The Bucs’ defense hasn’t produced enough splash plays through two games, but rookie cornerback Keionte Scott has been one of the brighter spots. After earning Tampa Bay’s starting nickel job, Scott has held his own while adjusting to the speed and nuances of the NFL.

Now, he is ready to take the next step.

“I’m [getting into] a groove now of trying to press on the gas pedal,” Scott told Pewter Report before Sunday’s game.

Keionte Scott Came Close To His First Sack, Believes It Should’ve Been A Split

During last week’s 23-19 loss to the Browns, Keionte Scott played up in the box and crashed through the Browns’ offensive line untouched. Scott got to quarterback Deshaun Watson first, and it initially appeared the rookie had recorded his first NFL sack.

The official scoring instead gave veteran defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson credit for the full sack. Scott spoke with Pewter Report more about that play.

“Yeah, it felt good, man, to get the opportunity to affect the game life in a different way,” Scott said about being sent on a blitz. “Especially as a defensive back, I take pride in being able to get back there. As far as the play goes, like, it opened up, so I got — I get super excited. And then [Deshaun Watson] pulled, like, a vet move, so he kind of, like, ducked down and scooted up at the same time. Maneuvered me, so it kind of, like, slid me off of it.”

Scott believed the sack deserved to be shared.

“I think personally it should be a split, but if it’s not, then it’s just a learning experience for me. You got to get them down, you know.”

For a defense that has lacked enough playmaking moments, the blitz provided a glimpse of what Scott can bring to Tampa Bay’s secondary.

Bucs CB Keionte Scott – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

The unit has its work cut out to turn things around, and that will require more of the secondary and defensive line playing off each other to create “peanut butter jelly time.”

“A’Shawn was there, so it’s just — peanut butter and jelly is what we call it, the back end working together with the defensive line. That’s what you want. It’s a learning experience for me too; I can’t be satisfied with just doing enough.”

Even Through Losses, Keionte Scott Learning What It Takes To Help Bucs Win

Keionte Scott’s willingness to learn has helped him adjust to Todd Bowles’ defense quickly. He isn’t viewing his early playing time as proof that he has arrived. Instead, Scott is focused on identifying mistakes, correcting them and continuing to build.

Bucs CB Keionte Scott – Photo by: IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect

“For the most part, I feel like it’s just me being open to learning,” Scott said about his approach taking in Bowles’ defense. “I don’t ever feel like I have everything. Just taking the opportunity to learn. I feel like during the preseason I got all the opportunities and reps, soaked it all up, and was able to apply it.

“Trying not to make the same mistake twice and then keep playing and keep going. Ultimately, in my mind now, I’m sort of at the stage where I want to figure things out.”

But Scott’s individual development is secondary to the bigger goal.

Bucs CB Keionte Scott and CBs coach Rashad Johnson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“At the end of the day, we want to win football games this year. I’m trying to help my team as much as I can as a rookie. That’s our biggest thing. That’s, you know, my personal thing, to keep going with my thing and then being able to add everything around.”

As Scott continues to settle into his role, his attention has shifted to the next challenge: Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray. Scott identified Murray’s ability to create outside of structure as one of the biggest challenges facing Tampa Bay.

“I’ll ultimately just say, you know, the weapon and what he can do, creating. He’s a creator. He can create plays for the offense and — even when they break down, you know, he can maneuver around…

“So, I feel like that’s something that’s going to be a big focus, containing the pocket and working together on our rushes and stuff like that. And ultimately being able to, you know, obviously they got a — a guy over there, Justin Jefferson, guys over there, [Jordan] Addison. It’s a test for us, like all these games have been, and just being able to work together and handle the threat.”

Keionte Scott wants to turn the lessons from his first two games into production. He is learning from the opportunities he has had — but he is also ready to make more of them when they come his way against Minnesota.

“You’ve got to finish it, finish the play,” Scott said. “So, I’m excited to keep going.”