Tough Task For O-Line
September 23rd, 2015
Houston sackmeister J.J. Watt will be a good gauge to see just how far the Bucs offensive line has developed.
It seems, just from last week, the offensive line, even with two rookies starting and a couple of guys on their last legs in the NFL, had a nice game against the Saints.
How good? J.P. Peterson of WDAE-AM 620 dug up what the stat geeks had to say about the front wall of the Bucs last Sunday.
@JPPetersonSprts: from PFF-Buccaneers offensive line gave up just four total QB pressures all game.
There are a couple of ways to analyzing this. First, it may be fair to say the Saints stink. And yes, the offensive line had a good game and Bucs coach Lovie Smith has noted that the two rookies, Donovan Smith at left tackle and Ali Marpet at right tackle, continue to improve.
Big test this week. Monster test.
Against the Texans, there is all-world J.J. Watt to try to stop, and defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who is getting more and more snaps each game as he recovers from a bum knee suffered last year.
Per SportingCharts.com, Watt (six) and Clowney (three) are in the top-20 in defensive linemen getting hurries on quarterbacks. Watt has three sacks already this season.
For a point of reference, Tennessee, which clobbered and harassed America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, all day in the opening game, also has two players in the top-20 in quarterback hurries, Brian Orakpo and Derrick Morgan.
So the front line of the Bucs has its work cut out for them this week, as does Jameis.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:04 am
Not sure who has it worse this week Donovan Smith or Jameis….. Romeo Crennel is going to make warflop look like Coach Ihop again…..this might be a good week to start glennon and not let JJ Watt kill jameis and his future
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:05 am
Haha, Jameis will make JJ look like a fool.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:07 am
It’s all about communication and studying the film. Every player in this league has habits. Especially D lineman. Watch how they move and see how they like to set up the guy across the line for a quick move. Let them make the first move and get your nads on him. JJ Watt is a tremendous athlete but set up the right protection package and you can at least hold him for quick routes. I say pound it to his side repeatedly to let him know that the BUCS aren’t afraid of turning the corner on him. Pound that rock lovie!!!
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:08 am
Hands on him *
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:11 am
look for blocking Stocker in action this game. I think we can hold em off
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:18 am
This is where a good game plan by Koetter is critical. Line calls and hot reads will be key. Don’t think their secondary is that great. Winston has the arm strength to fire the ball out quickly.
This is a pissed off, physical 0-2 football team with good coaching playing at home. Tough test for Lovie Smith. The performance in this game will be more telling than the score.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:20 am
@Vincente that autocorrect was awesome “get your nads on him”. Haha. Thanks for the morning giggle
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:22 am
Better keep an extra TE or FB in to help block, because Watt is a monster! He is also great at blocking passes at the line of scrimmage, so all linemen need to be ready to swat down balls to prevent INT’s. This will be a tall task for our offense.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:35 am
Bucs are gonna hammer Houston with the run, and try to limit the number of times that Evan Smith has to hold off Watt.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:36 am
Houston Texans Stats (2015)
• Defensive has Allowed 51 points (25.5/g), 19th.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:36 am
Nads on JJ Watt all day bro you said it @Vincente.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:37 am
Dallas you bouncing in the other post he was incompetent Lovie. This one he just Lovie. Man if only you folks would draw your line and just stand behind it. As for jj,well he didn’t look all that imposing against the cats on Sunday. Think he might be realizing he’s the only sailing feature of the Texan product. Why bother giving up his body for lowly franchise.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:39 am
Drew Brees at home scares me more than Ryan Mallet at home. EVEN with JJ on the other side of the ball.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:51 am
Nice pic tho Joe…. Lawrence Taylor never needed one like that just saying.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:52 am
Watt will destroy our O-line
Buc ball….
Results
Texans get their first win
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:53 am
You know what sucks the worst? The Texans have given Watt, Lawrence Taylor like freedom to move freely and create.
He can essentially, find the weak link throughout the game, and attack it. Let’s hope Koetter can create some plays to counter Watt’s penetration.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:54 am
@Dallas
Agree with your take completely. The teams performance will actually be a greater gauge on Lovie and the coaches than a W or L although we all obviously wish to get a mini win streak going.
And I absolutely agree that Koetter will be key this week. That screen pass late in the game against the Saints for the big gain was a thing of beauty even if that absurd tripping call brought it back. Koetter has to design a game plan and call a game that keeps Houston off balance.
Which brings me to the third and final point. The running game will need to show up bigtime. We know the Texans DL are quick, agile and tough to block in pass protection. But if they’re constantly getting mauled by our road graders that should help dramatically. In addition we need to stay on schedule as Ronde would call it…3rd and long all day and we may be doomed. We absolutely can’t let this talented DL pin their ears back and simply go after #3.
September 23rd, 2015 at 9:58 am
Bucs need to sign TE Nick O’Leary.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:01 am
Hopefully Our Offensive Coordinator will review Footage from
September (2014)
• By executing smart blocking schemes, the NY Giants were able to mostly neutralize J.J. Watt
A Couple months Later…..
December (2014)
• Indianapolis Colts used team effort trying to neutralize J.J. Watt- and and succeed – The Colts plan was identical to one previous used by NY
Fast Forward to September (2015)
• The Carolina Panthers did one helluva job to neutralize J.J. Watt
Look I’m not saying you can stop JJ Watt from sacking the quarterback. The Kid’s a great player –no doubt. All I’m saying there’s enough footage out there, that’s proven you can stop him from taking over a game.
Review Footage: HOW TO STOP J.J. WATT
http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/96353874/jj-watt-houston-texans-new-york-giants-tape-analysis
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:03 am
Note: All three of teams listed (Giants, Colts, and Carolina) have suspect offensive lines.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:05 am
L and D you are right about the movement of Watt……i would think Koetter would have to employ the screen game more than usual to slow the rush down, we shall see and then as stated above regarding lovie, how teh game is played will be more telling than the score…….this will be a great barometer onlovie and the entire season
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:05 am
* Indianapolis Colts used team effort trying to neutralize J.J. Watt- and succeeded. The Colts plan was identical to one previous used by NY
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:10 am
Steve Duemig hates Jameis Winston.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:13 am
This local sports station here. 620 is just terrible radio. My god I’ve never heard such suck radio in my life. It’s really unlistenable. Between the terrible impersonations and just nothing of substance and once they get through the wanna be comics crap the substance is half assed. How anyone can listen to these hacks is beyond me.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:19 am
@Kevin
Agree with your criticism of 620, at least some of the shows. I’d like to hear more sports and less chatter about their personal lives or “motorboating” hot chicks. I can view the Playboy channel for my sex entertainment. I tune to sports radio to hear about…wait for it….SPORTS! I do not care to hear a ton about the hosts personal lives…a little bit fine..but after awhile it grows tedious.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:20 am
I also agree with Dallas…….I think we need to show more of what we just saw…..and Koetter is the key….we need slants & screens and a large dose of Martin & Sims…..two TE sets…etc.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:21 am
This game is a huge test at this point in the season for the organization. A win puts us up there in the talks to win the division early with another division game looming next week against the Panthers. I think there will be a heavy dose of Javorskie Lane and Luke Stocker though I think Brandon Myers should start. Myers has reliable hands and can block but has been a concern from him as well so hopefully everything goes smooth with him as well, but they should sign Nick O leary (Winston’s tight end in college) to play the dual role that they are forcing on Stocker because O leary can run from the backfield as well as play tight end and make catches. The line needs to play strong for the run this week and form lanes out there for Doug Martin and Charles Sims. I think they both can have 100 yard games this week if they can find the lanes for big plays without penalties out the offensive line. Winston must also now start trusting V jax and Louis Murphy more on the possession to move the chains now that ASJ is injured although I think he will return sooner than expected.
Defense must be able to attack the ball with speed to force the turnovers. Upfront the Texans dont have the greatest offensive line so the Bucs should be able to get plenty of chances out of the defensive line but they may wanna consider starting Jennings at free safety because he has enough speed in coverage to allow one of the linebackers to blitz which would be a great situation to put Bruce Carter in on blitzes to force more pass rush pressure even would allow a LVD blitz a lot too because Kwon Alexander can cover the field very well in the middle along with Lansanah or Carter. Jennings would also give the bucs an extra defensive back on the field at all times which is the more talented group on a talented defense. Melton should get more reps at defensive tackle alongside McDonald to keep Mccoy healthy and preserve as well.###play4WINSfight4LOViE
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:31 am
I usually don’t read’em when their that long Mr. Mclaurin but I read yours. Good post my friend.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:37 am
Watch ME take flight on Sunday. We no longer have to wait on it.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:41 am
JP Peterson, Ronnie nighttrain Lane, and TKras are the only ones worth while on that station.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:46 am
Marpett versus Watt will be a critical match up. I think Marpett being as physically strong as he is, will bode well against Watt’s tremendous physical strength but Watt has the experience and technique on his side. Koetter should try to get the run game going and devise plays to get the ball out of Winston’s hands quicker and have some roll outs to move the pocket and by him some more time. I think we win a low scoring game this week and shock the NFL with a 2-1 start. Also, something to consider in determining how bad the Saints are, is that they played Arizona tough at Arizona who happens to be 2-0 and is a good football team. Then they played an inspired Bucs team with a chip on their shoulders after being embarrassed. I think the pressure on Brees and the resulting shoulder problems he was having made a big difference in the final score of that game. So, the Saints may not be as bad as people are wanting to say, so lets give the Bucs some credit in that victory. I would rather have the division win than to have beat the Titans and lost to the Saints, so it is all good.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:53 am
@stpetebucs
I’m glad I’m not the only one that feels that way. So tired of hearing the gruden impersonation or the lovie “very disappointed” thing. Or the Chris berman crap on Friday mornings. And oh god the ro and Ian show. How Ron doesn’t just tell Ian to stfu is astonishing. He thinks he knows everything about everything. It’s just bad. Really.
September 23rd, 2015 at 10:57 am
Thats why I listen to NFL Radio on siriusXM!!! The only thing that will drive you crazy is that they get so many callers from Tampa, so you think you are about to get some Bucs talk. Then the caller from Tampa will ask about Pittsburg, Giants, Bills, and Baltimore!!!
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:02 am
I listen to 620 WDAE alot
They’re very entertaining…..with that said..
Unless the BUCS come up with a different blocking scheme….I just don’t see the bucs being able to stop Watt
…..and he’s not the only defender
I see alot of penalties committed by the bucs too
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:02 am
Jameis needs to get rid of the ball fast….this is where VJax, Evans and Humphries can shine. Use Stocker for mostly blocking. Im glad Im off work that night so I can see the game. I wouldnt count on much of a run game though.
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:10 am
@MadMax … “I wouldnt count on much of a run game though.”
If the Bucs aren’t able to run the ball, we’re in deep trouble and will probably lose. The strength of our rookies on the OLine is run blocking. If we play smash-mouth football we can beat the Texans … and keep Jameis alive to play another week.
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:17 am
@ DefenseRules
100% Agree
…..and that’s why I said “buc ball”
Both teams know this too
“Eight in the box” all day for the Texans. ……they’re going to Force Jameis to try to beat the Texans with his arm…..
It’s going to be very ugly for Jameis and the Bucs. …….you can count on that!
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:26 am
You would think that the Bucs would do there own radio station for sports. It could be the Bucs Sheep show for 8 hours with TJ Revis. Where the sheep can call in and talk about playoffs and how deep this team is and how the bucs are the best in the league a bunch of positions!!!!
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:31 am
The Buc Realist
you left one thing out… the callers would also come up with some great trades and that every buc player is worth a first and third round pick.
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:33 am
@tmaxcon
LOL, good one!!!
and all the pro-bowlers that they will find on the wavier wire!!!
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:38 am
I see the Bucs defense having a repeat performance. They will shut the run early and get after Mallet.
The Houston D is going to try the exact same thing.
The difference will be who can run the ball and …. TOs
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:38 am
The bucs need consistency before anyone starts predicting what teams are beatable and which teams are guaranteed wins. Right now all that Lovie and the bucs have proven is they are borderline bi-polar…. Horrible one week and average to good the next… Some of you need to raise your standards and not just be happy with improvement but insisting this organization builds a winner that can compete against any given team on any given Sunday without having to relay on who is hurt on the other team or if it’s going to be hot in tampa when the team comes to town. Same people who were crying it’s only one game after the titans embarrassment need to look in the mirror, it was only one win against a very bad saints team. A very nice win but let’s not fool ourselves that this team is consistent. They must earn that by showing up and playing hard each week and they have not done that under lovie. simple as that… I will be happy when and if they win a playoff game in the next few years. I will not be happy just because they don’t embarrass themselves and show improvement. standards people standards.
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:39 am
the rt for the panthers held his own against jj last week and its not like he was an all pro last year…im confident our oline will step up to the challenge and protect jameis…jameis has to have the mental clock in his head..if its not there take what you can get and slide or throw it out of bounds…I honestly think it will be a defensive battle…attack the weak secondary with play action on 1st&10 to stay ahead of the chains and run the ball through out …put pressure on the Texans qb and stack the box so they cant run and we should be fine…GO BUCS!!!
September 23rd, 2015 at 11:54 am
I think our defense dominates this game. It will be low scoring but if our D can get a couple turnovers we have a guy that can nail FG’s from 50 and in all day long. I see this being close but I think our D actually has the advantage because their O-line is maybe worse than the Saints. Run the ball and open up the play action on offense and we win a close game…..I hope. Tough to win on the road any time but the Texans are beatable.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:03 pm
Major ShoutOuts to:
• tmaxcon
• The Buc Realist
• StPeteBucsFan
Thank you guys for keeping this board grounded. I for one appreciate your commentary.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:11 pm
At least we have a heck of a kicker in Brindza….he will be key, again. I think our D should stunt and force Mallet to throw, see how he does. Bring pressure if needed in the 2nd half that way our guys arent gassed too much….apply some of that turtle play to the D line 1st half!
And I think the secondary of Houston will give Jameis some nice looks as long as he’s accurate and on his game (and Koetter is on his game calling the right plays).
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:12 pm
You too Luv on the focused analysis of Watt!
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:13 pm
@MadMax
Whatz good brotha?
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Welcome Brotha,
Hey your guy Marpet been looking bruh. Kid is maturing quicker than thought
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Working too much….lol, how about you?
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:15 pm
I pegged him didnt I? HA! Love it!
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:16 pm
Yeah, U smashed that one.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:20 pm
😀 I havent been too bad on the drafts the last 3 years….a long way to go though to get where you are…I just dont have much time anymore….too busy in the manufacturing of BMW’s.
But that Titans game killed me man….I just went all turtle as a fan, kind of saw it coming though, its here before the game started….just didnt expect it to be that bad.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:21 pm
LUVMYBUCS
thanks my man… at the end of the day the majority of us want the same thing a team that is relevant and that contends for playoff wins. I’ll never be happy with mediocrity nor will I accept the excuses for when the team is unprepared and does not play hard.
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:24 pm
Alright, later, have to sleep for work tonight….Great talking to you Bro 😀
September 23rd, 2015 at 12:29 pm
MadMax:
I hear Brotha – The Grind Is real
tmaxcon:
No doubt brotha- I always understand where your coming from #respect
September 23rd, 2015 at 5:52 pm
did we not have a chance to draft this guy!?!?