The Pewter Plank
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Final Grades for the Buccaneers 2016 Season

By David Harrison

Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans cheer as the game against the Carolina Panthers comes to an end at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans cheer as the game against the Carolina Panthers comes to an end at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) runs out onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) runs out onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

LINEBACKERS: B

Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David lead this group of linebackers for the Bucs, but these days Alexander is leading more than just the Bucs.

With 145 tackles combined, the second-year middle linebacker from LSU not only led the Bucs, but finished atop the NFL with 108 solo tackles.

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

While he notched just three sacks, it was David who led the way for this unit with five of them including four in the last three games of the season.

The fifth-year player really took some criticism for what has been perceived as a down season for him, but he was really able to turn it up a notch at the end.

He also contributed with four forced fumbles and one interception which he returned for a touchdown in Week 13 against Philip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

Veteran Daryl Smith was added in the off-season to play strong-side linebacker for the Bucs, and in return he gave them 35 tackles and came up with some big-time pressure in key situations on more than one occasion.

He may be the oldest member of the Bucs’ linebacker room, but he showed he can still get it done on the field when called upon to do so.

The performance of this group of players seemed to tie together with the performance of the defense altogether.

If Alexander and David were flying to the ball and getting involved early then the entire defense seemed to get rolling. If they struggled, it tended to be a long day for the entire defensive side of the ball.

More often than not they showed up to play, and despite the occasional struggle, this group was vital to the success coach Koetter and coordinator Mike Smith enjoyed in their first season together since Atlanta.

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