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Meeting expectations.
The middle of the Bucs’ pass defense stunk last year.
And it wasn’t just inside linebacker play outside of Lavonte David that allowed opposing quarterbacks to slice up the middle of the defense.
All-Pro Antoine Winfield got hurt at the end of the first game. His injuries limited him so badly, Joe didn’t even recognize it was the same player who made opponents know where he was at all times.
If fact, Winfield fell off so much, Joe wondered if he should have been off the field because of how those injuries affected him. And the Bucs had a revolving door at the other safety position post, too. That didn’t help.
So with Bucs coach Todd Bowles recently bumping slot corner Tykee Smith to safety, where he played a Georgia, at least Smith will return to a familiar position.
So far, Bowles said Smith has fit in at safety like a old glove.
> “He’s a very smart player, so he understands football,” Bowles said about Smith moving to safety. “He fits in the spot well.
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> “When we get in pads, you’ll see a lot more of the physicality and the things that take place with the linemen. Right now, I’m very happy with him.”
Joe thought this was intriguing about waiting for Smith to get in pads. It sounds like Smith is the type of safety that will lay wood to receivers.
What Bucs fan doesn’t want to see a safety put the fear of God into receivers coming across the middle? That’s football!
Not only couldn’t Bucs safeties cover well last year, there was very little to any physicality there, certainly when Jordan Whitehead wasn’t on the field.
What a fresh breath of air that will be to see a safety pop some receivers.