Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense utilizes a 3-4 Blitz Heavy base scheme under defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had an up-and-down 2025 campaign, resulting in a #20 ranking in scoring defense. For context, they are trailing the league average by 1.2 points.

In the NFC South, they are currently trailing the Carolina Panthers (#15), New Orleans Saints (#16) and Atlanta Falcons (#19) in scoring defense.

They play a disciplined style of defense, rarely taking risks to create negative plays. Ball production is a strength, with the defense showing good instincts for the football.

37
Total Sacks
13
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is average compared to the league median, while their secondary is capable (13 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

The unit is anchored by Lavonte David, whose performance as a standout player in 2025 with 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception has been instrumental. Complimenting that production, SirVocea Dennis has added 101 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception this season.

What is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Todd Bowles

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense runs a 3-4 Blitz Heavy under coordinator Todd Bowles.

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Blitz Heavy
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

Todd Bowles continues to send heat. A 3-4 base that blitzes linebackers and safeties relentlessly.

Key Principles

Heavy BlitzExotic PressureRun Stuffing

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
AVG
9.7/g
Turnovers
GOOD
1.5/g
Aggression
AVG
4.9/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
9.7
AVG
They disrupt the offense 9.7 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.5
GOOD
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.5 times per game. They are ball-hawks that give their offense extra possessions.
Front Aggression
4.9
AVG
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.9 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
24.2 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Jamel Dean
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Anthony Nelson
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 5
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Anthony Walker Jr.
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 3
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
CB
Zyon McCollum
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 15
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
S
JJ Roberts
Safety
Injured ReserveAug 19
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
David Walker
Linebacker
Injured ReserveAug 2
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
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