Historic outing for Bucs' ILB Lavonte David in Week 4

Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David had a record-setting day at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday in Week Four. His first tackle of the day marked 1,500. his distinguished career and was inducted into Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks as the only player in Bucs history to reach this milestone. David picked up a strip sack from Jalen Hurts, marking his 30th forced fumble of his career – tied with Khalil Mack for the most by any active player. To put an exclamation point on his resume, David Hurts sacked a second time, marking his fourth career game with more than two sacks (the first since 2018). With 35.5 sacks, David ranks seventh in franchise history.

From first-and-10 in the third quarter, David stopped the Eagles' momentum. Todd Bowles sent six balls on the blitz, with David shooting through the A gap after the snap. David quickly pushed Saquon Barkley back, bypassed the chip and got to Hurts. The Eagles' signal caller initially evaded the pressure, but David continued to chase and came from behind and threw the ball free. Ben Stille recovered the football at the Tampa Bay 24-yard line, bringing the Bucs' offense back onto the field.

“My number was called on that particular play and I was able to blitz and get the opportunity to go one-on-one with a running back, which is every linebacker's dream,” David said. “I was able to win and make a play on the football. If I hadn't made that play, I wouldn't have heard the end of it from coach (Larry) Foote, so the whole time I was thinking, 'I've got to win.' And I did it.

David finished as the team's leading tackler with eight, along with a pass defended, a quarterback hit, two tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two sacks for a loss of 13 yards. His second sack came on second-and-10 in the fourth quarter, once again turning the tide for Tampa Bay. The timeless marvel continues to defy the norm and is in top form at 34 years old. David, the linchpin of Bowles' defense, can do it all. With rare instincts, reading and reaction skills, finishing tackling skills and fluid flips in man coverage at running back/tight ends, David sets the tone. He was a force on Sunday, playing from sideline to sideline. When asked about the Hall of Fame and eclipsed's achievements, David turned the spotlight on his family and thanked God.

“I'm a kid from Miami who just wanted to play soccer because I love the game, but ended up doing things like this at a very high level is definitely a blessing. I give God the glory and thank my family for sticking with me. “I'm disciplined and on the right path and can support me to play the game I love.”