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The Buccaneers are feeling pretty good right now, and not just because exhaustive research by their coaches revealed that mornings are cooler than afternoons in Florida.

But the latest message to come out of Tampa makes you think someone has been out in the sun too long.

Via Greg Auman of the Tampa Bay Times, Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has high hopes for their defense. Very high.

“I think we can be the best defense ever, to be honest,” David said. “I’m going to go out there and say it.”

Even being the best in Bucs history would be an accomplishment, as the 2002 version allowed just 12.2 points per game.

“Yeah, I’m going to say it. Put it on me. I’m going to say it,” David said. “NFL history, Bucs history, anything. That’s just the type of attitude we have.”

The Bucs improved to 10th in the league in yards allowed last year, but were still 26th in points allowed. Their offseason brought some parts that should help (specifically cornerbacks Brent Grimes and first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves and pass-rushers Robert Ayers and Noah Spence), but it’s a bold statement to make in June, when there’s so much work to be done.