TAMPA — The defense of the Buccaneers has faced quite the gamut of quarterbacks early in the season.
Rookie Marcus Mariota was superb in his first NFL start, leading Tennessee to a 42-14 rout at Tampa Bay in the opener. Last week, the Bucs prepared for likely Hall of Famer Drew Brees before beating the Saints 26-19.
This week’s assignment is to pressure Houston’s inexperienced Ryan Mallett, the only ranked passer in the league who is completing fewer than half of his attempts.
“He has a strong arm and he can make every throw,’’ Bucs coach Lovie Smith said.