Missing Lavonte David and Gerald McCoy against any team hurts. Missing them in prime time against the division rival Atlanta Falcons hurts even more. That means the Buccaneers will have to look to rookie linebacker Kendell Beckwith to help pick up some of the slack.
The defensive line is in complete shambles, so it’s hard to expect anything above mediocrity from them. However, the linebacker play – spearheaded by David – has been one of the bright spots. In his absence, Beckwith will have to try to make more splash plays than he has all season, and that’s no easy task.