Defense Is Improving
October 8th, 2016
Numbers show improvement.
Sometimes, one has to actually look past the box score.
Joe has already pointed out that Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith has said fans should see a defense that is improving after four games. Joe saw signs last week.
Take away the two short fields in the first half set up by interceptions, and the Bucs held the Broncos, the world champions, to 13 points. That’s with Robert Ayers and Jacquies Smith, and for much of the game, Gerald McCoy and Noah Spence.
In fact, Bucs coach Dirk Koetter pointed out this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio that but for the two interceptions, the defense held Denver to just a field goal drive in the first half.
The numbers seem to back up that Smith’s outfit doesn’t have far to go. Per the Bucs media relations department, the Bucs have held opponents’ ball carriers to just 3.27 yards per carry, the fourth-lowest mark in the league, while holding teams to a third down conversation rate of just 34 percent, which is sixth-lowest mark in the NFL.
Once the bye week is over and the Bucs get a bunch of defenders healthy, look out. Problem is, will it be too late by the time the Bucs arrive in San Francisco?
October 8th, 2016 at 10:20 am
Denver didn’t have to score any more points, so they came out running the ball and relying on their D. Improvement is when there is a turnover you can hold to fgs.
October 8th, 2016 at 10:24 am
Contrary to some, the season is not over!!!! In fact, to those in the know, it is just beginning!!!!!! But do not forget that there is a difference between grasping a defense and knowing!!!!! There will be a lot to watch and root for in the final 12 games!!!! The gauntlet of the schedule is almost done, Then the bye, then we will start the “real” team!!!!!
hope Joe has not thrown in the towel by then!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!
October 8th, 2016 at 10:28 am
I’ll give him improving. Doesn’t mean it’s good, but improving. I didn’t see as many glaring breakdowns in coverage responsibilities, just Grimes falling down Everytime the ball comes his way.
October 8th, 2016 at 10:38 am
I’m not buying it. They played the majority of the game against a QB taking his very first snap. And they let the kid throw for 170 with a TD and no picks or sacks (94.1 rating). He was able to drive the Broncos down the field right before the half for a FG. In the 2nd half it was apparent that the Bucs couldn’t compete with the Broncos D. The game was over and all the Broncos had to do was run out the clock. Of course they still scored some more while doing that.
Sorry Joe, I’ll believe it when I see someone held to 14 points or less.
October 8th, 2016 at 10:39 am
I’m just saying there was a lot of hype about this defense before the season started. I haven’t seen much improvement from last year.
October 8th, 2016 at 10:48 am
@Realist
I see what you’re saying, and obviously the season is still young. But there’s an appalling lack of depth in key areas on this team and it’s not going to improve this season. For the Bucs to be a success that’s got to be dealt with. There will some wins this year, but unless they’re completely healthy they’re a below average team.
I think a great deal of fans were hoping for a 1 year miracle, but we’re not getting that this year. Once we get to the more mediocre portion of the schedule we’ll find out how we stack up against that tier. All I can say is I sincerely hope they can break even against those types of teams.
In a nutshell, Jason Licht has work to do before this franchise can become consistently competitive with the better teams in the league.
October 8th, 2016 at 11:20 am
Louis, I have to agree that “… unless they’re completely healthy they’re a below average team.” Our schedule softens somewhat after the Bye, but what are the odds of the Bucs getting healthy AND remaining healthy for the last 11 games? Our problem is depth (or lack of). Every year it seems to be the same story: Bucs end up playing back-ups a lot in games, but they rarely stick for more than that season or the season after. And in the meantime, we lose because the product we put on the field has too many weakness for our opponents to exploit. Fans and media keep pounding on the coaches, and to a degree they certainly need to be held accountable. But it’s the ownership and personnel sides of the house that are more responsible in my opinion. Problems like lack of depth seem to compound year-to-year in the NFL, and the Bucs have been making some very poor personnel decisions for many years. Personally feel that Licht & Koetter can turn this puppy around, but I don’t think we’ll see any giant leaps in here, especially this year. Given the way we started, most of us would probably view 8-8 as being a successful season.
October 8th, 2016 at 11:23 am
Turnovers cost us a shot at three games. Simple as that.
October 8th, 2016 at 1:03 pm
Some wags might look at the ex-Buc players who have been picked up by other teams, where they supply at least serviceable depth, if not outright starting for their new team, and conclude that perhaps that the Bucs need better coaching or talent evaluation.
tickrdr
October 8th, 2016 at 1:12 pm
Grasping and Knowing @REALIST: you tap/dancing better than Gregory Hines! I’m gonna start calling you THE TOE/TAPPER! The scheme is different but it is not doing what it was designed to do because of lack of talent and I must say that is the same problem LOVIE had with his scheme, has Coach Smith fallen in love with Conte because there are other options on this team ……..give them a shot! Don’t be fooled people the REALIST ain’t giving you the REAL! This team has not progressed and that is a fact that no one can deny!
October 8th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
@BigHog:
As I’ve said before, you are sometimes obnoxious and usually right.
Agreed on the talent problem, both this year and last.
Do NOT see the “other options” you refer to — who might they be?
While free agents make good story fodder, they seldom make good plays — or good players.
Then again, a second- or third- round pick might have made a difference.
Just sayin’ — after you said it first.
October 8th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
@ Lou. : we do have second and third team safeties do we not! I’m saying it might do Conte some good to experience that pine!
October 9th, 2016 at 7:44 pm
I’ll be honest. Our defense looks similar when 93 is off the field.