Vita Vea will be highest graded defender… again
It may come as a surprise because he is doing the dirty work and not making the flashy plays, but defensive tackle Vita Vea has been the most consistent player on the defensive side of the ball for the Buccaneers this season. The second year player is the driving force of the Bucs’ top ranked rush defense, and it is because of him that Shaquil Barrett is tied at the top of the league in sacks.
Vea is currently grading out in the green according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) with a score of 77.4. The only player grading out above Vea is Barrett, but as the weeks go by, Barrett’s score has been dropping, Vea’s has stayed consistent.
Going against a power-run team like the Titans and their gigantic running back Derrick Henry, the Bucs will need Vea to spearhead their rush defense once again. It would be going against the grain for Vea to struggle at this aspect of his gain.
Given the Titans’ struggles at quarterback and their reliance on the run game, it seems like a safe bet that Vea will again be the Bucs’ highest graded performer on the day. Take your eye off of the ball every once in a while and just watch 50 go to work.