In early September, before the regular season began, I wrote about how Bucs inside linebacker Lavonte David and Commanders inside linebacker Bobby Wagner were set to face off in a potential final duel. That storyline again comes to the forefront as David and Wagner will get one more chance to captain their defenses against one another on Sunday night in the playoffs.

Both 34-year-old linebackers have remained productive, and in what now “should be” their final time sharing a football field, it is worth revisiting and comparing the seasons – and careers – each has had.

Where’s The Love For Lavonte David?

When looking at Lavonte David, he remains the Bucs’ defensive lynchpin.

Playing all 17 games this season, David finished with 122 total tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six pass breakups, 5.5 sacks, and an interception. His 100-plus tackles and five-plus sacks made him just one of two players in the league to reach that feat, with Falcons inside linebacker Kaden Elliss being the other.

With another season of stat-sheet stuffing and being a key contributor, one has to ask the question.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels and Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Where is the love?

Long, long underappreciated across the NFL, David has been on the short end of the stick for receiving accolades throughout his career. Fans in Tampa Bay love and respect what he has done for the franchise, but it largely goes unnoticed across the rest of the league save for a few posts on X recognizing what he has done for the game.

Still, it does not feel like enough.

With “LVD” starting to show slight signs of slowing down in coverage and hustling all across the field, this could mark the final time he is in the postseason. If 2024 is his last season, he would finish his career with just one Pro Bowl nod, all the way back in 2015. That is in large part due to being overshadowed by Bobby Wagner.

Wagner remains productive in his own right, but after he received another All-Pro nod on the second team, it is another case of David being snubbed of any national recognition or something to boost a resume that should be filled with more achievements like his linebacker contemporary. At this point, it is to be expected, but it does not make it any less frustrating, as outlined below.

Bobby Wagner Will Be Biggest Thorn In Bucs Offense’s Side

Commanders ILB Bobby Wagner – Photo by: USA Today

Still, while Bucs fans have a strong case to heap praise on Lavonte David, it should not discredit the threat Bobby Wagner will pose on Sunday night. Wagner remains a complete package at the inside linebacker position.

It was something the Bucs’ offense saw firsthand back in Week 1 as he finished the season-opener with ten total tackles and three tackles for a loss. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was brief teammates with Wagner on the Rams in 2022 and shared his thoughts back in September about the future Hall of Famer.

“Bobby Wagner is – a legend,” Mayfield said then. “He’s a seasoned vet, he’s seen every type of scheme. You can tell, just his recognition of plays. People can talk about his age, but I’m pretty sure he led the league in tackles last year, so I don’t really think he’s lost a step.”

On a Commanders’ defense that lacks a lot of name recognition and big-game experience, they can count on their own No. 54 to bring the intensity and fire on that side of the football. That is what makes head coach Dan Quinn’s unit its most dangerous.

Wagner will play a vital part in stopping running back Bucky Irving out of the backfield just as much as defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. When throwing across the middle of the field to tight end Cade Otton, Mayfield will have to think twice and know where he is at all times. His effect on the game could trickle down and alter the direction offensive coordinator Liam Coen goes when dialing up plays.

Just as Lavonte David garners respect, so does Bobby Wagner. Seeing which defense – and team – comes out on top is another storyline at play. Regardless of how you might feel when comparing them, enjoy this matchup between two of the best at their position this generation duel it out for likely the last time.

Lavonte David vs. Bobby Wagner Tale Stats Comparison

Bucs ILB Lavonte David

Tackles: 1,602 (1,111 solo)
Tackles for loss: 169
Sacks: 39.0
Forced fumbles: 31
Fumble recoveries: 19
Pass breakups: 70
Interceptions: 13
Defensive TDs: 3
Safeties: 1

Commanders ILB Bobby Wagner

Tackles: 1,838 (1,071 solo)
Tackles for loss: 99
Sacks: 35.0
Forced fumbles: 7
Fumble recoveries: 12
Pass breakups: 72
Interceptions: 13
Defensive TDs: 4
Safeties: 1