Bucky Irving Development
Rookie Bucky Irving has impressed throughout the offseason workout program with lethal jump-cuts and outstanding contact balance. He has made the most out of his blocks and the former Oregon standout has proven his capability with a downhill charge. In Liam Coen's revitalized ground attack, the cutback lanes have been visible and offensive linemen are firing off the line. Irving has an elusive spin move and the ability to run between the tackles. The rookie drew praise from Head Coach Todd Bowles for his preparation and commitment to the grind.
"He is in early," described Bowles. "He is probably the first player in after me. When I go into the training room and workout, I see him in there. To be that young and to be in that early day-in and day-out, and to not have many mental errors, is impressive."
Antoine Winfield on Rookie Jayden Daniels
The Bucs' defensive unit is prioritizing takeaways and getting off the field in 2024. On Sunday at Raymond James Stadium, the Bucs will host the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Jayden Daniels. Daniels possesses the ability to turn scrambles into game-defining plays and deep-ball accuracy. He can attack from a variety of platforms and Daniels was adept at utilizing his speed on zone-read looks at the collegiate level. For the Bucs, keeping Daniels contained and effectively setting the edge will be key. Tampa Bay's defense has to be fundamentally sound and disciplined in Week One or Daniels will exploit vacant gaps with his legs.
"From what I have seen, he is the real deal," said Antoine Winfield Jr." [[They have a] solid quarterback and he makes the right reads, and he is a dual-threat quarterback. He can run with the ball, so we have to do a good job of containing him."
Jordan Whitehead Longform Feature
In the latest installation of the Behind the Buccaneers series, my latest longform feature on Jordan Whitehead was released on Tuesday evening. The in-depth story details how Western PA shaped Whitehead's downhill prowess on the gridiron. His physical play style, reminiscent of the bygone days of smash-mouth football, sets the tone in the secondary. As Whitehead ventured back to the place that shifted his trajectory, his encore with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers becomes clear. In 2024, Whitehead will resurrect the numeral he wore in high school: 3 – intertwining the past and present. Click here to read the full feature:
