Buccaneers have two clear DPOY candidates on their roster
By Rob Leeds
Based on the stats so far on the year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have two candidates for Defensive Player of the Year on their roster.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have three Defensive Player of the Year awards during their short history. Lee Roy Selmon, Warren Sapp, and Derrick Brooks are legends of the franchise, and their impact on the Bucs is clear to see.
As of recent in Tampa Bay, the odds of fielding a DPOY candidate were extremely low. The Buccaneer defense has been abysmal for the better part of the decade, and it is almost impossible to shine as a defensive player when the team is giving up 40 points per game.
After numerous horrific defenses in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have turned over a new leaf and have emerged as one of the best defensive teams in the NFL. The Bucs have reverted to their previous identity associated with defensive juggernaut-status, and a large part of that comes from the individual performances on the field.
The Buccaneers didn’t do anything crazy to improve their defense. They started out with a proven defensive coordinator in Todd Bowles, and then they brought in players that fit the system. Numerous players have seen career years in this defense, and these two Buccaneers could reach new heights this season with DPOY votes.