Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers' Defense Ranked in NFL's Top 5

Through six weeks, the Buccaneers' defense is ranked No. 5 in the league in total yards allowed per game.

Oct 20, 2015 at 03:01 AM

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Earlier in October, the Buccaneers broke into the NFL's top 10 for total defense, reaching No. 9. After Week 6, the team has climbed even higher, breaking into the league's top five.

Through five games, the Buccaneers allow an average of 322.8 yards per game, the fifth-fewest in the league behind Seattle (319.5), Tennessee (313.6), Denver (281.3) and the New York Jets (269.2). Tampa Bay is the fourth-best team against the pass, allowing an average of 202.4 yards per game. Despite already having their bye week, the Bucs have recorded 15 sacks, tied for the eighth-most in the league.

READ: BUCS PLAYERS ON THEIR BYE

Two Buccaneers have four sacks or more, with Gerald McCoy picking up four and a half and Jacquies Smith earning four. McCoy has the most sacks of any player at his position through six weeks. As per usual, Lavonte David leads the team in tackles with 44.

The Bucs' top five defenders, according to Pro Football Focus, are McCoy, William Gholston, Bruce Carter, Johnthan Banks and Clinton McDonald, in that order. Chris Conte and Lavonte David are the best Bucs in coverage, according to PFF, while George Johnson, Gholston and Tim Jennings are the team's top run defenders. The Bucs' defense also has a former Rookie of the Week, with Kwon Alexander earning the award in Week 3.

This week, the Bucs will travel to Washington D.C. to take on a Redskins offense which has struggled at times. The unit is ranked 25th in yards per game, 23rd in passing yards per game and 17th in rushing yards per game. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m.

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