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Buccaneers: Five Players that Must Step Up in the Second Half

By Alan Schechter

Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks down against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter looks down against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker (43) carries the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Chris Conte (23) defends in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Conte

This spot could go to any Bucs safety, but Conte was my choice.

Oh don’t get me wrong, Conte can tackle. He’s not the third-leading tackler on the team by accident. But where he and the rest of the safeties disappoint is in the passing game.

The Bucs play their fair share of “Cover 1” and “Cover 2” defenses. The safeties are responsible for help deep and over the middle. Too many times to count, Conte is a few days late showing up on the back-end to help. They have given up too many big plays, and Conte has been a factor in many of them.

There is a reason Conte is PFF’s 85th ranked safety. His overall grade of 37.3 is, believe it or not, the best grade among Bucs’ safeties.

They have no chance if Conte and company don’t step things up.

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