Gettin’ Off The Field
September 16th, 2016
Solid start.
Joe didn’t realize this during the win against Atlanta, but reading the box score afterwards, Joe wanted to punch the air of the mostly empty Georgia Dome in satisfaction.
Yes, the Bucs won. But how they won got Joe fired up.
In only his first game as Bucs defensive coordinator, Mike Smith led his charges to accomplish what Lovie Smith never seemed to be able to achieve in two seasons: Get your defense off the field!
The Bucs limited the Dixie Chicks to converting just 3-of-13 third downs (23.1 percent). That was tied for the fourth-lowest conversion rate of any offense in the first week of the NFL season.
Again, this was Smith’s first game as defensive coordinator. He even noted yesterday that both he and his players are still learning the new defense. And you hold an offense that offers up Matty Ice, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman to just three third-down conversions? Wow.
(Just for a point of reference, last week the Cardinals converted half [6-of-12] of their third downs in a loss to the Belicheats.)
Yes, Virginia, punts are takeaways, too!
September 16th, 2016 at 11:14 am
As long as Optimus Grimes and Bumblebee continue to lock people down while Spawn, Hulk and Bane create pressure up the middle we’ll continue to get off on 3rd down. my only concern is our safety play I wish we had a punisher back there.
September 16th, 2016 at 11:29 am
We have more talent, anybody with an inkling of how this game is played, would know the better the talent the better the play!
September 16th, 2016 at 11:30 am
DB55
you are going to have to publish your own depth chart with nicknames
September 16th, 2016 at 11:31 am
DB55, licht struck out miserably by not addressing the safety spot and that will keep the bucs home from the playoffs this year, dj swearinger is starting in arizona and yet he couldnt figure out lovie system last year, draft a safety in round 2 and or grab 2 in FA, there this year there were probably 15 available better than the 2 slugs we have, from reggie nelson to turmond or mcloed but we have these 2 oh well
September 16th, 2016 at 11:35 am
BigHogHaynes
you can fight it all you would like sir but even you know down deep the biggest upgrade to bucs team was glazers sending Lovie and his Friends and Family packing… This new staff is so much more talented and more importantly in touch with today’s game and players. The last staff was just a bunch of out of touch, pay check stealing bums.
September 16th, 2016 at 11:38 am
And 0 for1 on fourth down… The defense was solid, but will have to make some plays and create an actual turnover or two to help us win on Sunday. Palmer is capable of a Drew Breese type day, but also Matt Ryan type day… Let’s hope for the latter.
September 16th, 2016 at 11:41 am
Western Michigna led by ex bucs coach pj fleck gonna put it on Lovie and the Illinois this week, this will be the final nail in the lovie crappy coaching coffin, western michigan is a road favorite, and will get the doors stomped on him
September 16th, 2016 at 11:46 am
Dusthty Rhothdes
nice post thanks… Did not realize that was this week. PJ Fleck must be pretty entertaining to watch on the sideline. Hopefully Buster Bronco does not curse in the presence of Lovie.
September 16th, 2016 at 11:49 am
Tmax
Lol, I’m obviously bored.
September 16th, 2016 at 11:58 am
Agree with everyone here…
Our safeties going to get abused in this game
Palmer is going to sit back pick our defense apart
Wide open recievers in all 3 levels
Communication breakdown allover
We are not at their level. We have to learn to win
September 16th, 2016 at 12:01 pm
@ Tmax
To the BBH response….
Perfectly stated sir.
September 16th, 2016 at 12:06 pm
I think Conte is underrated. He made some clutch tackles in the GA dome. Maybe he shines in this new system?
September 16th, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Am I drinking or is that a very blurry picture of Mike Smith? Could be both.
September 16th, 2016 at 8:10 pm
DB55 I like that! Clinton is the Thing. David is the Flash.
September 17th, 2016 at 6:46 am
@ bighoghayes
You are absolutely right about us having more talent this year, that talent is on the sidelines and they ar called the coaching staff.