TAMPA — When you last saw the Bucs defense, they were depleted and struggling, giving up 369 yards and three touchdowns — to Tampa Bay nemesis Case Keenum — in a humbling 34-17 loss to the Vikings.
They'll be a bit healthier Sunday, and getting back Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes is likely a major boost. But facing the likes of Eli Manning and Odell Beckham, there's an urgency to play at a much higher level in front of the home crowd.
"We didn't perform at the level that we needed to — that's obvious in terms of explosive plays," defensive coordinator Mike Smith said.