Keeping the defense sharp.
The past three games the Bucs defense has played really well, especially the past two games.
The Bucs are allowing 15 points a game. If a defense can continue that in the NFL, a team ought to rack up a lot of wins.
The Bucs held San Francisco to 19 points. Then the Bucs went up to Detroit and with perhaps the most loaded offense in the NFL, held the mighty Lions to 24 points.
That may not seem like much but in the six previous Lions’ home games (including a playoff loss to Washington) the mighty Lions averaged 37 points a game. So holding the Lions to two touchdowns less than their average is damn good defense.
Then the Bucs nearly shut out the slimy Saints on the road, holding New Orleans to a measly field goal.
With the offense terribly sputtering the past two games, that defense is going to give the Bucs a chance until they can figure out what’s going on with the offense.
So what can the Bucs do to continue this strong play? Bucs coach Todd Bowles said yesterday it’s just a matter of playing good fundamental football because teams already know how the defense will play.
“Doing the little things right,” Bowles said. “At this point, everybody has seen what you’re going to do, you’ve seen what they’re going to do.
“It’s a matter of executing and who executes more.”
The safety play is dynamite with Antoine Winfield (looking like his All-Pro self) and the emergence of Tykee Smith. Jacob Parrish might be the “Defensive Rookie of the Year.” Just look at his numbers.
And one thing Joe noticed in New Orleans is that Benjamin Morrison is playing with growing confidence. He’s playing faster and for Joe, that tells him Morrison is getting comfortable in Bowles’ defense, and the NFL in general.
There was a lot to like about the Bucs’ defense the past three games. They may need that top-shelf play until the Bucs get some offensive pieces back.
.@Patriots @Buccaneers @DrakeMaye2 leads a top 10 offense into Tampa this weekend. They have executed very well in the 6W streak. This is big for both teams and these are a few staples of the Pats Offense. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/8JuKZcGJZu
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 6, 2025