Defensive line is the strength of the Defense

[original_bucfan]

Bucs D-line talking the talk

But the question is if the unit can walk the walk this season without Warren Sapp.

By Charles Robinson | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted August 12, 2004

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LAKE BUENA VISTA -- A little less than a month ago, Tampa Bay Bucs defensive tackle Ellis Wyms was sitting on his couch when a little head on his TV screen began talking to him.

Talking about how the Bucs weren't a threat. Talking about how the defense, especially the line, had gone soft. Wyms leaned in for a second, then recognized this little head.

"It was [Carolina Panthers defensive tackle] Brentson Buckner," Wyms said, curling his lip in disgust. "He was on 'Fact or Fiction' on ESPN, and they asked him if the Bucs would continue to be a problem in the NFC South. And he just said, 'Frankly, no.' He said, 'Well, their defensive line is going to be soft this year,' and 'They can't stop the run.'

"I think that's what most of our league thinks about our team right now."

Wyms isn't far off. With Warren Sapp now in Oakland, the common assumption is Tampa Bay's defensive line has a celestial hole. But this Sapp-less unit is drawing comparisons to Tampa Bay's dominant defensive lines from the late 1990s.

This is a line without Sapp, who had only 36 tackles and five sacks last season but still drew consistent double-teams. And this is a line that didn't have any major off-season additions. That means Tampa Bay basically has what it had last season, when it finished a lukewarm 13th in rushing defense, minus a future, but fading, Hall-of-Famer.

"We've got the most talented group we've had since 1997," defensive tackle Anthony McFarland said. "Without a doubt. Now, what we do on the field, that's yet to be seen. But if you look from top to bottom, it's not even close."

Wyms was inclined to take it a step further, proclaiming, "We're going to be great this year. Great. There won't be a group of defensive linemen in the league better than us. Even Carolina or up in Philly, where they have [Jevon] Kearse and Corey Simon."

A stretch? Only if the training-camp work is a mirage. Approaching mid-August, the defensive line has arguably become the Bucs' biggest strength, largely through the development of younger players such as Wyms and end Dewayne White. Through the early portion of camp, that pair, along with journeyman DeVone Claybrooks and Reinard Wilson, have left a lasting impression on coaches and are expected to give Tampa Bay a robust rotation of backups.

At times, Wyms has even outshone McFarland at tackle, and White has begun to transform into the lighter, leaner, faster end the organization envisioned when it drafted him in 2003.

"When they're all together out there, it's an imposing bunch," Coach Jon Gruden said. "They can rush the passer, Rice and McFarland and [Greg] Spires and [Chartric] Darby, they're coming after us. Dewayne White is emerging, and we like a lot of the things Ellis Wyms has done.

"The front four is looking very good."

Whether the group can make up for Sapp's departure is another matter. He was the face and voice of the defense, and the offseason has been rife with questions about what his leaving would mean. "What does perception get you? Nothing," McFarland said. "I deal with facts. I'm a reality guy."

The reality last year was that McFarland was left with a defensive front that struggled in late-game situations, unable to stop drives in losses to Carolina (twice), New Orleans and Indianapolis. The team surrendered five rushing performances of more than 100 yards, losing all five of those games.

"As a group, we lost some luster," Wyms said. "We had some games where we couldn't stop the run and we had some games where we couldn't get a sack in the last two minutes when we needed it. Maybe it's about coming back this year and getting that respect back."

They are talking the talk, lets hope they walk the walk. I sure hope wyms is right!

[Psykes]

Nice read! Thnx! I didn't hear about the Panther DT saying that about our line. Well, I have no doubt in my mind that our pass-rush will be good, (although i really hope that Spires takes advantage of his situation- being opposite of RICE, and i DO hope we draft a LE early in the next draft or two), but i do also hope that the players bulk up a bit, because most of them are smaller than the o-linemen they are going to be facing. Rice doesn't have to worry much because he is RE, (and he isn't undersized) Booger should be O.K. at 300 pounds, however Darby is only 280, and he's NT. Not sure about Spires. I liked having an emotional guy like Wyms and a deep line as well, because that will allow us to make those stops in late drives if neccesary and to keep those guys fresh.

Originally Posted by Psykes

Spires takes advantage of his situation- being opposite of RICE, and i DO hope we draft a LE early in the next draft or two),

Dewayne White says hi.

[Pewter Warship]

Originally Posted by All_da_way

Dewayne White says hi.

To which I think he can beat out Spires for the starting role this year, IMO.

[bucswookie]

Well I would love to Rice break strahand sack record this year, I know H ave big dream .I am just so tired of hearingf how great strahnd is . I dont see him dro back in coverage whci hsi flat amazing ... for rice to do and be as good as he is . Now back to the team .... wyms si coming on hell strong this hear... I am hearing he could make the x tackle spot (sapps spot) If spires does not go .... white look like hs is ready to go ..... darby is always ready to go ... I am just glad we dont have russell any more