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NFL Playoffs: 5 reasons Tampa Bay Buccaneers will make it

By Parker Hurley

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) takes the field prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates after they sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (not pictured) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) celebrates after they sacked Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (not pictured) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Pass Rush

One way to beat teams with quarterbacks Philip Rivers, Drew Brees, and Dak Prescott on the road is to get after them all game with a fierce pass rush. The Bucs defense may not be known for its talent on paper, but this team is getting better every week and they are getting after the quarterback.

The Bucs currently rank ninth in the NFL in sacks with 27. During their three-games winning streak, the team has come alive with 10 sacks. This had led to nine turnovers over these three games. With their surge in takeaways, the Bucs now are tied for third in the NFL with the most takeaways in the league.

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A lot of their success in rushing the passer has to do with their second round rookie Noah Spence. Spence only has one start but is used rotationally as a pass rusher. He has seen plenty of snaps this season and has taken advantage. To date, he has 5.5 sacks, tied with Gerald McCoy to lead the team. On top of that, Spence has three forced fumbles. That is just one behind Lavonte David for the team lead as well.

McCoy and David are hands down the rocks and most important pieces of this Bucs defense. Now, all of the sudden they have a third major impact player to force turnovers and create havoc. The Bucs defense is not complete, but it is getting better every week. Combined with a three-headed monster arising on offense, the Bucs could have just enough gas to get into the playoff mix this year. One thing is for sure, though, playoffs or not, this Bucs team is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

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