The Buccaneers were 3-1 in November and two members of their teams have been rewarded for their work in helping the team to that mark.
Linebacker Lavonte David was named the league’s top defensive rookie for the month and Dekoda Watson has been named the NFC’s outstanding special teamer. It is the first time that the Buccaneers ever had a player win the rookie award and Watson’s the first special teamer to get honored since Clifton Smith in November 2008.
Watson, who also plays linebacker along with David, had two tackles on kick coverage during the month, but his other work got him the prize. He blocked a punt in Week 10 against the Chargers that the Buccaneers returned for a touchdown in a 34-24 victory. He also recovered a fumbled punt by Panthers returner Captain Munnerlyn the next week to set up a touchdown that the Bucs used to help them win 27-21 in overtime.
Time will tell if the 6-5 start to the season can result in a playoff trip for the Buccaneers, but there have been plenty of positive developments in Greg Schiano’s first year as the team’s head coach. Thursday’s award announcements are just the latest in that list.