Best and Worst Graded Bucs Defensive Players vs. Falcons in Week 8

The best and worst-graded Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive players in loss to NFC South rival the Atlanta Falcons.

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to step up in a big way this past week against the Atlanta Falcons as they have struggled over the past few weeks. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so, as the Bucs would go on to lose the pivotal matchup 31-26 on creamsicle day.

The Bucs struggled to get much pressure from their front four and in the backend Atlanta pass catchers could find open spots in the zone all day. On National Tight Ends Day, the Bucs struggled to slow down Kyle Pitts who once again turned in one of his best performances against Tampa Bay.

The rushing attack from Atlanta was good enough and allowed Kirk Cousins to spray the ball around for most of the day. The Falcons were efficient on third and fourth downs to keep drives alive.

Here is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defenders graded out in their loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

READ MORE: Extra Point: Top Takeaways From Bucs Loss To Falcons

Highest Graded:

1. CB Josh Hayes

Oct 15, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Josh Hayes (32) warms up before a game against the Detroit Lions at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 75.3

2. DT C.J. Brewer

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) gets sacked by C.J. Brewer (95)in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images / Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 73.5

3. CB Zyon McCollum

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) tackles Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) in overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 72.8

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4. SS Jordan Whitehead

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) is tackled by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) after a catch at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 71.7

5. DT Vita Vea

Jan 15, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea (50) reacts after a play against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 70.8

Lowest Graded:

1. CB Tyrek Funderburk

Oct 27, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA;Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) holds off Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Tyrek Funderburk (24) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 30.0

2. LB J.J. Russell

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker J.J. Russell (51) looks on after their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 34.8

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3. SS Kaevon Merriweather

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Kaevon Merriweather (26) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 1 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

PFF Grade: 38.0

4. OLB Chris Braswell

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) is pushed out of bounds by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 40.2

5. DE Anthony Nelson

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) is sacked by Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Anthony Nelson (98) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 46.8

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