Tampa Bay got tired of the NFC South bullies kicking sand in their defense’s face.
So in 2010, they started to revamp their defensive line by drafting defensive tackles Gerald McCoy in the first round and Brian Price in the second round.
In the past draft, the Buccaneers selected defensive ends Adrian Clayborn in the first round and Da’Quan Bowers in the second round.
McCoy started 13 games as a rookie before suffering a biceps injury. He had 43 tackles, three sacks and 17 quarterback pressures.
Price has battled back from two leg injuries and started last week in Minnesota.
Clayborn opened the season as a starter, and Bowers has played in a reserve role in the first two games.
“These young guys are out there playing hard, playing tough and playing physical,” Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris said. “Their production will come as they play longer and get more experience.”
While the four haven’t amassed any meaningful stats, Morris likes their collective fight.
“The thing that they have been able to do for us is change the line of scrimmage and be disruptive,” Morris said. “Hopefully, they can do a lot more of that this weekend in order to give us a chance against a good Atlanta Falcons team.”
The Falcons have had trouble with the defensive lines of the Bears and the Eagles. They have yielded nine sacks and 17 quarterback hits this season.
“They’re talented guys up front, that’s for sure, and they’re only going to get better because they’re young,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “You can see that when you watch tape on some of the guys from last year to this year. They’ve improved.”
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