Rare Company

November 3rd, 2020

Repeatedly, and dating back to before the grind of training camp, Bucco Bruce Arians has called Carlton Davis a top-10 NFL cornerback.

Joe’s silent response was always, ‘Great, then go make some big plays and be part of a decent secondary.’

Before this season, Davis had just one pick in 26 starts and a healthy share of dropped interception opportunities. There’s much, much more to being a good corner than squeezing footballs, but if you’re talking top-10, then plays must be made or teams have to avoid throwing your way at all costs like a Darrelle Revis type.

Last night was Davis’ fourth interception of the season. For perspective, the last time the Bucs had a cornerback hit four in a season was 2016. It was Brent Grimes, who led the NFL that year in passes defensed and should have been a Pro Bowler on a Bucs defense that ranked No. 1 in the NFL in third-down defense.

Prior to that, five-time Pro Bower Aqib Talib had six picks in 11 games back in 2010, his career high when the Bucs finished 10-6. Only twice did Ronde Barber have more than five or more picks in a season.

Joe’s just trying to point out how special a first half of a season Davis has had. He leads the NFL with 13 passes defensed, and those four picks tie him for the NFL lead. And the best part is Davis has significant room to improve == and the talent to have a Bucs-cornerback season for the record books.

23 Responses to “Rare Company”

  1. SB Says:

    All I know is they better not be playing 8 and 9 yard cushions on Brees next sunday

  2. Buc50 Says:

    SB amen to that. Quick passes were killing us last night and Brees is a master

  3. 813bucboi Says:

    game plan changes from week to week….

    we’ll have a great game plan for the saints offensively and defensively….

    GO BUCS!!!!!

  4. diggler Says:

    You could see it last year, his ability to anticipate and react quicker and quicker. Again, his body control is freakish. It helps that a lot of PRESSURE is getting put on the QBs. Yes Joe pressure DOES make a difference.

    Winfield Jr. is going to be special. Think Bob Sanders but waaaay stronger.

  5. Steven007 Says:

    Davis has done a great job developing his hands. He was not known as having great hands coming out of Auburn and only had one or perhaps even no interceptions his last year in college there. And then he had problems here holding on to the ball. That started changing last year and we’re seeing it continue this year. Great coaching and grade development.

  6. Beeej Says:

    SB Says:
    November 3rd, 2020 at 9:56 am
    All I know is they better not be playing 8 and 9 yard cushions on Brees next sunday

    Heard that, especially since Bree’s average complete is like 7 yards

  7. JimbobBucsFan Says:

    BA and his coaching staff seem to know what they are doing.

    In BA I Trust!

  8. Casual Observer Says:

    BA better listen to SB.

  9. SC Bucs Fan Says:

    Was not impressed with the secondary last night. Fix it before we run into Mr. Brees.

  10. Nutbucer Says:

    Good think he was still in the board after we took MJ Stewart lmfao.

  11. ModHairKen Says:

    SB, spot on. That was infuriating.

  12. Godwinsfinger Says:

    AwshBucs—-get em!!!!! Carlton Smokey Davis a top 5 corner , joe will get there

  13. ModHairKen Says:

    Pass rush was not good at times last night. That exposed the weaknesses. The DBs are much better, but no one can cover for 8 seconds.

  14. Bucamania Says:

    This secondary just doesn’t play off coverage well AT ALL and White is usually covering grass when he drops. Bring the LB blitz and play press coverage. That’s this team’s strength.

  15. stpetebucsfan Says:

    Our defensive backfield has a chance to be truly special! Davis will be a top corner in this league and Winfield will become a top safety/utility DB.

    Dean and SMB clearly have talent if they could guess less and focus more.

    I wasn’t as concerned as much about individuals getting beat last night as players running open due to better scheme. I’m a big Bowles fan but I thought Garrett got the better of him last night…at least in the first half. Kudos to TB the defense did make some nice adjustments.

  16. #1bucfan Says:

    Davis is really turning into a fine corner. Maybe he can help dean and SMB out some more. Dean had a bad game hopefully he bounces back strong. SMB should have bin in a better position for the tate TD. I hope these guys get back in the film room and work on some technique and positioning. Dean had great speed so just baffles me a little bit how he got burnt at least 3 times maybe even more.

  17. TampaTown Says:

    SB just called the game plan for the Saints

  18. geno711 Says:

    That 2nd pass play of the game for the Giants, the Bucs had Devin White covering a receiver over the slot position. He got beat bad. Dean had to clean up that miss from making it a larger play. Many fans incorrectly blamed Dean for that.

    I have this concerned vision of Kamara on 1st down shifting to the slot and him beating Devin White 4 different times during the game.

    However, each team knows each other so turnover and penalties may decide the Saints game in the end.

  19. Bucraze Says:

    Well Joe,
    Bucs had 2 interceptions. Both times Shaq Barrett was on qb forcing bad throws to our corners. I choose turn overs over sacks any day.

  20. AtlBuc Says:

    In the first game, Davis put @cantguardmike in the witness protection program holding him to 3 receptions for 17 yards!!

  21. Brandon Says:

    On the season, Davis is allowing a 50 QB rating when thrown at. Given up 2 TDs and had 4 INTs and allowed 55% completions. That’s a top five guy.

    Dean is giving up 72 QB rating, 55% completions. SMB is giving up 85+% and completions and a rating well over 100. Hopefully SMB is turning the corner.

  22. WhatTheBuc Says:

    Got to love america any clown can post an opinion…….. Anyone remember that famous joe bucs writer laughing at carlton davis being a top corner………. I’m sure joe dont

  23. Buczilla Says:

    Davis has come a long way.