Darrelle Revis strongly believes Lavonte David is a Pro Bowler
Tampa Bay Buccaneers star cornerback Darrelle Revis is a man who delivers plenty of praise to those who deserve it, and he sent some praise to the Buccaneers young linebacker trio of Lavonte David, Mason Foster, and Dekoda Watson. Those three have looked excellent through the first two games of the season, and they have especially made an impression as pass rushers, even in the 4-3 scheme. The Bucs are using their linebackers to blitz, and it’s paying off the way these guys are playing. They are also all athletic enough to excel in coverage, and opponents are finding these linebackers to be dangerous weapons in the passing game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Revis said of the Buccaneers starting LBs, via the Tampa Tribune’s Roy Cummings, “They’ve been playing lights out. You’ve got Mason brining that ball back last week (for a touchdown against the Saints), and Dekoda is playing well. And then there’s Lavonte.”
He saved his highest praise for Lavonte David, and he believes strongly that one of the 2011 NFL Draft’s steals (Doug Martin was another one of those steals in that draft) deserves a Pro Bowl berth this season. “I’m telling you, if Lavonte doesn’t get a Pro Bowl nod this year, then something is going on. The voting must be rigged or something. I know that’s a whole other subject, but that’s a word and I’m allowed to use that word.’’
Wow, chalk that up as a ringing endorsement. David is a really good linebacker and has played well this season, but not only is it too early to anoint anyone to the Pro Bowl, there are also plenty of other LBs to choose from. David is on the right track, though, and he’s already done an excellent job putting pressure on the quarterback, and he’s also looked good in coverage. All he needs to do now is cut down on the missed tackles, and he could go from being a good run defender to a great run defender.
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