Teammates, opposing QB vouch for LB DavidBy Ira Kaufman | Tribune Staff Published: December 23, 2015
TAMPA — Finishing up his fourth NFL season, Bucs LB Lavonte David is still seeking his first Pro Bowl berth. That omission doesn’t sit well with teammates — or the quarterback David will face Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.Fourth in the league with 126 tackles, David was once again bypassed by Pro Bowl voters. He was named as an alternate for the Jan. 31 game in Honolulu, where DT Gerald McCoy and RB Doug Martin will represent the Bucs the week before the Super Bowl.“I always say he’s the best at what he does,” McCoy said Wednesday. “Lavonte is a pure linebacker, and I truly believe that. He’s all over the field.’’Chicago QB Jay Cutler knows all about David, even though David didn’t play at Soldier Field last season because of a hamstring injury.“I don’t know how he hasn’t made a Pro Bowl,’’ Cutler said on a conference call. “Great player, tough to go against. He flies all over the field and they blitz him a little bit. In their zone defense, you always have to have an eye on him.’’Defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier said David’s Pro Bowl chances are hurt by a format that appears to favor sackmasters.“I’m very disappointed,’’ Frazier said. “I don’t know if there’s another outside linebacker playing better, if you define what a true linebacker is. So many of the guys who are deemed outside linebackers are really rush ends. Lavonte is a pure outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme and he’s had a Pro Bowl year.’’Injury reportThree Bucs starters did not practice on Wednesday — WR Vincent Jackson (knee), G Logan Mankins (knee) and DT Akeem Spence (ankle). DE Kourtnei Brown (groin) was also sidelined, while S Chris Conte (knee) was limited.The Bears practiced without two starters, WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and LB Shea McClellin (concussion). WR Eddie Royal (knee), S Adrian Amos (shoulder), LB Pernell McPhee (knee) and CBs Bryce Callahan (quadriceps) and Tracy Porter (knee) were limited.Mutual admirationBucs coach Lovie Smith has lavished praise on Jameis Winston all season. On Wednesday, Tampa Bay’s rookie quarterback returned the favor.“I think without Coach Smith, I probably wouldn’t be where I am as far as the mental capacity and what it takes to be a true professional in this league,” Winston told the Chicago media in a conference call.“The way that he treats us and the way that he holds us accountable for everything, that really teaches you how to be a great man. Everything that he says is a teaching moment — it’s a walking teaching tape.”Smith named Winston as the starter under center before training camp began. The first overall pick in the 2015 draft responded with 20 touchdown throws and 3,422 passing yards, plus five rushing scores.“Coach Lovie, he teaches me something new every day,” Winston said. “I can’t really walk you step-by-step through the process that we’ve had together here at Tampa Bay. But what I can say is, without that man as my coach I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”Ira Kaufman