In a recent interview, Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis expressed confidence in his team’s ability to succeed in the post-Tom Brady era. Davis assured skeptics that those who doubt the Buccaneers will be in for a rude awakening this season. Despite the departure of Brady, Davis believes the team still possesses the necessary components for success and that he personally is continuing to improve.
After winning Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers had a strong 2021 season with a 13-4 record but fell to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional round. In Todd Bowles’ first season as head coach following Bruce Arians’ retirement, the Bucs won the NFC South with an 8-9 record in the 2022 season but were eliminated in the wild-card round by the Dallas Cowboys.
Davis, who was drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, re-signed with the team on a three-year, $45 million deal this offseason. He had a solid performance in the 2022 NFL regular season, with one interception, 12 passes defensed, and 65 combined tackles. During the team’s 2020 Super Bowl-winning season, Davis started 14 games and recorded four interceptions.
Davis confidently stated that the Buccaneers’ defense will make big plays in the upcoming season, including interceptions and turnovers. In 2022, Tampa Bay’s defense ranked ninth in passing yards surrendered, 15th in rushing yards, ninth in total yards, and 13th in points per game. The team had been in the top 10 in points surrendered in the previous two seasons.
In addition to his belief in Tampa’s defense, Davis expressed a lack of confidence in the team’s competition in the NFC South, claiming the division has gotten worse. The New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons all had 7-10 records last season.
Davis emphasized the Buccaneers’ goal of dominating their division, making it to the playoffs, and ultimately reaching the Super Bowl.
It is clear that Davis has a strong belief in his team’s ability to succeed, even without Tom Brady. While his confidence is admirable, the Buccaneers will need to back up his words on the field. The upcoming season will present an opportunity for Tampa Bay to prove themselves once again and silence any doubters.
