Lack Of Tackles Masking Play
September 29th, 2012
The Bucs’ rush defense is a mirror image of its horrific showing of its matador-like play last season. This season, the Bucs lead the NFL in rush defense, and it’s not even close.
Through three games, the Bucs are holding opponents to an average of 47.3 yards a game. The second-best rush defense is Seattle’s at 58.7 yards a game allowed on the ground.
Roy Miller, who has been little more than a backup in his first three years in the NFL, is now starting. And despite his meager seven tackles, Bucs defensive end Michael Bennett insists numbers are misleading and tells Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune that Miller has been the key to the defense being strong.
“The job we’ve done against the run so far has a lot to do with Roy,” LDE Michael Bennett said. “He’s one of the key components in our defense. Without Roy, a lot of the stuff we’re doing wouldn’t be happening. Roy is doing a good job of controlling the middle of the line (and drawing double teams), and that’s allowing me and (DT) Gerald (McCoy) to make plays, so we owe a lot of our success to Roy.”
Controlling the middle of the line and drawing double teams are priorities for the nose tackle.
It’s not just controlling the middle. It’s taking on double-teams, which allows GMC to go mano y mano against an opposing offensive lineman, simply a mismatch in GMC’s favor.
In addition, Mason Foster has emerged as a force at middle linebacker when the defensive line can keep bodies off of Foster to enable him to roam free.
September 29th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
It is might be hard to believe, but Roy Miller is playing very well against the run. I imagine the stellar play of McCoy and Bennett are aiding that to some extent, but he is playing the run well none-the-less.
He is important indeed. Stay healthy, Roy.
Still, he is dreadful against the pass. 3 games in and only one total QB pressure. To put that into perspective, McCoy has 15…..
Now that I wrote that, that is amazing! McCoy is pressuring QBs at a staggering rate of 5 per game. That is phenomenal for a DT. I can only imagine he is gonna destroy a patchwork Redskins OL.
Both of their starting offensive tackles are out too! This is great for Teo’Nesheim getting his first start. Bennett will tear it up just like last week.
September 29th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Don’t be surprised if Miller gets a sack or two this weekend. Raheem most likely advised the Skins to double team GMC, so Miller might be freed up.
This would be a great game for Freeman to run occasionally. With him staying in the pocket so much of late, the Skins will not expect it.
Hope I can find a good stream like last time.
September 29th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
@HAND,
Is Trent Williams out? I know he’s been hardly practicing and is listed as questionable, but I didn’t know he was officially out. That sure would make it a little easier for Teo’ Nesheim, because he probably wouldn’t get close to RGIII otherwise.
It’s so amazing how what was some of our weaknesses last year have now become our strengths. Last year our LB play and D-Line play were downright awful, this year they’ve been outstanding. Even Quincy Black hasn’t looked half bad. Hopefully that can continue, but losing Clayborne may hurt us in the running game more than in the passing game.
September 29th, 2012 at 4:44 pm
While I’m not disagreeing about Miller, I have to say that a significant amount of the turnaround in rush defense has as much to do with the fact that we’re not trailing by 4 TDs in the first quarter (we’ve actually been leading or tied in all 3 after 1 qtr, and only behind the Cowboys at the half). Teams have not been able to go into “milk the clock” mode against us this year. Actually, they’ve been forced to pass against us much more this year (hence Eli’s 500 passing yards, because they had to “catch up”). Teams passing more leads to more QB pressures and sacks (great way to pad those stats). Although passing defense stats will be down based on sheer number of attempts.
It is great to see GMC, Bennett, Foster, David, Barron playing well this year. I’m sure Miller has his role in all of this and he’s doing fine. Although why teams would double-team the guy with few tackles and fewer pressures over the high draft pick with all the stats is beyond me. Maybe they’re just looking to completely blow a huge hole over Miller and GMC will not get there in time… I have no idea. Regardless, Foster, David and Barron are filling those holes nicely.
September 29th, 2012 at 8:40 pm
why run when team can just pass. We are tied 3rd worst for passing avg. and the worst in league defending passing yards. we are good against the run because team do not have to.
September 29th, 2012 at 10:53 pm
That’s a skewed number thanks to the Giants game. We are better than that against the pass though and our INT count says that.
September 29th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
If you think we were bad defending the pass before, wait till Biggers get’s in there.
September 30th, 2012 at 8:45 am
It’s 8:45 am with no signs of new post, Joe what’s going on I need my fix lol
September 30th, 2012 at 11:21 am
Hey, Joe… hope everything is ok. Not typical for there to be no posts this morning. I can only figure something is wrong with the site not allowing you to post, or it’s something else keeping you away. I hope it’s the former, not the latter.