Koetter: Expect Peyton Barber To Carry The Ball
September 16th, 2017
Most improved
Suspended Doug Martin was Tampa Bay’s opening day running back for the past five seasons.
So Bucs fans have been waiting patiently to see what the rushing attack would look like without him in September.
Will Dirk Koetter look to make Jacquizz Rodgers his bellcow? Will it be true running by committee, including Charles Sims and Peyton Barber?
Or will Koetter look at his many receiving weapons and become a pass-first playcaller?
Last night on the Buccaneers Radio Network, Koetter was asked about the running game a couple of times. Koetter was adamant that fans would see a three-headed-monster approach, with Rodgers as the starter. (What Koetter didn’t say was that he can’t wait for Martin to return to carry the rock full-time.)
When asked specifically if Barber would get carries, Koetter replied as follows:
“Yeah, I think he is. Peyton’s one of our most improved players on the team, and he’s come a long way in every single area,” Koetter said. “And you know, a lot of times with those rookies it just comes down to having confidence to put him out there and let him go to work. I think you will get a little glimpse of Peyton on Sunday.”
Perhaps the biggest story out of Sunday’s game will be whether Koetter pushes a balanced attack or sends a message to the NFL that the Bucs frequently will be tapping into their franchise quarterback and his arsenal of weapons — similar to what Koetter did with his 2012 Falcons offense.
September 16th, 2017 at 12:58 pm
Balanced attack for sure unless the run simply is not working.
Hopefully we will see lots of Barber in the 4thQ – because that likely means we are sitting on a lead and trying to run clock.
September 16th, 2017 at 12:59 pm
Scary game tomorrow, it’s hard to be one dimensional
September 16th, 2017 at 1:07 pm
Seems to me it will be mostly Quizz early on, with Sims on third down, moving to Barber and Sims on third down as the game wears on.
If the Bucs can get double digit lead by late in the game, I’d expect them to hang with more Barber than Quizz and foucus shorter gain, safe plays to move the ball and eat clock. Barber can prove solid there.
September 16th, 2017 at 1:28 pm
Good,time for him to get some BIG BOI MINUTES.
September 16th, 2017 at 2:05 pm
I WOULD MUCH PREFER AN ALLOUT AERIAL ATTACK. Untill defense are afraid of Jameis all those weapons dont mean much. THROW the ball early and often, backem up then run it down theyre throats. Its been run firat for far to long in Tampa I like Dirk Koetters playcalling when its aggressive. GET IT BOYS!!!!!!
September 16th, 2017 at 2:14 pm
If Pamphile, Marpet, and Sweezy can really do this thing up the middle give our guys a 4 or 5 yard average, it’s gonna be goin back and forth between RB and WR/TE all day like a damn tennis match. We would be able to move it down field all. Getting TDs in the red zone and JW int’s is a different story.
September 16th, 2017 at 2:31 pm
Come my lady
Come come my lady
You’re my butterfly, sugar baby
Come my lady
Come come my lady
You’re my butterfly, sugar baby
September 16th, 2017 at 2:33 pm
Pb is a pedestrian 3 down back
September 16th, 2017 at 2:52 pm
Bears appear to be fairly stout against the run, with very big LBs who don’t appear to be exceptionally fast (Bears have 6 LBs listed … AVERAGE size is 6’2″ & 248 lbs). Gut feel is that we’ll see a LOT of short quick passes early with an occasional deep ball thrown in to keep them back somewhat. Bucs will use the pass to open up the run is my guess … Rodgers, Sims & Barber are ALL very good receivers & can average 5-10 yds on the short stuff. Koetter’s game plan will be to ‘keep ’em guessing’ & force them to ‘pick their poison’ as they say. Still sticking with a 27-17 Bucs win prediction.
September 16th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
Balance is what we need. I wouldn’t mind seeing the youngster get some touches.
September 16th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
What’s up ’87!
September 16th, 2017 at 4:51 pm
Koetter said it best , If I can get myself to give Barber 20 carries he can be very good !!!
If he has a drop or a fumble don’t give up on him , Martin has had tons of each !!! Martin may be a lil better pass protector and Barber is a way way way better 3 rd and short back ………… Barber 20 plus carries = 4.4 yard avg, a first down or two that Martin wouldn’t get and a touchdown………
September 16th, 2017 at 6:50 pm
Hoping we see Sims of 2015
September 16th, 2017 at 8:02 pm
It’s like being at a buffet. The many viable choices.
September 16th, 2017 at 9:45 pm
Jameis will throw 6 TDs tomorrow.