Jamel Dean, Tackling Machine
September 29th, 2020
Cornerback Jamel Dean is not breaking up passes at anywhere near the pace he did last season. He’s done that just once in three games.
But he has turned into a tackling machine.
Who has more solo tackles this season, elite run stopper linebacker Devin White or Dean?
If you haven’t guessed yet, the answer is Dean, who is tied for the sixth-most in the NFL with 18.
Dean is an interesting player in his second season. He’s super talented and obviously can wrap up, but he’s inconsistent and seems a little lost in zone coverage.
It’s unknown — and doubtful — whether starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting can return Sunday after suffering a hamstring injury Sunday in Denver. So Dean now will move into the starting outside cornerback role and likely will be expected to play 100 percent of the time (unless the Bucs want to unleash Ryan Smith on the Chargers).
It’s a big opportunity for Dean to rise up and put aspects of his game together.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:05 am
I believe in that kid. Shows the kind of heart that’s becoming the identity of this defense. Can’t believe I’m saying that, looking back over the past decade.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:20 am
I liked Dean last year. He got burned a couple of times & then balled out for a rookie. He needs reps & yes he will get beat a few times before he balls this year… Our secondary wraps up well…
September 29th, 2020 at 10:25 am
dean is nice….
i know he’s a CB, but dean and winfield would be the perfect Safety combo imo….coming out of the draft some thought he could be an elite FS with his size and speed….
i trust bowles and this staff to develop players at whatever position they think suits the player best…
GO BUCS!!!!
September 29th, 2020 at 10:26 am
Dean is a baller. I say rest SMB up until he is 100%. We have enough depth to not rush him back & lose him for the season.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:32 am
That’s not a good sign at all
September 29th, 2020 at 10:33 am
I got one of those social media memories today. Seven years ago today Mike Glennon threw his first NFL TD pass. LOL!
September 29th, 2020 at 10:35 am
Dean and Davis are both press and man to man corners. So its not a surprise that they struggle in zone coverage. However I do agree that they are paid to cover so they should be able to play zone and man. I think that with the extended playing time he will be getting will allow him to improve.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:35 am
Dean will match up with Mike Williams this week which will work in his favor.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:37 am
I’d prefer he break up the pass rather than make the tackle after the catch…but Dean is a good player…..
September 29th, 2020 at 10:41 am
Doubt SMB will play. The way CB’s have to move and make quick changes of direction,, you need those hamstrings. I think Dean will be all right.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:41 am
Titans have shut down their facility. 3 players and 5 staff have tested for covid. This could be the beginning of the end for this season as we know it.
September 29th, 2020 at 10:51 am
Dewey
Season isnt going anywhere. Expanded rosters. They planned ahead for it. The Titans will pay for their carelessness being shorthanded
September 29th, 2020 at 11:09 am
Dewey, hopefully they are false positives like the texans had last week. If not you gotta put those 3 players on ir. Everything will be fine, they can really get ahead of a potential outbreak with the frequency of thier testing and contact tracing. NFL is actually doing a good job.
September 29th, 2020 at 11:23 am
No way the season is shut down….too much TV money……Baseball had this problem and continued….
Testing, quarantine…..bring up player from the PS……forfeit if necessary, reschedule games in Bye week if possible… but continue….
September 29th, 2020 at 11:34 am
I agree with TBBF!
THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!!
September 29th, 2020 at 11:38 am
I gotta say, I was really really doubting Jason Licht picking all those DBs over and over but it seems as though we’ve finally got a great young group.
Dudes are flying all over the place, making plays, hitting dudes in the mouth and tackling well.
They’ve got toughness and swag.
Keep it up!
Go Bucs!!!!
September 29th, 2020 at 11:42 am
Dianna Russini espn Says :
A league source just texted me: “We are shutting Tennessee down until Saturday” That means no Titans coaches or players can be in the building
September 29th, 2020 at 11:58 am
I agree ElioT.
Our D at times looks like a bunch of sharks with blood in the water!
Feeding Frenzy!!!!
I have already watched the Denver game twice and will watch it again when I get home from work.
September 29th, 2020 at 12:31 pm
I love how the DBs are swarming to the ball. Carlton Davis is good for 1PI per game but he’s handling his business. I wish the penalties would stop but at least he’s not giving up big plays constantly. Wow we’ve come a long way since slip and slide Brent Grimes and I got stiff armed out the league Chris Conte.
September 29th, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Dewey… they may have to go to a bubble, like Hockey or a setup like BB did. We will see.
September 29th, 2020 at 3:28 pm
The kid played with a broken arm in college.
September 29th, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Dean is talented for sure. Just needs more playing time.
September 29th, 2020 at 11:57 pm
Dean will be fine.
He showed his pass defending instincts quite well last year. I think he’ll do better playing as a starter than he does coming in on sub packages. Some guys are just like that.
That’s of course if he hasn’t regressed since last season lol.