ComPewter Analysis: Buccaneers defense not as bad as it looks

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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 16: Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers poses for a pictures during the second half of a preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Do not under-appreciate this defense

Anyway you slice it, the Buccaneers have put together a top-ten defensive performance this year, and the data would suggest they are a fringe top-five unit this year. With one player winning NFC Defensive Player of the Month, Todd Bowles is untapping potential in not only Barrett, but players like Gholston, Davis, and Jordan Whitehead as well.

While the box scores indicate a unit who struggles to stop the pass, the reality is that as a whole, the secondary is playing fairly consistent with the league baseline. Opposing quarterbacks are averaging just an 83.9 quarterback rating against this unit, which is seventh lowest in the league.

There are very few defensive tackles playing better than Vea right now as he is grading out extremely high according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The second year Washington product is the catalyst for the Bucs’ top ranked run defense, and now they will get fifth overall pick Devin White back to play behind him.

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Overall, do not let the black and white numbers fool you, this Buccaneers’ defense is playing at an elite level and only a handful of units are playing better. This week they go against the New Orleans Saints, their backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, and Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara as they look to continue to climb the ranks.

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