Bucs Went Sackless
December 24th, 2012
Though Gerald McCoy came close, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford was not sacked yesterday, snapping a 30-game streak in which Bradford was sacked.
Yes, Joe knows the Bucs’ pass defense is a sieve like few teams have ever had in NFL history. It turns Joe’s stomach sometimes just watching what passes as pass defense.
Of course, the secondary has been getting scant help from the defensive front line. Ever since Adrian Clayborn got hurt, Gerald McCoy has been getting double- and triple-teamed.
Michael Bennett has been getting decent pressure but not Sunday. And Da’Quan Bowers still isn’t playing 100 percent.
It was bad enough Josh Freeman threw four picks Sunday, a nasty little habit he has developed. To add to the misery, the Bucs helped the Rams break a streak of 30 games in which Rams quarterback Sam Bradford was put on the ground, writes Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Entering the game, Rams quarterback Sam Bradford had been sacked in 30 consecutive games, the longest active streak in the NFL. But it ended Sunday.
He wasn’t sacked, even though the Rams were minus arguably their best offensive lineman in right guard Harvey Dahl, who’s out for the year because of a torn biceps. The offensive linemen discussed ending the streak through last week.
“It was something that we wanted to do for him — see how we could win a game with him being totally upright the whole time,” left tackle Rodger Saffold said. “And it worked. So maybe we should do it more often.”
If the Bucs’ pass defense is going to improve next year, the Bucs must get a better pass rush. This is perplexing to Joe, the Bucs have so much money already tied up on the defensive line, but the results aren’t what Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik had hoped for.
If there is a bright spot to Freeman’s struggles, it is every time he has a bad game, that means Michael Bennett’s chances of re-upping with the Bucs improves.
December 24th, 2012 at 10:03 pm
I blame Josh Freeman…..just sayin..
December 24th, 2012 at 11:44 pm
That’s the smartest thing you’ve said in a few days. Haha . Merry Christmas any way .
December 24th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
I don’t think it’s going to help to pound on the Bucs anymore this season. I think this team has potential and will get better next year. I saw a lot of things to be impressed with in certain players. I saw the good and the bad, but nothing that I don’t think can be fixed. I think we are going to be amazed at how much a year under the belt of our rookies will do for them next year. I’ve been around this team a long time and can’t remember when I have seen more potential.
From day one, the team never realized it’s full potential with the loss of Joseph and continued to spiral downward as more injuries and off-field incidents hampered the development of the team.
I think there will be coaching and player changes that will help improve the team. Some help in FA and another good draft will make a significant difference in the level of play.
So it’s Christmas, I’m giving everybody a pass on 2012 as I look forward to a productive 2013. Go Bucs!
December 25th, 2012 at 7:35 am
Pat Kirwan (on Sirius NFL Radio yesterday) said Bucs have too many young guys on Defensive Line.
December 25th, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Fire Bill Sheridan. He was responsible for the worst D in Giants history and fired after only one season. I don’t think enough fans realize that he runs a terrible defense and it’ll get worse before it gets better. Fire this bum now.
December 25th, 2012 at 6:17 pm
@Macabee
Word. You guys need to change YOUR culture if you want the Bucs to return to greatness. Perhaps you guys have lost perspective after the Dungy rebuilding process.
Gruden destroyed everhing Dungy built over time. It will take time for us to get back to the kind of Tampa team we all want. A united fraternity of F.A.M.I.L.Y.
Our Defene is playing hard and fast and with heart. You cant ask for more!
We lost both of our bigtime corners in Talib and Wright. ( both 1st round talents-Wright was taken at the top of the 2nd) Then we played with undrafted rookies half the year!! What do you guys expect!?
All things considered, this team won my respect. And deserves yours!!
I am a Bucs fan and a SUPPORTER! Why r u guys such haters!? Shut up and be more positive and loving!
The old Bucs team was supported by the community, and look what they did!
Look at the Eagles and the Jets! Their fans are toxic! And their negative energy is destroying their team!! Im serious man! Its physics! Just ask Einstein!
We MUST be more supportive and positive!
Josh still has 28 TDs and only 16 ints. And 8 of those were in just two games!! Are u guys crazy?? He had a decent season! Getoff his back! Hes a fighter!
Go Bucs!