Marcus West: Defensive Front Must Carry Bucs Defense
May 22nd, 2026
Defensive line coach Marcus West says Bucs need strong play from his unit to succeed.
It all starts up front.
That’s the philosophy Bucs defensive line coach Marcus West lives by. At least that’s what he suggested this week with the Bucs’ local pen and mic club.
West made sure the message came across: the Buc’s defensive line needs not just to play well, but if the defense is going to do big things, the defensive line has to lead the way.
“The game is won up front,” West said. “Not to get too deep in it, but when you talk about Super Bowl wins, the position that’s talked about is the defensive line.
“I mean, it’s no secret, the most important position in this building is quarterback. In any building. That’s no secret, but the people [right] behind that are the people that affect the quarterback.
“It’s our job to affect the quarterback.”
West has solid pieces. He raved about nose tackle Vita Vea. Clearly, Vita is one of the best in the league. And gosh darn it, if Calijah Kancey can stay healthy, he’s a force. West marveled how Kancey got 7.5 sacks two years ago in only 12 games, suggesting that’s afeat for a defensive tackle to pull that off.
Throw in an angry A’Shawn Robinson and Rueben Bain, it’s not like West doesn’t have tools.
And with this shaky Bucs secondary, the front line will have to dominate to help bail them out.
May 22nd, 2026 at 7:16 am
I’m a bit concerned with our D-line. Injuries (Kancey) and age (Vea, A-Rob, Nacho)…
I’m also concerned with our collection of CBs. I really wish our GM would have signed at least one additional vet to compete for a starting gig or added depth/experience.
Oh well.
May 22nd, 2026 at 8:33 am
No matter how great the talent our defensive line is, Bowles’ scheme will neutralize it.
May 22nd, 2026 at 9:12 am
What to neutralize “see ball get it”.
May 22nd, 2026 at 9:35 am
Every D line at every level of football carries defense
May 22nd, 2026 at 9:53 am
I agree about our CBs. I don’t care how good the front 7 are, with our current CBs the defense is doomed. Thus far neither Morrison or MCCoumn are not NFL starting corners. What is worse is their is no depth behind them. Hopefully, Parrish can transition to the outside. Hopefully is a key word. Surely the Bucs would add another vetern corner to the mix. However, currently it appears they are taking a huge risk on Morrison and McColumn. Yes very scary. I mean who is the opening game Cinn. Wow, pretty scary with our CB situation. I have been scratching my head on this one for awhile. I am seeing this like Joe has been seeing the edge rush situation. Please get a real CB and put Morrison and McColumn on the bench until they deserve to start.
May 22nd, 2026 at 9:54 am
This is gonna be a solid dline with a good rotation think it’s gonna limit injuries by keeping players fresh, Bain is the injection this defense needed the off-season say some good depth and rational pieces added I’m getting optimistic uh oh.
May 22nd, 2026 at 11:17 am
It’s a passing league, but Vita and A’Shawn are good run stoppers but are not pass rushers. Kancey and Elijah Robert’s have more sacks on a per snap basis. Kancey needs to stay healthy this year.
May 22nd, 2026 at 11:23 am
I always want 7 fast and feisty corners.
Our CB depth is atrocious.
We have
1. Zion
2. Parish
3. Morrison
4. Nobody
5. Nobody
6. Nobody
7. Josh Hayes
We have 3 UDFA and 3 practice squad guys from last year.
Scott is not an outside CB.
He’s a nickle, safety, and moneybacker.
We need 3 more corners.
Three!
I’m so tired of this.
Since the days of 4.6 Leonard Johnson and 4.6 Johnathan Banks we have never had food depth at CB!
Carlton Davis is still awesome.
Dean was a top 5 CB last year.
Wtf are we doing?
After QB and the trenches, CB is the most important position in the NFL!
And we always lose 1-2 to injury. Every year!
Why are we not learning from our mistakes?
We are deep at nickle, LB and safety. Even our D-line looks deep.
But CB?
We suck!
May 22nd, 2026 at 11:58 am
But Teacher, we have one of the best GMs in football (so say many on this Board). How can it be that this genius lets such grievous conditions like the CB room to happen?
Wake up guys, Licht is a big part of the “problem”.
May 22nd, 2026 at 12:50 pm
If the Dline does its job ,stevie wonder a ray charles can cover!
May 22nd, 2026 at 1:48 pm
@ Teacherman
I agree.
I just don’t get it…
Hopefully our GM will still sign someone before camp. There are still a few decent FA CBs left over but the pickens are slim.
May 22nd, 2026 at 2:12 pm
Thank GOD you guys dont run the Bucs.
May 22nd, 2026 at 2:16 pm
If the d-line delivers, it will take pressure off of the corners. Anzalone & Rozeboom are a huge upgrade in the short/middle, that will also take some pressure off the corners, and our nickle corners are much improved with the addition of Keionte Scott. The d-line IS the key & NEEDS to be viscous.
Defense is far more balanced at every position, with good depth. We can make this work with the right attitude.
The rest is coaching. Just need the defense to get off the field quicklY.