Buccaneers' Todd Bowles breaks silence on starting CB after rough preseason outing

After a shaky preseason performance, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coach Todd Bowles spoke about starting cornerback Jamel Dean — his answer may shock you.

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked to improve their secondary this offseason. In 2024, the secondary was up and down, but it dealt with plenty of injuries that prevented them from being what they could be.

The Buccaneers selected two cornerbacks in this year's NFL Draft to not only help depth-wise, but also to push some of the Bucs' current players for roles on the defense. One of those players who has been under the microscope is veteran corner Jamel Dean.

Dean hasn't been awful over his tenure with the Bucs. However, there has been a push for him to become better, which has yet to unfold. That has led to him being criticized as of late, and despite his less-than-stellar outing against the Steelers in Tampa's latest preseason game, Dean still garnered confidence from his head coach, Todd Bowles.

HC Todd Bowles still confident in Dean

"I think he had a very good preseason and a very good [training] camp. Obviously, the touchdown he gave up was because his eyes wandered somewhere else, and then we busted a play before that," Bowles said. "He's been playing well, he's been very aggressive, he's worked on little things we talked about, and we're pleased with where he's at."

READ MORE: Buccaneers WR Jalen McMillan gives status update after preseason injury

Jan 16, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Robert Bowles talks with cornerback Jamel Dean (35) in a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

Despite giving up a big play, Dean played okay in limited action. The biggest qualms with Dean haven't been his coverage, as he is one of the best cover corners in the game, but more so when it comes to creating turnovers and staying on the field due to injury.

Dean has been speculated as a potential veteran cut candidate ever since the arrival of Benjamin Morrison after the draft, but all signs point towards him remaining as a consistent leader by example in the Bucs' secondary.

The Bucs will be sure not to run into the same issues they did a year ago — having to play young, unproven players in key situations due to lack of depth and injury issues. Dean will need to prove he can remain healthy throughout the season, and if he can, then the Bucs' defense could see a tremendous jump in production here in 2025.

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