Lately Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis III sat down with Go Lengthy’s Tyler Dunne and talked about loads of issues. From his rise by means of the Miami soccer scene in addition to enduring strict coaching as a child which hardened him. It was throughout this time that he earned his nickname, “C-Murda.” Davis additionally shared his ideas on enjoying quite a few No. 1 huge receivers throughout the league, and he additionally detailed his aggressive method.

However maybe probably the most perception garnered from his sit-down with Dunne was how he views the Bucs’ probabilities to contend this season and his plans to make loads of massive performs.

Carlton Davis III Sees Bucs Nonetheless Having Elements For Success

In following the Bucs’ post-Tom Brady, one can simply see the shift in tone from nationwide media and prognosticators for the 2023 season. After being seen as a Tremendous Bowl contender for the previous three seasons, the group has rapidly flipped to the alternative finish of the spectrum. Now many view Tampa Bay as being contenders, for the primary total choose.

Cue the Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or [insert quarterback here] speak. Whereas many have purchased into this narrative, Carlton Davis III has not. As a substitute, he proclaimed that any doubters can be in for a shock.

“We’re about to do it to ‘em,” Davis mentioned. “Anyone who feels we’ve misplaced Tom — and misplaced one thing — goes to be in for a impolite awakening. A impolite awakening. Tom was a terrific addition for us, however clearly it’s a group sport. Clearly, you want elements to achieve success. We nonetheless have these elements. And I’m solely getting higher.”

With Brady not within the body, it permits for different Bucs to enter the image and get their due credit score. Davis doesn’t have animosity for his former quarterback. Quite, if the group can win video games with out the GOAT, nobody can doubt the expertise and skill on the roster.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Loads of instances, we might do stuff, and since Tom is the best participant to ever play the sport, plenty of credit score would go towards him being right here,” Davis mentioned. “Now, it offers us an opportunity to be independently nice. Individuals can’t say, ‘Oh, it’s Covid.’ Or, ‘Oh, it’s as a result of Tom was there.’ They’ve bought to provide us the credit score. That’s one thing we’re combating for.”

He continued by confidently asserting that the secondary’s play can be key to the group’s success.

“We’re going to wreck sh-t,” Davis mentioned. “Like, wreck sh-t. Interceptions. Turnovers. Performs shall be made. I’ll say. Performs. Will. Be. Made.”

Whereas the protection beneath head coach Todd Bowles was the explanation for a lot of the group’s success, one can argue that the unit might want to take it up a notch. Brady is not round to orchestrate late-game magic on offense. With a smaller margin for error, the flexibility of the secondary to make massive performs shall be important.

That begins with Davis and extends additional. Jamel Dean. Antoine Winfield Jr. Ryan Neal. For a protection that totaled simply 10 interceptions final yr, it actually is of their arms. They simply need to take this accountability to not drop it and as an alternative run with it.

“We’ve bought to be the most effective within the f-cking NFL proper now,” Davis mentioned. “That’s how I’m attempting to be. And you’ll solely do this, first, beginning with you. After which permitting your play to be contagious to all people else.”

Carlton Davis III Will get His Boxing On With Opposing NFL WRs

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III and Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs shall be coming into this season seeking to shock individuals. The best way to get there’s simpler than most would consider. Let’s not overlook – for all the Bucs’ struggles of their 8-9 2022 season – they nonetheless gained the NFC South. With loads of expertise nonetheless remaining, the ground must be near the 6.5 wins that Las Vegas has as an over/beneath. The ceiling, in what stays a weak division, might simply be 9-8 or 10-7.

With this in thoughts, Davis sees a transparent path for the Bucs to remain in competition. “Our f–king division is worse than what it was earlier than,” Carlton Davis III mentioned. “So, we run by means of the division. Get to the playoffs. Run by means of the playoffs and it’s the Tremendous Bowl.”

Fairly easy, proper?

Later within the article, Davis suggests to Dunne that if the protection holds up its finish of the cut price and the offense improves barely with an improved working sport and adequate passing assault, “We now have one other Tremendous Bowl-contending group.”

It’s a daring declare, however crazier issues have occurred. Whereas even probably the most optimistic followers don’t see the Bucs’ vying for the Lombardi trophy, this inside confidence and mindset give off a Bucs-versus-everybody mentality. Davis takes this to a different degree when mentioning opposing huge receivers.

“I personally take pleasure in f-cking up all people,” Davis mentioned. “I personally take pleasure in me being the most effective model. I take pleasure in taking it to individuals. I take pleasure in making them pay. It’s not a selected individual. I’m personally invested into my profession being nice. That comes with me f-cking you up. Locking you down. Placing my arms on you.”

Bucs CBs Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Whilst you could not see Carlton Davis III within the subsequent “Rocky” or “Creed” movie, you will notice him go toe-to-toe with receivers throughout the NFL. From his early-career battles with DeAndre Hopkins to his much-publicized back-and-forths with Michael Thomas. In crossing paths with Tyreek Hill and Ja’Marr Chase, he has battled with the most effective of the most effective and infrequently emerged victorious.

Bucs cornerback Zyon McCollum seconds this notion when discussing Davis. “You actually don’t need to be on his dangerous aspect, and each receiver within the NFL is on his dangerous aspect,” McCollum mentioned.

Referring to Davis’ physicality that begins on the line of scrimmage, McCollum added that it seems to be “like he’s boxing.” The sector is his ring, and the whistle is his bell. It has been clear all through his profession that only a few receivers could make it to the ultimate spherical matching up with him.

The Bucs Lurk In The Shadows As “Silent Assassins”

Getting into this season, Carlton Davis III talked about that the predictions earlier than the season imply little to him. “You don’t know sh-t,” Davis mentioned. “No person is aware of sh-t till it occurs.”

Bucs CB Zyon McCollum – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR

Proper now, gamers are embracing the identification of an underdog. That is acquainted for a franchise that has had intervals of darkish instances.

“Persons are feeling, ‘Rattling. OK. That is what it’s wish to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer,’” Davis added. “For the younger guys who’re nonetheless attempting to study and nonetheless attempting to grasp what it’s wish to be a real skilled: That is what it seems to be like. Then, you present ‘em. You inform ‘em. You don’t permit them to make the identical errors and also you attempt to right them. We are saying, ‘You play for us. So, we are able to’t will let you play at this degree. I’m going to be in your ass about elevating your play.’”

As a substitute of letting historical past repeat itself and falling again into intervals of irrelevancy, the Bucs lurk within the shadows, able to strike when least anticipated.

“The disrespect is unbelievable,” McCollum mentioned. “We like it. We’re like silent assassins. We come from behind like assassins, and take individuals by the throat.”