No one is sharing nuclear codes or state secrets in discussing the faults and disappointment that have festered in the Bucs defense over the past couple of seasons – certainly not team captain and Pro Bowl safety Antoine Winfield Jr. One can point to any area, such as the secondary’s lapses in coverage and communication, the weakness in the middle of the field, the lack of consistent pass rush.
As much as they can be net positives, leadership and energy alone will not solve the issues that have plagued Tampa Bay’s defense.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles and FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
It takes translating the lessons taught in meeting rooms and practice sessions into results on game day. Todd Bowles remains in charge of controlling the unit, but the work of several new position coaches has been evident. That is something Winfield noted when discussing how the secondary has approached improvement this offseason.
Between cornerbacks coach Rashad Johnson and safeties coach Tim Atkins, Winfield shared that each new coach has brought in a new voice and new techniques, as well as head coach Todd Bowles tinkering with this defensive scheme.
“We got some new stuff in,” Winfield said with a big smile. “I don’t know if I can share too much, but it’s been nice.”
Winfield did not disclose the specifics of that statement from an X’s and O’s perspective, but having new coaches breathe life into what became a dormant group in terms of innovation is welcome news. Take that for what it is, but glimpses of that have to be shown before and throughout this season. While that remains to be seen, there is potential for a significant turnaround, considering the different voices and players heeding that direction.
The outlook of the cornerback room is the murkiest, although Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison, and Jacob Parrish have yet to reach their ceiling. Indications are that Keionte Scott is taking well to the nickel position, which allows for versatility not just for Parrish to play outside, but for Winfield to get back to what he does best.
Roaming the back end of the Bucs defense.
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
Everyone remembers Winfield’s sensational 2023 season that briefly made him the highest-paid safety in football. Since then, however, he has not consistently looked like the player who earned that distinction. He is hoping that changes, and it sounds like moving around and playing more freely is not just talk; it will happen.
“Very hopeful,” Winfield said about getting back to his previous All-Pro form. “My best skill set I feel like is my versatility, so being able to play everywhere is just what I like the most. I think that’ll definitely help with that.”
Leadership is not always about being the loudest voice in the room. Sometimes it is about setting the standard.
As the Bucs aim to transition into a new era defensively Winfield understands that increased responsibility now belongs to players like him.
Based on his comments Wednesday, he is ready to embrace it. The challenge now is matching that leadership with the All-Pro production Tampa Bay needs from its highest-paid defender in the secondary.
Antoine Winfield Jr. Ready To Embrace Bigger Leadership Role In Bucs Defense
Antoine Winfield Jr. knows exactly what is being asked of him this season.
With longtime franchise icons Lavonte David and Mike Evans vacating leadership roles and Tampa Bay searching for defensive answers, the former All-Pro safety is embracing greater responsibility while hoping a more versatile role will help him rediscover his high-end impact.
It is one thing to play a position well enough to start games and impact them enough to swing the outcome. As players settle in, they are defined not only for their performance but stepping up and being a voice to elevate those around them to perform better. That was something that Mike Evans and Lavonte David embodied throughout their careers with the Bucs, particularly during their final seasons in Tampa Bay.
Bucs LB Lavonte David, S Antoine Winfield Jr. and S Tykee Smith – Photo by: IMAGN Images – Nathan Ray Seebeck
When young players were drafted, they gravitated to the teachings and habits that made them great. For the veterans who remain, it is now their time to carry that torch while being highly productive on the field. The first question asked to Antoine Winfield Jr. after Wednesday’s final mini-camp practice was about that very sentiment, to which he recognizes the value of bringing the best out of himself and others around him.
“Those are some big shoes to fill right there,” Winfield said about filling the leadership void. “It’s been great; I’ve just been enjoying the process of my role and my position on the team. Obviously, without those guys, other people need to step up, including myself. I’m just going to honor that role and just do the best that I can.”
Bucs Ss JJ Roberts and Antoine Winfield Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
It helps that Tampa Bay went out and added some veterans in free agency, especially on defense in defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson and inside linebacker Alex Anzalone. The ramifications of bringing them in have already been well-discussed, but the added energy is something that sticks out to Winfield compared to last season.
“When you hear it, it’s guys that play with passion and want to play the game,” Winfield said about the heightened energy and edge. “That’s the guys you want to be out there on the field with, guys that want to come out here and compete — no matter what day it is. It’s great hearing that, and that’s great for our team.”