When Christian Izien secured the Bucs' beginning nickel again place on the finish of the preseason, he was anticipated to undergo some rising pains, particularly going through a trio of stable Vikings vast receivers, led by Justin Jefferson in Week 1.
Not solely did Izien cling on for his first profession NFL interception, a game-changing play, however he additionally made a pleasant impression on Bucs head coach Todd Bowles as — in his eyes — he's beginning to make a reputation for himself. alone.
Bucs HC Todd Bowles is impressed with Christian Izien
Bucs NCB Christian Izien and Vikings WR Justin Jefferson – Picture: USA At present
In his debut, Christian Izien performed 36 snaps, which equates to 56% of the defensive snaps. Based mostly on what Todd Bowles stated after the sport, it seems like the entire will proceed to extend if he maintains his degree of play.
“They're going to play,” Bowles stated of Izien and vast receiver Trey Palmer. “They’re good footballers, you simply didn't know their names. They’re making family names proper now. You don't earn a nickel for the primary workforce simply as a free agent with out being a great footballer. [Cornerbacks] coach [Kevin] Ross does a fantastic job with him, [defensive assistant Rashad] Johnson does a fantastic job with him. He made some nice performs.”
Bowles answered that query when initially requested about Izien and Palmer, however then went on to reward the rookie defensive again specifically for being named the starter and having the expertise to take action.
He had had that expertise for a while.
The Bucs hope Izien will be capable of play Sunday towards the Bears as a result of he’s at present within the concussion protocol, probably from an enormous hit by Vikings vast receiver Justin Jefferson on his interception return. Izien missed apply on Wednesday and his standing for the Chicago recreation is questionable.
Christian Izien's abilities have been caught for some time
Bucs WR Trey Palmer and S Chris Izien – Picture: Cliff Welch/PR
In early July earlier than the beginning of coaching camp, former NFL govt Rick Spielman stopped by the AdventHealth Coaching Heart and noticed Christian Izien's potential to be breakthrough Buccaneer. Right here was his evaluation of Izien's recreation again then.
“Every thing you noticed on tape — the factor that stood out essentially the most on tape was his bodily means and his aggressiveness. He likes to play the sport. We nonetheless have a protracted technique to go, however he was one of many guys they talked about and he caught the day we had been there and he could find yourself doubtlessly being their beginning nickel earlier than it's all stated and completed.''
Todd Bowles observed Izien earlier than he signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent. When he went to see his son Todd Bowles Jr. at Rutgers.
“I observed him two years in the past after I went to go to my son,” Bowles stated. “He stored flashing and I didn't know what it was to the acute till I began watching movie a bit extra his senior 12 months and also you stored seeing the man. I stated, 'God, this man does lots of issues.'
“He's very intoxicating, primary, he's very fast, very fast, he's very robust and he is aware of the sport. Being so younger and nonetheless in faculty and figuring out the sport [so] I didn't know we had been going to shoot at him. Free Company got here, I and [General Manager] Jason [Licht] they talked about him and we tried to exit and get him.”
Surprisingly, he was accessible 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 he doesn't have the flexibility to play video games. In actual fact, considered one of his higher performs was a leaping one-handed save towards Nebraska.
Bucs NCB Christian Izien – Picture: Cliff Welch/PR
He was requested to fill totally different roles within the Rutgers protection, together with taking part in extra within the nickel final season. That led to a career-high 85 tackles, and he had 13.5 tackles for loss over his last two collegiate seasons.
Izien made one other one-handed deal with in his first NFL recreation, confirmed his smarts when he acquired away from Vikings vast receiver KJ Osborne.
“He took it with one hand,” Bowles stated. He took it with one hand. It was heady soccer from his aspect. It was a shrewd transfer for a rookie, [and] I give him lots of credit score.”
After efficiently passing his first check, he could make a reputation for himself past the shores of Tampa Bay at this charge.
