Buccaneers: Week Nine Report Card vs. Atlanta Falcons

(28) reacts after he got called for a penalty against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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Defensive Backs: F

The opposing quarterback went 25-34 for 344 yards and four touchdowns. If I could give a “Q”, I would.

Vernon Hargreaves is quite the talented rookie. There was a lot expected of the young man as a first round draft pick. However, he was not supposed to be the best defensive back on the field eight games into his career. He is. At times, he held his own against Julio Jones. The rest of the bunch? Not so much.

Brent Grimes has been bad. He has looked small, slow, and overmatched. The safeties? The safeties stink, there I said it. They are faked out of position as easily as an average JV high school safety, and they average showing up about an hour late to help the corners on the outside.

They have been bad, and they were bad once again against the Falcons.