Limiting YAC of Running Backs
In 2025, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense has been effective at limiting running backs on the ground but has struggled to contain them on checkdowns and screens. Tampa Bay's defense has given up a league-high 441 receiving yards to running backs this season, including 100 to Bijan Robinson, 82 to Jahmyr Gibbs and 57 to Christian McCaffrey. Taking effective angles of pursuit and being disciplined in gap integrity will be crucial for the Bucs on Sunday in facing Alvin Kamara. Kamara is decisive and can ricochet off tackles to generate yards after contact. The twitchy athlete quickly gets north-south, is adept at catching the ball away from his frame and is explosive in the open field.
"[We have] got to take away their space," said Run Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote. "We [have] to adjust, we [have] to know our leverage, we [have] to know how to attack those guys, but [we are] giving them too much space. We [have] to close in a little bit; we are trying to do too much. At the end of the day, we get paid to keep those guys on the ground. Those guys are hard, they are dynamic, as we know, but you [have] to fill the zone and [have] to vice tackles, do those things but we definitely have to address that."
Bigger Role for Anthony Nelson
Outside linebacker Haason Reddick is dealing with ankle and knee injuries and is expected to miss some time, according to Todd Bowles. The Bucs are thin at depth with fourth-round draft pick David Walker on injured reserve and Sunday's matchup against the Saints will create opportunities for Anthony Nelson and Chris Braswell. Nelson, who has taken advantage of opportunities on the field with critical plays, will see an uptick in snaps. He became the starter opposite Diaby in the second half of the 2024 season, playing the next-highest number of snaps at 573. Nelson was thrust into a larger role when Joe Tryon-Shoyinka missed time due to an ankle injury and Nelson helped set the tone in the trenches. Nelson forced a fumble to secure the Bucs' overtime win in Week 13 over the Carolina Panthers. After a rare missed 55-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin, the Panthers took over at the 45-yard line and Nelson punctuated the game with a splash. He tackled Chuba Hubbard and forced a fumble in the process. Diaby recovered the football at Tampa Bay's 29, putting Baker Mayfield and company right back on the field. Touted as 'Steady Eddie' by the coaching staff, Nelson will provide a boost for the Bucs' at the line of scrimmage.
"I [have] confidence in Anthony Nelson," noted Foote. "I showed the guys [that] there [are] banners in that indoor [practice field] because of him. He made some key plays for us through the years. We know what he brings, and he is confident and what an opportunity. He is going to make the most of it."
Comfortability at Safety
Last season, Tykee Smith made his presence felt at nickel, racking up 612 snaps. The Georgia product tallied two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in six game starts (13 games played). Smith disrupted slot receivers underneath and impressed coaches with a high football IQ. In 2025, he has taken ownership of the strong safety role, wreaking havoc near the line of scrimmage in the box. Smith is the only player in the NFL with 50-plus tackles, 2.0-plus sacks and five-plus passes defensed. He is a downhill force and delivers a jarring blow at the point of contact. Smith possesses a smooth backpedal and effective route recognition. He leads the Bucs in tackles with 58 and will play a pivotal role in limiting Spencer Rattler's weapons on Sunday.
"I feel [very] comfortable," said Smith on his 2025 role. "What are we in, game seven? I am feeling comfortable as we get more games, the more reps I take and then like I said before, I think the coaches have done a really good job of utilizing me…[I am] just trying to be involved in any play as much as possible. [I am] really just trying to make a play for my team anyway possible. That is me being involved in a run fit [or] playing up high. [I am] just trying to do a variety of things to help the team win."
