| Bucs' run defense rediscovers its mojo |
| Partially obscured Sunday by the resuscitation of the Tom Brady-Mike Evans connection was a Bucs story line no less significant but far more stingy. While Evans routinely was getting behind the Carolina secondary in Tampa Bay's 30-24 triumph, the Bucs' run defense — for all practical intents — was keeping the Panthers behind the chains. Coming off a 320-yard rushing performance against the Lions, Carolina managed only 74 yards on 22 rushing attempts (3.4 yards per carry) on Sunday. And while quarterback Sam Darnold — a No. 3 overall pick in a previous life — passed for 341 yards, he also struggled at times (two sacks, fumble, interception) without a ball-carrying complement. "We didn’t think they could beat us through the air," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said. "So we tried to take those two guys (running backs D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard) away on the ground because we wanted to win time of possession." If you're revitalized by the awakening of the Bucs' vertical passing component today, the resurgence of the run defense also should foster optimism with the postseason looming. Since being dissected on the ground by the 49ers (209 rushing yards) on Dec. 11, the Bucs have surrendered an average of 82.7 rushing yards a game — and 3.5 yards per attempt — in the ensuing three contests. Foreman, who had 165 yards on 21 carries against the Lions on Christmas Eve, managed only 35 yards on 13 carries Sunday. "I applaud our guys for being able to fix in on the run and being able to stop them when it mattered," inside linebacker Devin White said. With 347-pound nose tackle Vita Vea back in the rotation, such resistance against the run should continue. Sidelined by a calf injury, Vea logged his first action Sunday since a four-play cameo against the 49ers, finishing with two quarterback hits and a fumble recovery. In the seven full games in which he and fellow veteran behemoth Akiem Hicks have played together, the Bucs have surrendered an average of 86.7 rushing yards. Considering run stoppage is widely deemed a prerequisite to a deep playoff run, that girth on the Bucs' interior should be as uplifting today as the go routes on the outside. |
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