“Emphasis” Is Clear For Bucs Cornerbacks
June 11th, 2025
Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean working on their press techniques at today’s practice, a common sight.
Soft coverage from Bucs cornerbacks in recent years has led to a chorus of fan jeers — in The Licht House and on social media.
The Bucs allowed an ugly 66.47 completion rate last season, despite playing in a division specializing in sad quarterbacks.
That percentage ranked 10th-worst in the NFL last season, improved from eighth-worst in 2023.
Easy completions is not what defensive coordinator/head coach Todd Bowles wants, but that’s what his defense delivered.
The Bucs hope to change that this season with an improved edge rush, K.J. Britt playing 250 miles away and cornerbacks being more aggressive.
Bucs No. 1 cornerback Zyon McCollum said that will play to the strength of his fellow corners.
“We have been putting the emphasis on being around the line of scrimmage as corners and as nickels and making these wide receivers work,” McCollum told WDAE radio today.
Joe loves to hear it, and for this post, Joe will not look in the rear view mirror to wrestle with why the edict to play tighter coverage wasn’t a bigger thing last year.
Upward and onward.
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