10 Things To Watch Against The Saints
September 9th, 2018
(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com)
*START FAST!!!! The Bucs averaged eight points per game in the first halves of games last season — combined with allowing the most points in the first quarter in the NFL. Fix it!! And elect to receive if you get the chance, Coach.
*Forty-six players on each roster are active on game days, will Noah Spence be one of them? The roster free fall of the 2016 second-round pick has been well documented. A deactivation today would signal rock bottom.
*All eyes on the Bucs’ big investment on offense this offseason: Ryan Jensen. He’s healthy and ready, and on Wednesday, Joe talked to him 1-on-1 about showing his nasty mentality of an every-down, play-through-the-whistle player — all game long. That’s Jensen at his best. Will that show up? Will he maul in the running game? Jensen said he doesn’t feel like the new guy because it’s been such a smooth transition since arriving in March.
*Donovan Smith’s knee might not be 100 percent and a knee injury like he had the past two weeks is no friend of a full game on turf. The knock on Smith is that he takes a play off here and there. Will he get spent — physically and mentally — late in the game?
*Might the Bucs blitz more — and show blitz — to get Alvin Kamara to stay back in protection? You must watch the Derrick Brooks video below (The new TAMPA TWO show) where he breaks that down and makes great points.
*DeSean Jackson returning punts. He wants to do it and he’s the best guy the Bucs have at the task, certainly the most dangerous. Joe sure hopes he gets a shot. Why hold him back? Hopefully, the revamped Bucs defense forces a few punts.
*Yes, Michael Thomas is the Saints stud receiver, but Tedd Ginn is experienced and dangerous and is the kind of versatile speed threat that easily could give a rookie cornerback fits. News of no Brent Grimes had to have Sean Payton drooling last night.
*Let’s go, Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David. You’re healthy. You’re Pro Bowlers. You’re experienced young veterans in your primes. You have to play like it in this game. No more excuses.
*Will rookie Ronald Jones get any carries? The number of carries he gets today might really show what the Bucs’ brass thinks of him at this stage in his development.
*Joe might cover his eyes when Chandler Catanzaro lines up to kick. Please, football gods, please end this curse.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:36 am
Players wasn’t prepared to play. They were more concern about how they look, dress etc.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:37 am
If you give Dirk advice on how to win he will do the opposite.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:39 am
If this happens I have no issue with labeling him a bust from here on out. I know one of the Joe’s don’t knock a guy because of injury, but we can’t keep clinging on to how he looked two years ago. Jac Smith looked great too and look where he’s at.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:48 am
check zillow…dirk and smitty both have already put their homes up for sale
September 9th, 2018 at 9:52 am
I’m sure bucs are Tennessee Ready!!!!
Saints 52
Bucs 9
September 9th, 2018 at 9:53 am
also worth noting:
how will the Bucs do in the 11-20 yard part of Red Zones? that’s like a Bermuda Triangle for the offense in the past two years where drives disappear. If we can make it first-and-goal the Bucs have done better getting TDs, but if we’re at the 14 yard line I am not watching the game at that point.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:54 am
Don’t bet on the bucs winning today. The defense was at the strip club last night.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:01 am
My keys for the Bucs to beat the Aints today…..1. Gotta get the run game going so we don’t become one-dimensional. This is Peyton Barbers chance to shine! 2. Gotta use the TE’s effectively and often. Brate and O.J. Howard need to have big days both in receiving and in blocking for the aforementioned Peyton Barber! And 3. The pass rush has got to take some pressure off our depleted secondary and find ways to get into Drew Brees face and throwing lanes! McCoy, JPP and Curry need penetration and disruption to keep one of the best QB,s in the game from being able to just sit in the pocket and pick them apart! It also wouldn’t hurt to see a couple of big plays from the Bucs WR’s too!
This game is winnable for the Bucs, but they are going to need to EXECUTE to get it done! GO BUCS!!!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:04 am
Another thing to watch is the ever changing scoreboard today in the Saints favor.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:06 am
Go Bucs! “You can dooo eeeet”
September 9th, 2018 at 10:10 am
Brent Grimes was getting roasted all camp long. I’m not sure if he is the difference maker he is being made out to be. Hopefully his absence will cause Mike Smith to play allot more press coverage.
The Bucs DLine and OLine is where this game will be won or lost.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:16 am
Brees gets the ball out to quick to blitz most of the time
The more I read predictions for well one there more stupid supposed experts seem. Am I the only one who finds it odd people are saying definitively what kamara will do this game based on what he did last year? I mean Cadillac Williams was rookie of the year too.
We’re without Brent groomed but it would take one injury to kamara or one of their receivers to shut down their entire offense. People think this guy is going to run wild and I just don’t get it. Pass rush might be suspect but run defense? Thinking Brees will have a big day ok I can see that one but I just think there will be a lot of disappointed people today and they won’t be bucs fans
September 9th, 2018 at 10:16 am
I just hope all the @sswipe clown “fans” who have been spouting constant negativity about the team this week leading up to the 1st game of the season – are nowhere to be found in about 6 hours because the Bucs are coming home with a great effort and a WIN under their belts….
GO BUCS!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:21 am
My keys for the Bucs to beat the Aints today…..1. Gotta get the run game going so we don’t become one-dimensional. This is Peyton Barbers chance to shine! 2. Gotta use the TE’s effectively and often. Brate and O.J. Howard need to have big days both in receiving and in blocking for the aforementioned Peyton Barber! And 3. The pass rush has got to take some pressure off our depleted secondary and find ways to get into Drew Brees face and throwing lanes! McCoy, JPP and Curry need penetration and disruption to keep one of the best QB,s in the game from being able to just sit in the pocket and pick them apart! A few “explosive” plays from Evans/Jackson/Godwin wouldn’t hurt either,
GO BUCS!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:25 am
Saints win 34-13.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:32 am
“Let’s go, Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David.”
If our revamped D-line can actually stand people up this year, Kwon and David will have a field day filling gaps!!
Geax Bucs!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:41 am
What Pickgrin just said!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:45 am
Get michael thomas & brees today & saints D the jason licht era begins its final days starting at 1
September 9th, 2018 at 10:46 am
While BG24 being out of the game hurts for today’s game, It could be better for the team in the long run!!!!! With a pulled hamstring, he could be out until after the early bye week!!!!! And the way this year is building up, with the roster being a work in progress, Starting the new young crew is the way to go!!!!!!!! The Bucs will be better for it in the back half of the year!!!!!!!
Will the pass rush be good enough?????? I don’t think it is, leaving Coach Smitty to be more aggressive and bring the blitz more than they want to on 3rd downs!!!! It will put much pressure on the secondary!!!!!! Also about GMC93, last time he sacked Drew Brees was on September 20th, 2015!!!!!!! That was just about 3 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!
#trust the coaches!!!!! Fix the “real” problem!!!!!! The roster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:51 am
Can’t comprehend the mind of a hater. What did you guys do with yourselves before the advent of social media and websites like joebucs? My guess is you went to the sleaziest gin joint in town, found the slurred speaking drooler at the end of the bar, pulled up a stool and shared inebriated anecdotes about how the world had done you wrong—all the while blaming others for your miserable lives … Add countless “he sucks-she sucks” to the narrative and Voila! There you have it!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:52 am
Seriously the majority of commenters on JBf these days are just the most miserable human beings.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:58 am
The offense will score. It’s the defense I am worried about with the injuries , especially Brent grimes.
Dang Ryan smith should not be allowed on the field.
September 9th, 2018 at 10:59 am
For Spence, is it his shoulder, his effort or is he just not bright enough? I haven’t seen enough of him to tell.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:01 am
i dont get all the negative people on this site. iv been a buc fan since 1976 and have always rooted for them to win and felt we could win any game on any given sunday. its a game the ball bounces funny sometimes,underdoges have great games sometimes. are these posters really buc fans. it makes me sick to read there garbage. i will keep reading J.B.F articles but im done with the comment section. sorry to the true buc fans but i cant stand these team traders anymore.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:03 am
The good mood is teetering on the brink but a Bucs win will revive that feeling big time. Against all odds a win today would be huge. I gotta let some air out of these tires.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:11 am
I watched Bucs QB of 2020 light it up
September 9th, 2018 at 11:11 am
Tua
September 9th, 2018 at 11:14 am
Pressure Brees and establish a credible run game are keys vs. the Ain’ts.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:19 am
Forget starting fast. What good does that do if you still lose the game? The bucs need to go back to the old mindset of playing for sixty minutes. Just because you get down early, it does not mean the game is over. Stay mentally tough and play for sixty minutes. Starting fast is about as irrelevant as double digit sack guy.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:23 am
I think the Saints defense will be their strength this season.
Saints 27
Bucs 10
September 9th, 2018 at 11:28 am
It is now time to punch the guy across from you in the mouth again and again and again. No more talk, no more planning, the time is now to execute. Both side of the ball, play after play for the full 60 minutes. Wins do not and never will come from talk, wins only come with action.
Go! BUCS!
34-17
HUGE BUCS WIN!
September 9th, 2018 at 11:29 am
Seriously the majority of commenters on JBf these days are just the most miserable human beings.
Because we are TRUE fans of a truly MISERABLE team and will not accept losing and excuses as easy as you delusional optimists living in denial.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:32 am
Ronald Jones inactive
September 9th, 2018 at 11:32 am
Like everyone I am hoping for a win. But to me just as important is how we play.
If we look dramatically improved but lose on a last second field goal or turnover I’ll be frustrated. But if we don’t even show up and it’s clear we don’t deserve to be on the same field as N.O. that will be deeply disturbing! I do not expect this to happen however. I think our talent HAS been improved and unlike many here I have respect for our coaching staff.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:32 am
No Ronald Jones
September 9th, 2018 at 11:33 am
???
September 9th, 2018 at 11:37 am
What’s wrong with jones how come he’s a healthy scratch
September 9th, 2018 at 11:38 am
What does this mean for our #38 draft pick in the future? Will the coaching staff be able to coach him up?
September 9th, 2018 at 11:40 am
@web
When people say “start fast” they typically mean score more points in the first quarter – not tempo
js
September 9th, 2018 at 11:40 am
Jeagan1999 … Your 3 keys to winning are spot on, but there are a couple of others that are equally important IMO. For one, controlling the clock (that’s where the running game & high-percentage short passing game can really make a difference). Goal: keep Drew Brees off the field (would love to see the Bucs get 35 mins TOP). And secondly, win the turnover battle. Bucs did a great job on ball security in preseason; now they need to carry that into the regular season. Turnovers are the kiss of death against teams like the Saints (Brees knows how to capitalize on miscues).
September 9th, 2018 at 11:41 am
I believe the Bucs are a better team and u guys are 100% right this is not an easy game okay my bold predictions drew Bree’s will get sacked 3 x yes but will get two tds but Fitzpatrick dose as well in the fourth quarter drew Brees throws what he thinks is the game winning rd but with 2 mins left d Jax gets a kick return for a td and in the last mins that third sack will be a sack fumble Bucs win 21-14
September 9th, 2018 at 11:49 am
1st round pick – inactive
2nd round pick – inactive
3rd round pick – inactive
5th round pick – active
Excellent job in late rounds
September 9th, 2018 at 11:49 am
I think we’ll see the JPP difference today. He and GMC will feast on Brees! Curry too.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:50 am
Oops Watson inactive my bad. Good draft
September 9th, 2018 at 11:52 am
Ronald Jones is the 3rd string RB behind Barber and Rodgers. The 3rd string RB is always a healthy scratch ( unless he play on ST).
September 9th, 2018 at 11:53 am
Ronald Jones missing his first NFL game makes my stomach gurgle loudly! I know it’s super early in his career but a not so great preseason and getting scratched for the first game can’t bode well for our 2018 2nd round pick. That said Peyton Barber gets to play the savior role this week. Go get ‘em Barber! Go Bucs!
September 9th, 2018 at 11:54 am
@Lakeland oh is that so? My stomach has stopped gurgling. Thx for the insight.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:54 am
Alphabucfan Says:
September 9th, 2018 at 11:37 am
What’s wrong with jones how come he’s a healthy scratch
because he is simply just another in a LONG LONG list of failed buc high draft picks.
September 9th, 2018 at 11:55 am
SPBF
One more hour…..
Wreak Havoc!
GO BUCS
September 9th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
@steelstudbuc wow u got it right I guess 2nd round M.J. Stewart, 2nd round Carlton davis and 3rd round Jordan Whitehead don’t count so yea you right great job Jason
September 9th, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Man… let’s go BUCS!!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
TBBF, I like your thinking. I think Bucs will win too … 28-24. Looking for Barber to have a huge game, as well as Godwin, DJax & OJ. Don’t know why folks are surprised that RoJo is inactive … he’s not ready for prime-time, plain & simple.
September 9th, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Reality-is-a-Beotch Says:
September 9th, 2018 at 11:29 am
Seriously the majority of commenters on JBf these days are just the most miserable human beings.
Because we are TRUE fans of a truly MISERABLE team and will not accept losing and excuses as easy as you delusional optimists living in denial.
…….
You sound like a loser errrr like you accept losing to me. That’s a loser mentality there guy. Every team upgrades every year. Bucs are 0-0 and your talking about you will not accept losing before the season even starts? Lol pathetic fans here complaining about losing before the game is played