The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed T.J. Ward just as the season started, hoping that the former Pro Bowler would bring a presence and playmaking ability to the safety position that had previously been lacking.
So far, so good: Ward has two passes defensed and seven total tackles in two games, including one tackle for loss. Those three splash plays give him three more splash plays than starting safeties Chris Conte and Keith Tandy put together. So why isn’t he starting yet, and has he only been on the field for slightly more than 50% of the defensive snaps?