The Buccaneers' defense is generating pressure at a rapid pace in 2025 from all three levels. Todd Bowles has wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, providing a variety of exotic looks from fire zones, with various guys dropping, to disguised coverages. Outside linebacker Yaya Diaby leads the Bucs with 4.0 sacks, igniting the attack this season.
The Bucs have totaled 15 sacks in the last three matchups and Tampa Bay has five games this season with multiple takeaways - the most-such games in the NFL this season. The team's four games with multiple takeaways and 3.0-plus sacks are also the most in the NFL.
On the season, the Bucs' defense is tied for first in defensive touchdowns (two), tied for fourth in tackles for loss (50), tied for third in strip sacks (three), tied for eighth in sacks (25.0), fourth in quarterback pressures (131), tied for sixth in takeaways (12), tied for seventh in fumble recoveries (five), tied for ninth in quarterback hits (48), tied for ninth in interceptions (seven), 10th in lowest opponent yards per play (5.2), tied for 11th in forced fumbles (six) and tied for 14th in passes defensed (36).
Diaby spent the offseason working on his hip flexor to bend the edge and his get-off through Pilates workouts. He continues to find ways to harness his power and accelerates off the ball quickly. Diaby plays with a high motor and has a great feel for counters. Diaby has the strength to bounce off tackles and the flexibility to loop inside on stunts. Diaby is led by a singular mission: bettering himself daily to fortify the line.
"In the offseason, [we] honed in on what we have to do as a whole," said Diaby. "For me individually, I set myself to a high standard so I just try to get better every week and everyday just bringing the other guys along."
The Bucs have dealt with a plethora of injuries in 2025 to both sides of the football with both Calijah Kancey and David Walker landing on injured reserve, but the club is coming off the allotted bye week. Coming out of the break, Tampa Bay faces a challenging docket with matchups against the Patriots (7-2), Bills (6-2) and Rams (6-2). For Diaby, it came at an ideal time.
"It was the perfect time for us to have the bye week because this next stretch of games is going to be the real deal, putting your whole body on the line so I was super happy that it was last week."
With a one-game-at-a-time mindset, the Bucs' defense is gearing up for the Patriots and Diaby is licking his chops, ready to add another quarterback to his sack tally in 2025.
