When Joe Tryon-Shoyinka was inserted into the Bucs starting lineup in Week 16, an explosion of sacks was expected to follow. But, over the past two starts, Tryon-Shoyinka hasn’t entered the sack column. He’s been effective creating pressure at times, and the tape shows a player that is developing just fine. Head coach Bruce Arians knows what Tryon-Shoyinka can do to unlock his talent.

“He was solid all game,” Arians said on Bucs Total Access this week. “He needs to use his power more. He’s trying to be too finesse. But he made a great stop on that quarterback sneak at the end.”

Arians raises a good point here. Tryon-Shoyinka is explosive and flexible, so he often tries to swim and bend his way around blockers. It’s worked well for him as a rookie, but all of those moves work better once you’ve established speed-to-power. If offensive linemen aren’t worried about you getting into their frame and knocking them around, they are less concerned with landing the first strike. That allows the opponent to stay balanced and mirror Tryon-Shoyinka’s movements more easily.

Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

If the Bucs first rounder can learn to close that space and work in close quarters against blockers, he’ll be a game-changer. He may not figure it all out as a rookie, but the Bucs need his impact in the playoffs.

“I think in this game he tried to use too many (pass rush moves),” Arians said. “You always start with speed-to-power. You bull rush and knock ’em back. Then you start using your toolbox.”

Tryon-Shoyinka has four sacks on the season, but has generated consistent pressure. He also has 26 tackles and five tackles-for-loss on the year. With Jason Pierre-Paul out, Tryon-Shoyinka will get one more chance to add to his sack total this season.