“He’s A Pro Bowl Player … That’s What You’re Losing.”

October 13th, 2020

Lost piece explained

Thankfully, our beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be a lot worse in their run defense and still be the very best in the NFL.

The NFL’s best run defense in 2019 is not only on a 13-game streak of not allowing a 100-yard rusher, the Bucs defense is allowing opposing teams just 2.7 yards per carry, a full yard better than the second best unit in the NFC, the Saints.

So the loss of Vita Vea to a broken leg isn’t overly troublesome in Joe’s opinion, and that’s also the take from former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht.

Becht hopped on WDAE-AM 620 radio yesterday and called Vea a versatile beast who is absolutely dominant in the run game and a load when he’s pass rushing, “He’s a Pro Bowl Player in my opinion. That’s what you’re losing there.”

But the question Becht finds most important about Vea’s replacements is as follows: “Do they have enough to get through it and still be productive.”

The Bucs indeed can overcome the Vea loss, Becht said, mostly because Vea goes above and beyond what he’s asked to do and the Bucs should be able to “just get a guy that can hold it down.”

Joe agrees right now, though the way Vea was growing as a pass rusher, Joe is not so sure Becht will be proven right.

Like Joe, Becht also likes the burst the Bucs are getting from depth piece edge linebacker Anthony Nelson. Joe can feel the energy when Nelson is on the field. He’s got more burst from JPP right now.

Regardless, one thing Joe is sure of with Vea out. The gut of that run defense is going to be tested quickly against the Packers.

10 Responses to ““He’s A Pro Bowl Player … That’s What You’re Losing.””

  1. ElioT Says:

    It’s awful to lose Vea. He’s an absolute beast!

    Odds are Howard and Vea aren’t the only players that are going down to IR this year.

    The Bucs got really lucky last year with injuries or lack of.

    I’m optimistic with the defensive scheme and guys like Gholston and JPP sliding inside and Suh and Nacho doing their thing.

    Pro football isn’t easy and being a life long Bucs fan is brutal.

    Go Bucs!

  2. Tampabuscsbro Says:

    I am excited to see what Khalil Davis can bring, I am not expecting much but he has shown to be explosive.

    Vea and Howard going down are going to hurt us.

  3. Anonymous Says:

    This D/Line must step up and fight to cover this loss, if they can do this…cover the loss of Vita V, then truly this D can be labeled GREAT!! RNR56, A Nelson, K Davis…It is time to step up to the plate and eat!!! HENNY AND HOG …get yo-self some!!

  4. BucAllNight Says:

    Suh
    Nacho
    Gholston (With Rocks in his Pocket)
    K. Davis
    —-
    Resign Love
    ——–
    Should Easily provide 75% of what Vea gave us…
    We will see the effect backfilling Suh etc.
    NEVERTHELESS this is STILL a top FIVE(5) DEFENSE

    Lets go show and PROVE!!!
    Go BUCS!!!!

  5. Bucsfanman Says:

    Tough loss but we’re going to have to replace him somehow. I expect a heavy rotation.

  6. Bird Says:

    Tough loss For team.

    Maybe they need to throw in some 4 – 3 looks to compensate for vea. Kick lavonte back to weak side linebacker

    Gholston can play inside. Think jpp did too

    Not saying Change everything but mix it up. Solid Nt so important for 3-4

    Regardless , they need to be bringing in a new tree stump

  7. Allbuccedup Says:

    Not good with two high powered offenses in the next two games.

  8. doctor_berto Says:

    There is no replacing Vea, this defense will not be the same. Not going to win super bowl this year, maybe next season.

  9. Mike Johnson Says:

    Sorry fellow plank walkers. But..I’m gonna cal it like it is. Vita is injury prone. Might be another Easy money sweezy. Remember him? He got his money for nothin and his chicks for free.

  10. Sport Says:

    MJ you are a complete Dumb A$$. Vea gets rolled up on and the force is so great it’s literally snaps his leg. Go back and watch the film, you can see it give way.
    It’s not like he has chronic turf toe or torn biceps like a certain other Dlineman we used to have.

    You were trending, now you just solidified being a loser Troll.

    In BA I Trust!