When Christian Izien secured the Bucs beginning nickel again place on the finish of the preseason, it was anticipated that he would undergo some rising pains, particularly going through a trio of stable Vikings large receivers headlined by Justin Jefferson in Week 1.
Not solely did Izien maintain his personal in recording his first profession NFL interception, which was a game-changing play, however he additionally made a pleasant impression on Bucs head coach Todd Bowles as – in his eyes – he’s starting to make a reputation for himself.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles Is Impressed With Christian Izien
Bucs NCB Christian Izien and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson – Picture by: USA At this time
In his debut, Christian Izien performed in 36 snaps, equating to 56% of the overall defensive snaps. Based mostly on what Todd Bowles needed to say after the sport, it seems like that complete will proceed to extend if he retains up his stage of play.
“They’re going to play,” Bowles stated of Izien and large receiver Trey Palmer. “They’re good soccer gamers, you simply didn’t know their names. They’re making themselves family names proper now. You don’t simply make first-team nickel as a free agent with out being an excellent soccer participant. [Cornerbacks] coach [Kevin] Ross does an excellent job with him, [defensive assistant Rashad] Johnson does an excellent job with him. He made some nice performs.”
Bowles answered that query initially being requested about each Izien and Palmer however then went on to reward the rookie defensive again particularly for being named a starter and having the expertise to take action.
He has possessed that expertise for some time.
The Bucs hope that Izien can play on Sunday towards the Bears as he’s at the moment within the concussion protocol, possible because of a giant hit from Vikings large receiver Justin Jefferson on his interception return. Izien missed apply on Wednesday and is standing for the Chicago recreation is in query.
Christian Izien’s Skills Have Caught Out For A Whereas
Bucs WR Trey Palmer and S Chris Izien – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Again in early July earlier than the beginning of coaching camp, former NFL govt Rick Spielman stopped by AdventHealth Coaching Middle and noticed Christian Izien’s potential to be a breakout Buccaneer. Right here was his evaluation of Izien’s recreation then.
“Every part that you just’ve seen on tape – the factor that caught out probably the most on tape is his bodily skill and his aggressiveness. Likes to play the sport. We obtained an extended technique to go but, however he was one of many guys that they talked about, and the day we had been down there caught out, and he might find yourself probably being their beginning nickel earlier than it’s stated and accomplished.”
Todd Bowles observed Izien even earlier than he signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent. Again when he went as much as see his son Todd Bowles Jr. up at Rutgers.
“I observed him two years in the past once I went as much as see my son,” Bowles stated. “He simply saved flashing, and I didn’t know to the intense of what he was till I began watching movie a bit of bit extra throughout his senior yr, and also you simply saved seeing the man. I stated, ‘God, this man does plenty of issues.’
“He’s very heady, primary, he’s very fast, very quick, he’s very powerful, and he is aware of the sport. To be that younger and nonetheless in faculty and you understand the sport, [so] I didn’t know we might have a shot at him. Free Company got here, me and [General Manager] Jason [Licht] had been speaking about him, and we tried to exit and get him.”
Surprisingly sufficient, he was obtainable after the NFL draft regardless of his constant faculty manufacturing. Whereas all 4 of his interceptions got here again in 2020, that doesn’t imply that he didn’t flash the flexibility to make performs. In actual fact, one in all his higher performs was a leaping one-handed interception towards Nebraska.
Bucs NCB Christian Izien – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
He was requested to fill completely different roles on the Rutgers protection, together with enjoying extra within the nickel final season. That led to a career-high 85 tackles, and in his final two faculty seasons, he had 13.5 tackles for a loss.
Izien made one other one-handed interception in his first NFL recreation, displaying his craftiness in nabbing it away from Vikings large receiver Ok.J. Osborn.
“He took it with one hand,” Bowles stated. “He took it with one hand. It was a heady soccer play on his half. It was a artful transfer for a rookie, [and] I give him plenty of credit score.”
After passing his first take a look at with flying colours, at this charge, he could make a reputation for himself past the shores of Tampa Bay.
