The Buccaneers’ defense ranked 15th overall last season, but it was truly a tale of two units. The rush defense was tops in the league, holding opponents to just 73.8 yards per game, 13 yards less than the team in second, the New York Jets (86.9).
But the pass defense was another story, allowing 270.1 yards per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. While that might be cause for concern, ESPN’s Stats & Information says that Tampa Bay’s pass defense actually came on strong in the second half of the season.
Per ESPN:
“Last season, Tampa Bay allowed the fewest rushing yards of any NFL team but allowed the third-most passing yards. The Buccaneers’ defense is an ascending one, though; from Week 10 on last season, the unit allowed nearly 50 fewer passing yards per game and averaged an extra sack per game as well.”
When you play in a division featuring Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, you need a strong pass defense, and it seems Tampa Bay is on the right track heading into 2020. Helping matters will be the addition of safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who the team drafted in round two of April’s NFL Draft. The versatile safety has a chance to be an immediate contributor on this defense.
So, while fans will eagerly await the debut of Tampa Bay’s new-look offense led by Tom Brady, this young secondary could turn some heads of their own this season.
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