**Vita Vea Surpasses Hall of Famer to Enter Bucs’ Top 10 Sack Leaders**
Key Takeaways:
- Vita Vea now ranks in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top 10 all-time sack leaders.
- He recorded 2.5 sacks in Sunday’s 21–18 win over the Carolina Panthers.
- The defensive tackle continues to be a disruptive force in the Bucs’ front line.
Tampa, FL — Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea is trending after a standout performance in Week 13 of the NFL season, where he recorded 2.5 sacks in a critical win over the Carolina Panthers. The effort elevated him to the franchise’s top 10 all-time sack leaders, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp’s legacy mark in fewer games played.
Dominant Performance Against NFC South Rival
In a tightly contested contest on Sunday, December 3, Vea played a pivotal role in the Buccaneers’ 21–18 win, posting a career-high 2.5 sacks. These bring his season total to 5.5 sacks and 25.0 overall in his career, pushing him into the franchise’s top 10 sack list. He shared at least one sack with linebacker Shaquil Barrett and dominated the interior, consistently disrupting Panthers quarterback Bryce Young.
How Vea Emerged As a Defensive Anchor
Vea was drafted by Tampa Bay as the 12th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Since then, he has been known more for his run-stuffing ability than QB takedowns—until now. His evolution into a dual-threat interior lineman comes as the Bucs continue to lean heavily on their defense amid offensive struggles. The departure of veterans like Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh over the past two seasons has also increased Vea’s responsibility and snap count.
Playoff Implications and Defensive Momentum
The Buccaneers (5–7) are currently in a tight race atop the NFC South. Vea’s resurgence offers a boost as they prepare for key matchups down the stretch, including games against the Falcons and Saints. If Vea maintains this level of productivity, he could break into the franchise’s top 5 sack leaders by season’s end—and potentially secure his second Pro Bowl nod since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is vita vea trending?
A: He recorded 2.5 sacks on Sunday, moving into Tampa Bay’s top 10 all-time sack leaders.
Q: What happens next?
A: The Buccaneers face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, December 10, in a game with major playoff implications.
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