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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 Unsung heroes entering Super Bowl 55

By Bob Blackwood

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Succop #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 26: Ryan Succop #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on after missing a field goal during the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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William Gholston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images)
William Gholston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Will Vragovic/Getty Images) /

4. William Gholston

William Gholston is often the forgotten man on the defensive line. Overshadowed by Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh, Gholston has been the steady constant for the Buccaneers throughout his entire eight-year career. He is both durable and reliable for the team.

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This season Gholston started 12 games for the team and played in all 16. It was his second-most starts during a season in his career. His numbers are never flashy, but he can be counted on to play and take on blockers game after game. He plays defensive end, but the ends are often asked to help free up linebackers in Tampa Bay’s system. Gholston plays his role well.

This season, Gholston had three sacks. More importantly, he also accounted for 29 QB pressures and nine QB hurries. He also managed 17 QB knockdowns. Even though he wasn’t converting his pressure into sacks, the constant pressure and hits on the quarterback add up and often result in turnovers or sacks for other players.

3. Jordan Whitehead

Jordan Whitehead is often overlooked because of fellow safety Antoine Winfield. Fortunately for the Buccaneers, this hasn’t affected Whitehead’s play. While playing strong safety for the second time in three years, Whitehead had his second-highest career tackle total with 74.

Whitehead was also involved in blitz packages and registered two sacks and four QB hurries during the season. He also had a career-high in defensive snap percentage with 86 percent. Along with Winfield, the two safeties set a physical presence for the defense. Whitehead’s hitting was never more evident than in the NFC Championship game when he forced two fumbles from Aaron Jones.

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