4 things the Buccaneers must do to run the table

Continue to follow Duffner’s lead

Over the past month, the Buccaneers defense has taken significant strides. The unit still sits in the bottom of the league in most statistical categories, but what matters is what shows up on the scoreboard.

On the year, Tampa Bay allowed 29.6 points per game. The Bucs have allowed just 20 points per game in their last four contests. Even with an injury-plagued defense, defensive coordinator Mark Duffner has his unit playing with confidence.

The secondary is attacking the ball, as seen with their four interceptions this past week against the Panthers. Backup defensive backs are attacking the football and playing with a fearless mentality.

Duffner may be implementing former defensive coordinator Mike Smith‘s defense, but the in-game adjustments and personnel changes made a big difference.

There’s no question that Duffner doesn’t have the best players at his disposal. However, he uses them to their strengths. Putting Andrew Adams in the box and getting the most out of rotational pass rushers like Carl Nassib.

Tampa Bay doesn’t have anything close to their elite defenses during their glory days, but they do have the ability to keep the offense in the game with timely turnovers and stops. If they continue to buy into Duffner’s message, the Bucs defense will be the difference.

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