Tykee Smith Talks New ‘Tude For Defense
August 11th, 2026
Feedback on new blood.
Joe doesn’t know how many fans saw the last five or six Bucs practices. If any did, they may have witnessed the transformation of the Tampa Bay defense.
As Todd Bowles correctly predicted, Josiah Trotter awakened when the pads came on. Rueben Bain already was beasting, as was Alex Anzalone.
But when the pads came on, the front seven of the Bucs defense all of a sudden had a new attitude. Instead of taking it, they dished it out.
The turning point may have been the first of two hassles at the night practice in the Glazer Shed. Trotter was in the middle of it and when referees and coaches broke up the fight, Trotter stood near the line of scrimmage, barking and pointing at the Bucs offense while they walked back to the huddle.
It was a far cry from when the Bucs saw the soft, quitting defense roll over for Quinn freaking Ewers and the tanking Dolphins.
One guy without any quit to him was Tykee Smith (thought Joe saw Smith’s gaffe in Miami). If the Bucs had 11 Tykee Smiths starting on defense, they would have made fans much more proud.
After practice last week Joe spoke with Smith about the new defensive attitude.
“No, you’re definitely not wrong,” Smith told Joe. “I think the biggest thing is being on the same page, the communication. Everybody is getting lined up and playing fast.
“And I think we have been playing with a little more physicality.”
Physicality is what the Bucs sought in the offseason. The team has not been quiet about how it wanted news guys who played with passion and maybe a little violence.
The Bucs may have succeeded. And Trotter is just one example.
“I knew he would come in with grit,” Smith said. “He’s got the same attitude I have. So I’m real happy with that pick.”
Smith also knew what the Bucs had in Bain.
“Rueben is being Rueben,” Smith said. “He’s been the same since he’s been in college. And I think he will continue to do that.”
Joe also asked Smith about KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles saying the real Trotter would come out when the pads came on. Smith said that applied to the defense as a whole.
Putting the pads on “showed our physicality,” Smith said. “We were able to run around and hit and get hands on people.”
Joe has no idea how good the defense will be. Joe has a hunch it will be better and certainly shouldn’t be pushed around.
With the addition of guys like A’Shawn Robinson, Bain and Trotter, Joe doesn’t think there will be many defenders asking opponents, “Thank you, sir, may I have another?” like last year after the bye.
August 11th, 2026 at 7:14 am
I’ll believe it when I no longer have to watch opposing offensive players running wide aas open across the field. That was the hallmark of Bowles’ defense and it was humiliating.
August 11th, 2026 at 7:22 am
The Attitude needed and had to change. The New Faces should be a whole different brand than the Loafers and Over the Hill and always inured players we have had the last couple of years on that Putrid Pass Defense. Only one way to go with this Defenses-Up Up UP!!
August 11th, 2026 at 7:26 am
Beta David gone.
August 11th, 2026 at 7:43 am
The million dollar dollar question. Will Vita be here? And if he is, will he be 100% committed?
August 11th, 2026 at 8:01 am
“With the addition of guys like A’Shawn Robinson, Bain and Trotter..” Go ahead and add David Walker’s name to that list.
What Bucnbeers said..100% right. Will VV be “bored?”
August 11th, 2026 at 8:11 am
This is by far the hardest task for both Bowles and Licht. How it got to that point is another question. When picking your team captains for this season, please make sure you instill players with this same attitude. If your field generals are quitters, you’ll be faced with another losing season.
August 11th, 2026 at 8:22 am
I can forgive the mistakes of last year’s defense.
I cannot forgive the quit in last year’s defense.
August 11th, 2026 at 8:37 am
Hmmmm…awakened defense? Let’s hope Bowles doesn’t put them to sleep like he did last year. Post Falcons game rant or not.
August 11th, 2026 at 9:01 am
Vea will be traded for a second
Licht needs to find a diff maker TE and an experienced
corner ……… he could work that with Vea but ole Jason just
doesn’t like to Work this time of year !! This is such
a great time to move pieces, add leadership , strengthen depth
and adjust to how your team is filling out !!
It seems almost clear that Licht did do a good job of infusing the
Defense with real football players !!
Now it’s time to do what Jason never does but some GM s love to
do !! Assess your team and bait the hook and target situations that
benefit how your team is vs how you viewed it after the draft !!
Example : Jay Dog thought Morrison would Start and he’s not going to
play . Vea would be essential to the D Line , he really isn’t !!
Culp will be much better ( jason dream) he prob isn’t and with Mike Gone
plus Bakers Pocket struggles !!!! a nice TE addition would do wonders
for Zach , Baker and the Offense !! Jay Dog August , i’m done for the year ,
Draft beer drinking , mirror dreaming, check stealing , look at me phrasing Jason may also scan for a better back up L Backer than Dennis !! Jason there are way
fewer GM s fishing in the pond and You really can improve your team !! You just have to WANT to !! Your still Allowed to improve , IT s allowed Jason !!
August 11th, 2026 at 9:11 am
I agree, I am savings my opinions on this defense, until, I see them actually playing another team. Presently their is a lot of hype with the new year, which is great. Every team in the NFL is doing the same right now. However, with the present personnel at cb, I want to see is if players from opposing teams are going to be running wide open across the field like they have the last few years. I hope the defense is a lot better. However, with all the rookies that are starting it may take a while to develop. The first game at Cinn. will tell what kind of defense the Bucs have.
August 11th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Now if we would just replace the defensive coordinator…..