The Buccaneers defensive backs have been on a terror run in 2025, stifling opposing offenses. The Bucs have allowed the fourth-lowest collective passer rating when targeted among all defensive backs' units. In addition, they have surrendered the second-fewest yards per target collectively among all defensive backs' units. Tykee Smith is one of two players in 2025 with 50-plus tackles, 2.0-plus sacks and five-plus passes defensed, along with Zach Baun. Smith has tallied two quarterback hits, two sacks and eight passes defensed this season, while Antoine Winfield Jr. has posted a sack, three quarterback hits, an interception, three passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Since at least 2000, Winfield is the lone defensive back in the NFL with 10-plus sacks, five-plus forced fumbles and five-plus fumble recoveries through their first four seasons. Tampa Bay has a dynamic safety tandem that Todd Bowles utilizes interchangeably in the post and down in the box with both Winfield and Smith. Both have been a force in 2025, making plays sideline to sideline.
"When somebody is making plays, you are happy for them and then you just want to make the next play so that everybody can be happy and feed off that energy," said Winfield.
Smith has a quick trigger and plays with outstanding physicality and route recognition when in man coverage. He has been a dominant force in the Bucs' run defense and his skillset has provided Bowles with flexibility in defensive scheming. Smith closes on ballcarriers effectively and quickly sheds blocks. The Georgia product is a student of the game and fits the mold of a hybrid nickel/safety, as is his counterpart, Winfield. Winfield plays with outstanding body control and balance. He takes effective angles to the ball against both the run/pass and plays with command of the field. Winfield strikes with ferocity, looking to punch out the ball and his anticipation of play designs puts him in proper positioning to make plays on the football with his ball-hawking twitch.
Both will play a vital role on Sunday in Week 10 in containing Patriots' quarterback Drake Maye, who leads the NFL in both passer rating and completion percentage. He is dangerous when he goes off-structure on scrambles or designed runs and whether Winfield and Smith are tasked with spying in the box or are lined up as the single-high safety to close downhill if he steps up into the A-gap with a vacancy over the middle of the field, they will play a key role in igniting Bowles' defense at Raymond James Stadium.
"The dual-threat quarterbacks are the hardest to face and he makes some great throws," noted Winfield on Maye. "When there is a clear pocket, he is right on point so that is something that we have to take care of."
