Bucs defensive tackle Kaliyah Kanci is a rising star in Tampa Bay who has just started making waves around the league.Cuncey named NFC Rookie of the Month for his performance In November.
From Weeks 9 to 12, Kariyah Kansi had 10 total tackles, nine solo tackles, two sacks, seven lost tackles, four quarterback hits, and one pass breakup. This accomplishment actually came in just three games, as no stats were recorded despite playing 53% of the snaps in the Bucks’ Week 11 loss to the 49ers.
Bucks rookie DT instant results
Bucks DT Kariyah Kansi – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
It’s a thrill to see such rapid progress for a rookie who previously missed nearly all of training camp and nearly all of the first month of the season.
Just a few days into camp, he suffered a calf injury that delayed his return until the first week of the regular season. However, after 11 snaps, the injury resurfaced and he was sidelined until the sixth week of October.
That is why the rise of Kaliya Kanshi has been so impressive. It’s very difficult for a defensive tackle to make his mark in his rookie season, but Kancey still made play after play and dominated opposing backfields.
It was eerie to see a player in his position, who had just become established, have his fingerprints on him during a game. Back then, Bucks fans loved the duo of Vita Vea and Ndamukong Suh, but now Vea has another running mate in Kariya Kanshi. She’s a 6-foot, 286-pound defensive tackle who looks just as formidable, albeit in a different way, winning more with speed and athleticism than size or strength.
Kaliya Kanshi chases history
Bucks DT Kariya Kansi and Titans QB Will Levis – Photo courtesy of USA Today
With over a month left in the season, Kaliyah Kancey is looking to surpass the most infamous defensive tackle rookie stats in Bucs history. Warren Sapp, Gerald McCoy and Vita Vea all had three sacks each in their rookie seasons with Tampa Bay and each earned at least one Pro Bowl appearance. Cuncey currently has three sacks and has a chance to surpass the rookie’s sack total with six games remaining.
According to Scott Smith, buccaneers.com, Cuncey is the first Interior All defensive lineman to earn these honors. He also becomes the only player in franchise history to win the award, joining Lavonte David (2012), Devin White (twice in 2019) and Antwon Winfield Jr. (2020). Coincidentally, they are now teammates on this defense.
Bucks defense looking to bounce back after allowing 27 points in two straight games this weekend They will face the lowly Panthers and come away with a win to stay in the NFC South race.
