Looking ahead to the potential Hall of Fame class of 2017, one name jumps out that deserves to represent the Buccaneers. That name is John Lynch.
With the Hall of Fame induction ceremony just a few hours away, I thought it might a good time to look ahead to next year. The Buccaneers have their representation in Canton, no doubt. Warren Sapp is a name that Bucs’ fans love. If we go back to the early days, Lee Roy Selmon is a name that some of you might remember with a smile. Tampa has been best known for their defense, henceforth the representation in the hall.
Well, it’s time for some new blood. Wouldn’t it be nice for Bucs Nation to have a reason to head out to Canton in August? Imagine a sea of Pewter lining the stands. It’s about time we get another guy with a bust in the big room. There is a player that we all love, and deserves to get in next year.
Safety, number 47, John Lynch!
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It’s not always easy to determine the qualifications of a safety because they don’t put up the measurables. They don’t post huge sack numbers, and they don’t rack up the interceptions of a cornerback. You have to look at the totality of the career with the safety position.
But first, let’s remember the hits:
Boy could he hit. It’s a miracle that receivers went over the middle and came out alive. Sorry that some of the hits were from his time in Denver.
That video leads into why Lynch is deserving. His tackle numbers are comparable to Lott’s, as he posted 1,054 versus Lott’s 1,146. Lott did start his career as a corner. Lott’s career interception number was 63, and if we look at the last pure safety to be inducted, Paul Krause it’s higher. He posted 81. Lynch posted 26 for his career. Since Krause didn’t play in the sacks era, we compare him to Lott and he comes out on top, 13 to 8.5.
But it’s not the numbers that make the career for Lynch. For Lynch, it is the style of play that rendered him a trailblazer. He was the modern-day safety. You know the type. He could come up and stop the run, drop back into coverage and pick off a pass, and even rush the passer. He’s the type of safety that teams look for. He changed how the position is played, and THAT is a Hall of Famer.
Lynch was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times, five while with the Bucs. He was a first team All-Pro twice, both with Tampa. He started 132 games in 11 years with the Bucs and changed the position. He belongs in the Hall of Fame.
Number 47, safety, John Lynch!!