During training camp, Buccaneers' outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka is fixated on making the most of every opportunity in his versatile role in Todd Bowles' defense. Whether dropping back in coverage on a fire-zone blitz or looping inside on a stunt, Tryon-Shoyinka is embracing his multi-faceted duties. On Thursday at the AdventHealth Training Center, Tryon-Shoyinka batted down a pass at the line and consistently found his way into the backfield, bypassing offensive linemen. Entering Year Four, the Washington product is prioritizing the craft-enhancement process and not just the statistical destination.
"So, you love getting sacks," noted Tryon-Shoyinka. "Those feel great but, when you are on a defense like this, we have a lot of smart players and versatile players. I have no problem with opening up and dropping into coverage and covering a receiver or peeling on a running back … ultimately [we want to] get turnovers and surprise the offenses with all the disguises that we like to do. So, I love my role, and I love doing whatever coach schemes up and I will do it 100% every time."
Tryon-Shoyinka played 579 defensive snaps (12 game starts, 17 games played) last season and tallied 5.0 sacks, 45 tackles, seven tackles for loss and seven quarterback hits. He became a chess piece for Bowles to use interchangeably in various packages. With solid bend, smooth lateral movements and outstanding burst to the quarterback, Tryon-Shoyinka bolstered the unit. Throughout the offseason, Tryon-Shoyinka has worked with linemate Yaya Diaby on flexibility and pad level through Pilates. The dynamic pair battle for bragging rights on quickest get-off, fostering production.
"Me and Yaya just compete to get off the rock every time," stated Tryon-Shoyinka. "I love that dude. I have been leaning on him this offseason and he has been a sponge, and I have been a sponge to him. We teach each other a lot so I am excited to keep growing with that dude and the rest of this defense."
In the quest for another NFC South crown, Tryon-Shoyinka is focused on mental fortitude and working the mind muscle, in additional to physical empowerment. In the pursuit of wreaking havoc, Tryon-Shoyinka is embracing the "no plays off" mentality.
"No plays off and everyone has to be accounted for," Tryon-Shoyinka says of the defensive mindset. "We are going to lean on each other and continue to just have the electricity that this defense has had for the past couple of years and just to keep enhancing it."
With an impressive size-athletic profile, Tryon-Shoyinka will play a critical role in the Buccaneers' defensive line in 2024.
