Bucs Start 2017 With a Win

The Bucs couldn't afford to go into the offseason with a three game losing streak after losing four straight to end the 2015 season. Well it didn't happen as the Bucs found a way to beat the Panthers by a score of 17 to 16. The Bucs finish the 2016 season with a record of 9-7 giving them their first winning record since 2010. Unfortunately the Bucs just fell short of making the postseason as they finished seventh in the NFC.

This game was not looking good for most of the game as the offense couldn't get anything going as they had two turnovers, two missed field goals, and too many three and outs. The good news is that after the first offensive drive for the Panthers, their offense was just as bad as they had three turnovers and missed three field goals. The Bucs defense was pretty good as they did a good job of containing the run game, and getting consistent pressure on Cam Newton. Standout players for the defense was CB Brent Grimes, S Keith Tandy, and LB Lavonte David.

All three made big plays for this defense at critical times during the game. Grimes came up with the play of the game with a pick 6 to put the Bucs in the lead and also had 4 pass breakups. Tandy was everywhere as he had 12 tackles and two interceptions and has really emerge as one of our better players. As for David, he got two big sacks and was stout against the run all game.

The offense didn't have much success, but Jameis and company made it happen when it counted as the Bucs got a big touchdown from Mike Evans. Koetter was smart to get the offense in the no huddle and let Jameis go play. Jameis was 5-6 for 71yds and 1Td on the drive and here is the game winner by him and Evans below.

The Winston Magic. Eyes downfield as he climbs up the pocket and delivers a strike to Evans for the game wi... https://t.co/xqhXukmUtI

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) January 2, 2017

Overall, it was a big win for the team as they go into a huge off-season in which now they will be regarded as a contender for 2017. Expectations are growing and this team is on the rise.

Preparation Has Been The Difference

Usually preparation is key if you want to have success in anything that you do especially for NFL teams. For the Bucs, their success has been because of better preparation in practice and in the film room. Both players and coaches have said it during this streak that everyone has brought in and are putting in the work necessary to get better every day. This is what the great teams do as it all about preparation and what the team does during Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday's practice to ensure they are ready to put it on the field Sunday.

Better preparation can lead to better opportunities and these last 5 weeks the Bucs have taken advantage by forcing turnovers and on offense taking better care of the ball. Players are in position to make plays and it's awesome to see. This comes from working hard in the film room and knowing opposing teams tendencies and anticipating what they will do next. For instance, here is Lavonte David talking about the Keith Tandy interception against the Saints via Buccaneers.com.

“It was a great play by Tandy, man. Great communication on the back end and those guys, they practice it all week. We do a great job throughout the week of talking, so those guys in the back end, they did their talking and they knew what play was coming. Tandy was able to jump in front of the ball and make a great play.”

I can't remember a recent Bucs team knowing what play or plays to look for which tells you this team is trusting their coaches and also putting in the work every day. This is what separates the great teams from the good teams as the great teams usually out prepare the other team allowing them to make one more play than their opponent. Here is more from Keith Tandy talking about the interception via Buccaneers.com.

“It’s a formation we’ve seen on film, and Bradley (McDougald) was just talking to me, ‘I’m coming to you so sit on it.’ We’ve been trying to get our scout team to run the route all week and they couldn’t run it right. You always know in crunch time situations that teams go to one of their favorite plays, and that was one of their favorite plays.”

 That is what is allowing this team to be successful as great preparation can create opportunities to have success. With 5 wins in a row, they are taking advantage of it, and lets hope they can do the same in Dallas on Sunday night football.

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.

you can follow us on Twitter @realbucstalk
as always thanks for reading and GO BUCS!
   
   

Bucs Make it 4 in a Row

It's another victory Monday as our Tampa Bay Buccaneers went into San Diego and got another big win defeating the Chargers 28-21. The Bucs have now won 4 in a row and are looking like a dangerous team as they have beaten three great teams in the Chiefs, Seahawks, and Chargers. The culture is changing as this team is expecting to win now instead of hoping to win which is a big difference. Qb Jameis Winston is putting this team on his back and willing them to victories and was outstanding again yesterday.

Jameis ends up 20-30 66% 1TD 1int and 280 yards. Qb rating of 93.8 and yes yep his TD streak alive.

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 5, 2016

Given the fact he is doing this guys like Russell Shepard and Freddie Martino since both Adam Humphries and Cecil Shorts went out with injuries is very impressive. Go to guy Mike Evans was shut down as he only had 38 yards but Jameis just keeps making plays. He found Cameron Brate for the game winning TD as Brate continues to find ways to get open.

Winston hit 9 different receivers et again and guess who the leading receiver was..?? Cam Brate 6 for 86 yards and game winning TD.

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) December 5, 2016

This team is playing with confidence and when you put talent and confidence together it can produce something special. The Bucs have that right now as this team is finding ways to win instead of finding ways to lose like they were earlier in the season. The defense is making big plays during critical moments of the game and are playing physical. Robert Ayers, Gerald McCoy, and Lavonte David are making big time plays and our being leaders for this unit. Those guys said enough is enough and challenged that locker room and so far it has worked. Next up is the Saints at Ray Jay, it's going to be a playoff atmosphere. Bucs are 7-5 and tied for first place in the NFC South and right now have the last wild card spot. I will end it with this awesome video below, enjoy.

Post-game locker room 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥!

Get hype, #Bucs fans!#SiegetheDay Bring on the Saints! pic.twitter.com/nc0isUnAJK

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) December 5, 2016

Continuity Is A Must!

So many fans have their own opinions and some are so erratic that it makes you wonder what they are thinking. The most recent talk amongst bucs fans seems that since the bucs have lost another game at home then some drastic change needs to be made with one of the long time buccaneers because they aren't getting it done. The two buccaneer names that are being thrown around are Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David. Fans want to trade away possibly our two best players for a group of lesser players, thinking that it will make our team better.

Lets think about this... Why the hell would we do that? Both McCoy and David have signed long term deals to stay here not only because of the money but because they want to be a part of the turnaround of the buccaneers. You don't get rid of the guys who have been here the longest and have seen the bad and are set on being great again. Both players are still playing at high levels and I would even say at pro bowl levels.

This makes me think about the rays and how if only they would have kept there championship run team together what they could have been? Now the bucs are keeping their players here and not letting them get away and fans find a way to say its bad again. Fans need to calm down and see those two as answers to the problem not the problem itself. The defense is learning a total new defense and there is going to be communication breakdowns. Yes, I agree that we still need an influx of defensive talent but there are plenty of pieces already in place and the future looks bright if we keep everyone together. Let the team learn this defense and become a unit.

This team is still very young and its leaders on both sides of the ball are only 22 (Winston, Alexander). The more they can play together and build chemistry the better they will get.

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.

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.

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.

Defense is Improving

For the longest time the Bucs were known for their great defense as they had one of the greatest defenses over a ten year period. Now heading into the 2016 season, Bucs fans are just hoping for improvement on the defensive side of the ball. It's early in the off-season practices but so far the defense is looking better according to head coach Dirk Koetter. The defense is adjusting to the new scheme very well per pewterreport.com.

“I see improvements with just our defense in general and our defensive scheme – how well our defensive players are running to the bell, how well they’re embracing the volume that [defensive coordinator Mike] Smith and the defensive coaches are putting in, the different looks that they’re giving us on defense, the energy that our defensive players are bringing to practice. I mean, our offense should be a little bit ahead of our defense right now because they are in the same system, but we’re just real happy with how our defensive guys are taking to the new scheme.”

That is all you can ask for as a fan of this team which is just keep improving every day and take that next step forward which will lead to wins. This defense has the talent and the depth for the most part and looks like it has the right scheme now to succeed in. Now it's about putting it all together on the field as Lavonte David said they have a chance to be the best defense ever per Greg Auman.

"I think we can be the best defense ever, to be honest. I'm going to go out there and say it," David said.

 "Yeah, I'm going to say it. Put it on me. I'm going to say it," he said. "NFL history, Bucs history, anything. That's just the type of attitude we have."

I love the confidence and it's smart by David as it puts a challenge on this defense and provides them with a winning mindset which they need to have at all times to be great on defense. One thing is for sure this defense is going to be mentally strong this season.

Lavonte David #53 in NFL Top 100

Every year NFL network takes a survey from NFL players to see whom they rate as the top 100 players in the NFL and the players have spoken. They rank Lavonte David as the 53rd overall rated player in the NFL. David is well worth that ranking as he has done nothing but produce every year and has turned into a tackling machine.

David continues to climb the ranks as he was rated 56th in last years top 100. David has obviously been known here in Tampa due to his play and now its about time the rest of the league understands how good of a player he is. The man has had at least 139 tackles or more in all of his 4 seasons as a pro.

McCoy showed face earlier on the list at 63 and is expecting to be much higher next year. Who else on the Bucs roster could show up on the list, Doug martin, Mike Evans? Lets see if the bucs are getting their respect or have to earn their respect this year.

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.

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.

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.

Rookie Analysis: Kwon Alexander

Tampa's 4th round pick Kwon Alexander may have been the steal of the century! Coming out of LSU he was an athletic freak running a 4.5 forty at 6'1 227. Of course the knock on him was "undersized", sounds like a Buc linebacker to me.

When drafted he was supposed to fight for special teams and be backup to newly signed Bruce Carter. That wasn't in his cards though, Kwon outplayed everyone at his position and was the opening day starter at middle linebacker and never looked back. Every game Kwon kept getting better and better as a rookie should and started to gain respect from opposing offenses as they couldn't attack the middle of the field because of the ground he can cover.

Possibly his best game came against the Atlanta Falcons came no more than 2 days after finding out of the death his younger brother. He ended up with 11 tackles, 1 forced fumble and one pass defensed. He was all over the field and without question willed the bucs defense to a win. He ended his season 4 games early due to a 4 game suspension, which was from a failed drug test for PEDs.... (red bull). Those 4 games the middle of the defense crumbled and the bucs ended up losing all 4 games. No Kwon's absence wasn't the only reason the bucs lost those games but losing such a talent like him didn't help. 

He totaled 93 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and 9 pass defensed in 12 games. A formidable stat line for an entire season and he missed 4 games. Lets see what he can do with another year under his belt and even more talent around him. Kwon has the makings and the talent to become a staple in the middle of this bucs defense for years to come. He and Pro Bowler (finally) Lavonte David form quite a one-two punch.

Buccaneer Shine in Pro Bowl

If anyone decided to watch the whole Pro Bowl on Sunday you would have been proud of your Buccaneers. The Pro Bowl these days is nothing but an offensive show so not much was shown from Gerald McCoy or Lavonte David. Yet Winston on Team Irvin completed 6 of 12 passes for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. Doug Martin Lead Team Rice with 20 yards rushing and the only rushing touchdown of the game. Your young Buccaneers were on full display and there will be more and more to come. Now lets get Doug signed up and get read for free agency!

In case you missed it here is a beautiful pass from Winston.