How To Stop The Bucs
May 30th, 2017
Now a nightmare for defenses, says a former NFL GM.
Man, the way Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Light upgraded the passing game, this should be fun as hell to watch.
Former NFL general manager Charlie Casserly said the Bucs’ passing attack will be no fun for defensive coordinators. Stopping Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard could happen but it would require one helluva defensive effort, Casserly told NFL Network.
“All the good defensive coordinators I have been around say they are going to take away a receiver,” Casserly explained. “Once they take away a receiver, they have to beat us left-handed. Well you know what? [The Bucs] can play left-handed now.
“Why? Because if you try to take away [Mike] Evans, [DeSean] Jackson is the guy who can beat you deep.”
Casserly pointed out the weapons of the Bucs offers a rare collection of receivers defensive coordinators would have to scheme against.
“You have three guys you have to game plan for,” Casserly said. “That’s rare. If you have one that’s good. If you have two you have the defense on its heels. Now that you have three, you really have the defense on its heels. If [defenses] take away one, two and three can beat you too.”
Casserly said the only way he can see defenses stopping the passing attack of the Bucs is if there is an elite shutdown corner a defense could put on Evans, then double Jackson and have linebackers jam Howard at the line. Casserly added team would need a true star corner like Darrelle Revis in his prime.
“I’m not sure the right guy exists in the league right now,” Casserly added.
You can watch the full interview here.
At the very least, this should be one fun season to watch the Bucs. Joe is convinced this is the only time in franchise history where defenses will be scared of the passing game.
We live in a new world, folks.
May 30th, 2017 at 5:39 am
Interesting analysis by Charlie Casserly. His comment “You have three guys you have to game plan for” is a bit perplexing though. Write off Cam Brate (not mentioned) & he’s shown he can eat you alive. And if the defense could somehow take away ME13, DJax, OJ & Cam they still have to contend with short dump-offs to our RB which could easily bring 5-10 yds if the underside is cleared out.
But all this still hinges on the OLine & on Jameis. If the OLine needs help in pass protection, that could easily take away a TE & RB to help in blocking. Or if Jameis holds the ball too long or gets tunnel-vision on 1 receiver that could cause things to fall apart too (not that he’s ever done that before of course). Putting it all together is obviously a big challenge, but Katy-bar-the-door once Jameis & crew gets clicking.
May 30th, 2017 at 5:39 am
“Weapons of Pass Destruction”
May 30th, 2017 at 6:34 am
Scudog:
Ooooo I like that!!!
May 30th, 2017 at 6:38 am
Scubog-I like that. Weapons of pass destruction . CLever.
May 30th, 2017 at 6:47 am
Only the Bucs can stop this offense.
May 30th, 2017 at 7:08 am
scubog Says
“Weapons of Pass Destruction”
Score!
Beat the heck out of Siege the Day!
May 30th, 2017 at 7:11 am
Joe’s comment of “only time in franchise history … ” is probably true. Good point. My guess is that the OL will hold up and Jameis will have a banner year.
May 30th, 2017 at 7:23 am
This is a prime example of why, even now, the Bucs are being underestimated. Casserly mentioned just three threats.
The Bucs have more legit threats than that:
Mike Evans
Desean Jackson
Adam Humphries
Chris Godwin
Darel Walker
OJ Howard
Cam Brate
Antony Auclair
Doug Martin
Jacquiz Rogers
Chris Sims
Jeremy McNichols
That is a deadly offense. We’re talking 9 current or potential starters.The
The only way they will be able to slow it down is by trying to get to Winston so he has to throw dump passes. They will have to bend and hope they don’t break.
Weapons of Pass Destruction indeed!
May 30th, 2017 at 7:35 am
Then add in Brate, Godwin, Humprhies, McNichols and Sims… this is why the Bucs don’t need to count on Martin, but if he comes to play, he could be a real game changer.
May 30th, 2017 at 7:45 am
This will also improve the defense. We will put pressure on the other team to not get behind. Stringing together first downs, maintaining field position and time of possession. Add in a dependable kicker in Folk so that we aren’t having empty possessions.
The real thing about this is that Jameis is primed to work in the system that is created. 3rd year offensive co-ordinator, and 2nd year D co-ordinator. He developed the first two season in less than ideal situations.
I beg people to sleep on the Bucs. What we have here is a confluence of positive events. We are owed it.
May 30th, 2017 at 8:01 am
My bad Joe (Please Delete)
May 30th, 2017 at 8:03 am
Why not complicate things more – by doubling down?
Right now there’s Gary Barnidge is an FA.
A there’s plenty of chatter concerning Phillip Dorsett as trade bait.
Sign/Acquire
• Gary Barnidge (31)
• Phillip Dorsett (25)
This way you’ll have a solid contingency plan in place.
Just in case Howard struggles to adjust early, or Jackson gets injured. Either way, you’ll be able to run your offense – without a hitch
Position fit: X receiver
(x) Mike Evans | (x) Chris Godwin.
Godwin has always played bigger than his 6’1” Frame.
Aggressive and physical at the point of attack; he’s a dominant run blocker. Using that physicality, he’s also able to beat the jam at the line scrimmage; for a clean release. (*Though he needs to refine his technique)
Position fit: Z receiver
(Z) DeSean Jackson (40D) 4.3 | (Z) Phillip Dorsett (40D) 4.3
After a rather disappointing to start to his career. Dorsett would do well coming back to Florida to gain his bearings. Couple that being Jackson understudy could potentially reap significant benefits for the organization. Besides that, he’s a solid vertical, often used in the return game.
Position fit: Y receiver
(Y) Adam Humphries | (Y) Josh Huff
I don’t care if you are facing single or double high safety; coupled with a man or zone coverage. The Tunnel/Bubble screen is one of the most effective ways to neutralize the blitz. An outside of Andy Reid, no one runs more screens than Dirk Koetter. So in theory, a converted running back, such as Josh Huff would make the ideal flanker.
Receivers
• (x) Mike Evans | (x) Chris Godwin
• (Z) DeSean Jackson (40D) 4.3 | (Z) Phillip Dorsett (40D) 4.3
• (Y) Adam Humphries | (Y) Josh Huff
Tigh-Ends
• Cameron Brate | Antony Auclair
• Gary Barnidge | O.J Howard
May 30th, 2017 at 8:43 am
At this point, if any one of Sims, Doug, Hump, Godwin, McNichols, or Quiz ball out more than we expect, that will make our offense even better than we can comprehend.
If 2 of them show up… uh oh.
If all of them come to play…. we may shatter records.
Remember sims and Doug are essentially in their contract years, quiz is motivated and mcnichols/godwin are playing for their careers.
May 30th, 2017 at 8:52 am
Thinking of how this offense will be when it’s firing on all cylinders, reminds me of an old Al Davis quote: “We don’t take what the defense gives us, we take what we want.”
May 30th, 2017 at 9:05 am
This is all fine and dandy till something happens to Jameis. I’ve been saying it for a while, who do we have remotely capable of being competitive behind Jameis? This team has so much potential so it’s a crime not to have a capable backup. Fitz? I don’t think so, he’s just here to edumacate Jameis on the fine art of QB reads. Griffin? We have to see him in game situations. Sefo? He’s just a camp arm.
Kap is not an option in a town with a military base for the same reasons John Mara pointed out why the Giants won’t take him.
Can someone get Shaun Hill on the phone?
May 30th, 2017 at 9:06 am
The Bucs are an offensive juggernaut in the making.
May 30th, 2017 at 9:16 am
@LUVMYBUCS
There is no way Walker doesn’t make the team as at least the 5th WR. He will probably work his way even higher.
May 30th, 2017 at 9:18 am
I’m on the record as loving offense so I admit my prejudice. I concede that a large number of posters and NFL experts believe defense wins championships.
IMHO there is more than one way to skin the cat and it seems to me that the very best situation would be a great defense with a great offense….I don’t know that I”ve seen that in the free agent era…the old glory Pittsburgh teams come to mind…to HOF WR’s….a great RB and an HOF QB….I’ve lost count of how many D players on that team are in the hall. It was a great balanced team.
Now days though teams generally are better on one side of the ball and offense seems ascendant.
As a business person if I was concerned about long term success in the NFL I do precisely what the Bucs have done….the league clearly wants offense! The league is also concerned about safety..those two combined have created rule changes that favor the passing game.
If I owned an NFL franchise going forward one thing I’d make sure of is having a great passing game.
May 30th, 2017 at 9:27 am
Bonzai
Every year you pick one of these lowly prospects. As your LOCK to make the roster. Lol, I’m sorry buddy, I just don’t see it this one.
IMHO it looks like Mike’s trying to help out one of his potnas; in need.
That’s all, and I commend him for doing so. But I seriously doubt he beats out Martino
May 30th, 2017 at 9:34 am
I just don’t see it *in this one.
May 30th, 2017 at 9:36 am
Like where you are going.
May 30th, 2017 at 9:56 am
Bonzai
With the above scenario at receiver & tight-end.
Not only will the offense benefit, but the defense should as well.
With that kind of depth (redundancy) across the receiving core.
You’ll be able to really challenge; your 2nd & 3rd team defensive units.
If thrusted into action (because of injury) that 2nd or 3 team corner.
Will be better equipped to handle the speed of the Taylor Gabriel, Ted Ginn Jr. , and Curtis Samuel’s of the world.
Same for the Safeties & Linebackers.
May 30th, 2017 at 10:13 am
Bingo Pete, Licht,Koetter and Smitty are quietly building a dominant D. Its going unnoticed because of the additions to the O. Balance is the key. As I look into my scrying glass I see multiple superbowl wins in our upcoming future.
May 30th, 2017 at 10:27 am
@alabama78- I think you’re selling Fitzy short. Long-term, yea, I might be concerned. Look at the weapons though. There are, finally, levels at every position. Fitz would be asked to “manage” a team with ridiculous talent. I think we’ll be alright!
May 30th, 2017 at 10:36 am
NOS
If somehow we can workout; some type of reasonable compensation with Seattle.
A Richard Sherman trade could really bring this defense together.
He’s the kind of vocal leader – our backfield needs (ala Robery Ayers)
Richard Sherman | Ryan Smith
Brent Grimes | Josh Robinson
Vernon Hargreaves | Jude Adjei-Barimah
Chris Conte | Keith Tandy
J.J. Wilcox | Justin Evans
Would cause havoc
May 30th, 2017 at 10:50 am
I actually agree with Casserly about the 3 threats ..
No offense to Brate or Humphries but their skills will not command double teams. Neither player will burn the D for a big play if they give them single coverage typically and neither player typically wins immediately off the snap via elite athleticism which means the defense can rush more players and play single coverage on guys like that.
With Howard – if you single cover him he can beat his guy 1 on 1 within 1.5 seconds of the snap and be free for a huge play.
With Djax – if you single him and don’t bring safety help you better hope your pass rush hits Winston within 2 seconds or you may be giving up a long TD.
May 30th, 2017 at 11:28 am
With all of these weapons, you still need an O-Line for protection and blocking in the run game. The Saints scored 469 points last season and won 7 games. The Giants scored 310 points and won 11 games. A few weapons on paper don’t always equal wins. Every team in the NFC South has offensive weapons, but the complete team will win the division.
May 30th, 2017 at 11:45 am
#WPDs
May 30th, 2017 at 11:46 am
Don’t even start that nonsense LUV! You KNOW that Sherman is a “system” corner. He would never survive in a multi-tier defense like ours!!! AND, he would be WAAAAY too expensive! 🙂
(That was sarcasm for those unsure!)
May 30th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
I saw this interview prior, and the one takeaway I got is that Jackson is one dimensional…..which isn’t true. DJax can play in the slot or on the outside, the guy is a match-up monster. Sure, you can use him over the middle but why? Get the guy in the ball with space….just like Howard (who was given the opposite opportunity at Alabama, often having to use his athleticism and power to bull people over rather than his speed and height).
May 30th, 2017 at 12:49 pm
Now if only Jameis could..would get off to a great start?
May 30th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
Does this team hear what is being said to them. The words that are being spoken are not stating what will happen, They do not even state that this team will even be great. What is being stated is expectations. Expectations are extremely high and you do not get to the playoffs, superbowl or canton by living up to expectations they must exceed these expectations. I feel currently this team has a very very long climb ahead of them to get to expectations let alone the Playoffs, superbowl or canton
May 30th, 2017 at 6:19 pm
Potent offense indeed, could you imagine if we traded up in the 2nd for Cook?
May 30th, 2017 at 9:56 pm
Bucs will without a doubt leave a indelible impression on this years games as well as opponents believe me believe me Boom cannon fire kill shot 1 #13 ME/AKA/Godzilla Boom cannon shot 2 #11 DJAX/AKA/Flash Boom kill shot 3 OJ/The Freak Howard or Boom kill shot 4 Cam the man Brate or Hump or or and you see👁 Where I’m going with this can you say high octane I’m talking 93 premium phuck it’s more like NOS