The Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to pressure Joe Burrow at a high rate, but the defensive line still had some standouts. Which players did head coach Todd Bowles praise following Week 1?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers surrendered 33 points to the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 1 defeat, but the defense played much better than that number suggests.
Superstar wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was held to just two catches for 14 yards, while Tampa held the Bengals to just 3.9 yards per carry on the ground.
But, turnovers were the big issue, as four lost fumbles from the Bucs resulted in short fields for the Bengals to start with.
Following the loss, head coach Todd Bowles addressed his defense, while giving major praises to members of his defensive line unit.
"I thought Calijah Kancey played his butt off," Bowles said on the Buccaneers Radio Network. "I thought Kancey played well."
This is an extremely promising sign for Kancey, who missed significant time with injury last season.
This was unfortunate timing for the former first-round draft pick, who recorded 7.5 sacks during his sophomore campaign.
If Kancey can continue to produce at a high rate, he and Vita Vea will be one of the top interior D-line duos in the NFC.
Bowles spoke on his former Pro Bowl nose tackle as well, saying Vea's conditioning was "fine," but noticing the rust he will still need to knock off.
Vea missed most of the preseason and training camp with lingering injuries, while navigating contract disputes with the team.
The former No. 12 overall pick even went as far as to request a trade, but the two sides found even ground ahead of the season.
Despite missed time, Vea's experience and relationship with Bowles should help him get back up to speed quickly.
At Thursday's practice, he was seen working on the fundamentals and hand placement techniques that Bowles mentioned, looking to improve ahead of Week 2.
The final member of the trenches praised by Bowles is A'Shawn Robinson, who was added from the NFC South-rival Carolina Panthers in free agency.
"I thought A’Shawn Robinson played very tough up in there," Bowles said. "A’Shawn played well."
Robinson had by far the best statistical day on the defensive line, recording five total tackles and a QB hit.
For a Bucs defensive line that sacked Bengals QB Joe Burrow just one time, Robinson was one of the few players generating pressure.
Going forward, Robinson's ability to fill in multiple positions on the D-line gives Bowles versatility on the edge and interior.
Against the Cleveland Browns, who surrendered five sacks and eight QB hits against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, the Bucs have an opportunity to tee off against a team susceptible to being pressured.
