It was clear to those watching the Bucs' preseason games that the team's defensive line had been dominant at times, especially when rushing the quarterback. Now that the preseason has come to an end for all 32 NFL teams, we've learned how impressive that group really was.
Tampa Bay finished the preseason with 16 sacks, which were the most of any team in the league. Finishing second were the Denver Broncos, who recorded 15 sacks.
Jacquies Smith led the team in sacks with four while Howard Jones finished with two sacks, which were the second-most of any Buccaneer.
Noah Spence, Kwon Alexander, Luke Rhodes, Will Gholston, Josh Keyes, Kourtnei Brown, Kimario McFadden, Akeem Spence and Clinton McDonald each had one sack while Robert Ayers and Gerald McCoy each had a half-sack.
The Bucs hired Mike Smith to be the Buccaneers' new defensive coordinator this spring and also brought in Jay Hayes to be the team's defensive line coach. So far, it appears that the team is transitioning smoothly into the new system.
