Dirk Koetter: Goal For Jameis Was 50% No Huddle
August 22nd, 2015
Preseason games are about teams executing scripts and reaching their internal goals, not winning.
Dirk Koetter opened up about the plan for the Bucs’ preseason opener and how things changed.
Speaking Thursday on SiriuxXM NFL Radio, Koetter said he wanted Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, feeling the high-octane rhythm at the NFL level in his first preseason game.
“We wanted to work some no-huddle with Jameis. We wanted to work about 50 percent of the time he was in the game in no-huddle.” Koetter said last week’s plan in Minnesota. “Doug [Martin] got in a good rhythm and we were running the ball that first drive. And you know, your O-line loves to come off the ball and run block. We just stayed with it. That wasn’t necessarily the thought going in; it’s just the way it worked out.
“By no means moving forward, we have no fear to put Jameis out there and turn him loose. I mean that’s Jameis’ strength. Jameis’ strength is put the ball in his hand and throwin’ it down the field.”
Joe wrote earlier today (see home page) about Koetter’s take on Jameis’ football intelligence and the massive volume of information being thrown at him regularly.
It’s interesting that the Bucs broke script out of the gate in the preseason opener, per Koetter, when they saw the O-line was pounding the rock in the opening series. Look at the film and you’ll see never-again-please-at-center Garrett Gilkey blowing open holes as a starting right guard. The Bucs broke up the running party by series two, when Logan Mankins and Doug Martin hung it up for the night.
August 22nd, 2015 at 11:57 am
It’s interesting that the Bucs broke script out of the gate in the preseason opener,
Agree it was interesting. Koetter’s explanation makes perfect sense. And I believe Koetter does have faith in Fameis…in fact a lot more faith in Fameis than the running game although we could finally be finding some balance if Martin’s early success and practice is any indication.
I think perhaps the Bucs were even MORE curious about their running game and ability for the OL to block for it than they are Fameis ability to hold up under NFL pressure and speed.
IF we can run the ball effectively what will that mean to Fameis passing game?
What will it do to the constant blitzes we are expected to see?
August 22nd, 2015 at 11:58 am
It was nice to see the run game look pretty good in the very small sample size last week. If we can run the ball effectively this season then defenses are going to cringe at the though of trying to stop Winston and the Bucs offense while having to cheat up into the box. Most OL love to run block too as they get to attack the defense instead of having to be on the defensive in pass blocking.
August 22nd, 2015 at 12:35 pm
You know what strikes me about this is the phrase “that’s Jameis’ strength”. Coaches too often want to control every minute detail, but it seems Koetter is willing to turn Jameis loose and allow him to do what he does best.
August 22nd, 2015 at 12:59 pm
G…because turning him loose is the only way to deal with Jameis. Jimbo knows that too!
August 22nd, 2015 at 1:30 pm
I don’t see the run game being effective long term. Unfortunately for us fans the run game needs a good line. We have a very bad offensive line so that will be nearly impossible to run the ball effectively. This inability to run the bad combined with bad line play will make it very difficult for Jameis to work his magic. Hope I’m wrong but I have doubts.
August 22nd, 2015 at 1:45 pm
OC adapting in game and rolling with what’s working. What a concept. I expect to see a good bit of uptempo and no huddle offense once the season starts.
We will only see glimpses in pre-season probably – but once the regular season starts, I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see no huddle and spread formations as a part of the regular game plan. Not just in 2 minute drills.
August 22nd, 2015 at 2:08 pm
I am really excited about what Mr Koetter will bring to our Bucs. What a difference it will make from last year!
August 22nd, 2015 at 3:28 pm
Monday night will tell us a lot of what we will see at least to start the regular season. I think they know if they put another flop performance on the field at home that fans are going to have enough and no more tickets will be sold. We want to see a decent product. We are tired of being the crap heap the league.
August 22nd, 2015 at 6:32 pm
I think the running game will be better this year than last year. The threat of Winston firing a completion downfield will make that so.
August 23rd, 2015 at 3:28 am
I definitely think that we should run the ball real heavy and put those running backs to use and open the passing game. I mean its simple football for a rookie qb to get in form. I noticed the offensive line blocking great on the run plays in the first game. We should balance it out with three tight ends on the field at times(Myers, ASJ, Wright) to bring some real audible situations in on opponents. Marpet and Smith should also benefit as rookies in an offensive scheme that focuses on the run in multiple sets. They will also be enhanced time into the pass blocking routines as well.
August 23rd, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Last season our O-Line actually graded very high in run-blocking, we were ranked 10th by PFF. That is real good when you’re 10th out of 32 teams, not bad at all.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (24th)
Pass Blocking Ranking: 26th, Run Blocking Ranking: 10th, Penalties Ranking: 32nd
It was the penalties that hurted our O-Line last season, we need to fix that.We could have ran for over 2,000 last season, but we didn’t have a OC. Bobby Rainey ran for 144 in our 2nd game of the season against the Rams, and then he disappeared. Bobby Rainey also averaged 4.3 YPC, and we averaged 3.9 YPC.