ESPN NFL

The Tampa Bay defense has been the most impressive I have seen on tape this season. Monte Kiffin's unit has allowed a combined 24 points in the past three games. The Bucs have shut out their opponents in eight of the past 12 quarters and have generated seven turnovers in that time.

The key to the success has been the play of the defensive line. Kiffin says the Cover 2 scheme works best if the front four defenders are able to stop the run on their own, enabling the linebackers and secondary players to focus primarily on their coverage responsibilities.

In the past three games, the front four has been able to stop the run quite effectively. On the 50 running plays Tampa's defense has faced when it had four players on the line of scrimmage, the unit has allowed only 196 rushing yards (3.9 yards per carry).

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