The Pewter Plank
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith (56) and middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) celebrate a fumble recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jacquies Smith (56) and middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) celebrate a fumble recovery during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Ends

The edge of the Bucs’ new defense should be controlled by both Robert Ayers Jr. and presumably Jacquies Smith.  Yes, the question is, where is Noah Spence?  Well, last year Jacquies Smith bounced out to a great start and was on pace for a double-digit sack season, and was even leading the NFL at a certain point.  Unfortunately, he disappeared, whether this had to do with the eventual hamstring injury or not, he was out of sight.

The belief is that Spence could see himself in the starting lineup, but Mike Smith could easily work him in through schemes before the starting lineup.  Why shell-shock and overwhelm the rookie? Ayers Jr. is the other obvious lock for this defensive line besides McCoy.  Ayers was paid a nice lump of cash to come down to Tampa, so the safe bet is, he plays for that money.  Ayers had 9.5 sacks last year, which brings a true hope for Bucs’ fans that he can mimic his past season and finally get what we have all been waiting for, a double-digit edge menace.

As stated in the previous slide William Gholston is a versatile player who can play both interior and edge, so don’t be surprised to see Gholston on the edge in certain schemes or even the starting lineup.

Next: The Depth

Home/Bucs News