Defense gets some reinforcements for the wild-card game against the Eagles
TAMPA — The Bucs’ season has taken more than a few twists — not to mention ankle turns, hamstring strains and ligament tears.
But the playoffs are the beginning of a new season, and coach Bruce Arians is hopeful to get back some of the players that have been shelved with injuries.
Arians said Monday that outside linebackers Shaquil Barrett (knee, reserve/COVID19 list) and Jason Pierre-Paul (shoulder) should return on defense for Sunday’s wildcard game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
But the player the Bucs may need back most — especially against an Eagles team that boasts the NFL’s best rushing offense — is inside linebacker Lavonte David.
David spent the final three games of the regular-season on injured reserve with a foot injury. Arians said it may be later in the week before the Bucs know his availability for Sunday’s game.
The first eight games this season, the Bucs owned the NFL’s No. 1 rushing defense. But they have allowed a team to rush for at least 100 yards four times in the past six games.
“I think it’s a combination of things,” Arians said. “I think a big part of it is Lavonte also. Just his calming influence as a leader out there. And just missed tackles. We missed some tackles out on the edges that we can’t miss because there were some big gainers.”
Arians said the return of experienced reinforcements should help the linebacking corps.
“For me, it’s having them all fresh for the run and the pass,” Arians said. “To have that four-man rotation, five with Cam Gill. It’s just veteran players play differently than younger players, and sometimes they never panic. Getting those other guys back, I think, would help the run defense tremendously.”