The Buccaneers' defense centers around imposing nose tackle Vita Vea. The two-time Pro Bowl veteran wreaks havoc in the trenches, whether clogging holes or penetrating the backfield. He amassed 39 tackles (nine for loss), 6.0 sacks, 12 quarterback hits and one pass defensed in 15 games played in 2024. Per the NFL's Next Gen Stats, Vea ranks seventh among all interior defensive tackles (minimum 600 snaps) in quarterback pressure rate (10.5%), eighth in stuff percentage (4.4%) and he is tied for tenth in sacks.
Vea plays an integral role in a Bucs' unit that has been stout against the run. In 2024, Tampa Bay ranked fifth in fewest rushing yards allowed per game (99.9). If the Bucs can hold onto its top-five esteemed ranking against the run in 2025, the Buccaneers will have finished as a top-five run defense in five-of-six seasons since Vea became a full-time starter in 2019, including twice boasting the NFL's best (2019-20).
Since Vea became a full-time starter in 2019, Tampa Bay ranks first in rush defense (94.1 rush yards per game), first in fewest yards allowed per rush attempt (4.0), third in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed (68) and second in sacks (279.0). Vea is the catalyst at the line of scrimmage, overwhelming centers and guards with rare athleticism for his frame. He quickly sheds blockers and is a disruptive force at the point of attack with violent hands. Vea's 30.5 career sacks are the fourth-most by a defensive tackle/nose tackle in franchise history.
Most teams have stopped running up the middle to try and avoid Vea and his prowess at squeezing run lanes. Few nose tackles – if any not named Vita Vea – are dropping into zone coverage and pulverizing a tight end on an open field tackle but that is exactly what Todd Bowles schemed up for Vea in the club's matchup against the Dallas Cowboys during the 2024 slate. The three-time team captain sets the standard off the field in addition to his skills at the line of scrimmage. Be it known that Vea bullies opposing guards into submission and quickly overpowers one-on-one blocks. He harnesses his power and generates leverage with a variety of subtle maneuvers in his bag of tricks.
