Lavonte David: The Complete Linebacker
March 11th, 2021
Shutdown linebacker.
We tend to first consider Lavonte David a run-stuffer because, well, he is.
Lost is how well David covers receivers. This was on full display when he hounded All-World Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the Super Bowl.
Now there was concern when the Bucs brought in Todd Bowles to take over the defense two years ago how David would transition. His entire career, David was an outside linebacker in a 43 defense; then he was asked to learn a whole new defense and a new position.
David made the transition quite well, especially in coverage. NextGen Stats show David was among the league’s best pass defenders the past two years.
Either Bowles knows exactly how to position and use David, or David is just that damn good of a player. Joe suspects it’s equal parts both.
Lavonte David’s range is also apparent in his coverage. David ranks across the top 5 across several coverage metrics as the nearest defender over the last two seasons.
[2/n] pic.twitter.com/ztVarXoOje
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 10, 2021
March 11th, 2021 at 5:35 am
Ok Joe,
LVD is already signed now…….can you post something more than 10 LVD posts a day when he wasn’t signed?????
…………….this is starting to feel like “America’s QB” postings on a daily basis 🙂
March 11th, 2021 at 5:45 am
I’m happy for LVD and I am truly rooting for him.
In full disclosure though, I don’t share this vision of an elite LB like some do. I think he’s a really good player who makes big plays. “Elite”? At times, maybe.
It’s just my opinion. He’s a Buc so I am 100% LVD All day, E’RY day!
March 11th, 2021 at 6:18 am
Nah. Keep em coming joe. Lavonte is one of the most underrated players in nfl.
Him and mike my favorite players for years until they started drafting better the last few.
Stoked he gets a chance to retire a buc
I said it yesterday and will say again today…when its all said and done , his numbers will look very similar to derrick brooks
Brooks more ints
Lvd more sacks
March 11th, 2021 at 6:35 am
Joes been pumping out a lot of next gen stats analysis these days for a guy who can’t stand their impact on baseball. 🧐
I suppose until personnel and playcalling decisions based on CPOE and Target EPA start happening it won’t have “ruined the game?”
Pitchers still pitch, batters still swing, and LvD covers better than Terry Tate in a cubicle farm.
March 11th, 2021 at 6:53 am
LVD is a great Buc…..period…..very, very happy he is back….but not as happy as his partner, Devin White.
The speed of our linebackers is one of the keys to our top defense.
March 11th, 2021 at 7:07 am
With having two of the fastest LBs in the league, Lavonte David and Devin White, teams are having a difficult time running to the outside or throwing underneath to the running backs. This changes how offenses attacks the defense and causes major adjustments. Throw in a good pass rush and CBs who can cover, offenses are simply shutdown with very few lanes to throw or run. We saw this in KC. Lavonte David was a major key in keeping this defense intact. Looking at this years upcoming draft, I saw very few speedy LBs. Most of them ran 4.7 plus with a few LBs running in the 4.6. Devin White ran a 4.42 and David ran 4.65 at the Combine.
March 11th, 2021 at 7:15 am
Speed is right. Those two LBs are like heat seeking missiles once the target is identified. Winfield has that same quality. Speed is the mark of our D.
March 11th, 2021 at 7:39 am
Hands down the best LB of his generation. Keuchly was good, but Lavonte just balls out. 43 or 34 it doesn’t matter, the dude comes to play. So glad they brought him back.
March 11th, 2021 at 8:02 am
Buc for life is my hope. Ring of honor a certainty. Thanks LD.
March 11th, 2021 at 8:07 am
I understand the first 3 stats, but then I get lost.
Time to stuff the nerds (except Cynthia Frelund) back in the lockers. They have already ruined baseball and are quickly coming for the other sports.
March 11th, 2021 at 8:11 am
Nobody deserved the Superbowl Ring more than LVD. A pro’s pro, a world class athlete, a perfect teammate, and a dang good linebacker. Good for him.
March 11th, 2021 at 8:11 am
Glad we got him…..now Gronk, Succoup, Suh, Lenny and grab a vet DE and draft DE, DT, QB …..BPA for those and BPA after that for depth. (LB, S/DB, OL, TE) Cut OJ
March 11th, 2021 at 8:36 am
Now if we can just keep Shaq, Suh and Gronk we’re in good shape.
AB would be nice too.
March 11th, 2021 at 8:37 am
Oh, yeah, Succop!
March 11th, 2021 at 8:41 am
In that Super Bowl, LD had Kelce locked down. He doesn’t always draw the TE, but a big part of what we did was take away that safety valve.
March 11th, 2021 at 10:04 am
*asked to do more
March 11th, 2021 at 11:17 am
ARE YOU SERIOUS WITH THIS, JOE!? You were ready to send this Bucs legend master of disaster to the wolves a few days ago to resign Shaq. SMH.
March 11th, 2021 at 11:22 am
SOEbuc Lavonte stat of 2020: PFF 92.8 LB coverage rating (best since 2016).
March 11th, 2021 at 11:47 am
Digging that stat: PFF 92.8, best since 2016. Stud.
March 11th, 2021 at 12:27 pm
LVD is a generational player who’s rare talent is to be coveted by the team lucky enough to have him. Luckily that is the Buccaneers. Great job LVD!! You finally get some recognition for your outstanding efforts through out the years!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
March 11th, 2021 at 12:36 pm
he’s way more than a glue guy…
so good he’s back for a couple seasons…
now he will retire a buc because if he continues to play after 2 more seasons, he will prolly go in on the year to year type contracts the bucs are doing with guys like suh now…
doubt he goes to another franchise at that point year to yearing it
March 11th, 2021 at 4:04 pm
LVD was NEVER going to play anywhere else . He’ll now be able to retire a Buccaneer and have his name & number on the ROH and be our 2nd Linebacker inducted into Canton alongside Brooks . Gotta’ love that Dude !
March 11th, 2021 at 8:03 pm
I guess Brady made him be a great linebacker as well lol lol 😆 😂 🤣 that’s what some of the people on this site will lol 😆 🤣 😂!!
March 11th, 2021 at 8:03 pm
Will say !! Lol 😆 🤣 😂
March 14th, 2021 at 8:27 pm
When Travis Kelce and Lavonte David came out for the coin toss, I said that this was foreshadowing. Turns out, all game long it was a theme.