Leading The League In Wrapping Up
December 13th, 2016
There’s a very intriguing tackling statistic for your 2016 Buccaneers.
And it’s a real stat, not some sort of data-nerd concoction.
The NFL keeps official stats for assisted tackles. There’s a solo tackle and then an assisted tackle.
The Bucs have the fewest “assists” in the NFL with 123. The Seahawks are at the other end of the spectrum with 372. The Cowboys are middle of the pack with 232.
So what does it all mean?
Well, Joe thinks it’s safe to say the data is further evidence that the Bucs’ individual tackling is vastly improved overall from last year, and from the early part of this season.
The Bucs defense has been getting off the field consistently and has been extraordinary on third down.
That’s greatly helped Tampa Bay’s time of possession numbers, which are strong.
But on the flip side, the low number of assists also shows the Bucs’ swarm to the ball hasn’t been what it should be.
Obviously, Joe’s not quibbling one bit with the dominance of the Tampa Bay defense the past five games, but before that effort was lacking. And Joe believes that assist total speaks to that — just in case you didn’t believe Derrick Brooks for some reason.
December 13th, 2016 at 11:09 am
Well where do we rank in solo tackles??
December 13th, 2016 at 11:23 am
And this from NFL.com: “Since Week 10, the Bucs have allowed all of 12.8 points per game, the stingiest mark in the NFL. They’ve recorded 14 takeaways in that time span, an astronomical figure that also leads the league. And coming into the game versus the Saints, the Bucs were allowing opposing quarterbacks a scant 67.3 passer rating — again, tops in the league. Drew Brees’ mark on Sunday: 48.5.” Keep up the good work, D!
December 13th, 2016 at 11:49 am
Glad to hear it. With the amount of town bicycles they got down there in Tampa I’d hope some of them are double bagging it.
December 13th, 2016 at 12:20 pm
Can’t wait for my Kwon jersey to come in!!!!!!
December 13th, 2016 at 12:43 pm
Just to point out, Kwon is leading the league in solo tackles.
December 13th, 2016 at 12:45 pm
And we are tied with the Rams for 6th on Solo tackles.
December 13th, 2016 at 6:56 pm
Just a thought, but I think it’s possible we have a low number of assists is cause we’re finishing the tackle before an assist is needed. Obviously not every down, but enough to skew the numbers
December 13th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
I think this is interpreting stats to say what you want then to Joe. I’d rather have more assists, that means you constantly have more defenders around the bal, which can only lead to good things. I’d also be interested to see if our assist numbers have increased during our winning streak
December 13th, 2016 at 8:00 pm
I agree that it’s great somewhat. I want to see more swarming to the ball!