Warrior Effort, Production From Lavonte David
September 21st, 2025
When the dust settled today, and there was a whole lot of dust, the Buccaneers’ defense was led by one man.
Lavonte David’s final stat line was 11 team-leading tackles, with 7 of the solo variety, plus 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 quarterback hits.
David even shook off an injury and returned to the game late — at 35 years old.
Joe’s not sure why the Bucs defense looked soft and deflated in the fourth quarter, but Joe certainly wasn’t seeing that from David. Man, when David was lying on the turf with trainers around him, Joe had terrible visions for the remainder of the Bucs’ season.
That sack was No. 40 1/2 for David’s historic career. He’s still got it.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:06 pm
The Warrior!!!
September 21st, 2025 at 5:07 pm
He missed a few tackles in the first half but still a good effort overall.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:08 pm
I was getting worried about David for awhile there. Missed 3 tackles and one could have been a sack. But the guy keep going and doing everything they need him to do. Glad it wasn’t a serious injury with him. They needed him today
September 21st, 2025 at 5:08 pm
You can replace Evans with Egbuka, but you can’t replace David ever. No matter how hard you try.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:10 pm
This is his swan song year.
Let’s enjoy it and hopefully end it with a Super Bowl victory!
September 21st, 2025 at 5:10 pm
That’s what amazing about David and why he’s a Hall of Famer. On what was a bad day by his standards, he still lead the team with 11 tackles and recorded a sack.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:12 pm
His 1st Quarter was uncharacteristical
September 21st, 2025 at 5:12 pm
I love him and he showed a lot of grit…. But, he definitely missed a lot of tackles.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:13 pm
We have phillys number. We blow them out. Emeka and Chris together will be magic.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:15 pm
Amazing player. Exciting game. Let’s keep it going!
September 21st, 2025 at 5:16 pm
Need them smelling salts…
September 21st, 2025 at 5:18 pm
For all of the whining here, you’d think we were the Falcons or the Saints, lol.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:19 pm
This win feels like a loss and hopefully it’s a wake up call. All 3 phases looked sluggish today except for a few plays.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:20 pm
Remember when we beat the Bears 6-3 back in 1999 ? Yeah, a lot of people treated that like a loss. Every win is a great victory.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:21 pm
Definitely missed some tackles but he’s our leader and he gutted it out….hats off to him….
Offensively we kept everything very vanilla and simple….and yet we still pulled out the win….
GO BUCS
September 21st, 2025 at 5:23 pm
He is great, but like mentioned he missed some tackles and that int last week he would normally make those. For his age and 14 years it’s still remarkable what is able to do. His leadership is amazing and his presence on the field is like a security blanket. LVD for Pro Bowl!
September 21st, 2025 at 5:24 pm
“ Joe’s not sure why the Bucs defense looked soft and deflated in the fourth quarter”
C’mon, we all know the answer to that question.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:27 pm
WTF Pelsbuc do you not keep up with this team. “Sluggish ” did not here we had a new offense line with a bunch of nobody’s.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:28 pm
Screw pro bowls. He’s a hall of famer.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:28 pm
He missed 3 tackles too
September 21st, 2025 at 5:30 pm
This dude! Amazing. And so cool to see him being vocal the last couple yrs in media. He’s a Bucs treasure.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:32 pm
He is but always gets ripped off on those every year. Probably doesn’t want to play flag football anyway.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:35 pm
He missed so many tackles today. Time is catching up with him but his leadership still means everything to the defence.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Classic performance by David. I was worried that he was washed after the first two games, but today reminded us all of who he is. He’ll play as long as he wants to play.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:38 pm
I might Be sluggish in 120° heat too
September 21st, 2025 at 5:38 pm
I noticed LD 54 was on the sidelines pumping up offense players.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:41 pm
Old man had like 7 missed tackles two I think were sacks
September 21st, 2025 at 5:43 pm
he also tried to sack tyrod by faking a jump and diving low and fanned was a big play. bet he wishes he had that one back. also missed tackle along sideline turned into lots of yards. thought he might have been a step slow all day, physically it seemed, but warrior’s mentality is apparently more important. heroic.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:44 pm
read my mind buc2blame. at least he’s always there. nobody else could even do that part.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:53 pm
Hope he and Mike play next year and hope we see Lavonte get to 50 sacks. I know he’s older and it’s selfish, but watching him play like this is unbelievable and so much fun. He’s such a beast. Get these dudes another ring and HoF their asses.
September 21st, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Don’t you just love the “Yes, buts”. LOL. I will take a dirty, sloppy win over the alternative every time. Lavonte David is “that man!”.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:39 pm
@Rusty Shackleford – it’s called having “expectations” now. It’s no different than winning 9-10 games a season and being FIRED in BAMA, but winning 9-10 games at Kentucky and you’re getting a LIFETIME-contract. 💯
September 21st, 2025 at 6:43 pm
Dennis didn’t make any plays, he just doesn’t have it. Bucs need to give someone else a shot.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:47 pm
My heart stopped when I saw LaVonte lying on the field like that.
I thought he played a great, very productive game.
He missed a couple of opportunities, but I saw a few misses by other players as well.
11 tackles, a sack, a TFL and 2 QB hits is a pretty good day in my book!
September 21st, 2025 at 6:53 pm
54 has been one of my favorite all time Bucs. HOF for 54.
September 21st, 2025 at 7:32 pm
I love him as much as anyone but he’s showing his age. He had two sacks that he missed which led to first downs. Not to mention the gift he dropped last week. No one can outrun father time….. besides maybe Eminen.
September 21st, 2025 at 9:16 pm
They need to start D. Jones 45 next to LaVonte so he has real help. Dennis isn’t cutting it.
September 22nd, 2025 at 12:03 am
Gold Jacket! Thank you for being an amazing Buc!
September 22nd, 2025 at 1:34 am
Im sitting in bed,it’s 1am,September22nd,and after watching the game today,I feel really wore out from all of the ups and downs in this game. Add to this,the fact that the last 2 games have gone and been what they were. As I’m sitting here,typing,my thoughts aren’t about what #54 has or hasn’t done by the credits or opinions a lot of the fans are saying,but instead,trying to wrap my head around the idea of what it must be like to actually try to do what this warrior does each week. Now,at my age,66,I know I couldn’t even have an actual idea of what I would feel like,back when I was 34years young,of being able to be able to set the defense,let alone wear the equipment,in this heat,and then actually get it right in covering my spot,role,or/and sole opponent,at any given moment during a single play,running after,in a split second,hitting someone with a force that would have to be jaw-shattering,considering your hitting someone like the hulk that is running down field at you,similar to Baltimore’ back,and you know who Im referring to,only to jump up,like it was nothing,and then within 1 min,you are now running a blitz on a Dak Prescott,and jumping up and… but hey I’m sorry,O forgot,I just think I’m going to have to tell you,I think Ol#54 is showing a little of his age. Wow. Now personally,I believe We have the best,toughest,smartest,best teammate,and future HOFer that we’ve been lucky to have signed with our team,since,let’s see,Hardy,Brooks,or a few more in the middle that have all been very good at what they do. I do not feel the need to critique any of these men,by thinking anything less than what a game they have every week,at no matter what their age is,because not one of us that are writing our opinions,have no knowledge of what you should feel like,or how you slow a bit as they age,because I know this,I wouldn’t want to be dressed out on any given Sunday,and have to line up on the opposing side,and say,”Oh,this is that guy,who I think is slowing down a bit,so…” The way I see it,#54 is playing ball with everything he has to give each and every down,and I am So Glad,We get this opportunity to watch him do his job,and it makes me wanna go out every day and perform my best with as much passion,power,and intelligence as he does for this team,and fans. I will,and have always felt that judging someone is easy,but,to actually emulate what they are teaching us as a person,is way more important than think of them as having aged or slowed in their tenure and time. Just enjoy his product and what he puts out,and say thank you,thats supporting #54,like he’s supporting his teammates for all of us to be proud of this team. Go Bucs!