The Offensive Diversity Conundrum
January 9th, 2013
No, this is not about making sure all nationalities are represented equally on the Bucs’ offensive side of the ball. Wrong forum if you had the wrong impression.
Joe has heard periodically a Bucs fan here or there kvetch about the Bucs’ play-calling diversity and, frankly, Joe was confused. If anything, Joe thought the Bucs were unpredictable. Yet this same subject was lobbed at Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune in a recent TBO Bucs Q&A.
Q: I know the problems we have on defense but I’m focusing on the offense for now. We must diversify our pass plays as much as New England does using our tight ends, fullbacks, tailbacks and wide receivers. We are way too predictable in our play calling which is what many opposing players have said after facing us. We must keep the other team guessing. Go Bucs!
— Bill Elkins, St. Petersburg
A: Keeping ’em guessing is always a big part of football and I hear what you’re saying. But based on the fact the Bucs produced more points and yards than any other team in franchise history tells me the Bucs did a pretty good job this year of keeping their defensive opponents off balance. Now, do they need to improve and become more consistent, absolutely. And yes, upgrades at TE and a little more use of the fullback can help take care of that.
— Woody Cummings
Aside from early in the season when tight end Dallas Clark was virtually a non-factor, Joe is as confused by the charge the Bucs aren’t diverse offensively as he is at this faux controversy that Brent Musberger thought Miss Alabama is hot. What, Musberger was supposed to say that Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron was sleeping with a Rosie O’Donnell clone?
As Cummings points out, the Bucs scored the most points in franchise history. Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman had and used plenty of weapons. Fullback Erik Lorig was involved in many games.
How much more diverse can the Bucs offense get?
January 9th, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Everybody, myself included, keeps forgetting about Lorig. He was a 7th round Dominik pick that I think panned out pretty nicely for a DE turned TE turned FB.
I think our play calling was diverse enough. If anything it was TOO diverse and confused our own players. I expect everybody, and especially Freeman, to have a much better grasp of the playbook going into the new season.
January 9th, 2013 at 12:38 pm
…..and a LEGIT #3 WR or TE (who can play Slot). Draft FB, Millard from Oklahoma (can do-it-all) 5th Rd pick
January 9th, 2013 at 12:47 pm
Got diversity. The offense needs accuracy and consistency!
January 9th, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Joe,
Pulling your chain a little bit. Diversity is different ages, races, and sexes. Nationalities are people from different countries. You get points because your hearts in the right place tho!
January 9th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Run the hurry up offensive from the Pistol Formation. This will give Freeman more; hybrid formation that utilizes both strengths of the Shotgun and single back formations. Also, hire Chris Ault as a consultant (Innovator of the Pistol offense). This would give opposing defenses fits in the Florida heat (Donald Penn too..Lol)
January 9th, 2013 at 1:20 pm
The least of the Bucs worries right now is on the offensive side of the ball. Could have easily won 9 or 10 games with a decent defense.
January 9th, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Most diverse offense they’ve ever had and some whacknut is complaining. Also, first year in the new system… I would imagine they will install new plays this year to expand the repertoire. They could probably add some more high percentage pass plays to get Freeman in rhythm earlier in games.
January 9th, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I am fascinated with the number of people who are focused on the offensive side of the ball when they should be focused on the other side of the ball. Does the offense need to improve ?? Of course it does. But let’s look at this logically. Defense is ranked 29th and offense is ranked 9th. If you are the Coach and or GM what are you going to work on ??
January 9th, 2013 at 1:58 pm
Ramdog. You are correct. If they had played competent pass defense, they could easily have been 10-6 or 11-5.
Someone made the point that in terms of play calling and scheme, a full year in Schiano’s system may have helped Sheridan. Coaches have learning curves too. In terms of personnel, they could use 3 new CBs (1 FA and 2 drafted) with starter potential. They could also use a disruptive pass rusher that opposing offenses have to account for on every play. The pass rush should improve with Bowers at full strength, Clayborn back, and Bennett re-signed (fingers crossed).
January 9th, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Macabee:
Hey, where Joe grew up, the closest thing to diversity was the Polish family who lived down the street. 🙂
January 9th, 2013 at 7:15 pm
“Got diversity. The offense needs accuracy and consistency!”
Amen