Koetter: No Results But “A” For Effort On Rush
October 21st, 2016
The elephant in the room for the improving Bucs defense is the anemic pass rush, the one that registered zero hits on Panthers backup Derek Anderson last week.
Joe’s big question is, “Why is the blitz not working?”
It’s obvious why the straight rush isn’t working: not enough talent. Will Gholston, Howard Jones and undrafted DaVonte Lambert and Channing Ward aren’t dangerous against the pass. Robert Ayers is still hurt and Noah Spence is banged up. Maybe Gerald McCoy plays on Sunday.
Dirk Koetter spoke yesterday about how he loves the effort on the defensive line and failures in the pass rush are something to be worked on.
Defensive coordinator Mike Smith was asked about the secondary yesterday, and the question was framed with a statement that the Bucs’ defensive backs got no help from the pass rush against Carolina. Smith didn’t even dispute it.
And this is why Sunday’s game is dangerous. Any opponent is dangerous in the NFL if you can’t breathe on their quarterback.
October 21st, 2016 at 9:42 am
It’s a valid point you make Joe. You don’t get to the NFL by being bad at football. It’s a matter of preparation and processing at this level. If we don’t rush the QB and they have time to let something develop and unfold in front of them, then any of these QBs will look like world beaters.
October 21st, 2016 at 9:50 am
I have yet to see anything that I would consider a hybrid scheme like they talked so big about in the offseason. It looks more like the Jim Bates failed experiment.
I would love to see them try something where McCoy and Gholston are playing 5-tech with Spence as a wide rusher on the edge in nickel situation. Losing Jac Smith right off the bat this year I think hurt this team more than you think. Plus Ayers has barely seen the field.
They have a chance these next couple games to put themselves in a position to go after a postseason spot if they can get healthy in the next couple weeks. A loss this week though would doom the season for good.
October 21st, 2016 at 9:50 am
Is Ayers out this week again?
October 21st, 2016 at 9:52 am
I think the big thing with Kaepernick is to keep him in the pocket. He of course is dangerous running the football, but he tends to throw the ball better on the run as well. Good news is with our pass rush, he can sit in the pocket as long as he wants.
October 21st, 2016 at 10:04 am
Why am I having nightmares of this Afro-headed dingle-berry rolling out of the pocket all day and killing this defense?
The line has to stay disciplined, maintain their lanes and the LBs need to step up and put this douche-bag on his back.
Lavonte David, where have you been? Let’s go buddy, earn your pay.
Go Sucs!
October 21st, 2016 at 10:07 am
I see there are more injuries in the secondary. Earth to Smitty: play Banks!!!!!!
October 21st, 2016 at 10:07 am
Good news is with our pass rush, he can sit in the pocket as long as he wants.
Wow Hawaiian not showing much support for your all world, all tough Client… Have you finally seen the light.
October 21st, 2016 at 10:12 am
agree with Haw
They are not playmakers. Let them try to beat us by making plays
They do not have the overall talent and skills to make explosive plays to hurt us
3 and outs and containment
Dont beat ourselves
October 21st, 2016 at 10:22 am
@tmaxcon,
Shows your knowledge of football. Makes no difference what the DT’s do if the ends can’t apply pressure, or at a minimum have contain. No DT in the league is running down #7. Of course you’ll just look at the stat sheet and judge everyone’s performance.
October 21st, 2016 at 10:25 am
I once asked my boss if I get paid for effort or production. Welcome to the unemployment line.
October 21st, 2016 at 10:33 am
Hawaiian Buc
i thought 93 occupied 7 blockers per play so that should allow for even the most pedestrian DE a free shot at the QB week in and week out. And of course I did not think 93 cold chase down 7 on a running plays… on running plays mccoy gets man handled like a 2 dollar crack whore at frat party therefore he is unable to chase anything.
October 21st, 2016 at 10:34 am
passthebuc Says:
October 21st, 2016 at 10:25 am
I once asked my boss if I get paid for effort or production. Welcome to the unemployment line.
That was the old America where hard-work paid off.
October 21st, 2016 at 1:35 pm
True points all around, Joe. At this stage, after a decade of not figuring out a pass rush solution, my only critique is for you to stop saying “anemic” and just say “typical”. We all will totally get what you mean.
October 21st, 2016 at 9:57 pm
When Noah Spence couldn’t win a starting job in training camp I knew it was because he was to light not because of skill besides him and ayers you have the exact same players as last year except adding more unproven players, did this surprise anyone because if it did come out and admit you’re a new bucs fan