The Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a team full of promise for the 2020 season after they brought in a ton of new faces on their roster. Tom Brady and company certainly didn't disappoint as they immediately became heavy title favorites in just their first season together as a revamped squad. After successfully winning the Super Bowl LV crown, heightened expectations will now be set on the Bucs as they try to vie for another title in 2021.
Buccaneers X-Factor
One of the players whom they will continue to count on is star wide receiver Mike Evans who has been a consistent contributor for the team over the past seven years. In 2020, he exceeded the 1,000-yard mark yet again and served as a major threat on offense all throughout their title run last season.
Despite having an offensive core bannered by numerous proven talents, the Bucs' strength primarily lies in its defensive unit that is just as talented. The Buccaneers X-Factor that will certainly make a difference for the squad in 2021 is linebacker Devin White.
The LSU product has impressed in his first season with the team back in 2019 where he snagged a spot in the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2020, White continued to exceed expectations as he emerged as the young leader of a stacked defensive unit in just his sophomore season.
His numbers definitely speak for his high level of talent as he led the team with nine sacks to go with 140 combined tackles in 15 games played last season. White's stellar play on the field didn't go unnoticed as he was eventually selected as a Second-team All-Pro member in 2020. Heading to 2021, he will continue to be a steady presence on defense and his run-stopping prowess will still cause a ton of headaches for opposing teams next season.
Due to White's production, many fans tend to forget that he is still a young talent at 23 years old. However, it is safe to say that his maturity on the field already goes well beyond his age as of the moment. Additionally, his performances in recent memory have already proven that he is poised to have a long career ahead of him as a defensive star for the Bucs moving forward.
However, the Louisiana native can't do everything alone as he will need to receive help and support from his teammates on the field. Luckily for him, there is no shortage of talent on his corner as the Bucs' defensive unit is also loaded from top to bottom. Lavonte David, Ndamukong Suh, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Jordan Whitehead are just some of the names who are expected to step up and contain opposing players next season.
Bruce Arians and his men are definitely in a good position to defend their title in 2021, especially after successfully retaining the starters from their championship roster over the offseason. Among all these holdovers, Devin White will surely play a major role and will shoulder a huge load on the defensive end upon entering his third season in the league.
Needless to say, his contributions will have a huge impact on the Bucs' bid to prove that they aren't anything close to being a one-hit-wonder in the league. If Devin White manages to stay healthy all throughout their upcoming campaign then there is no reason to doubt the Bucs' ability to remain as heavy contenders for the title next season. He is, after all, the Buccaneers X-Factor for the NFL season.
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