. Not surprising the Bucs defense also has 3rd best single game 3rd down rate. It was on Monday night against the Panthers 12.5% where they only went 1 for 8. The Bucs defense is also ranked in the top 10 in yards per rush, coming in at 9 giving up only 3.65 per carry.

Kwon Alexander is 3rd in the NFL for solo tackles with 37. Less than a handful behind 2 of the best linebackers in the league. Carolina's Luke Kuechly and Buffalo's Zach Brown. Kwon has also only one of 6 NFL linebackers that have recorded 100+ tackles, 5+ sacks and 3 interceptions in his first 16 games.

Bryan Anger is among league leaders in net yards and punts downed inside the 20, but he's the punter so who really cares. #KiddingNotKidding

Mike Evans has taken a lot of flack from Buccaneers fans during his short career and rightfully so. Leading the NFL in dropped passes, consistently drawing undisciplined penalties and complaining to the refs every time a defensive back breathed on him. Won't exactly endear you to your fan base. Given all of Evan's short comings he has always put up impressive numbers, some of the best since he entered the league. Mike is 9th in receiving yards with a total of 2,706 to start his career and ranks 8th in total receiving touchdowns with 19 during that same amount of time. This year he ranks 7th in receptions, 5th in receiving TD's and 7th in yards. Evans has turned a 180 in relation to his drops, penalties, and attitude. If he keeps this up he'll be a shoe in for his 1st Pro Bowl.

     Please feel free to comment below. Check out other articles in the archives to the right and give the blog a follow if you'd like.

    As always, thank you for reading and Go Bucs!    

Leaders Have to Step Up

These last three weeks have been tough for the Bucs as they are in a three game losing streak and have a 1-3 record. Many reasons have led to this stretch of bad play as turnovers, inconsistency, breakdowns on both sides, and much more. Ineffective running game and a lack of pass rush have been two of the main issues along with the turnovers which have put this team in the position they are in right now. Kwon Alexander spoke to the media after the game talking about how leaders of this team need to do more via buccaneers.com.

“I’m feeling hurt. We’ve got to do better, we’ve got to pick it up. I know you all get tired of hearing the same thing over and over, but we’ve got to do better. We’ve just got to go in – you’ve got to do extra, we’re not doing enough, we’ve got to do extra. The leaders have to step up.”

He was then asked how he and the leaders of this team can do more via buccaneers.com

“We’ve got find something, we’ve got find a spark. [Whether it’s] the preparation, staying after instead of going home, staying there with the teammates, bonding, or being with each other, something. We need to find that one little piece and when we find that, we can be where we want to be.” 

Alexander is right on in how it's up to the leaders of this team need to be showing the way and always be willing to do more than what is asked. Kwon hates to lose and I have a feeling they are going to find that extra spark because of him and his attitude. Gerald McCoy, Jameis Winston, Vincent Jackson, Joe Hawley, Lavonte David, and Kwon Alexander all need to find that extra inside of them and be the best players for this team or the losing will continue.

"Everybody's Gotta Do Their Job"

Kwon Alexander the teams Quarterback of the Defense spoke to the media regarding the defense and how to stop the explosive plays that have been happening.

Everybody's just gotta do their job, stand on the top of it, read their keys and study a little more and we're gonna be alright.

Kwon really does seem to be the Winston of the defense. He is strong on learning the game and doing extra study sessions so he knows where to be and when to be there. To me it seems like he is really speaking out to the safeties as its no secret the big plays have been happening as a result of their poor play. Later in the interview someone asked Kwon if he was "surprised" about the big plays, his response was straight and to the point.

We just gotta be at the right place at the right time. Everybody gotta be at the right spot and do their job and we will be alright.

He is definitely right and that goes for everyone. Safeties make sure we don't get beat deep as you are the last line of defense, Dline get some pressure on the QB so that we can get some turnovers and make it easier on the secondary, Linebackers wrap up and secure the tackle. Everyone has mistakes they have made and need to fix up. Glad Kwon is saying all the right things and hopefully that is spread to all his teammates to be accountable and fix these problems.

Make Keenum Beat You

This week should be a great game for the Bucs defense to get back on track and build some confidence in this new defensive scheme. The Rams offense is not good as they have scored 9 points total through their first two games, and struggle to move the ball consistently. The Bucs defense has struggled so far as they have allowed 28 points per game and have given up 12 explosive plays for over 400 yards. The defense has to be better and defensive coordinator Mike Smith says it's on them to get it fix starting this week against the Rams per pewterreport.com

#Bucs DC Mike Smith at the podium. Said they're "giving up way too many explosive plays and its on us, not them"

— PewterReport.com (@PewterReport) September 22, 2016

The gameplan should be real simple this week against the Rams offense and that is make Qb Case Keenum beat you. The best player on their offense is running back Todd Gurley who is a special back and can make big plays if he gets room to operate. Bucs need to load the box and be discipline with their gap control and force the Rams to throw the ball. Last week, the Bucs linebackers didn't have a good week as Lavonte David didn't record a tackle and Kwon Alexander missed too many tackles. I expect both to rebound in a big way and do their job in shutting down Gurley. Mike Smith should dial up the run blitzes and have his corners play up and look for the quick passes. Bucs defense needs to come out early and set the tone by letting the Rams know it's going to be a long day. It's time for the Bucs defense step up and play fast and physical, this Sunday is a good game to get it on track.

Kwon Alexander Was Dominant In Week One

The Bucs defense looked much improved in their week 1 win against the Falcons in which they held them to only 52 yards rushing and an 25% redzone conversion rate. The Bucs were aggressive throughout the game in which they mixed in multiple coverages and blitzes and for the most past did a great job of keeping everything in front of them. However, one player on the Bucs defense stood out above the rest and that is middle linebacker Kwon Alexander. Just take a look at his numbers against the Falcons per Daniel Jeremiah.

TB LB Kwon Alexander
17 tkls, 1 sack, 2 tfl's, 2 QB hits.

The Bucs have a very fast, athletic LB group.

— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) September 12, 2016

This defense allows it's linebackers to go make plays and be aggressive in their pursuit towards the football. Kwon and Lavonte David made play after play at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield. Alexander was flying all over the field making tackles left and right, but what was impressive was how he was playing under control and not getting out of position with his speed. Alexander said last night on his radio show that new linebacker Daryl Smith has taught him how to play with more control and know when to use his speed. This is great to hear and also how he is becoming a student of the game by knowing his opponent better with film study. Kwon is on his way to being something special and I believe these kind of performances will be the norm for him, especially in this defense which lets him play to his strengths. This defense is going to be fun to watch with Kwon Alexander leading the way.

#Bucs have something special in @Showtime17Kwon ...comes out of nowhere on this play! pic.twitter.com/G0bFQ4WZNM

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) September 13, 2016

Don't Let Freeman Beat You

The Bucs defense will have a goal that every defense has every week and that is making the opposing offense one dimensional. This is key against a team like Atlanta who has a dangerous offense and is scary good if the running game is working. The Bucs defense must shut down Falcons Rb Devonta Freeman which is no easy task. The Falcons love to run the stretch run and get the opposing d-line moving east and west which opens up the cutback lanes.

Key for the Bucs front seven will be gap control and quick penetration to force Freeman to change direction back into the Bucs defenders. Freeman is dangerous in the open field so tackling will be key to make sure he doesn't break long runs. I would expect the Bucs to throw some run blitzes on first and second down to mix up their front seven looks against the Falcons. If the Bucs can make the Falcons one dimensional and get them in more third and longs, it could be a good day for the defense on Sunday.

Freeman is very talented so this won't be easy as the Bucs D will have to be discipline in their run fits and make sure they tackle well. I think with the Bucs linebacking core in David, Alexander, and Smith they should be able to make plays in the backfield and hopefully keeping Freeman from making a big impact come Sunday.

Jameis helping make connections

Jameis has no doubt been a leader for this buccaneer team offense and defense a like. When speaking to the media earlier this week he spoke about how he learned something from a fellow pro bowler that helped Kwon Alexander's study habits.

One person I met was Sean Lee at the Pro Bowl. I was like hey Sean, how can I get Kwon to get like you, from the study stand points because Kwon always asks me how do you (Jameis) study. I was like man I'm not a middle linebacker, you know you gotta ask Luke Kuechly or one of the main guys. So he reached out to Sean Lee and got some information from him and ever since then he's been willing to just want to be the quarterback for that defense and he's been doing a great job.

Jameis is all in when it comes to his team and learning the game of football. He just always shows his commitment to not only progressing himself but every aspect of the team. He just seems to always be doing the right things and saying the right things now a days. Reaching out to players on other teams to help out his own teammate shows his passion to get better and help everyone around him get better. His maturity level has never been in question since joining the bucs and he has done nothing but push this team in the right direction.

Quarterback of the Defense

2nd year linebacker Kwon Alexander has shown his desire to get better all offseason and more than showed his ability on the field last year. He took some time after practice today to give light on what he has been doing during training camp to give fans a view into his everyday.

What do you do to prepare?

 I get there (One Buc) every morning, probably around 6:30. I wake up about at 5:20 and I ear breakfast then I go up there and I study by myself for about 30 minutes. Then I go up there with him (Lavonte David) and I go up on the board and thats been great. Its making me a better player now. I should of been doing that. I see some good things coming out. So I can't wait for the season to show y'all.

Kwon defeinitly shows the passion and dedication to be a great player and wants to be great. He has played it smart by staying local and learning with pro bowler Lavonte David who already has proven himself to be one of the elite linebackers in the NFL. Not only is Kwon studying his position he is studying to know the defense as a whole.

Your kind of like the Quarterback?

 I am the Quarterback of the defense, so that what I'm gonna do. I go over straight defense stuff, know what everbody is doing not just what I'm doing.

The offense has Winston at the helm and now the defense looks to have their QB in Kwon Alexander. McCoy isn't the lone wolf any more as teammates are now finally stepping up and being accountable. Looks as if they are understanding to win you have to be able to put in the time and effort to become great. All signs are pointing to progress for this young buccaneer team and progress is perfect.

Blitzing is Returning to Tampa Bay

No more sitting back and allowing the quarterback to have all day in the pocket, those days are over for the Bucs as they get ready to enter training camp. Bucs defensive cordinator Mike Smith is looking to bring an more aggressive style which will include more exotic looks and sub packages. Most importantly, Smith will not hesitate to dial up blitzes to create more havoc in the backfield which hopefully will lead to more turnovers. Mike Smith knows he can't give these Qb's time because they will cut his defense apart if he does, so that means he has to bring pressure.

The Bucs finally have quality depth at each level of the defense starting up front with the defensive line which will finally feature a good 8 man rotation. Now granted the Bucs might not have to blitz as much as the Schiano regime did due to the guys up front, but the schemes and packages will be there for Smith and his staff to utilize as they see fit. With Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, and Daryl Smith as your LBs, it's hard not to blitz due to the fact they do it so well. So look for the linebackers to be more aggressive allowing them to play fast and make it hell for the opposing Qb. Then with the secondary which has more speed and versatility, I would expect to see more corner blitzes along with some safety blitzes mix in as well.

Mike Smith and his staff won't put up with allowing these opposing Qb's to be able to just sit back and have all day to find a open receiver. If the front four is not getting there, he won't hesitate to utilize this linebacking core and versatile secondary to help get after the Qb. In the NFL to win games you have to put pressure on the opposing Qb because if you can't do that its going to be hard to get off the field on defense. Blitzing is coming back this year for the Bucs, as this defense is going to be very flexible during the 2016 season.

It's Like Having a Coach on the Field

Bucs Lb coach Mark Duffner had a chance to talk with the media and talk mostly about the impact that Daryl Smith will bring to this team. Duffner was Smith's coach for seven years in Jacksonville so both know each other very well. Duffner said Smith is a true professional and will only help guys like Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander get better. Smith has been highly productive especially the past three seasons in Baltimore averaging at least 120 tackles per season. Smith is very familiar with this defense and Duffner thinks having Smith on the team is like having an extra coach out there on the field.

The linebackers group is in good hands with David, Alexander, and Smith who all can run and hit as well as cover if needed making the group pretty formidable. Daryl Smith might end up being the best free agent signing from this off-season just due to the fact he knows this defense and that he will be a leader on and off the field. I see this being very good for Kwon Alexander as he can learn from Smith and really learn how to anticipate what the opposing offense is going to do next. Meaning Alexander will be able to play even faster which will only help this defense become more formidable. Hopefully Smith can have a big impact this season, and make the defense click on the field.

Bucs Linebackers Should Thrive in New Defense

Under new defensive coordinator Mike Smith, the Bucs defense will play a more aggressive style displaying multiple looks along with more blitzing overall. This should benefit the Bucs star linebackers in Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander whom both fit well in a aggressive scheme. For instance, when Lavonte David was in a attacking style defense under Greg Schiano, he put up outstanding numbers. In 2013, he put up over 140 tackles, 7 sacks, and 5 interceptions, he was just unstoppable that season. New Buccaneer linebacker Daryl Smith thinks highly of Lavonte and Kwon via pewterreport.com.

#Bucs LB Daryl Smith said @LavonteDavid54 and @Showtime17Kwon are young and knowledgeable about the game. They'll thrive in this defense.

— PewterReport.com (@PewterReport) April 14, 2016

David is very high on Mike Smith and is happy they are going to be given the freedom to go out and make plays via Joebucsfan.com.

“We have guys in our [linebackers] room that our playmakers and [Smith is] going to let us play football,” David said. “Let us fly around and make plays. [Smith’s defense] is very complex. Not a lot of things you have to think about. Just go out there and line up and play.

“Sometimes [David will be] attacking and sometimes being in coverage. Right now I am very comfortable with where my role is. Every time we go over something, it puts a smile on my face. It’s really what I like to do. It will be a fun year.”

With the Bucs having impact players like Lavonte and Kwon, they need to be able to play to their strengths which is being on the attack at all times. Mike Smith is going to let them loose on the league this year, and should be fun to watch them blow up offenses every Sunday.

I'm Trying to Make This Defense Elite Again

Bucs middle linebacker Kwon Alexander is quickly becoming one of the leaders of this team, and also a fan favorite. Anyone who follows Alexander on twitter, knows he has been putting in the work to raise his game to another level. Alexander was outstanding as a rookie in 2015, and with the thought of him getting better is pretty scary for the rest of the NFL. Bucs Gm Jason Licht talks about wanting guys that love football, and that is Kwon Alexander, he loves the game and truly cares.

Can we start the season already !

— Alexander the Great (@Showtime17Kwon) April 10, 2016

Alexander recently spoke with the media and talked about working hard to make this defense elite again. Alexander feels with the new aggressive scheme and the new additions to the defense, he feels this defense can be number one in the league again.

Kwon Alexander says he's always worked hard but this year he's trying to kick it into another gear. Wants Bucs to have NFL's no. 1 defense.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) April 14, 2016

Not sure if the Bucs defense will make that leap this year, but with Alexander leading the way this defense is in good hands. Can't wait to see how Mike Smith utilizes Alexander in coverage and in his blitz packages which should be a great fit for Alexander's aggressive nature. Bucs finally got their QB on offense last year, and it looks like they got it on defense as well with Alexander. Listen below to the full press conference.

Bucs Have Something Special in Kwon Alexander

The Bucs hit the grand slam in last year's draft when they selected Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, and Kwon Alexander. All four players have the chance to be great as this draft class could be one of the best in franchise history. I believe two of them have a chance to be elite, special type guys with that being Jameis Winston and Kwon Alexander. Alexander was really strong last year as he was making plays all over the field on defense putting up 93 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 ints. Alexander plays with tons of passion and he would do anything for his team to help them win. Heading into year 2, Alexander is working hard to improve in all facets of his game and has been doing tons of film study which includes watching one of the great Buccaneers of all-time.

Currently watching @DBrooks55 highlights ! 👀

— Alexander the Great (@Showtime17Kwon) April 10, 2016

Alexander would go on to say that he and Brooks need to get together to talk football, and all Alexander talks about is football. That is the kind of dedication that makes good players into great ones, and Kwon Alexander is on his way. Bucs need all the impact players they can get on defense, and sure looks like Kwon is on his way to being one of the next greats on this defense. For 2016, look for Kwon to improve his overall awareness and play recognition which will allow him to play even faster, and in Mike Smith's defense he should be allowed to be more aggressive. At only 21 years old, Alexander is quickly becoming a leader on this team and if he continues to work like he has been, he could easily have a pro bowl season this year.

Bucs' Kwon Alexander (@Showtime17Kwon) crushes Browns QB Josh McCown pic.twitter.com/5wQx0Pf4Rx

— NFL Video Highlights (@NFL__Highlights) August 30, 2015

Panthers Team Model

The Bucs are no doubt on the rise and have high ambitions moving forward but every team has someone they model themselves after and head coach Dirk Koetter wants to look like the Panthers. Courtesy of Rick Stroud of Tampbaytimes.com

"Time will tell how much we narrowed it,'' Koetter said. "Shoot, I think Carolina is a great team for us to model. I’ve said that multiple times. If you look, they drafted their quarterback, they drafted their middle linebacker. We’ve done the same thing. They’ve kept their coaching staff. I hope we keep our coaching staff. They’ve developed in the system, they’ve drafted well, they’ve hit on their free agents. They’ve kept their guys.''

Koetter is saying all the right things and has a nice young foundation with Winston leading the offense and Kwon the defense. He is right with the continuity of keep the staff together so that the team can grow as a unit. That was the biggest reason I wanted Koetter above any other coaching candidate, not only for Winston but for the team as a whole. The team has gone through so many changes in the last 5 years and are begging for consistency.

The biggest difference between the Bucs and the Panthers is a dominant defense. If the Panthers are the model, then the Bucs have a lot of work still in order to fix this defense. There is talent on that side of the ball with McCoy, David and Kwon but after that there hasn't been much contribution. Hopefully with the additions of Grimes, Ayers, Smith and help from the draft this defense can begin to shape up. They have the right man in charge with Mike Smith who will bring an aggressive style of play that Tampa hasn't seen in years.

Licht is doing his part in bringing in the talent its up to the coaches to get them to their full potential. Tampa is begging for something to root for again, as the endless losing seasons has run the fan base away. The ship is sailing in the right direction and Tampa will soon have the team they have been waiting to root for again.

What Will Daryl Smith Bring?

What kind of player did the Bucs get when they signed LB Daryl Smith. Lets throw some numbers around. Daryl Smith has over 1000 tackles in his career to go along with 30.5 sacks 11 interceptions and 69 pass deflections. What all those numbers mean is that the guy is always around the football. Yes, Smith just turned 34 but that doesn't mean he level of play has dropped off yet. His last 3 years with the Ravens he had over 100 tackles with a sack and a pick.

Why would Smith come to Tampa then? Most likely its due to the familiarity with coach Mike Smith whom he played under at Jacksonville for 2004-2007. Smith is a proven player in the NFL and the Bucs need players like that. He will bring a strong work ethic to an already strong group of LB's with Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander.

Smith stands 6'2 250 and plays the game the right way. One word to describe him is consistent. He will consistently be around the ball and bring a veteran leadership to a weak willed defense that is used to folding in and losing. Jason Licht has improved this Defense with upgrades at 3 different levels (DL,LB,CB) and will only continue that trend in the draft.

Here a glimpse at what Daryl Smith can bring to Tampa.

Farewell to Logan Mankins

Today behind the breaking news of Peyton Manning's retirement, the Bucs had a respected man hang up his cleats as well. Logan Mankins has officially decided to retire after 11 elite seasons in which he was a Pro Bowler in 7 of them. Mankins will better be known for his days with the Patriots but his time here in Tampa won't go unnoticed.

He was crucial in bringing a winning culture to the Bucs and showing a winners mentality is supposed to be. Mankins was the first man to step up in the locker room to give a speech to Kwon Alexander in front of the whole team to show his respects. Mankins has also had his part in grooming the young Bucs lineman (Smith, Marpet, Pamphile) whom will continue to grow off of his teachings.

Mankins was a true professional and a hell of a teammate. His 2 years in Tampa were more than enough to show the type of player he was. You truly represented the Bucs well and it was a joy to watch you on Sundays.

Would the Bucs Go Linebacker with First Pick

Jason Licht has made it known that he strongly believes about building through the draft and always staying true to his board. So what happens if on draft day one of the top linebackers falls down to his spot?

Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith may be two of the top 5 players in this draft and both are coming off of knee injuries that may have them drop in the draft. Would Jason Licht take a position that the Bucs don't need? Lavonte David and Rookie sensation Kwon Alexander have two of the three linebacker spots on lock down and the other is up for grabs. But in todays NFL, teams go into so many 3 wide receiver sets, the third linebacker is rarely on the field. So the answer should be an easy no, right?

Well if you think about the defense Mike Smith said he would run, you could argue that anything could happen. Smith has gone on record stating he would keep things much more flexible, per Rick Stroud of tampabaytimes.com

"You can't line up in the same look and the same front every time. So we're going to have a lot of flexibility and identify what players are capable of doing and try to give different looks to the quarterback. Because if the quarterback has time in this league, he's going to be a guy who's going to be able to cut you up so we've got to do a very good job of putting together a package that is flexible, multiple, yet simple for our players and complex to the quarterback and the opposing coaching staff."

  "We're going to base out of a four-man front. But again, if you play in a four-man front, you over-shift and you're in a 3-4," Smith said. "If you start in a 3-4 and you over-shift, you're in a 4-3."

So he's leaving a lot of options open with his statement of "flexibility". Looking at the caliber of the two linebackers you could say there is room for discussion. Both of them are natural athletes and can run like a running back. Myles Jack actually played running back for UCLA on occasion. Taking a linebacker of their quality could open up opportunities as both can cover and provide strong rushes. I wouldn't be surprised if Licht took one if they slid to our pick. More analysis of Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith to come to show how they can be a fit.