Initial Depth Chart Misleading
August 7th, 2016
Early August depth chart is hardly accurate for players like DE Jacquies Smith.
A team listing its depth chart the first week of August is two steps away from trolling its own fans.
That depth chart will look far different in a month than it does now.
For example, Robert Ayers and Will Gholston are listed as the first team defensive ends. Now Joe isn’t saying that neither will start come September, but as defensive coordinator Mike Smith mentioned yesterday, over half the time the Bucs will be in sub-packages (read: passing defenses). So while Ayers may or may not be the starter at defensive end, it is very possible he could move to tackle on passing downs in sub-packages.
Same with Noah Spence. Smith all but said yesterday Spence will be on the field in passing downs and passing sub-packages, which the Bucs likely will be in 60 percent of the time.
Also on passing downs, expect left defensive end Jacquies Smith to be on the field. Both he and Spence are listed as second team players. Both will likely play more than 50 percent of the snaps.
This also applies to Vernon Hargreaves. He, too, is listed as a second-team corner but is pegged to play the nickel slot (unless he loses out to Hey Jude). The nickel slot plays roughly 65 percent of the snaps on defense.
The depth chart is interesting in August and creates a lot of chatter, which NFL teams crave. In a lot of ways, though, it can be misleading.
August 7th, 2016 at 8:08 am
What a refreshing change from Lovie’s defense. Almost seems like the credible Smith wants to cause the opposing offense a little confusion. Our best pass rushers will be attacking from all positions on the line. I like this a lot. I’m sure Joe does, too.
August 7th, 2016 at 8:12 am
Uh-Oh!! The old sheep are not going to like it!!! If they are already mislead by the depth-chart!! Wait until they see the “real” defense!!! The depth can change game to game!!!! Do not think of who is #1 and #2!! You old timers need to think of match-ups and sub packages!!!!
No longer are the days when the same 11 line up running the 3 plays that were basically the same!!! No more of the motto ” we line up and do what we do”!!!! No longer will the defense have to rely on being physically overwhelming to win the day!!!
It a new day in Tampa Bay sheep!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!
August 7th, 2016 at 8:45 am
I’m ok with it, other teams have been doing the same things for years, so it’s not like the opposing offense is gonna come up to the line of scrimmage take a look at our new defensive scheme and yell…their not playing fair, to do all of these sub packages you need talent just ask J Banks, coach Smitty (not LOVIE) has the talent in place to run this new scheme. They drafted for it (the new scheme) and brung in talented free agents, I’m hoping it works out well for my team! Go Bucs!
August 7th, 2016 at 8:47 am
Worst part about the Bucs new defensive coordinator is that he has the same last name of his terrible predecessor. Can’t wait to see this new age defense go to work on goofy Newton, grandpa Brees and highly overrated Ryan
August 7th, 2016 at 9:03 am
Oh yea Congrats to Hall Of Famer Tony Dungy! May you continue to show us how to rise above!
August 7th, 2016 at 9:37 am
Baaaa.. this field is gnawed to bare dirt.
August 7th, 2016 at 9:50 am
Find you another field!
August 7th, 2016 at 10:43 am
The depth chart for the defense essentially shows our lineup on 1st down….& I suspect that it is accurate at this point.
August 7th, 2016 at 12:22 pm
Id just like to see two changes:
1. Tandy over Conte at Safety
2. Hargreaves as punt returner. I see visions of (dare I say) neon Dieon Primetime. Hargreaves is quick and fast we may have a superstar returner on our hands if we’re bold enough to try it.
August 7th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
I suspect that other teams monitor depth charts to see where players they might covet are listed