Training camp continues for the Buccaneers as competition heats up at the AdventHealth Training Center. On the ninth practice day featuring 11-on-11 teamwork, one-on-one drills and individual position sessions, several Bucs' players emerged. The routine can seem monotonous – a perpetual Groundhog Day – however, individual standouts and specific splash plays generate intrigue. Here are several key points from Saturday's two-hour practice:
Tyrek Funderburk Pass Breakup
During the full-team period, undrafted rookie cornerback Tyrek Funderburk left an impression. He showcased his instincts, jumping a curl route and closing in to make a diving pass deflection. Throughout camp, Funderburk has made multiple splash plays and has become one of the team's consistent bright spots on the back end. As one of the players that Todd Bowles mentioned specifically during mini-camp, Funderburk continues to take strides every day. His ball-hawk skills and burst have been on full display during camp, in addition to his hip fluidity in coverage. He has the athleticism to play in both man/zone and has shaped into one of the team's under-the-radar stars of offseason workouts.
Logan Hall Interception
During 11-on-11 work, defensive lineman Logan Hall snagged an interception. In Todd Bowles' complex defense, players are used in a variety of ways, whether dropping into coverage or coming after the quarterback on exotic twists/stunts. Hall dropped back and was in position to make a play. He intercepted Kyle Trask, and the defensive sideline erupted in "Logan" chants. Hall predominately lined up as the Bucs' five-technique last season, accumulating 543 snaps as a starter. He became more comfortable in the Bucs' defensive system in Year Two and the power/length player helped solidify the line. With quickness off the ball and the tools to offset finesse offensive tackles, Hall adds another dimension in the trenches. On Saturday, his versatility showed up during practice.
Tight End Versatility
Throughout camp, including Saturday's work on the practice field, the Bucs' have utilized more three-by-one sets and have positioned both Cade Otton and Payne Durham on the outside to generate mismatches. The more a hybrid player can do, the better the offense can be. Positionless players are now the norm in the pass-centric modern era and tight ends play a crucial role in the evolution. Flexing a tight end out wide, even if it is only for a distraction tactic, it still holds the attention of an opposing team's skilled defenders. Baiting a defense – forcing them to get a corner covering a big tight end while a linebacker is on a speed receiver – is an alignment trick. For Tampa Bay, having Otton and Durham, two reliable pass-catchers in addition to their in-line blocking duties, opens up the toolbox for Liam Coen.
"For the most part, it makes the defense identify what coverage they are going to be in and how they will play it," said Durham on the team flexing tight ends out wide. "Yeah, they [defenses] can mask it, but it gives us space to work. Really, you are out there on an island and sometimes you are with a back coming out to you or sometimes we go four strong so, it gives us space and an opportunity to get a linebacker on us and show what we can do there."
