Best and Worst Graded Bucs Defensive Players vs. Saints

The best and worst-graded Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive players in victory over the New Orleans Saints.

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (23) celebrates an interception of a ball intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) with cornerback Tyrek Funderburk (24) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (9) during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed a much-needed W this past Sunday when they made their way to New Orleans, Louisiana to take on the Saints, and they came away with just that in a dominant showing in the second half and big-time plays made by both the offense and defense. The game wasn't necessarily a "must-win" for the Bucs, but for them to try and keep pace in the NFC South and the Atlanta Falcons, it was important that they walked away victorious — which they did.

While much of the attention will be given to what the Buccaneers were able to do on the offensive side of the ball, the Bucs' defense also stepped up to the plate with five sacks, a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown and two interceptions.

Here is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive players graded out, per Pro Football Focus, in their dismantling of the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

READ MORE: Bucs Win Crucial NFC South Game to Stay in Race

Highest Graded:

1. CB Tykee Smith

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (23) grabs a interception of a ball intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images / Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 89.0

2. OLB Yaya Diaby

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (0) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 82.2

3. OLB Chris Braswell

Aug 23, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Chris Braswell (43) celebrates after a sack against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter during preseason at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 74.5

4. FS Antoine Winfield Jr.

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) return a fumble for a touchdown against New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during he first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 73.8

READ MORE: Will the Bucs Make a Trade for Haason Reddick?

5. DE William Gholston

Aug 17, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston (92) looks on during the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-Imagn Images / Douglas DeFelice-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 72.2

Lowest Graded:

1. OLB Jose Ramirez

Tampa Bay Buccaneers OLB Jose Ramirez / Buccaneers.com

PFF Grade: 32.6

2. DE Logan Hall

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Logan Hall (90) reacts after a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 43.6

T-3. DT Greg Gaines

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (96) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 44.2

READ MORE: Bucs' Experience Leads to Quicker Bounce-Backs

T-3. MLB K.J. Britt

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt (52) runs out of the tunnel as they are introduced before the game Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 44.2

5. DT Calijah Kancey

Oct 13, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (94) run on the field against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 45.8

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