Is There Anything Lavonte David Cannot Do?

December 4th, 2012

Joe has no doubt that in the coming years, Mark Barron will be a force at safety. He already is a bone-crushing tackler, just as RGIII.

And Bucs fans, and the NFL in general, go into a tizzy when “The Muscle Hamster,” Doug Martin, gets on his wheel.

Right now, however, Joe’s of the mind that the Bucs’ best rookie was the team’s second round draft pick, Lavonte David. We all know how David is a monster at tackles for a loss. We all know how David is a sideline-to-sideline warrior. Sunday, he showed he can pick off a pass, too.

But the numbers crunchers at ProFootballFocus.com suggest Sunday, David showed he may be the Bucs’ best pass rusher, claims Cole Schultz.

What’s the Rush?

Keeping two safeties deep whenever the Broncos weren’t in the red zone, Tampa forced Peyton Manning to beat them without many opportunities for the deep ball. And though they were successful in that regard (Manning attempted two passes over 20 yards in the air), the result was a short but methodical passing attack that left the Bucs’ defensive line little time to apply any pressure. Over half of Tampa Bay’s QB disruptions came from rookie Lavonte David (four hurries), but two of those occurred when he was unblocked. Neither Michael Bennett (-2.8 pass rush) nor Gerald McCoy (-1.3 pass rush) helped out the secondary as they generated one hurry apiece. A disappointing return considering their capabilities.

Now remember folks, David is going wilding each Sunday afternoon as a rookie — a rookie! Imagine what this guy will be able to do in the next few years when he has a better read on what NFL offenses are showing?

What a steal this David has turned out to be. Joe’s just glad he was the first media type in the Tampa Bay area to point him out to Bucs fans.

14 Responses to “Is There Anything Lavonte David Cannot Do?”

  1. Mike J Says:

    I predicted in the Bucs’ Usenet NG that David was the player the Bucs were targeting when they moved up. He has been better than I expected.

  2. Andrew Says:

    well Joe you finally got something right. jk.

  3. Macabee Says:

    What’s more to say. This rookie reeks of pineapple – to coin a phrase!

  4. Bayfisher Says:

    “Is There Anything Lavonte David Cannot Do?”

    How about force a fumble? A lost art on this defense.

  5. ChefPaul Says:

    @Bayfisher. I was just thinking that earlier today. Every time theres a kick ass defense in this league, it’s always the same thing. Forced fumbles is the number one goal. We don’t do that very well. I’m sure IF they don’t coach it up, David will adapt and take it upon himself

  6. jfgobucs Says:

    Toot that Horn Joe….

  7. Jessup Says:

    Best linebacker in the entire draft and best running back in the entire draft. Pretty nice. Too bad Mark Barron doesn’t appear to be the best safety in the draft.

  8. Bucfever40 Says:

    If Barron is not the best safety in the draft, then who is?

  9. ElioT Says:

    David is an absolute F-ing STUD! It’s amazing watching the difference between 2012’s #54 and 2011’s #54 on the field and I assume off the field too.

    Great move and pick by Dom and Schiano.

    Go Bucs!!!

  10. Fear The Glow Says:

    Im not going to compare this kid to Brooks because I think it’s ridiculous but what they do have in common is that they were both the perfect fit for the defense they play(ed) in.

    This defense lets David fly. If you just keep your eye on him during the games he is all over the damn place. Constantly running full speed. It’s awesome.

  11. BOb Says:

    Wow….self loathe much? Guess you love you some you ! Like T.O.
    We know your a nebraska homer joe. So congrats i guess!

  12. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    What a great draft the Bucs had this year!

  13. kenny Says:

    Harrison smith is a banger

  14. feelthepewterpower Says:

    Wasn’t David one of the leading tacklers in College, not to mention all-time at Nebraska? Good call, Joe, but it wasn’t as though he was a diamond in the rough.

    Glad the monster is on our team no matter who printed it first.