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Could the Bucs have a strong defense this year? There\u2019s a chance. But recent history suggests that happening would be something of an outlier.<\/p>\n
Since Bucs coach Todd Bowles came to town, only once has the defense not been ranked in the 20s (or worse) in passing yards allowed per game. And that\u2019s with a double-digit edge rusher.<\/p>\n
A lot of folks, including Gennaro Filice of NFL.com<\/a>, believe a beefed-up front seven will mark a return of defense to the Bucs this fall.<\/p>\n Todd Bowles\u2019 defense has fallen off in recent seasons, with one of the biggest problems being the lack of a true edge monster. Yaya Diaby was a nice find in Round 3 of the 2023 draft, but no Buccaneer has posted double-digit sacks since Shaq Barrett back in 2021. This is why the Bucs are still thanking their lucky stars that Rueben Bain Jr. shockingly fell right into their lap in April\u2019s draft. I\u2019ve been driving the Bain train ever since, arm length be damned. Will the No. 15 overall pick post 10-plus sacks in Year 1? That\u2019s a tall order for any first-year pro, but I think he can provide the kind of violent disruption that made Jared Verse the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. More pressure up front will make life easier in the back end, which is key for Tampa\u2019s young-but-enticing secondary.<\/p>\n \u201cEnticing secondary?\u201d As in enticing for quarterbacks to throw on?<\/p>\n Look, the Bucs could have the best safety duo in the league.\u00a0But the corners? Joe is a big fan of Jacob Parrish, but he has scant experience at outside corner.\u00a0And Joe doesn\u2019t want to recount bored Zyon McCollum\u2019s ups-and-downs as a Bucs starting corner.<\/p>\n