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Weakness or Strength?: Buccaneers Defensive Line

By Zach Sauers

Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Buccaneers’ defensive line has received major criticism over the past few years. Is this finally the year they take a step forward, or will they continue to be the weakness of this team?

Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle
Sep 27, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle /

The Buccaneers’ defensive line seemed to have once again a lackluster season in 2015.  The defensive line was yet again without a double-digit sack presence, and had little effort in rattling the quarterback of opposing teams.  The trenches were full of injuries for the Bucs.  Gerald McCoy‘s hand injury, Clinton McDonald‘s pectoral injury, and Jacquies Smith‘s hamstring injury are just some of the vast amount of injuries the Bucs dealt with.

The defense was able to rank 10th in yards allowed, which seems alright until you look at the points allowed per game.  The Bucs’ defense ranked a measly 26th in the NFL, averaging 26.1 points per game according to NFL.com.  This needs to change in Mike Smith‘s new defense, and it all starts up front.

Next: The D-Tackles

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