In 2023, Tampa Bay made headlines in the NFL by recovering from a 5-7 start to win the NFC South and defeating Philadelphia in the playoffs’ opening round.
Led by a rejuvenated quarterback Baker Mayfield, the team fought valiantly against Detroit but ultimately lost to the Lions.
While Mayfield received much of the credit for the team’s resurgence and was handsomely rewarded in the offseason, the Buccaneers’ defense also played a crucial role in the playoff run. Some key defensive players believe their efforts are being overlooked.
YaYa Diaby expressed to Rhett Lewis at the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame ceremony that fans are “falling asleep” on the Tampa defense and warned that a reckoning is on the way.
YaYa Diaby says "people are asleep" on Bucs defense: "We're going to really wake a lot of people up"https://t.co/Ix5gS0CXsY pic.twitter.com/nHw2RziDNZ
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) July 1, 2024
Diaby remarked, “This year, we’re going to truly wake a lot of people up.”
While Tampa has been consistent, winning the NFC South for three consecutive seasons, there’s more to their success than just Mayfield’s performance. The defensive scheme, which allows drives but prevents scoring, often goes underappreciated.
Under head coach Todd Bowles, if the more seasoned defense can come together and avoid the 1-6 midseason slump that affected the team last year, that perception could change in 2024.
The Bucs featured 13 rookies on last season’s 53-man roster, making them one of the youngest teams in the NFL. With natural growth and development, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Bucs add another NFC South title to their achievements.
