Sapp Explodes Over Defensive Coaches
October 27th, 2017
Outraged!
It is getting grimmer by the day.
First you had two veterans on the Bucs defense pipe up about lack of playing time and not understanding their roles. Now, we have one of the greatest defensive players in Bucs history teeing off on the defensive schemes.
In particular, it is one Warren Sapp.
One of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history is at wit’s end about what the Bucs are trying to do defensively. So he tore into defensive coaches (without naming names) for throwing away the supreme talents of stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
Before letting loose, Sapp told Tampa Bay Times humorist Martin Fennelly it’s really difficult for him to see the Bucs struggle terribly on defense.
“If you have a lead dog and if it’s not GMC – that’s what I call Gerald, like a big wide-body GMC – you put the Volkswagens and all the rest of them around him and you allow him to work,” Sapp said.” You’ve got five one-on-ones and you designate Robert Ayers as the one with the one-and-ones? Gerald’s the better player. What are we doing here?
“Wasting isn’t even the word. Gerald has more sacks since he came into the league than any other defensive tackle. Tell me why Robert Ayers, who’s a defensive end, now has the free reign to where he wants to go and you got to get out of his way?”
And it is not like whatever Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith and his charges are doing is working. Ayers has a grand total of one sack through six games. Uno. Eins!
Then, Sapp let out a not-so-state secret. Sapp, who talks to GMC often, said GMC is frustrated out of his mind with the defense. But GMC is playing the good soldier and just putting his head down and doing his job.
Joe could sense GMC was irritated, especially the way he was biting his tongue earlier this week when Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times asked GMC his thoughts on a three-man front defense.
GMC didn’t like it — body language sometimes speaks volumes — but he said he plays what is called and wouldn’t go much further.
The last time Bucs greats unloaded on a head coach it was then-Bucs commander Greg Schiano. When the old Bucs began picking him apart, the die was virtually cast.
Joe hopes someone on the coaching staff or their families starts lightning candles at Mass Sunday. With Brent Grimes out, Joe shivers to think just how ugly it might get at the Den of Depression.
October 27th, 2017 at 5:53 pm
You mean Jason Licht coaches.
October 27th, 2017 at 5:58 pm
Suit up or shut up.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:01 pm
Yeah Sapp……shut your pie hole!!!!
…..do you got another prostitute to slap up??????
October 27th, 2017 at 6:01 pm
A lot of blame to go around! Slow starts should be number one on that list! Offense can’t keep up defense can’t slow anyone down. Bad combo! Usually good teams will tend to struggle on one side of the ball or the other. When both sides can’t get it going it ends up being 31-0 first half. Please don’t give me that final score crap because it WAS OVER at that point. Everything else is just padding stats hence the top in offensive categories.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:02 pm
I’ll be the first to say it. If Mike Smith is the scapegoat at the end of the year and is fired. Look for Marvin Lewis to be our next DC. The Bengals will fire him and he and Dirk are tighter than Dirk and Smith.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:03 pm
We have some brain dead fans around here. One example is the first person that posted.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
RELAX guys…………Tmax knows more than Sapp. What are you guys thinking?
October 27th, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Does Warren have a new job breaking down film or is he still blackballed by Vegas and the NFL
October 27th, 2017 at 6:08 pm
SB Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
RELAX guys…………Tmax knows more than Sapp. What are you guys thinking?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Relax??????????
who the “f” cares????????????????????
Come Sunday…..bout 430 -ish when the Bucs lose to the Panthers………….I’ll just sit back and watch the GRAND IMPLOSION occur
…………………..it’s coming
October 27th, 2017 at 6:09 pm
D LINE is obviously the problem when coverage holds up for 4 seconds and the opposing QB is still standing inside the pocket!
October 27th, 2017 at 6:11 pm
Somebody said this next game is a “must win”.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:15 pm
Bucs fan #7423 Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:09 pm
D LINE is obviously the problem when coverage holds up for 4 seconds and the opposing QB is still standing inside the pocket!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Yup…….average QBs gets it out by 3 seconds flat
Devon Funchess and Kelvin BenJamin will have huge yards on sunday………against our wack ass defense and 3rd string corners.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:18 pm
I’m confused about the 1 on 1 comments. I never realized D coaches got to pick opposition OL assignments. I was mistaken I guess thinking the offensive coaches game planned for which defenddrs they wanted to double…especially since Joe has reported how many opposition coaches game plan around handling GMC. Somehow this Smitty’s fault. Maybe Smitty should demand opposing OC’s double Ayers or MacDonald.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:20 pm
TheBucsAnthem Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:08 pm
SB Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:05 pm
RELAX guys…………Tmax knows more than Sapp. What are you guys thinking?
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Relax??????????
who the “f” cares????????????????????
Come Sunday…..bout 430 -ish when the Bucs lose to the Panthers………….I’ll just sit back and watch the GRAND IMPLOSION occur
…………………..it’s coming
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Are you just Tmax’s supporter or his wife?
October 27th, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Joe, how can this be with such a winning head coach!
October 27th, 2017 at 6:24 pm
@ SB
LOL
You’re the one who mentioned his name……so what does that make you?????
I just quoted you
October 27th, 2017 at 6:24 pm
The coach’s give us sound bites.
The player’s give us sound bites.
You would think that someone would have the guts to say, currently, we suck.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:25 pm
I agree 99,you guys think your good fans because you defend whats going on no matter what. Your not, this defense and GM is horrible and it’s time for fans to call them out.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:26 pm
passthebuc Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:24 pm
The coach’s give us sound bites.
The player’s give us sound bites.
You would think that someone would have the guts to say, currently, we suck.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Well they have!!!!
Coach Koetter said it after the AZ game……he said we’re not a good football team right now.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:27 pm
Ohhhhhhh this is too good!!!!! I just hope all of this doesn’t cost Dirk his job. The man is growing as a head coach and is far from perfect. But very soon he will be one of thebest head coaches in the league UNLESS he lets this continue.
Someone just dropped Cam Newton in my Fantasy league. He’s going in my lineup this week for sure!!! Actually, I’m just going to start picking up every struggling QB who plays the Bucs for the rest of the season and be guaranteed good points from that position without even thinking twice until Lovie 2.0 is gone.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:27 pm
I can GUARANTEE that there aren’t Four supporters here who sat through 14 STRAIGHT Losing Seasons in a ROW and never missed a home game as I DID!
I get tired of some Johnny Come Latelys getting some hair in their twats when we are sitting on the best offense we have Ever seen and finally have a Franchise QB. (this coming from a life long Gators fan). You guys think YOU went through rough times? Smh.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:29 pm
TheBucsAnthem Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 6:24 pm
@ SB
LOL
You’re the one who mentioned his name……so what does that make you?????
I just quoted you
…………..
You must have went to remedial classes your whole life son.
I was being facetious and sardonic at the same time.
Look ’em up.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:30 pm
Someone just dropped Cam Newton in my Fantasy league. He’s going in my lineup this week for sure!!! Actually, I’m just going to start picking up every struggling QB who plays the Bucs for the rest of the season and be guaranteed good points from that position without even thinking twice until Lovie 2.0 is gone.
………….
UnFortunately I am starting Cam, KB, and CMC this week in my Big money league. I HATE it but I am not stupid. I still hope I lose though.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:31 pm
I’ve been fan for well over 25 years……..
and I know there are plenty of fans just like me who rooted for the yuccaners before the dungy era and the superbowl……they just don’t post here.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:36 pm
I was talking with a buddy of mine today and we were talking about the draft cause he is a Giants fan and there season is way worse than ours.
And I started thinking about something and wanted to get some other Bucs fans thoughts on this. Im setting a way too early over/under on the draft. No matter how this season plays out….
Over/under 1.5 pass rushers drafted next year?
October 27th, 2017 at 6:36 pm
cancer93 has been lead dog and captain for 7 years and has failed miserably. he has a good first step but no finish and is a liability in the run game… TV needs warren but he is wrong defending the soft one.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:39 pm
This is kinda ummm meh? To me. If gmc doesn’t want to move around and stay in one spot (what he does best) ….Doesn’t that mean GMC needs to change??? Am I missing something?
Again I expect to come out FLAT and any other blown out coming again. Year in year out its always the schemes FAULT. Out of excuses
October 27th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Sam Wyche for me! He is responsible for the blockbuster draft as well as bringing in Hardy Nickerson. Changed the entire culture of the franchise. He may or may not have done well with those players but it would have been interesting to see it play through.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
If he’s the big dog and frustrated why not do something about it rather than just putting his head down? Dude has been here the longest and makes more money than the entire roster. Stand up take control.
Between he and LVD they can make changes in the meeting room if not on the field, am I wrong?
I just have a hard time believing that mike tomlin, Greg Schiano, Lovie Smith, Leslie Frazier, mike smile nor Jay Hayes know what they’re doing but then again wtf do I know.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:43 pm
No lamarcus it’s not always the scheme. It wasn’t scheme with Morris or schiano. It was personnel. It was scheme with lovie and scheme with smith. Simple
October 27th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
Guess that makes me a long standing fan and was a season ticket holder for 30 years.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:45 pm
You could bring a young competent Kiffin back and theses dudes still couldn’t stop anybody. Sorry man but LVD can’t do it all.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Yeah,
People who “KNOW”………..they KNOW about Hardy Nickerson….he was the heart and soul of this bucs team before sapp, lynch, and barber got here.
It’s just ashame he didn’t get a SB ring here
October 27th, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Whisper and carry a little motherFu**in’ toothpick.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
I swear I am starting to believe that if we went to a 3 4 we have the horses for this D. We do Not in a 4 3. Unleash LVD, and Beckwith on Blitzes. And do it Often!!!
October 27th, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Read the full article. Its pretty damning. And hate on Snapp all you want for the personal choices he’s made… but if you think you know more than him about playing dline you’re either hopelessly ignorant or hopelessly arrogant.
My confidence in this defensive staff dropping daily.
October 27th, 2017 at 6:59 pm
My sense is our defense plays better this week and is more fundamentally sound in assignments and fits. It will be enough to get us the win. This will be about momentum, field position and special teams. Go Bucs!
October 27th, 2017 at 7:02 pm
If Jason Licht is not responsible for this mess. Then who is responsible for it? I hope a Licht Lover can give me an answer. At least an answer that make a tiny bit of sense. 19-35 with Licht as GM, and these Licht Lovers supports that. lol
October 27th, 2017 at 7:04 pm
In his Soph year LVD had 7 sacks, 5 picks, 9 pd, and 106 solo tackles.
DO This Smitty
Call Schiano and find out how he did it.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Mike Smith is not a “scapegoat”; his scheme is not working with the Buc talent. We will be able to tell in the first DEF series whether this will be the Bucs of week 1-7 or a new Buc D. Watch 93 if he is going side to side with his steps and not UP the field then it will be a long day.
These next 2 games are the Bucs playoffs for 2017. Lose 1 and go home. I expect HIGH HOME field energy…blow out or bust.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:06 pm
@ Reach………We have a struggling Hargreaves and Javeon Elliot on the outsides. ………..
Ouch. GO BUCS
October 27th, 2017 at 7:06 pm
@Reach87
Im just curious on what makes you believe that from our defense? Or is it just optimism?
October 27th, 2017 at 7:09 pm
did i read somebody say that Dirk is the best HC in the league.
It’s one thing to have blinders on but some of y’all need to wake up.
I know being a buc fan is tough and we are not subjected to quality football often but i think y’all need to watch a little more football on Sunday Nights………You see they reserve Sunday Nights for quality and well coached football teams. The NFL must figure if they showcase solid teams that play sound fundamental football for national audiences then it will grow the ratings.
There is a reason they didn’t give Dirk a Sunday Night game this year and the way he has his team perfoming(sloppy and unprepared) we will not be getting any National Spotlight games for a very long time.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:14 pm
freaking hilarious to call Mike Smith a scapegoat.
He is coaching a last place defense. His Defense is just off the heels of holding a lead for the team and we had nobody cover the sideline allowing T.Taylor to scorch us enroute to an easy walk in TD…..His D had a chance to make a stop and they didn’t even know which area of the field they were responsible for. His D is pathetic………scapegoat shouldn’t figure into league worst defense
October 27th, 2017 at 7:15 pm
I’m confused of to what happening. Sapp/gmc is a confusing mixture
October 27th, 2017 at 7:19 pm
The fact is that when the Bucs fired Lovie Smith, Leslie Frazier and the rest of the defense staff. The Bucs had spent 1 draft pick on a defensive player in the 2 drafts during Smith/ Frazier tenure. But they have drafted 7 defensive players during the 2 drafts after Smith/Frazier. They have signed numerous defensive players via free agency. They hired a completely new defense coaching staff. Yet they are worse off defensively than they were when they fired Smith and his defensive staff. But when I mention this, I’m the IDIOT. Why am I the IDIOT? For stating the obvious? There is NO excuse for this team to be 2-4, with the high draft picks and the salary cap that they had. They still have $18 million in cap space. Point the finger in the RIGHT direction, point it at the MAN IN CHARGE Jason Licht. He wanted complete control of the team, and he got it. But what have he done with it? That’s the Million Dollar Question. And my opinion is NOTHING, he has done nothing with this team. They are still a BOTTOM FEEDER.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:23 pm
Now come on over to Lakeland and watch some REAL football. Lakeland High vs Kathleen High tonight.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:28 pm
AAhhh, the Glory and mostly MISERY od being a TB Bucs fan. Just makes me wanna do a James Brown and..SCREAM…….
After this Sunday..My loading dock will be full. All Aboard..THE GRUDEN EXPRESS!!!
October 27th, 2017 at 7:30 pm
This smash mouth is like 3 games late.
From Bucs coaching to Premier Bucs players smack down,
It’s too damn late! !
Weeks ago. ….bring in Rush ends to compete, …
A Corner,….my Kingdom first a corner.
A Downhill running Fridge like Alstott! !.
GM is under 50% today…..if Bucs loose next 2 games. …goodbye GM.
Defence ….why can’t you adapt and run 3-4 stunt?
No turnovers, sacks,3rd down crush and punt.
Jaguars have 26 QB sack/fumbles/break up plays = punt and defence gives the ball to offence!
JW can give us a more points scored than D give up win vs Panthers.
We need new blood. …and Fire !
October 27th, 2017 at 7:34 pm
Lakeland you are right…….This really does boil down to Jason since he’s the man in charge.
Dirk is taking this team backwards and Licht entrusted him to lead us. Meanwhile Dirks defensive coordinated is also helping us go backwards.
There seems to be a sick infection among Bucs fans that wanna hold onto the notion that this coaching staff is good.
I’m not understanding where the unbridled support is coming from. It’d be different if this team was rebuilding but as I remember we had playoff expectations coming into this season.
What’s up with all the support of a coach staff that has proven nothing and now heading the franchise in the wrong direction? And I’m not wanting to be all doom and gloom because we are not even at the half point of the season and it’s conceivable they could start playing better. I am just not seeing it, hope they provoke me wrong.
I’m also not calling for Lichts head if the sea so falls apart because he has done a fine job infusing talent into the franchise………I’d I’d willing to let him get a chance to get beyond the current mess and find a solution to this ridicilous underachieving.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Its not all Smiths fault, Licht is who buys the grocerys. This scheme would be fine with two Pass Rushing DE’s
October 27th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Meanwhile Jags just added more depth to their Dline for only a sixth round pick! They got Marcel Dareus from the Bills. WTF!
October 27th, 2017 at 7:38 pm
A couple facts about GMC, he was drafted in 2010, he has been here through 4 coaches, in those 7 seasons the bus had winning records twice, for times the Bucs have earned top 10 picks including a 1st overall pick. The team has been bad his entire career. The defense had always been tailored to fit his game, and while his numbers have been some of the best at his position, the defense struggles year in and year out. This is all fact. Maybe the problem is we are trying to get ten other guys to play to GMCs strength and essentially sticking 10 square pegs in 10 round hole, all so GMC can get his number. Why not try playing defense to the strengths of more players and let GMC be the square peg. As a superb talent I would argue that his physical ability will allow him to succeed much more likely than some on our defense. A defense isn’t as strong as it’s best player, it’s only as strong as it’s weakest player, the defense should play to the strengths of it’s weakest players. When the Pats draft a player, Bellicheat doesn’t want to hear what the player can’t do. He wants to know what they do well so he can play them to their strengths.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Why not.
Baker and McDonald in middle.
Put Gerald at left defensive end against weaker tackle.
October 27th, 2017 at 7:40 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HwfCMGIe0M
a 27 minute tribute to some of my best Football memories of my life!
October 27th, 2017 at 7:40 pm
God the negativity is astounding. Other places you just don’t find it. It’s all negative. Here. Yes. Alot to be negative about. I’m not denying it and saying it’s all mislead. But for crying out loud the same team that gave us hype was 3-5. Sunday is a win win. They get smoked defensively we get a new coordinator. If they win and play sound defensively we are in the right track
October 27th, 2017 at 7:45 pm
i think your right blighe……we would be fine if we had two passrushers.
the sad thing is that was the same thing love Smith needed. Smith and Dirk being buds has to have something to do with it……….So the question then becomes, which hire was more ignorant….Dirk or Smith?
October 27th, 2017 at 7:52 pm
come on Broy……..we are a long way from the track dude. that’s the problem.
Our goal was to be a playoff team this year….at the least………Not to choke away a golden opportunity vs the defending champs and to get blown out in 2 other games while our offense musters 2 figs in buffalo in the first half while our defense gives up 33 to Tyrod Taylor.
Meanwhile our two lone wins have been very unimpressive. We lost the track a few weeks ago man. Nothing but failure thus far, negatively is well warranted
October 27th, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Broy
Agree and if I might add…you can tell when certain posters start showing up more frequenty whether we’re playing poorly or well.
I get honest opinion and nobody has to agree but it’s pretty hard to miss that some people’s opinions always lean negative but worst of all there is a contingent here who delight in the Bucs failures and challenges and another group just as obnoxius who are simply here to say…see I told you so. Their freaking opinions are more important than the Bucs or the fans. They could care less about the Bucs or the rest of us…they come here thinking they are showing their NFL knowledge….to which I simply have to go bwaaahaaahhaaa.
Now I can’t really pick on Lakeland because anybody stuck living in Lakeland the warehouse of Florida has my deepest sympathy.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:09 pm
@Broy
Call me crazy, but I dont think Smith will lose his job mid season.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Sapp speaks the truth. coach K is way over his head he is nothing more than a glorified qb coach. Just take a look at how Matt Ryan has developed since he escaped the wrath of Coach K. Same with coach Smith…look at how much better the Falcons D has gotten since he left. Both of the guys are laughing on the way to the bank. They cannot believe they actually got the jobs
October 27th, 2017 at 8:12 pm
Conte
That what u said IS my agruement. 4 coaches (and counting) in 7 years CAN NOT be the problem. Every defense in those are build around GMC and u know it’s not working. I can’t simply blame the suits AGAIN.
When u work at job w bad culture u terminate their supervisors(coaches and gm) those guys are new but the culture still sucks. I fire them and hire new bosses. If the problem is still there in know what? I’m going after the employees ( captains)
It’s common sense ppl
October 27th, 2017 at 8:14 pm
I believe that when we fire this coaching staff This will NOT fix a thing. We will be trying to fire the 5th coach looking for a 6th
October 27th, 2017 at 8:16 pm
I would like Gummy Bears on my ice cream. And since we’re at it….a hooker to sock up please!
October 27th, 2017 at 8:21 pm
Today I learned Warren Sapp calls Gerald McCoy “GMC”.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:38 pm
Lol fans with Rose-Colored glasses crack me up.
Y’all can keep running on false-hope if you want. I’m done expecting good things from something that rarely ever puts out anything good. That is just faulty logic.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:39 pm
I would to remind ppl that GMC always calls out the coaches. Like almost every year.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Bray43tmaxineedstostay
Schiano had all star talent on d. Revis, gholson, banks,barron are better tHan what we have
David Foster and Black are NOT better than what we had
Bennet, gmc, miller, clayborn are better
This didn’t even work either in a BETTER scheme than today. Raheem didn’t have an ounce of talent yet we went 10 and 6. THE GMC INJURY. So I’m a hard sell. U can’t tell me GMC is not a problem. It’s right in your face and yall being brainwashed. Gmc is a great player and mega talent. Gmc is good for him and the position. Gmc is not good for the Buccaneers.
A type of guy/player like Hump/JW is an example of a player that is good for the Buccaneers.
October 27th, 2017 at 8:55 pm
I’m tired and 87 is right Says:
October 27th, 2017 at 7:36 pm
Meanwhile Jags just added more depth to their Dline for only a sixth round pick! They got Marcel Dareus from the Bills. WTF!
Funny.
The Bill’s GM just made a smart move and dumped an over-paid, underperforming DT and you think the Jags are smart.
Check MD99’s career stats and see that he has about 50 more tackles and about 10 fewer sacks in 7 years, opposed to GMC’s 8 years.
Come on Licht…..trade the Cancer93 for a 3-4 round pick and watch this defense get better.
GMC is a little crybaby Biotch.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:00 pm
@St Pete – you are correct that offensive front and gameplanners will target specific guys to double and triple team. But no offensive line worth its weight can afford to target the same guy every snap – the redundancy alone would kill an offense.
What Sapp is saying is that in film review with Rod Marinelli that they would identify certain alignments that an offense would run that would allow Sapp one-on-one at least a few times a game depending on down and distance, formation, situational football in a nutshell.
GMC isn’t getting that – by running 3-4 fronts, they are taking what Gerald does best and basically asking him to occupy blockers.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:10 pm
Sapp making a play to get hired before Simeon does.
He be needin’ the money.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:13 pm
Oh another locker room cancer Darius could of been had for year 2034 7th round pick . I get the talent. Adding Darius to this fire is a death sentence for Licht
October 27th, 2017 at 9:17 pm
Can’t believe that there are 66 comments on this piece & not a single fan mentioned anything about Sapp & GMC’s relationship. Since they talk continuously, GMC obviously trusts confiding in Sapp & values his advice (or they wouldn’t keep talking). Any relationship based on confidentiality (like theirs is I presume) only works if BOTH keep their discussions private. This is the first time I can remember Sapp going public with his conversations with GMC. Personally, if I were GMC I’d be pissed. No doubt in my mind that he’s extremely frustrated, and he should be.
I have no doubts that Smitty is pulling out ALL THE STOPS trying to come up with various DLine personnel combinations & ‘schemes’ to (1) get pressure on opposing QBs; and (2) do better stopping the run. I also have no doubts that NOTHING seems to be working. Y’all (and Joe now apparently) can throw the defensive coaching staff, led by Smitty, under the bus if you want, but my conclusion is that they’ve been given marginal talent (at best) to work with. That, combined with a too soft training camp & mounting injuries makes Smitty’s job near impossible IMO. Hiding 1 defensive weakness is hard in the NFL … hiding several is impossible. Bucs only real chance IMO to finish with a respectable season is for our offense to put up AT LEAST 30-35 pts/game, control the TOP, and win the turnover battle.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:22 pm
doosh…..go back and read Contes post. I think he has the perfect rebuttal why you solution is bad.
If McCoy could be here as straight DT and not forced into this leaders hi
role we would be fine.
I’m starting to understand and agree slightly with the GMC haters but the only thing I disagree with is that cutting him is some sort of answer.
This organization has completely dropped the ball on not identifying and filling the need to get a true leader for our Dline……….I think they made a half azzed effort to bring Ayers in to create some fire on our line but that was another mistake because our defensedoesn’t suit him at all.
Don’t blame McCoy because the front office built the line around him. Blame the FO for viewing him as some kind of transcendent leader which he clearly has never and will never be.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Posted By: Scott Reynolds on: October 26, 2015
It was the Collapse At The Capital – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blowing a 24-0 first half lead at Washington only to lose 31-30 in the final seconds of the game.
I’ve seen enough.
I know you have.
This Buccaneers team can’t finish.
Let’s hope the Glazers have seen enough, too, and decide to finish the Lovie Smith era – and quickly.
I wonder if energetic offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter could inject more life into the Buccaneers as an interim head coach than the stoic Smith has, and get this team to be more aggressive. I’d like to see him have the chance.
The problem isn’t necessarily the talent. The Bucs scouting department has had two very good drafts that have produced seven starters, and has unearthed some gems in young, undrafted defensive ends Jacquies Smith and Howard Jones, who have combined for seven sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for touchdowns, in addition to undrafted wide receiver Donteea Dye, who caught a touchdown on his first NFL reception at Washington. General manager Jason Licht and pro personnel director Jon Robinson need to stay put and keep acquiring talent.
Something isn’t right at One Buccaneer Place. There is complacency in losing close games because Tampa Bay is 4-11 in games decided by eight points or less under Smith.
Smith is in charge of getting those things cleaned up and he’s failed. The Bucs’ 2-4 record this year is proof of that, and a murder’s row of upcoming games against Atlanta, the New York Giants, Dallas, Philadelphia and Indianapolis will make this a November not to remember in Tampa Bay.
This is Scott Reynolds calling for Lovie Smith job after a 2-4 start in 2015
Well the Bucs are 2-4 now
Who job is he calling for now?
October 27th, 2017 at 9:28 pm
@ ST PETE
What Sapp is talking about are stunts that failed miserably.Check out pewter report where they highlight some plays.Some were on three man fronts.Some of the huge holes created for Tyrod Tyler were the result of these alignments with Beckwith at DE.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:35 pm
edit:
Tyrod Taylor
October 27th, 2017 at 9:36 pm
defense rules……..How can you say Smith is doing all he can? Several of the games this season featured a straight 4 man rush that was wildly in effective yet we play straight 4 man wire to wire. Better coaching finds a way to adjust and has its players ready to mix it up if needbe………….But this defense trots out the same tired scheme that has no ability to adjust.
Another thing that drives me crazy is how poor we are in third and long………Since Smith has been here we have given up 3rd and long plays at a horrible rate……Lots of times even with 3rd and 15 plus. The problem is a lot of team will always blitz on these plays because of how long it takes run that long a route……….We have ben pathetic on these plays since Smith got here yet we continue to not blitz. It’s not working and Smith isn’t adjusting……..I fail to see where he is doing everything he can
October 27th, 2017 at 9:51 pm
Some of yall need to quit with this worry about our track re or of hiring a new HC every two years……It needs to be put in context that this franchise has lacked any ability to build a quality football team since McKay left.
How many coaches did Mark Dominick hire? Now you look back in retrospect and realize the franchise was unable to bring in talent…….Just go back and look at all the off-season moves we made during those years and you would be hard pressed to convince anybody that any HC we had between McKay and Licht was given enough talent to win with.
The rotating door of coaches we had were walking into a losing situation…….To me those years bear no relevance to this current team. I see a lot of talent on this team and there are no excuses this time………If this staff can’t figure out how to get this team winning they just ain’t that good………..There darn sure aren’t no reason we should be getting our doors blown in by Arizona and minnesota…. There’s no chance our talent level is so bad that we can’t compete with average teams like that
October 27th, 2017 at 9:53 pm
The Bucs has lost their last 3 games by a combined 13 points, and I haven’t heard a peep from Scott Reynolds.
October 27th, 2017 at 9:54 pm
JimmyJack, from what I’ve seen (and I’m certainly no expert) haven’t seen much ‘straight 4-man wire-to-wire’ this season. Bucs have tried the 3-4 alignment quite a bit IMO, but it flat isn’t working either. I think Smitty & his staff have made quite a few ‘adjustments’ but the talent isn’t there IMO. Baker & McDonald TOGETHER have only played as many snaps as GMC. None of the DEs are getting to the QB … or even sniffing the QBs. Worse than that, they’re containment has been marginal at best, and guys aren’t getting off blocks. I’ve seen LBs dropping back into coverage far deeper than I can remember in past years. I’m convinced that this highly experienced coaching staff is pulling out their hair trying to figure out how to turn this thing around. But IMO, between the injuries, soft training camp, bad breaks early in the season, and marginal talent at several key positions there’s only so much coaches can ‘scheme’ to fix the problems.
October 27th, 2017 at 10:25 pm
Defense,
I won’t begin to argue against better players. Or that for the past couple years JL has “bet” on players returning to the line up after injuries in the prior season. Only to have those players injured in the current season. It’s part of problem with the defense.
But scheme is without question creating it’s own special kind of succatitude. Especially, if it is at it appears to be which is a scheme adapted for a particular set of game goals. I can’t separate the issues that are scheme from those that are goals then scheme.
October 27th, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Yeah defense…..I’m no expert either. I don’t record games and study film. I do record them for rainy days but delete losses, no reason to relive torture.
So I’m just going on memory and obviously can’t remember every playcall but I don’t recall seeing hardly any 3-4 sets except against Buffalo……..which I’m guessing had more to do with playing a mobile QB….not about providing passrush. But it’s not just about 3-4 or 4-3…..why not drop a lineman back in coverage once in a while and spread out? My guess is that we have no players trained to do that. Or how about we throw a few more blitzes into the equation? I can honestly say that i can’t recall a CB blitz ever with this defense. Again, I’m not re watching and studying so maybe I’m missing something but I’m sure I’m not missing that much because when I do specifically look for it all I’m serving is steady r man rush and it rarely am I seeing it work effectively.
Now, I do vividly recall one specific drive where I directly blame Smith’s defensive play calling and that was the very first drive against the Cardinals……..the drive where Adrian Peterson got the ball 7 times(I believe it was 7) and each time run for a massive chunk of yards. Each play our linebackers were backpedaling and were never in a position to support the run.
It’s understandable that our game plan took our LBs out of the box there, since Arizona plays a passheavy offense, but it’s inexcusable to stay in the same defense the whole way down the field and just let it happen. That’s tells me that Smith completely overlooked Peterson and gave Arians no credit that he would try it. I don’t know how you view that but I see it as Mike Smith getting schooled………..And why Dirk doesn’t burn a Timeout there to let his defense regroup is also a mistake. He just let it happen
October 27th, 2017 at 10:34 pm
You can hate him, but until this unit proves him wrong…Sapp is right!
October 27th, 2017 at 10:35 pm
And if Smith is going to refuse to run blitz heavy from ti e to time he absolutely needs to start running it on 3rd and long…………These are some of the easiest plays to defend and I don’t care how miserable the talent level is.
I’d love to see somebody analyz the stats on that and unless this is some kind of new trend in the NFL where teams are now able to convert 3rd and long more often it’s a near guarantee that Smith’s defense is the worst in the league on 3rd and long.
I also pay close attention and very little blitz pressure on these. These plays are absolutely demoralizing and that can’t be any good for breeding a winner’s mentality on D
October 27th, 2017 at 10:43 pm
And if somebody can tell me what make Mike Smith’s defense any different then Lovies I’d greatly appreciate it.
I only say that because it looks the same to me. If that’s true it just goes to show how horrible a hire Mike Smith was. Lovies scrub defense didn’t work because it’s predicated on getting pressure to the QB with only 4 guys………It was an absolute failure because our front 4 couldn’t get a push………Now it seems to me like Mike Smith is relying o the same exact thing.
Am I just out of my mind here or is this guy playing primary 4 man pressure with soft zone…….The exact same defense that got the last guy fired
October 27th, 2017 at 10:46 pm
But he’s “Beasting”?…
October 27th, 2017 at 10:56 pm
Marcell Darius just got traded from bills to jags for a 6th round pick. WTF! Why r we not in on that???????
October 27th, 2017 at 11:07 pm
I sick of everybody crying about the negativity, Were 2-4 and staring at 2-5 and the season being over. It’s a negative situation its our job as fans to call out the people responsible. Jason Licht i’m talking about you.
October 27th, 2017 at 11:08 pm
Daraus would have to change to to de to come here.
October 27th, 2017 at 11:11 pm
LOL
October 27th, 2017 at 11:18 pm
hahaha….GOAT. No sense in getting upset that a Lineman got traded and we didn’t get him. Maybe go to the Bills or Jags website if you wanna know why.
No telling what happens behind closed doors bro.
October 28th, 2017 at 12:55 am
Considering they pay him about 2 million per sack, fans should expect more from this guy. McCoy was manhandled last week by the Bills’ OL. I’m willing to bet 90% of fans of the NFL can’t name one player on that OL.
October 28th, 2017 at 1:29 am
@T Max: That was as soft as toilet tissue!…and I know why! It’s about to be a jail-break! TAKE A KNEE….KEEP AMERICA FREE!!
October 28th, 2017 at 4:23 am
As if trying everything you can is enough to keep your job, even when you’re the worst at your job. Wow
October 28th, 2017 at 6:45 am
As a winking pirate fan my yearly saying is and has been
“There’s always next year” as the trade deadline looms
I’d trade Martin for a DE we have way more weapons on
Offense to hide a missing run game but can’t hide the fact
That we only have ONE good lineman…..
October 28th, 2017 at 9:29 am
its a..Rough..Hard life being a Bucs fan. Praying, Hoping, Wishing..Every GD Sunday your team will..luck up and win one. Thank God for…Makers Mark!!!
October 28th, 2017 at 10:28 am
@fanalyzer and Bob
Thanks for those thoughtful responses. Gives me more insight.
October 28th, 2017 at 10:56 am
Atlanta was known to be physically and mentally soft under M Smith !!!
Koetter is enameled with his knowledge but it’s obvious he is an assistant not a leader type guy and the D is 100 percent his !!!
Nice Guy but Licht has to let him Go , I mean there is nothing good on this D !!
October 28th, 2017 at 1:33 pm
To Sapp’s point, the coaches job must be to put their players in a position to succeed. It was clear earlier this week that GMC does not believe that is happening. As an all-pro, multi-Pro Bowl player that every offensive coordinator has to gameplan for, are the coaches really maximizing his ability to be a game wrecker? When offenses don’t have to worry about any defensive ends on our roster, they will ultimately double and triple Gerald and take their chances betting on their tackles to hold up.
With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the coaching staff should Center their defensive game plan around #93 & #54 while Kwon gets back into game form. I would even play with the idea of letting Beckwith rushing on 3rd down with his hand in the dirt to keep the best 11 on the field.
The coaches say these are the players but that’s no excuse not to be pathetic in the game planning.