Bucs Gameday

Calijah Kancey’s Potential Game Changing Return to the Buccaneers Defense

Opposing teams better brace for impact as Calijah Kancey unleashes his potential on the field.

Cody Haynes

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As the NFL commissioner took the stage to announce the Buccaneers' first-round pick back in April, the anticipation hung heavy in the air. Nobody other than the team's front office, of course, had an idea who was going to be the pick. 

Calijah Kancey being the selection was a bit of a surprise to many, but the talented player from Pittsburgh started to grab the attention of Bucs fans with his impressive college stats, combine numbers, and comparisons to Rams all-pro defensive tackle, Aaron Donald.

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Unfortunately, Kancey has been battling a calf injury since the start of training camp, which made it hard for him to get on the field and show everyone what he is capable of. The eleven snaps that he was able to play before tweaking his calf in week 1 against the Vikings were very promising. He may have been limited, but he was able to stunt his way into a very impressive hit on Kirk Cousins.

Todd Bowles has had some trouble finding a 3-tech that has the speed and athleticism to pair with their brick wall at nose tackle, Vita Vea. After experimenting with Suh, Hicks, and even Hall at the position, it seems like he finally found his guy in Kancey. 

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Even though Vita Vea is on pace to break his season high in sacks, the defense is lacking speed on the inside. Having a player like Kancey back can really open up opportunities for everyone else on the field. Bucs fans are eager to see what their favorite team's first-round pick can do with his speed in the interior. I believe it will make a huge difference. 

Todd Bowles said in a press conference that Kancey could return this week after the bye. The team held a practice Monday and it seemed like he was practicing at some capacity. We will see if he continues to practice as he hopes to play against the Lions this Sunday.

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Cody Haynes
CODY HAYNES

Having immersed myself in Buccaneers coverage for the past six years, my football analysis journey has been exhilarating. Currently, on the path to my third degree in Media Production Management and Technology at the esteemed University of Florida, I'm arming myself with a comprehensive skill set to revolutionize sports journalism. During my time on air with 102.5 The Bone, I delved deep into the intricacies of fantasy football, offering listeners invaluable insights. Back in college at SPC, I took the reins of my own radio show, fine-tuning my broadcasting skills and building a dedicated audience. As I step into the realm of writing for Bucs Gameday, I'm eager to bring my wealth of experience and passion for the game to the forefront. Anticipate nothing less than meticulously crafted articles, combining seasoned wisdom with fresh perspectives, as I dive headfirst into the vibrant world of Buccaneers reporting. Let's make every word count.