Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 reasons to be optimistic in 2019
By Cory Kinnan
Todd Bowles’ defensive scheme a perfect fit for personnel
Under former defensive coordinator Mike Smith, it always seemed like the defensive talent was not being correctly utilized. From drafting press corners to play in a heavy zone scheme, playing box safeties over the top of the defense, and failing to get after the quarterback, the Buccaneers have invested way too many assets into the defensive side of the ball for them to be as bad as they have been.
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Under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers’ personnel fits his hard nosed 3-4 scheme like a glove and there should be substantial improvement on that side of the football. Not only does the current roster fit well, but they finally drafted players to match the scheme.
Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean are two big corners that will allow the Buccaneers flexibility in their use of Vernon Hargreaves, who should also benefit from playing in a man-heavy scheme. Bowles loves to use safeties in the nickel and drafted Mike Edwards to do just that as well; this is a spot that Deone Bucannon will also patrol and will allow him to roam the field with avengence.
While the defensive front still lacks some depth, the Buccaneers have length on the edge with Carl Nassib and Anthony Nelson; Shaq Barrett will finally get his first shot as a full-time starter as well. The Buccaneers should go from one of the worst defenses in the league to one of great strides in 2019.