Buccaneers: Top Five Performances of the 2016 Season

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
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<img class="size-large wp-image-60200" src="https://thepewterplank.com/files/2017/01/9726089-keith-tandy-nfl-tampa-bay-buccaneers-san-diego-chargers-850×560.jpg" alt="Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety

Keith Tandy

(37) reacts following an interception during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports” width=”590″ height=”389″ /> Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers strong safety Keith Tandy (37) reacts following an interception during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Tampa Bay won 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Keith Tandy vs. Chargers: Week 13

The safety position has been rough for the Bucs for a long time. Fans were beginning to wonder if they would ever find a player to fill the position adequately. But during the last half of the season, this Keith Tandy guy came along and suddenly figured things out. He started playing very well, and was instrumental in the 28-21 win over the Chargers in week 13.

The numbers aren’t gaudy with only four tackles notched on the day. But, his pass defense loomed large. He saw something on passes to Rivers’ left that he figured out. He jumped the route early in the game but just missed it. But in the fourth quarter, he didn’t miss.

Down 28-21, Rivers and the Chargers were driving. They had gotten all the way to the Tampa 31 with 3:04 to play. Rivers dropped back, looked to his left, but this time Tandy was there, picking the pass off to seal the deal for the Bucs and their fourth win in a row.

Tandy might just be the real deal back there.

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