Bucs Gameday

Bucs Week 2 defensive MVP: Shaq Barrett

A new addition came up big for the Bucs in their first win of the season.
Luke Easterling|
Bucs Week 2 defensive MVP: Shaq Barrett
Bucs Week 2 defensive MVP: Shaq Barrett

Dare I say this isn't the same old Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense?

For the second week in a row, the Bucs defense came up huge, and this time it led them to their first victory under new head coach Bruce Arians.

The leader of the pack? Outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, who was a one-man wrecking crew for new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

After getting his first sack of the season in a Week 1 loss against the San Francisco 49ers, Barrett racked up three sacks of Cam Newton in Thursday night's 20-14 road win over the Carolina Panthers. He would have had another one, if not for a holding call.

Signed this offseason as a fairly economical free agent, Barrett was used in a rotational role by the Denver Broncos, who have one of the league's best pass-rushing tandems in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Barrett is finally getting a chance to shine in Tampa Bay, and he's taking full advantage.

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Luke Easterling
LUKE EASTERLING

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