Buccaneers LB Devin White named NFC Defensive Player of the Month

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White has been named NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September, the league announced Thursday.

Through the first three weeks of the 2022 regular season, White has tallied 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, three sacks, three quarterback hits, two pass breakups and one forced fumble.

White earned his first Pro Bowl nomination last season. He is in his fourth season with the Buccaneers after being selected fifth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. 

"I'm in a good space with my game," White told reporters this week. "Obviously, I feel like I can do way more. My coach gives me a challenge every week and every week it will be different." 

White had a tough challenge against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. He notched two sacks to neutralize the Cowboys offense. Last week, he was tasked with defending Green Bay Packers backfield duo Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. 

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Buccaneers inside linebackers coach Larry Foote praised how well White performed in Week 3.

White limited Jones to three catches for 11 yards. 

"He is into it and he's fired up," Foote said. "He is flying around and we know the type of athlete he is. He's taken it up another notch as far as just knowing the defense ends and outs and trying to anticipate how the (opposing) offense is trying to attack us." 

This offseason, the Buccaneers picked up White's fifth-year contract option. He is set to be under contract through at least the 2023 season. 

A long-term extension could possibly be on the horizon. White ranks eighth in the league in sacks and 25th in total tackles. 

The Bucs are 2-1 despite a slow start on offense. The defense has turned in dominant performances with White leading the way. The Buccaneers will host the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4. 

It will be another challenge facing NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. However, the Buccaneers are ready to roll behind their captain.  

"He is doing a good job and playing clean football," Foote said. "No mental errors and he is communicating. That is what it's about. He's our captain." 

USA TODAY Sports+ producer Jaylon Thompson contributed to this report.