After a tough outing in Atlanta, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense was in dire need of a spark to turn things around. With Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey suiting back up after both missing the majority of the season, the Bucs got that exact spark they needed.
With the return of Winfield to the secondary, it allowed rookie defensive back Tykee Smith to revert back to his normal responsibilities as the slot cornerback, after helping play safety as the Bucs’ star recovered from injury. Smith’s impact in his natural position was immediate and a huge force, as he set the tone for the entire game with a first quarter forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
Plays like this are priceless in the NFL and the rookie has a forced fumble in two straight games. In a play very similar to this first quarter touchdown play, Smith was also involved in a big third down break-up right after halftime in the third quarter. It was nearly an identical look and was very debatable as to if Smith should’ve tallied another forced fumble, but the referees determined it was an incomplete pass and it forced New Orleans to punt.
Tykee has shown he’s a willing, solid tackler but will also get his best strip attempt on ball carriers. Tallying nineteen total tackles on the season, Tampa Bay looks as if they have a versatile defensive back in the young third round pick.
Not just forcing fumbles or putting a solid hit on a receiver, but Smith has already made plays defending in both zone and man coverage. With four passes defended on the season, Smith had a milestone moment in New Orleans, as he intercepted the Saints’ rookie QB Spencer Rattler to seal the game.
For this Bucs’ defense, Smith seems to have his role in this defense solidified and will continue to have opportunities to make plays. His physicality, matched with his coverage ability is promising to see in his rookie season. Smith was an outstanding collegiate player and seems to be matching that same quality of play in the NFL.
It shows yet again that Bucs’ GM Jason Licht and his front office have a knack for drafting solid players, but especially elite defenders. With Zyon McCollum and Logan Hall executing at the level they are after not matching the level of play that was expected, it brings a flow of youth through the defense, as these young guys on rookie contracts are proving to be difference makers.
If Tykee Smith can continue to make positive strides, alongside the rest of this defense, it’s safe to say that the Bucs are succeeding in their attempt to maintain their feared defensive status. We’re not even halfway through the season and this defense had had it’s growing pains, but it’s not impossible for this squad to gel at the right time and end the season firing on all cylinders defensively.
After a tough outing in Atlanta, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense was in dire need of a spark to turn things around. With Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey suiting back up after both missing the majority of the season, the Bucs got that exact spark they needed.
With the return of Winfield to the secondary, it allowed rookie defensive back Tykee Smith to revert back to his normal responsibilities as the slot cornerback, after helping play safety as the Bucs’ star recovered from injury. Smith’s impact in his natural position was immediate and a huge force, as he set the tone for the entire game with a first quarter forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
Plays like this are priceless in the NFL and the rookie has a forced fumble in two straight games. In a play very similar to this first quarter touchdown play, Smith was also involved in a big third down break-up right after halftime in the third quarter. It was nearly an identical look and was very debatable as to if Smith should’ve tallied another forced fumble, but the referees determined it was an incomplete pass and it forced New Orleans to punt.
Tykee has shown he’s a willing, solid tackler but will also get his best strip attempt on ball carriers. Tallying nineteen total tackles on the season, Tampa Bay looks as if they have a versatile defensive back in the young third round pick.
Not just forcing fumbles or putting a solid hit on a receiver, but Smith has already made plays defending in both zone and man coverage. With four passes defended on the season, Smith had a milestone moment in New Orleans, as he intercepted the Saints’ rookie QB Spencer Rattler to seal the game.
For this Bucs’ defense, Smith seems to have his role in this defense solidified and will continue to have opportunities to make plays. His physicality, matched with his coverage ability is promising to see in his rookie season. Smith was an outstanding collegiate player and seems to be matching that same quality of play in the NFL.
It shows yet again that Bucs’ GM Jason Licht and his front office have a knack for drafting solid players, but especially elite defenders. With Zyon McCollum and Logan Hall executing at the level they are after not matching the level of play that was expected, it brings a flow of youth through the defense, as these young guys on rookie contracts are proving to be difference makers.
If Tykee Smith can continue to make positive strides, alongside the rest of this defense, it’s safe to say that the Bucs are succeeding in their attempt to maintain their feared defensive status. We’re not even halfway through the season and this defense had had it’s growing pains, but it’s not impossible for this squad to gel at the right time and end the season firing on all cylinders defensively.
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