The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Three Bold Predictions for Week Three

By Michael Horan

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sidelines during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 9: Head Coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the sidelines during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 9, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeated the Saints 48-40. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchown with teammate Kwon Alexander #58 after David intercepted a pass from Mark Sanchez of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter on November 22, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 22: Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates his touchown with teammate Kwon Alexander #58 after David intercepted a pass from Mark Sanchez of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter on November 22, 2015 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Lavonte David breaks out

The Buccaneers star linebacker leads them in tackles this season with eighteen total, but he hasn’t made one of his trademark splash plays as of yet. That changes Monday night. David and the rest of Tampa’s linebackers face a tough task in slowing down Steelers running back James Connor, who ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards through two weeks of play.

Behind one of the league’s top offensive line I’m expecting a heavy dose of Connor, and subsequently a heavy dose of Lavonte David on defense. We will see at least twelve tackles from David, with multiple going for losses in the backfield.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

David’s textbook tackling and splash plays behind the line of scrimmage aren’t the only things that makes him an elite linebacker. Its David’s ability to create turnovers that truly sets him apart from his peers, though he’s on a curiously long cold stretch in that department; David didn’t record a sack or interception in 13 games played, though he did set career-highs in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries.

So, I’m essentially calling the end of a year long turnover drought this Monday. The opportunities will be there for splash plays, as Steeler quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a habit of serving up turnovers on the road like they’re going out of style.

Roethlisberger thrives when the play breaks down and he’s able to escape the pocket, so David will get extra chances at chasing the quarterback. Tampa’s absolute best chance at winning starts with winning the turnover battle, and I think David will step up to the plate.

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