While it has been no surprise that the Bucs season has gone off the rails, it has been somewhat unsettling to see certain players’ reactions..especially those who have played well and have been proven leaders through this rough time.
Yaya Diaby, the Bucs’ star edge rusher has recently commented on the state of the Bucs and what may have led up to the disastrous finish to their season. In his fourth year with the team, Diaby could be said to have had a breakout year, finishing in the top 15 in the league in pass rush win rate, 23rd in pass rush grade from PFF, and 17th in hurries. However, Diaby started to question if other players around him had lived up to their standard.
“The [defensive] scheme is a lot for certain guys. And if this is a lot for you, and this is your job, you shouldn’t be here,” Diaby said. “It’s not going to be easy everywhere you go. Coach Bowles put us in positions to be successful, and if you’re not bought in, like I said, you shouldn’t be here.”
Diaby’s Frustration Signals a Leadership Void on Defense
As a younger player within the organization, a lot of Bucs fans should feel positively that he is speaking up. What’s interesting to note though is his subtle endorsement of head coach Todd Bowles amidst questions of his job security. Also, Diaby has produced one good season, so has the chance to regress to the mean.
Another point of emphasis for Diaby in his comments stemmed from potentially becoming a vocal leader that the Bucs so desperately need defensively. “I’m going to talk and tell guys how it is,” Diaby said. “If they like it, they like it. If they don’t, I don’t really care.”
It stands to reason that no matter what, Diaby is someone that the organization can get behind. He is someone who tells it like it is and isn’t shy when it comes to tough love. He also was the biggest reason why the Bucs started hot in the first place. Through their first eight games, Diaby led the team with four sacks.
In fact, the Bucs were one of the best defenses in the league in that stretch, tied for the league lead in defensive TDs, teid for fourth in TFLs, and tied for eighth in sacks as well. No one could have predicted such a precipitous fall from grace after their start. However, another critique that Diaby pointed out may have played a role.
Preparation, Accountability, and the Future of Todd Bowles’ Defense
“Yeah, we had more walk-throughs this year than any other year,” Diaby said concerning the way the Bucs prepared for games. “I’m not going to lie. I’m a straight-forward guy. That’s one of the things I do want to talk to Coach Bowles about, especially with me possibly being a captain next year. Just letting him know that has to change. We need to prepare the right way. We have to prepare to win”.
Those are harsh words, but for the Bucs to take a step forward, they may be the necessary ones.
Buccaneers’ Yaya Diaby Delivers Harsh Message on Team’s Season