Lavonte David: Superstar?
October 23rd, 2013
Joe likes to brag that he knew about Bucs stud linebacker Lavonte David long before 90 percent of America did. Joe would watch Nebraska games and see David fly from sideline to sideline and thought he would be an awesome pick for the Bucs (which later came true).
(Post sidenote: Joe almost cannot bear to watch Nebraska games now because their defense is such a sieve, it makes the Bucs look like the 1985 Bears).
Last year, many thought David should have been named to the Pro Bowl along with his fellow rookie Doug Martin, who did eat pineapple. This year, it appears David should again, as Nathan Jahnke of ProFootballFocus.com details.
As a rookie, linebacker Lavonte David showed he could stop the run and play in coverage. In 2013 he has shown he can be a triple threat. He had a below average 9.9 Pass Rushing Productivity last year, where this year he has a league-leading 35.7. On 42.8% of his pass rushes he has gotten pressure, and on 19.0% of his pass rushes he has either sacked or hit the opposing quarterback.
David was simply all over the place against the Dixie Chicks in the first half. Joe may not have seen a Bucs linebacker play like that since there was some dude wearing No. 55 flying around. Joe never thought he would see the next Derrick Brooks but, lo and behold before our very eyes, David may just be a clone of Brooks.’
Now will David make the Pro Bowl? Joe isn’t sure. Outside of Bucs fans and Cornhuskers fans, you mention the “Lavonte David” and 19 out of 20 will say, “Oh, you mean the guy that make the dumbarse play with Geno Smith in New York that gave the game to the Jets?”
Sad as it is, to date, that is David’s signature play. Until or unless the Bucs begin playing meaningful games, and David makes a splash in those games, he will go down as the defensive Joe Pisarcik of his time.
And that truly is sad.
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:14 am
Sadly LD is up to his ankles in the sewage at OBP. He’s worthy of being a first team pineapple eater but stands little chance because of the stench.
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:19 am
Yeah and you know who gets all the accolades instead: Luke Keauchly
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:26 am
When I say his around these parts, the reply I get is, “Oh you mean Vontae Davis, that cornerback for the Colts?”
Then I hit them in the head with my unopened can of pepsi and walk away
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:29 am
Next time I’ll use a can of coke. The can NOT supplied to me as promised by the lovely Sheridan
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:36 am
LVD IS LVD, why does he have to be 55?? Show me when Brooks had that many TFL?? This guy has some different abilities unique to him.
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:50 am
Our best player.
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:57 am
Widh he was our 22nd best player.
October 23rd, 2013 at 8:58 am
Widh=wish
October 23rd, 2013 at 9:24 am
if the whole defense played with fire that LVD does,no one could do jack against our D!! even the players with less talent, just his attitude!!!!
October 23rd, 2013 at 9:26 am
Brooks was unique and a Hall of Famer.
Brooks made that defense stout.
Until LD makes them stout…
October 23rd, 2013 at 10:01 am
He’d be in the DPOY conversation if this team was winning.
October 23rd, 2013 at 11:27 am
I defend LVD when that penalty happened and still do. He’s no Woodly or Harrison and when that play happened it was just a dumb decision. It does not ruin his character or his effort. Anyone that just remembers that play obviously follows the bucs and needs to be brought up to his current performance.