The Pewter Plank
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First Quarter Grades for the Buccaneers

By Alan Schechter

Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter against the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter against the Los Angeles Rams at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) rushes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) rushes against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: A-

Now it’s time for the quarterly grade for the linebackers. The Bucs’ defense as a whole has looked bad but most of the blame could be on the secondary.

The run defense has been stout allowing only 3.3 yards per carry and that is due to the linebackers. “LaKwonte” started a little slow, especially in the Cardinals game where David didn’t record a stat for the first time in his career. He picked it up in the Rams game. Kwon had a pick six and Lavonte had a forced fumble. Kwon Alexander leads the team in tackles (38) and sacks (2). He has also come into his own as leader of the defense.

Daryl Smith, the third linebacker, who is known for being a tacking machine only has seven tackles this year. This however is due to the Bucs using nickel coverage more and having Hargreaves in the slot. Overall I believe the Linebackers have been the best part of this defense by far and deserve an A- for their performance in the first quarter of the season.

–Brian DeFeo

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