Best and Worst Graded Bucs Defensive Players vs. Broncos

The best and worst defensive players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers loss to the Denver Broncos.

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) 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 put up one hell of a showing in their Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions in perhaps Todd Bowles' best game as a head coach, but things drastically changed this past Sunday when the Buccaneers' defense couldn't stop rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos as they walked away with a big 26-7 road win in Tampa.

The Bucs defense struggled on Sunday, allowing rookie quarterback Bo Nix to throw for over 216 yards while adding another 47 on the ground and a rushing touchdown. Unlike the week prior, Tampa Bay's defense couldn't get stops when they needed it most and allowed the Broncos to be effective in the red zone and only turned them over once, losing the turnover battle.

Here are the highest and lowest-graded Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive players from last week's loss to the Denver Broncos, per Pro Football Focus.

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Highest Graded:

1. CB Zyon McCollum

Sep 22, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) 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: 90.8

2. CB Tykee Smith

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (11) scores a touchdown as Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (23) looks on during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] / Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK

PFF Grade: 85.0

3. RE Mike Greene

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Mike Greene (91) looks on after their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 77.9

READ MORE: Bucs HC Gives Message to Team After Broncos Loss

4. FS Christian Izien

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Christian Izien (29) reacts in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images / Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 73.1

5. MLB SirVocea Dennis

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker SirVocea Dennis (8) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 71.1

Lowest Graded:

1. LB 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: 29.2

2. DT William Gholston

Nov 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston (92) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

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PFF Grade: 44.9

3. DT Greg Gaines

Sep 15, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Greg Gaines (96) looks on after their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Eamon Horwedel-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 53.5

4. LE Logan Hall

Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Logan Hall (90) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images / Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 54.1

5. 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: 54.2

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