The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't make too many mistakes in their playoff game against the Washington Commanders. Even at home, rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and Washington's high-powered offense can make them pay if they are not on their toes. With how this defense has looked in the last few weeks, some nervousness from fans was certainly warranted.
Luckily for the Bucs, legendary linebacker Lavonte David came to play. It took all of one series in this game for Tampa to tell Washington emphatically that Kliff Kingsbury wasn't going to waltz into Raymond James Stadium and pick apart a much-maligned Buccaneers defense.
With the Commanders facing a third-and-two in Tampa Bay territory, Washington tried to use Daniels' blazing speed to pick up a first down. Instead of succeeding, Daniels was corralled by David and completely locked down. The next play gave the Bucs all the momentum they could want.
On the next play, David and the Buccaneers turned the Commanders back on fourth down and won the ball back. If David has this much fire in his eyes, those who were expecting a Commanders upset based solely on their love for Daniels may come to regret that move.
Buccaneers LB Lavonte David turns back clock, chases down Jayden Daniels
David's stop came just a few plays after the Commanders appeared to seize momentum after Daniels hit Terry McLaurin on a beautiful deep ball down the sideline. Tampa Bay needed a defensive stop, and who better than the possible gold jacket linebacker to make a play?
The Bucs' defense might be able to stand up to Washington's vaunted passing attack, as they have Antoine Winfield Jr. back from injury. The gap between this defense's overall quality, especially in pass defense, with Winfield on the field as compared to without him is as cavernous as the Grand Canyon.
There is still a lot of game left here, but Daniels might be in for a longer night now that he has to reckon with a motivated David playing some good ball. Tampa is eyeing that trip to Philadelphia against an Eagles defense that didn't exactly look like a bunch of world-beaters.