Anyone watching the Bucs defense dismantle the Panthers offense in Week 16 was impressed. Tampa Bay’s defense shut Carolina out of the end zone, surrendering just six points. No player was more critical to that result than strong safety Jordan Whitehead. The Bucs ferocious defender was everywhere on Sunday, flying around for a team-leading seven tackles.

Whitehead created several tackles-for-loss by teammates with his disruptive play around the line of scrimmage. He was also outstanding in underneath zones, driving on the ball for several big hits and three pass breakups. Whitehead has been one of Tampa Bay’s most improved players under Todd Bowles, a fact that isn’t lost on his teammates.

“I honestly think he is one of the best strong safeties in the league, hands down,” cornerback Carlton Davis said. ‘He is definitely underrated. He is an explosive strong safety. His run stopping is phenomenal. The things he brings to our defense [are] incomparable.

“There are just not enough words to express how much I appreciate having him on the field with me. The energy he brings and just his style of play. It’s the style of defense that we play, and he embodies that with how he plays the game. That guy, I don’t even know what to say about him. He is a great player for us. It sucks that he is underrated and doesn’t get the attention that he should get.”

Head coach Bruce Arians was also impressed, despite a love-tap 15-yard penalty from Whitehead in the first half.

“I thought Jordan was all over the place today,” Arians said after the game. “He had a play where he jumped up and hit the quarterback in the head, but other than that he had a hell of a ball game. He’s healthy and he’s playing really well.”

Free Agency Is Coming For Whitehead

Soon, Whitehead will have all the attention he needs. Currently in the midst of a 64-tackle, 2-interception season, Whitehead is building on an impressive 2020 campaign with terrific timing. The Pitt product will hit free agency this offseason, where he’ll command a healthy price. Whitehead had nine tackles-for-loss last season, second amongst all defensive backs in the NFL. Despite playing just 12 games, Whitehead has picked up five more this year.

While there may be some limitations to Whitehead’s game as a single-high safety, he’s been very effective everywhere else. Right now, the 24-year old is one of the best box/underneath safeties in the NFL. The confidence he’s playing with is evident in every moment on the field.

“J-White is a dog, man,” outside linebacker Cam Gill said. “It’s very easy to feed off his energy. Just to be on the field with all of those guys, including J-White and all the others, it just brings the best out of you. I’m blessed to play with those guys every time I take the field with them. I want to match their intensity.”

Whitehead’s intensity was obvious against Carolina. His mic’d up moments were some of the year’s finest, constantly barking and communicating all over the field. But Whitehead also bottled his energy and played under control. In fact, several of his best tackles were in space against bigger opponents. Whitehead also grabbed his second interception of the season. The 5-10 safety has two games to break his career-high by grabbing a third pick.

For more insight on Whitehead’s game, check out my latest All-22 Film Room. Like and subscribe!