Lavonte David Could Make Buccaneers History, Egbuka Eyes Rookie Milestone vs Panthers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on the Carolina Panthers on Saturday in a game that will decide who makes the playoffs and who gets eliminated. The Buccaneers, who have lost their past four games and now sit at 7–9, will look to change their momentum and improve their streak to five NFC South division titles in a row.

On the field Saturday, there is a Buccaneers player who can make franchise history: veteran linebacker Lavonte David.

“Lavonte David needs seven tackles to pass Derrick Brooks for the franchise career record of 1,714 tackles. He’s gotten 7+ in half of his 16 games this season, so a close call,” wrote Greg Auman of Fox Sports.

Drafted in the second round with the 58th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, David is currently playing in his 14th season with the Buccaneers, tying him with linebacker Derrick Brooks as the second-longest tenured player in franchise history. The only player to spend more time with the team is defensive back Ronde Barber, who played 16 seasons in Tampa Bay, according to StatMuse.

Yes, the Buccaneers and their fans will be focused on earning a win to reach the playoffs, but keep an eye on David, a Buccaneers legend who could make franchise history on Saturday.

GettyLB Lavonte David.

Another Player Near a Major Milestone

Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka needs 70 receiving yards against the Panthers to record a 1,000-yard receiving season. The Ohio State product currently has 930 receiving yards.

Egbuka narrowly leads all rookies in receiving yards, with Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan just behind him at 929 receiving yards, according to StatMuse.

The last time a Buccaneers rookie wide receiver reached the 1,000-yard milestone was in 2014, when star receiver Mike Evans recorded 1,051 receiving yards.

In Tampa Bay’s matchup against the Panthers just a few weeks ago, Egbuka recorded 40 receiving yards, leading the team in that category.

The Buccaneers’ offense will need more production not just from Egbuka, but from the entire receiving corps this Saturday to help the team secure a spot in the postseason.

GettyWR Emeka Egbuka.

A Look Back at What Went Wrong Against Carolina Last Time

The Buccaneers lost by a score of 23–20 at Carolina just a few weeks ago and used a very run-heavy approach. It’ll be worth watching whether they replicate that this time around or change it up.

According to Scott Smith at Buccaneers.com, Tampa Bay had 33 rush attempts last time against Carolina.

“The Bucs believed a run-heavy approach was the right formula to defeating the Panthers, but a late turnover and a failure to score a touchdown from a first-and-goal at the four-yard line doomed the visitors to the three-point defeat,” wrote Smith.

GettyEither the Bucs or Panthers will win the NFC South.

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