Mike Clay is expecting big leap from Bucs’ ‘young, high-pedigree defense’

ESPN’s Mike Clay likes the potential he sees in the Buccaneers’ defense heading into 2020.

It’s been an offseason of change for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but one that will hopefully yield a return to the postseason for the first time in over a decade.

Tom Brady was the biggest offseason acquisition for the Bucs, along with that of his former Patriots teammate Rob Gronkowski. The dynamic duo will be joining an offense that ranked third in the league last season, so it seems the rich just got richer, at least offensively.

But if the Bucs are going to make a serious run in 2020, they’ll need their defense to be just as formidable as their offense. While Tampa Bay ranked 15th overall in defense last year, and first in rushing, they were 30th in pass defense. Still, this young secondary has some talent, and Mike Clay over at ESPN thinks the Bucs defense will be a pleasant surprise this season.

Per Clay:

“Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were the big-name additions, but I’m also anticipating a big leap from a young, high-pedigree defense. Vita Vea, Devin White, Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, M.J. Stewart, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards were all drafted on Day 1 or 2 of the past three drafts and positioned for sizable 2020 roles. This defense could make a huge leap, especially after its strong finish to last season.”

The defense could definitely take a big jump this season, that is if defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is allowed to get any work done from home.

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