Defense propels Buccaneers into playoff position Published Mike Piazza Jersey : Dec 05, 2016 at 02:21 AM Around the NFL Writer Wake up, America! The are streaking towards the playoffs. , and the offense might get all the attention, but the Bucs' four-game win streak is all about the defensive turnaround. Since Week 10, the have allowed the fewest PPG in the NFL and have had the most takeaways, per NFL Research. Bucs D since Week 10:Points per game allowed: 13.3 (rank 1st)Takeaways: 11 (rank 1st)Pa ser rating allowed: 67.3 (rank 1st)Third-down percent: 28.9 (rank 2nd)Sacks: 12 (rank 5th)Yards per game allowed: 300.3 (rank 5th) The Bucs' defensive front Jeurys Familia Jersey has propelled the team, hara sing quarterbacks and stymied running games. , and stud rookie have combined to form the type of pa s rush Tampa expected to employ this offseason. In Sunday's victory over the , Tampa sacked twice but the San Diego line controlled the game for the most part. This week it was the back seven that made game-changing plays. Linebacker 's pick-six off a tip by rookie corner gave Jacob DeGrom Jersey the Bucs their first lead and turned the tide of the game. "Lavonte, I think, has had a solid season," defensive coordinator Mike Smith said, . "I know his numbers are not what they've been in the Tom Seaver Jersey past, but what he's doing for this defense is an integral part of what we're trying to get accomplished." Later it was reserve safety , who had played 71 total snaps this season until logging 55 in place of starter , with the game-sealing interception. Smith's unit didn't look much different from Lovie Smith's train wreck early in the season. But the Bucs' defense has made game-changing plays each week that led to wins in their four-game streak. Tampa has a home and away versus the sandwiched around a trip to Dallas before closing at home against the . Tied for the division lead and in pole position for a Wild Card spot, the Bucs are surging towards January games thanks to a defense that is shutting down opponents. This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content Michael Conforto Jersey or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i sue.