Approaching Buccaneers Royalty
December 30th, 2020
Lavonte David
D’Andre Swift took a handoff to start the Lions’ second half on Saturday, and then Lavonte David shed a block, promptly ripped the ball out of Swift’s hands and the Bucs recovered.
If the Lions weren’t already traumatized and devastated by trailing 34-0 at halftime, then they surely hung their heads right there.
It was the 23rd forced fumble of Lavonte David’s nine-year career, just one shy of what Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks produced through his 14 seasons. And for those wondering, Brooks had 17 forced fumbles through his first nine seasons and recorded one through 11 playoff games.
As Joe wrote in the headline, David truly is approaching Buccaneers royalty status.
Joe’s not a believer in football coincidences, so it’s also noteworthy that David has 16 career fumble recoveries, compared to four for Brooks (plus one in the playoffs.)
No, Joe isn’t saying David is better than Brooks, just pointing out that we’re watching a truly storied Bucs career from No. 54.
Before Saturday’s game, general manager Jason Licht said on radio that he hopes to keep free-agent-to-be David and Devin White together for a long time. That may not be what David wants, but Joe sure hopes it happens. It’s so rare to see a player stick around for a decade or more.
December 30th, 2020 at 12:07 am
Dude is as SOLID as they come!!!
In military terms there is no better compliment!
December 30th, 2020 at 12:19 am
I Hope David doesn’t leave. I don’t see why he would want to at this point. Brady will be back for another year and if they get a young quarterback to sit and learn next year, the rest of the team is pretty much set to be a contender for the rest of his career
December 30th, 2020 at 12:47 am
Agree he is a gamer &. Hopefully retires a Buc
December 30th, 2020 at 12:48 am
Fingers crossed and toes crossed!
December 30th, 2020 at 12:55 am
Would love to see us make Lavonte a Buc for life, he deserves to stick around for some winning seasons after all these years.
December 30th, 2020 at 1:49 am
Paul Gruber of the defense. Quietly kicks butt and always gets overlooked for post season awards that he is/has been worthy of. I sure as hell appreciate him.
December 30th, 2020 at 2:21 am
Its amazing yo thimk all of the accolades kuechly got compared to this guy. I think he has had at least an equal individual career as luke, but LVD is still playing. Yet everyone knows luke, nobofy outside of tampa knows LVD. Hopefully playoffs chamge that.
December 30th, 2020 at 2:31 am
Like him, but he’s rapidly approaching an expiration date. I could see a 2 year deal if a low price…but don’t count on it. This will be likely his last chance at a big contract.
Time to think about replacing him, no matter how well he does in the playoffs.
We can’t afford a big price tag on him.
Devin White is coming into his own. We just need a decent draft pick to put with him.
December 30th, 2020 at 6:18 am
Bonzai, as I recall you have been calling to replace David ever since Kwan was here. In David’s defense I don’t believe we should replace an excellent player until we have somebody better, IMO. David and White’s different skillsets complement each other and allow each to do what they do best.
December 30th, 2020 at 6:39 am
David should never play for another team. He is that type of dude.
December 30th, 2020 at 7:52 am
Brady hung around for 2 decades. If it’s about winning he will stay and with winning comes the accolades. If it’s about the quawn, why would he stay? It’s all about personal preferences. Grab Haskins, Brady can groom him like he has AB.
December 30th, 2020 at 8:02 am
Lavonte aint going anywhere. Trust me. I ll eat crow if he is not
He will do friendly 3 year deal with 2 guaranteed somewhere close to 10 per
December 30th, 2020 at 8:08 am
Brady stayed for 2 decades. If David’s end goal is to win he will stay and with winning comes accolades. If it’s all about the quawn off he goes. Either way he is here today and he’s a hell of an asset to this D.
December 30th, 2020 at 8:48 am
Most underrated player in the entire NFL who has bin playing at the highest level for his entire career. He’s right up their with my all time favorite Bucs that I got to watch DB55, JL47,SR97,ME13 and LVD54
December 30th, 2020 at 9:36 am
Why do you write:
Do you know something or is this an assumption? #Reach?
December 30th, 2020 at 9:55 am
ME13 and LVD54 have to retire a BUC!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
December 30th, 2020 at 1:31 pm
When you have a great player like David, you do everything you can to keep him. I think in terms opposite of B. Belichick: I’d rather pay a great player for a half season longer than his greatness lasts than kick a great player out the door a year too soon. It’s just the right thing to do.
December 30th, 2020 at 1:37 pm
LaVonte David, a class act, plays his position like a true pro. I really want to see the Bucs advance in the playoffs. If we have to play Green Bay or New Orleans in a championship game I’d prefer New Orleans even though they have beaten us twice. Losing 3 times in one season to a division foe would be on the coaching staff. With a couple more games under his belt Antonio Brown will be far more embedded into the offense than when we played New Orleans earlier. Saints know how to neutralize Mike Evans but Brown is much more polished route runner who cannot be covered by any cornerback. His speed is still elite. His hands are as strong as Evans’ are. Along with Gronk, those 2 guys are going to be weapons that will torch the Saints if they decide to take Evans out again.
December 30th, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Gotta know. Why does anyone think David would not want to return, especially now that the Bucs have made the playoffs? As long as he gets a fair payday, he’ll be back!
December 30th, 2020 at 4:14 pm
LVD will be here next season. He’s mentoring Devin White, and his dream to play in the postseason is happening. He has not only been a great LBacker, he is a team leader and greatly respected by his peers. Plus, he has been a class act OFF the field. Like he pointed out almost in tears, he, ME13 and Will Gholston are going to the playoffs in pewter and red. I have been a yuge fan since he was drafted. Is he a HOFamer? You betcha!!