Suh talks blitzing linebackers and getting acclimated with the Bucs

There has been a lot of praise from players on the Buccaneers roster about how excited they are to see Todd Bowles’ defense play out. Newcomer Ndamukong Suh feels the same.

The veteran defensive tackle has only practiced with his new team for three days but is already hyped about the new defensive system he’ll be playing in. But he is even more excited about what the linebackers will bring in this scheme.

On top of the defensive excitement, Suh also talked about fitting into the defense, being a teacher, and team culture. Below are highlights from his media session following Day 3 of minicamp practice.

On Suh’s first week with the Buccaneers

“It was good. Getting acclimated, learning the playbook and really just kind of going from there.”

On what Suh likes about the Buccaneers’ defense in terms of its structure and aggressiveness

“Love the linebackers, the communication. I think the ability to get after the quarterback is huge, as well as not only with more than multiple guys, but also with their front. I’m excited about that. Looking forward to being in a position to just go out there and play and wreak havoc.”

On the young energy on the defense

“Yeah, I think it’s like you said, young energy. Guys that are eager to play, move around and get after the ball, lots and lots of speed. I think it’ll come in handy, especially in September.”

On how tough it is to grasp a new playbook, especially when already joining a new team

“I don’t think it’s that difficult. I think the biggest thing is you’ve got to get in your playbook. I think if it’s something you care about, you’ll make the time to figure it out.”

On the experience Suh can pass on to the younger players

“I think first and foremost I need to get my bearings and then after that just talk about different ways to beat people, be creative, just tricks of the trade, veteran moves, things like that. Understanding how to read offensive lineman, different things like that. Things that I’ve been taught by other vets as well as other great coaches.”

On if Suh has had a chance to check out the Tampa area yet

“I have and I’m pleasantly surprised. I’ve been here two or three other times, but one thing that I’ve noticed eating dinner out most of the time it’s good Midwestern friendly folks, which I enjoy. Kind of just say, ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ and ‘Welcome to Tampa’. Which has been very pleasant for me and my fiancé.”

On where Suh feels he fits best in the defense

“I think my best fit is wherever they need me to be. It’s as simple as that. I’m excited to one just be able to play football at the same time just be able to be a force within the defense and like I said, the only way for me to do that is figure out the defense, understand it like the back of my hand and go from there.”

On Suh’s feeling about the culture head coach Bruce Arians is trying to instill in this team

“I think the important thing is to forget about the past. There’s new regime and new understanding of none of the past stuff matters. It’s all about the future and the present, and with that coach is big on having ownership – yes, he is a head coach, yes, he has to set the tone, but that doesn’t mean anything if we all don’t buy in, in addition to making our own. So, you got to have your own accountability, you’ve got to take care of your own business and then obviously police each other and be accountable and take ownership overall.”