Bengals have placed a target on Vita Vea’s back heading into Week 1 and it’s actually the ultimate sign of respect
The Buccaneers defense starts and ends with Vita Vea and the Cincinnati Bengals are well aware of what he brings to the table.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense is at full health (starter-wise) heading into the Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals and Joe Burrow and Co. represent an immediate test that will give us a good look at what Todd Bowles’ unit is capable of in 2026.
At this point, it’s safe to say it all starts up front and two-time Pro Bowl DT Vita Vea is the one who makes it all go. Especially when considering the questions in the secondary.
Vita Vea obviously held-in for nearly the entirety of the Buccaneers’ offseason, but he should resume his usual role after having nearly three full weeks to ramp up and get into football shape.
His presence will be needed against a lethal offense, too. Vea’s ability to not only push the pocket, but take up double teams that allow others to face 1-on-1 matchups will be integral when it comes to stopping both facets of the Bengals offense.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor knows this, as well, and he didn’t shy away from the task at hand when he spoke to reporters after Monday’s practice.
“Yea, he’s a great player. He’s got our full attention [and] he’s been a tremendous player for a long time,” Taylor said when asked if Vita Vea falls into the category of “must double“. ” … They’re all a little bit unique in their own ways, but he’s a tremendous player who’s got our full respect.”
The Bengals head coach also ranked Vita Vea as one of the top 5-10 interior defensive linemen in the game, which is certainly on point.
“Interior-wise, off the top of my head, somewhere between 5-10 where you go into the game and you’re really focused on the interior d-linemen,” said. Taylor. “I think you’d probably name a higher on the edge, but inside it’s a problem because the pocket gets pushed and now you have to change a little bit of your protection plan on play-actions and third down and things that give you a little more help inside.”
Vita Vea has a great chance to get in good work against a questionable Bengals interior o-line
Per Pro Football Focus, the starting interior trio of center Ted Karras, left guard Dylan Fairchild, and right guard Dalton Risner were rather underwhelming in overall fashion last year. Karras finished with a 63.1 overall blocking grade and Fairchild/Risner ended up with 59.1 and 69.4 grades, respectively.
Risner’s grade is the only that is considered above-average. Now, PFF grades aren’t the end-all-be-all by any means, but they do reflect a pretty accurate measure of offensive play.
What’s worthy of note, however, is all three did OK in pass pro, but only Risner finished with an above-average grade in run blocking. Regardless, it’s clear Vita Vea has a good opportunity to make some big plays on Sunday.
Taylor’s comments are the ultimate sign of respect and it will be intriguing to see just how the Bengals try to limit Vea’s impact. It could easily mean a big day for the Bengals offense if they make it happen, but that’s much easier said than done.
