The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are officially on playoff watch after they dominated the Carolina Panthers 48-14 in Week 17 and the Atlanta Falcons suffered a loss to the Washington Commanders to vault the Bucs back into the top spot of the NFC South.
If the Buccaneers want to make sure they reach the playoffs for a fifth successive season, then they will need another strong showing in Week 18 against the New Orleans Saints.
The Bucs’ offense stole the show against the Panthers, but it was the improved play of the defense that was able to limit Bryce Young and company. Despite their record, the Panthers have been improving towards the end of the season, so the Bucs defense being able to hold them to just 14 points is a huge step in the right direction.
Tampa Bay’s defense held Carolina to just 2/9 on third down and sacked quarterback Bryce Young five times. There are still areas of improvement for the Bucs’ defense, but they are trending in the right direction as the playoffs loom. Here is how the Buccaneers’ defensive players graded out in their win over the Panthers.
1. OLB Chris Braswell
Aug 10, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) catches a pass during warmups before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 79.9
2. OLB Yaya Diaby
Dec 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) celebrates with defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) after recovering a fumble in overtime in overtime at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 78.5
3. DE Logan Hall
Dec 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Logan Hall (90) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 73.8
4. LB Lavonte David
Dec 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) celebrates after he recovered a fumble against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 73.0
T-5. CB Josh Hayes
Aug 10, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) reacts after a play in the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 71.7
T-5. CB Jamel Dean
Dec 15, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) celebrates after a fumble recovery in the second half against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 71.7
1. FS Jordan Whitehead
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 35.9
2. FS Mike Edwards
Oct 23, 022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Mike Edwards (32) before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
PFF Grade: 43.3
3. CB Tykee Smit
PFF Grade: 47.4
4. RE Calijah Kance
PFF Grade: 52.2
