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Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
How good has the Bucs’ defense been this year through eight games? Very good, the numbers say.
Here is where the Bucs are in various categories. Each category the Bucs’ defense is among the league’s top-10.
\* Defensive touchdowns, two (tied for first).
\* Tackles for loss, 50 (second).
\* Strip sacks, three (tied for second).
\* Sacks, 25 (third)
\* Quarterback pressures, 131 (third)
\* Takeaways, 12 (tied for third)
\* Fumble recoveries, 5 (tied for third)
\* Quarterback hits, 48 (tied for sixth)
\* Interceptions, seven (tied for seventh)
\* Yards per play allowed, 5.2 (ninth)
\* Forced fumbles, six (10th)
\* Passes defensed, 36 (tied for 10th)
The Bucs defense has carried this team into the bye. Allowing just 48 yards rushing is fantastic. And in the second half, the slimy Saints never ran one play in Bucs’ territory until there just under eight minutes left in the game. That is phenomenal.
The defense has basically saved the Bucs’ bacon. It has bought time for the Bucs to heal.
After seeing the Bucs’ offense spit and sputter through most of the game, it is critical they get some hurt players back. Especially on offense.
Bucky Irving, Luke Goedeke, where are you? Help!