The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense has struggled to find consistency in 2024. Some players, like Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, and Yaya Diaby, have shown growth and flash moments. All three had good weeks in Week 18 against the Saints, but one stood out above the rest.
Yaya Diaby had a week to remember, and for his performance, the NFL named him their NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
Your NFC Defensive Player of the Week
First of many, @greatyaya4
pic.twitter.com/dXTo3OJ3UF
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 8, 2025
Per the Bucs’ press release on the award, Diaby became “. . .1-of-4 players this season with four-or-more tackles for loss and four-plus quarterback hits in a single game, joining Aidan Hutchinson (Week 2), Trey Hendrickson (Week 9) and Nick Bosa (Week 17).”
The defense has been better since their Week 11 bye, and Diaby has played a critical part in that. They still have a long way to go and will be tested in the Wild Card against the Commanders in Jayden Daniels.
A repeat performance from Yaya Diaby wouldn’t hurt.