The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pass defense aims to drastically improve in 2025 after a disastrous year in coverage. The defense gave up 418 completions, 4,147 passing yards, and 27 passing touchdowns. The Buccaneers allowed the most completions, the fourth-most passing yards, and tied for the tenth-most passing touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.
Their secondary wasn’t the only position that didn’t play well. Their linebackers were exposed in passes thrown in the middle of the field in zone coverage. Things took a turn for the worse when their former fifth-round pick went down with an injury.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ LB missed most of 2024
SirVocea Dennis played a significant role on defense, primarily playing on passing downs rather than early downs. Dennis excelled in coverage, earning a 74.3 coverage grade over his first four games. Unfortunately, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, which required surgery.
From that moment on, their linebackers struggled in coverage, which negatively impacted their overall pass defense. K.J. Britt gave up a 109.6 passer rating and had a 41.1 coverage grade, while J.J. Russell gave up a 144.0 passer rating and had a 59.0 coverage grade.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers hidden gem poised for big role in 2025
SirVocea Dennis is healthy and ready to compete for the starting linebacker job alongside Lavonte David. In an ESPN article, Benjamin Solak expects Dennis to play a significant role on defense heading into his third season with the Buccaneers. Solak points to the front office’s confidence in him, choosing not to draft a linebacker and only bringing in Anthony Walker Jr.
“Dennis particularly impressed in coverage over the middle of the field, and after his Week 4 shoulder injury, the Buccaneers started getting hammered in the intermediate middle by opposing quarterbacks,” Solak said.
“Tampa Bay passed entirely on the linebacker position in the 2025 draft and let Britt go in free agency. With only Anthony Walker Jr. as depth, the Buccaneers have clearly placed their faith in Dennis to play the majority of the snaps opposite David. Tampa Bay’s pass defense was the limiting factor in its postseason push last season, and Dennis should provide a boost there.”
He had a great Day 1 of OTAs
SirVocea Dennis had an impressive first day of OTAs. According to River Wells of Sports Illustrated, Dennis had an interception, which would’ve gone for six, as well as a pass deflection and a tackle for loss, showing off his quickness and instincts.
“Dennis nabbed a nice pick that would have went for six, and he also had a pass deflection and a big play that would have amounted to a tackle for a loss,” Wells said. “It wasn’t a call-it period, so things are still scripted at this point in time, but he looked quick, instinctive and like he’s ready for his increased role coming up in 2025.”
