Figured Things Out
February 4th, 2021
Beasting
In his rookie season and for a good chunk of this season, Joe believed inside linebacker Devin White was dominant against the run, so-so blitzing and in need of work in pass defense.
Well, that may not be the case any longer, especially since he returned from missing two weeks due to The Sickness.
White has been on fire and Joe’s good friend Mike Tanier of ProFootballNetwork.com believes the past two playoff games, White is looking like the gamewrecker at inside linebacker the Bucs envisioned when he was selected No. 5 overall in the 2019 draft.
White may be the most explosive downhill blitzer in the NFL right now. Not even Jamal Adams of the Seattle Seahawks has a more sudden burst when he’s within a few steps of the quarterback. White may also be the NFL’s most lethal delayed blitzer.
If the running back he’s covering stays in to pass protect, White shifts gears on the fly and sifts through traffic to find the quarterback like a savvy eighth-year pro, not a second-year defender coming off a breakout nine-sack season. Oh, and White is starting to figure things out in coverage, too. The Saints learned the hard way when they tried to attack him in the NFC Championship Game.
As one of the few defenders athletic enough to chase Patrick Mahomes down in the open field, he’ll be on the prowl all evening during Super Bowl LV. White could change the course of the game with a sack — or with a whiff in coverage.
Anyone read that passage from Tanier have have visions dancing in their heads of White with a pick-six in the Super Bowl?
Yeah, you too, huh?
With a kickarse game Sunday and a Bucs victory, White may just be planting his flag into midfield of the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway as the game’s elite inside linebacker.
February 4th, 2021 at 9:14 am
Yes! I envision a one handed interception off Mahomes targeting Kelce in the middle of the field.
February 4th, 2021 at 9:20 am
White and David for co-MVP.
Batman and Robin
The Thunder and Lightning (of Defense)
The Pallbearers
Captain Hook and Jack Sparrow
Rocky and Bullwinkle
Yoda and Skywalker
Cookies and Cream
February 4th, 2021 at 9:32 am
I knew he was FAST, didn’t know until I googled his Combine stats that he was 4.4 fast…. WOW. 250 frikkin pounds and 4.4 speed
February 4th, 2021 at 9:39 am
It’s not just his 4.4. speed….it’s his instincts that make the difference….
Who would you rather have in this game?…….Devin White or Josh Allen?
February 4th, 2021 at 9:43 am
I’ll choose Winfield for my pick 6 on Sunday.
February 4th, 2021 at 9:57 am
So so on blitzing??? 9 sacks hombre, wake up!
February 4th, 2021 at 9:58 am
There are sacks White has where he literally shoves the QB to the ground…. he is showing A LOT of restraint.
Could you imagine White playing in the Lynch Era? When you got a copy of “Crunch Course” with your SI subscription?
Did I just date myself? Anyone here remember “Crunch Course” on VHS?
Anyone here remember VHS?
I’m shutting up now.
February 4th, 2021 at 9:58 am
F all of those who questioned drafting a ILB at #5.
February 4th, 2021 at 10:08 am
Thinking that “delayed blitz” may give mahomie nightmares throughout the summer months, ptsd style!
February 4th, 2021 at 10:32 am
Adam:
I remember that! Then it was satin jackets…followed by flannel jackets and/or blankets with the consistency of a tarp. Nice flashback, Sir.
February 4th, 2021 at 10:48 am
Adam – I remember those. Do you remember pegged pants, or bell-bottom trousers?
February 4th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
I think a lot of people are mistaken about this game. It’s not the defense that has to win this game, because Myhomies will throw over 300 yards and they will put up at least 400 yards and 27 points. It is the offense that has to win it. They can’t come out 4 straight drives without a first down or be down by 17 points in the 1st quarter or down 27-10 before they attempt a comeback, they have to come out burning up the scoreboard from the getgo and match KC point for point. Getting conservative will kill us and they have to make Scooter Miller our Cheetah. The defense has to make sure they adjust sooner than after the half.
February 4th, 2021 at 12:34 pm
I envision him planting Mahomie at mid-field!!!
February 4th, 2021 at 12:51 pm
DW is going to play a HUGE role in the SB!! We need him to be a Swiss army knife…sacking Mahomes, stripping the ball from WR’s and RB’s and tackling every ball carrier with quickly and surely!!
February 4th, 2021 at 4:00 pm
DavidBigBucFan99 Says:
February 4th, 2021 at 12:28 pm
I think a lot of people are mistaken about this game. It’s not the defense that has to win this game, because Myhomies will throw over 300 yards and they will put up at least 400 yards and 27 points.
Heard Sean Payton today. He said that Mahomes will make big plays but if they are not scores, then the Bucs can keep the point total down because KC red zone offense is not that good and Bucs red zone defense is good. He said that match up favors Bucs.
I think like most games there are many paths to victory. I am like you though in that I think people saying run the ball are just limiting our potential paths to victory.
February 4th, 2021 at 6:06 pm
More likely that David will have a pick, but White will have a critical sack or fumble recovery to seal the win!