Buccaneers positional analysis: Defense

One category was strong, the other searching. One put the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense among the clouds, the other placed the unit in the leagues basement without a sliver of light. This fact falls under the go figure category: Last season, the Bucs finished first in the NFL in rush defense by surrendering 82.5 yards per game. Meanwhile, they ranked last in the league in pass defense by allowing a whooping 297.4 yards per game. Yin, meet yang. Because of their split personality, the Bucs have an interesting offseason dilemma: Preserve what made them great on the ground, all while adding pieces that will make them more of a nuisance against attacks from the air. Easier written, of course, than done. There are some key names that could shape their free-agency efforts: defensive end Michael Bennett, defensive tackle Roy Miller and veteran safety Ronde Barber. Many choices, many possible outcomes, all with one goal in mind: Achieve more balance. Defensive line Michael Bennett (un...