Carlton Davis Says Bucs’ Doubters In For ‘Rude Awakening’

Recently Bucs cornerback Carlton Davis III sat down with Go Long’s Tyler Dunne and talked about plenty of things. From his rise through the Miami football scene as well as enduring strict training as a kid which hardened him. It was during this time that he earned his nickname, “C-Murda.” Davis also shared his thoughts on playing numerous No. 1 wide receivers across the league, and he also detailed his aggressive approach.

But perhaps the most insight garnered from his sit-down with Dunne was how he views the Bucs’ chances to contend this season and his plans to make plenty of big plays.

Carlton Davis III Sees Bucs Still Having Components For Success

In following the Bucs’ post-Tom Brady, one can easily see the shift in tone from national media and prognosticators for the 2023 season. After being viewed as a Super Bowl contender for the past three seasons, the team has quickly flipped to the opposite end of the spectrum. Now many view Tampa Bay as being contenders, for the first overall pick.

Cue the Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, or [insert quarterback here] talk. While many have bought into this narrative, Carlton Davis III has not. Instead, he proclaimed that any doubters would be in for a surprise.

“We’re about to do it to ‘em,” Davis said. “Anybody who feels we’ve lost Tom — and lost something — is going to be in for a rude awakening. A rude awakening. Tom was a great addition for us, but obviously it’s a team sport. Obviously, you need components to be successful. We still have those components. And I’m only getting better.”

With Brady no longer in the frame, it allows for other Bucs to enter the picture and get their due credit. Davis does not have animosity for his former quarterback. Rather, if the team can win games without the GOAT, no one can doubt the talent and ability on the roster.