Buccaneers' inside linebacker Lavonte David continues to defy the odds at age 34, playing at an elite level. His career is worthy of enshrinement in Canton, as David has achieved both consistency and longevity throughout his 13-year career. Against the Falcons on Thursday Night Football, David contributed eight tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception late in the fourth quarter. David now has 13 career interceptions, tying with Bobby Wagner and Jordan Hicks for the most among active linebackers. His 67 career passes defensed are the second-most among active linebackers, trailing only Bobby Wagner (69).
In Tampa Bay's Week Four victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, David notched eight tackles (two for loss), 2.0 sacks, a pass defensed and a forced fumble that helped seal the win for the Bucs. In the process, David became the second Tampa Bay player in franchise history with 1,500 tackles, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, while also tying Khalil Mack (30) for the most forced fumbles among active players. David continues to perform atop the position hierarchy, setting the tone in the middle of Todd Bowles' defense. The Nebraska product is one-of-eight players in NFL history with 1,400-plus tackles, 30.0-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions.
"He is on a lot of lists as an inside linebacker and hopefully in a couple years after he retires, he makes the Hall of Fame," said Inside Linebackers Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Larry Foote via Bucs Total Access. "Everybody around town gets mad and calls him, 'One of the most underrated players.' He doesn't make Pro Bowls, and I laugh. It is not funny, but it is just crazy how he gets overlooked. Some of the linebackers they put in front of him, it is just laughable, and I get it all the time, people who know the game and especially ex-linebackers that laugh at how he is not on these lists. I am glad we have him and hopefully the pundits or whoever makes the Hall of Fame selections will look at the stats and say, 'Hold up. This guy is on every top defensive stat, not just as an inside linebacker but any player, at any position.' It is incredible."
David is the linchpin of Tampa Bay's defense, disrupting offenses around the league week-after-week. Known for his coverage prowess, David is adept at covering tight ends in both man and zone with hip fluidity and route recognition/instincts. Whether stonewalling a running back, blitzing, or blowing up a screen or sweep, David makes his presence felt. He flies from Point-A to Point-B and rallies the defense. The multifaceted linebacker has curated a career worthy of immortality in Canton, Ohio.
"Arguably, he is probably the best cover linebacker to have ever played the game," noted Foote. "You just mentioned the forced fumbles, then he has the most tackles for loss also for any off the ball linebackers. That alone, he can also play the run, he can play the pass, he can blitz. He can do it all on the field."
