Lavonte David a Finalist for Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award
Buccaneers' Lavonte David is one of eight finalists for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. Four players were nominated representing the NFC, including David, Budda Baker (Arizona), Demario Davis (Saints) and Brian O'Neill (Vikings), while the four AFC finalists are DeForest Buckner (Indianapolis), Harrison Phillips (New York Jets), Zach Sieler (Miami) and Kyle Van Noy (Baltimore).
A panel of former NFL players featuring Warrick Dunn, Larry Fitzgerald, Curtis Martin and Leonard Wheeler chose the finalists after each team presented a player for consideration. The award is given annually to the player that best exemplifies on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents and integrity in competition. David, a captain for 12 consecutive seasons in Tampa Bay, is the longest-tenured player on the Bucs' roster. He is one of two players since tackles began being tracked in 1994 with 1,500-plus tackles, 40.0-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions. David has set the tone in the Bucs' defense for the last decade and is the silhouette hanging on the wall in the team's draft room. He epitomizes the traits that coaches look for each year in college prospects and leads by example on-and-off the field.
Baker Mayfield Rallying Offense
Against the Saints in Week 14, the heavy downpour at Raymond James Stadium dictated the pace of the game and run-heavy approach. Following Tampa Bay's touchdown on its opening offensive possession, the Bucs primarily went with the ground attack, with Baker Mayfield throwing for only 122 yards. However, he made an impact using his legs, with three critical third-down conversions, the team's only conversions on the day in 13 attempts. Mayfield galvanizes the team with his urgency on the field, ability to extend plays, accuracy and processing skills. He plays like every down is his last with a fiery propulsion that ignites the unit. With a quick setup in the pocket and ability to make throws off-platform with zip, Mayfield sets the tone. The numbers are not indicative of his impact but his ability to respond to what defenses are doing has elevated the offense.
"I thought he's done a hell of a job the whole year being able to adjust his game to who's in there, whether it's up front, the backs, the receivers, the tight ends," said Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard. "Ultimately, it's not good enough as a unit – that doesn't just fall on his shoulders. I can always help him out with that, the rest of the guys on the field can help him with that. Looking forward, this week is another great opportunity versus Atlanta to get back on track and flush last game. There's nothing better than playing on a Thursday to get back on the right side of that win-loss column."
Challenge of Bijan Robinson
The Buccaneers will face explosive running back Bijan Robinson on Thursday night. Robinson ranks fourth in the NFL with 1,081 rushing yards and he comes in seventh in the league with eight rushing touchdowns. His ability to manipulate his cuts mimics that of a video game and is a thing of poetry. Robinson pairs elite contact balance and top-end speed with inside/outside capability. He can alter his pace and direction at any point and presents a stout challenge for the Bucs' defense in prime time. For Tampa Bay, being disciplined in run fits will be pivotal.
"It is going to take all 11 [players], even the backside cornerback," noted Run Game Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote. "We show those guys videos -- everybody knows he has that ability. If you want to break it down, he can jump-cut, he can get east and west faster than anybody, so when I say all 11 and backside cornerbacks, backside guys [have] to do their job. That being said, you [have] to attack at the same time. It's going to take all 11 guys to get him on the ground. He's just that dangerous and we [have] to understand angles and how to attack him."
