Defense
Though the Buccaneer offense is going to get most of the love in Madden, the teams’ defense has its share of play-makers. In fact, four of its top eight highest rated players are on defense, including two of the top three. Gerald McCoy is the obvious leader, tied for team high with Mike Evans at 90 overall. McCoy and his 92 rated power move are joined by another dangerous defensive tackle in Chris Baker, who sports an 84 overall rating. The pass rushers surrounding McCoy and Baker are Robert Ayers with an 80 and Noah Spence with a disappointing 75. Regardless of these meager ratings, you still shouldn’t have much trouble getting to the quarterback.
The second highest rated player on the Bucs defense is Brent Grimes, with an impressive 88 overall. The folks at EA must have been paying attention to Grimes’ impressive 2016 campaign, as he’s worth every point of that 88. The rest of the teams’ secondary is frowned upon by Madden, with J.J. Wilcox and his 81 overall the only other defensive back in the 80’s. Second year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves came in at 75 overall.
Tampa Bay is especially fun on defense if you opt to play as a linebacker. Lavonte David and his 84 overall rating paired with Kwon Alexander and his 80 overall form one of the better pairs of linebackers in the league, and a formidable weapon to cover tight ends and blitz quarterbacks.