Best and Worst Graded Bucs Defensive Players vs. Falcons

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

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

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense had a coming out party of sorts last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, coming away with two sacks and multiple turnovers, but things were completely different this week as the team struggled to get to Kirk Cousins or create many turnovers other than the Lavonte David interception on their way to an unfortunate 36-30 overtime loss on Thursday Night Football.

Cousins threw for over 500 yards on the night and although they kept the Falcons' rushing game in check, Atlanta was able to move the ball up and down the field with ease on the depleted Bucs' defense.

Here is how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive players graded out in their heartbreaking 36-30 overtime loss to inter-division rival the Atlanta Falcons.

Highest Graded:

1. 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: 78.2

READ MORE: Todd Bowles Says Bucs 'Have to Have More Discipline'

2. 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 the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 73.4

3. RE 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: 71.9

4. CB Tykee Smith

Oct 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) runs past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (23) for a touchdown during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 65.5

5. CB Jamel Dean

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) stretches out for a pass, while being guarded by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) during the first half of the Detroit Lions game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. / Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 64.3

READ MORE: Fans React to Buccaneers' Heartbreaking Loss

Lowest Graded:

1. MLB K.J. Britt

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker K.J. Britt (52) looks on after their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 38.3

2. 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: 40.8

3. DT C.J. Brewer

Cincinnati Bengals guard Cody Ford (61), left and Cincinnati Bengals center Trey Hill (63), right, block Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle C.J. Brewer (95) in the first quarter of the NFL preseason game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, August 10, 2024. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

PFF Grade: 44.4

READ MORE: Bucs Lose Heartbreaker, Fall to Falcons 36-30 in Overtime

4. FS Christian Izien

Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Christian Izien (29) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images / Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 45.0

5. 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: 45.8

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