Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Remaking the defensive line

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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 26: Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /

Summation

As we saw in the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, defensive line depth can make a big difference when it comes to winning a championship. You will recall that in the AFC title game between the Patriots and Jaguars, the potent pass rush of Jacksonville faded late in the game. And that’s because the team that had a lot of front-line players that help produce 55 sacks was not deep enough to pressure Tom Brady when it counted most.

In the case of this new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive line, general manager Jason Licht is not only upgrading the talent but adding reinforcements as well. It’s safe to say that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made their share of big moves in this department. And the team with the seventh overall pick in the upcoming draft may not be done quite yet.

Keep in mind the Dirk Koetter’s club resides in a division featuring quarterbacks Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers) and Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons). And if all goes well, the additions of Pierre-Paul, Curry, Unrein and Allen — teamed with Gerald McCoy and two-year pro Noah Spence — will make for a talented and deeper defensive front.

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In 2017, no team in the league gave up more total yards and more passing yards than the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That makes sense considering no club in the NFL racked up fewer sacks (22). The additions have been made. Now the club must make sure this new-look group lives up to billing.

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