The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Week 12 Grades for the Buccaneers Win over the Seahawks

By David Harrison

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) run with the ball after he intercepted it against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) run with the ball after he intercepted it against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 9
Next
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) combine on the hit against Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) to fumble the ball during the second half of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) combine on the hit against Seattle Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham (88) to fumble the ball during the second half of an NFL football game at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

LINEBACKERS: A

Lavonte David has been this year’s Buccaneers player the fans have decided to pile on, on the defensive side of the ball. Yes he had zero tackles in a game, and no he hasn’t made a bunch of splash plays this season, but the man is always impacting the field in some way.

This weekend, he made the splash play, and rightfully deserves some credit for it.

Remember the Jimmy Graham fumble? Well it was caused AND recovered by David who then proceeded to run the thing back 53-yards to Seattle’s 25-yard line.

What makes the play even more impactful than it already is, is the fact the Seahawks were driving with half of the fourth quarter remaining and had the ball on the Tampa 22-yard line when David struck one of two fatal defensive blows.

Must Read: SPOTLIGHT ON NOAH SPENCE

Not only did he get the forced fumble and recovery, he also tied for the team lead in tackles with seven and got a lick of his own on Russell Wilson – one of eleven for the Bucs defense.

Kwon Alexander didn’t get the fumble, but he was every bit as impactful for his squad in this match-up.

Six tackles didn’t lead the team, but his sack and tackle for a loss sure did help out a lot. He too got a hit on the Seahawks quarterback just adding to the all around bad visit to Florida for the visiting team from the Northwest.

Daryl Smith played sparingly as usual, but got in there with a tackle of his own.

If you really want to look at where the linebackers made their mark look at Thomas Rawls’ stat line again.

In case NFL fans have forgotten, Rawls is pretty good, and can turn a two-yard gain into a 20-yard run or longer with just one broken tackle.

All day, Rawls was able to make it to the second level on limited touches, and the Buccaneers linebacker crew was there to help clean it up to ensure the young running back didn’t do any real damage.

Run support, pass rushing and turnover producing from the second level? Doesn’t get much better than that.

Home/Bucs News