Dirk Koetter Grades The Offensive Line And Implies Fans Aren’t Seeing The Whole Picture
November 16th, 2018
“Should I tell the people, Ali?”
The mastermind of the Bucs offense was talking offensive line this evening in a way that he hasn’t before.
Dirk Koetter actually slapped a grade on his front line and made it seem like there’s stuff happening behind the scenes that would make fans more sympathetic to their inconsistent play.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network, Koetter said the offensive line gets a C+ grade as a group for its performance against the Redskins.
That’s not the greatest grade, especially for a team that racked up more than 500 yards of offense. It’s not like the O-line made Ryan Fitzpatrick give the football away like it’s melting ice cones.
“They’re doing fine. There’s always room for improvement,” Koetter said of the O-line performance overall this season. “If people knew how hard those guys are playing and how much they sacrifice, they’d be impressed.”
Well, tell us, Coach. Tell us how hard the O-line is playing. That would be welcome chatter when multiple guys on the line do not always play to the whistle.
And Coach, tell us about this sacrifice. Let us be impressed. Maybe it would inspire people.
Derrick Brooks Talks Beating Eli, Red Zone Winning On Both Sides Of The Ball, And More
More Bucs juice delivered by everyone’s favorite Hall of Famer — and Hall of Fame voter. Presented by Caldeco Air Conditioning & Heating, it’s a new episode of TAMPA TWO with Derrick Brooks and Ira Kaufman produced by The Identity Tampa Bay and JoeBucsFan.com
Enjoy!
November 16th, 2018 at 5:28 pm
The offensive line is certainly better than last year – but that’s not saying much. It would be like next year someone saying the defense is playing better – well obviously they can’t be worse.
November 16th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
What about this Dirk Your Rb’s are getting their a$$es stomped in the ground and your C+ oline is sitting back watching talking about their next ping pong game…
November 16th, 2018 at 5:36 pm
Oh what do you know, Dirk Koetter spewing the same garbage he’s been spewing for 3 years.
I was sick of it after last year. How could the Glazers not see how ill-suited Dirk Koetter is to be a head coach after last year. But I don’t know ish now do I?
November 16th, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Please Dirk, you’re becoming even more delusional. This OL sucks so badly, it’s impossible to put into words. Just watch the film on Benenoch. He whiffs so badly it’s not funny. Then watch the last game and see how many times Donovan Smith got beat by the edge rusher. Puuulleeaasseee! But look at the bright side, DK…….Smith is getting really good at helping Fitz up off the ground after he gets sacked.
November 16th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
He embraces Mediocrity.
November 16th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
Great talent evaluators. Good grief. Accountability. Where is it?
November 16th, 2018 at 5:54 pm
I’m done with Dirk but what do you all expect him to say at this point?
Do you think he is going to publicly sell his guys out?
No he is trying to keep guys playing hard for him, not piss off the players who know he is out anyway and who know they might not be here next year.
Also I’m not sure you want to let an opposing D line know who is playing through some injuries, don’t let them smell the blood in the water.
Whatever I hope this is his last game as coach.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:24 pm
@denjoe … “He embraces Mediocrity.” LMAO denjoe. The visual on that is inspiring.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Who cares about the running game? The Bucs have zero issues moving the ball and getting 1st downs, there’s no issue with 3 and outs and having a tired defense, and there’s no way for the defense to even get tired when they give up a TD in 5 plays on every drive. The runningame is to keep drives alive, to make sure your defense isn’t getting tired and that’s a complete non-issue for the Bucs, thus the reason we do NOT need a running game.
In fact the best thing the Bucs could do is to STOP forcing the run, stop forcing the 1st down run up the middle on every first down of the first half. In the opening game we saw the Bucs NOT do what Dirk always does and run up the middle on 1st down on every series – and guess what, the running game was working fantastically well because people didn’t know what was coming. Well that was the case until with 8 mins to go Dirk shutdown the offense and demanded they just run it up the middle, which destroyed the average and nearly let the Saints back into the game.
But grrrr… we need to prove we are men and run it up the gut… grrrr….
You win by more points than the other guy, and up until 0-4 Fitz’s implosion last week the Bucs had no issues moving the ball or scoring points.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
This guy Koetter is pathetic. Always making excuses and that’s why this team is a perennial loser. Maybe he should consider a career as a social worker. He’s be great.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Here’s the problem. When Dirk was named HC he inherited a line that was at least a B+ rating. It’s was a young line too that was expected to get better. Under Dirk the line has gone downhill.
C+ is not success it is admitted failure.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:32 pm
Rod Munch…….Folks who understand what it takes to contend in the NFL care about a running game.
But feel free to show is how dumb we are and tell us about all the success one dimensional offenses have had
November 16th, 2018 at 6:34 pm
The problem without running is exactly what happens in the red zone. Also, no need to bring an extra safety so both are able to stay back, this negates the ball over the top.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:36 pm
We can’t see what the o line is doing because we are just too stoopid. Here all this time I thought it was about giving the qb time and make running lanes for the backs.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Tnew……..I get that vibe a lot from Dirk. More then once has he basically thrown the fans under the bus acting like are too inferior to have our opinions justified. That’s cool though. I listen to Gilmore and Bect on radio and both have a lot of problems with the play of our Oline………..I never heard anybody agree with the crap Dirk is spouting above. Maybe he is just smarter then all of us mere mortals.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:47 pm
These guys are so out of touch man. There is no sacrifice. They are making millions to play a game. Guys would sell their souls for that. LOL.
November 16th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
@Rod Munch
we, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, don’t need a run game….?
November 16th, 2018 at 7:14 pm
So much pain being a Bucs fan
November 16th, 2018 at 7:18 pm
so this to me might be the biggest problem with Dirk. I don’t really care how hard they are working at it. This is pro football… results are all that matter. They are pro’s and should work hard at their craft.
His is response sounds a lot like the “everyone should get a trophy” mentality. That is the only possible reason that someone like Caleb Benawhilesinceiblocked can maintain a starting position on this team. There is simply no way you can’t find a better G walking the streets of Tampa right now unless you are completely lazy. Totally unacceptable.
November 16th, 2018 at 7:23 pm
They are paid millions of dollars to play hard and sacrifice their bodies…
So cry me a freakin river.
Maybe I would give Ali, Jensen and Dotson a “C” Smith gets a “C-“, and Benenoch gets an “F”.
That does not average out to a C+ though, that’s for sure.
November 16th, 2018 at 7:23 pm
Sorry but the whole picture is a sh1t show. Dirk can’t see the burning forest through the trees. Sorry about the reference CA.
November 16th, 2018 at 7:53 pm
I am to the point where I am going to file 95% of what Koetter and Licht say to gibberish which a man trying to somehow save his job has to say in order to save face although usually such nonsense usually just lets us fans know how really bad things must be at One Buc and in the locker room. Its a sad situation, kind of like being a Jet or Brown fan but even worse because this team started the season with that short spark of life that fooled us fans into thinking the Bucs would be playing relevant ball after Thanksgiving but here we are again; debating about the draft order and firing the coach and GM before Thanksgiving. Its below average being a Bucs fan, we deserve more from the Glazers; too bad the Bucs could not have a guy like Vinik own the team. Heck even the Rays are in better shape than this bunch, they looked like they were gonna tank the season and lose 100 like KC, the Orioles and Chi Sox did but manned up and put up 90 wins and actually played good baseball against the BoSox and Yankmes for the most part after the 4-13 start. The Buc franchise is cursed.
November 16th, 2018 at 8:07 pm
Two words:
Jim Harbaugh
November 16th, 2018 at 8:11 pm
Nothing really to do with the OLine Joe, but after watching Derrick & Ira’s Tampa 2 a few minutes ago decided to look at the Giants & the Bucs from an INJURIES standpoint. Even though the Giants have a worse record (slightly), they’re considerably healthier than the Bucs. Our team is an unmitigated disaster from an injuries perspective. Here’s the breakdown of the 2 teams:
o IR: Giants – 8 … Bucs – 11 (didn’t know Shaun Wilson is now on IR)
o Doubtful: Giants – 0 … Bucs – 2 (LVD & Godwin most likely won’t play)
o Questionable: Giants – 3 … Bucs – 7
o Probable: Giants – 4 … Bucs – 2
Total on Current Injury List: Giants – 15 … Bucs – 22 (14 defense & 8 offense)
That’s not a pretty picture for a team that’s struggling right now, and that ends the season with 5 REALLY tough games. I know that ‘Next Man Up’ is the theme, and that injuries can’t be used as excuses, but danged, when players like Adarius Taylor, Javien Elliott & Isaiah Johnson get well over 50% of the defensive snaps and others like Devonte Bond & Andrew Adams get well over a third of the snaps, chances are you won’t win too many games. Maybe we should have anotehr article about how poorly the defense is playing and relook at why they’re giving up 40 PPG on the road.
November 16th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I See the whole picture clearly. 3-6. The only thing anyone in this league gives a …is wins.
November 16th, 2018 at 8:52 pm
“The offensive line will play much better this week…
Offensively the production will be similar to the first 2 games of the season when MONKEN was exclusively calling the plays
The ball will be out in 2 seconds and the off line wont have to hold their blocks as long and breakdown”
“BET THE OVER”
Kobe the greek Faker
November 16th, 2018 at 9:12 pm
I have been waiting three years for this line to improve in short yardage plays. We have not gotten any better just worse and worse.
I can care less about this moron of a coach giving our players a point curve because of sacrifice. The only grade I care about is the performance grade.
You have no ability to compete for 1 yard you will be worthy of a C.
November 16th, 2018 at 9:16 pm
Typos*
November 16th, 2018 at 9:24 pm
F Koetter. I hate to watch em’ lose but I damn sure hope they dont finish off the second half of the season and win just enough games to F us in the draft. Just think about it GLAZERS (if your reading this) about what I just said. It’s MF’N shame that here it is in the middle of November and the FANS of your TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS only have the God Dang draft to look forward to yet again. Really Steve/Lee I don’t think many of us gives a flying F what Koetter thinks of this sorry A$$ oline or the rest of team for that matter. F him
November 16th, 2018 at 9:39 pm
Don’t even blame the oline the whole team is garbage. Don’t worry we find a way to reach a low on Sunday
November 16th, 2018 at 9:48 pm
I don’t wanna talk draft in November. I’m sick of this sh**.
I’ve decided to go against all common sense and believe this team can go on a run. I have no logical to support my belief but I don’t care…..as a Buc fan I know how to handle a bitter defeat. I’ll give this team their last gasp, why not?
And I’ll put my money whey my mouth is and if we tear off three wins to send us into December I’ll drag myself to the den of depression and I’ll even buy the first round(limit 20).
November 16th, 2018 at 10:21 pm
Knoxville wake up bro…….. We get top 10 top 5 top 1 draft picks.
Been that way for most of 42 years.
Are you really going to think improving our draft stock by a few slots will turn the franchise around? You may need to explain that theory in detail bro.
Case in point………Go look at Saints drafts. They always have worse draft position but always out do us. Sorry dude but history blows your draft position argument to s**t
November 16th, 2018 at 10:27 pm
People get so focused on the first round it’s like they forget what the draft actually is……..,..hint…drafts have 7 rounds.
Round 1 is only a part of the process. The other six rounds are so much important then that one choice it’s not even funny.
And guess what? As soon as the first round is over draft position goes out the window.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:29 pm
I meant the other six rounds are collectively more important then round 1.
That’s because the draft is about building a team
November 16th, 2018 at 10:38 pm
Clown show.
November 16th, 2018 at 10:57 pm
Our O-line are decent pass blockers but they suck at run blocking. They can’t seem to be able to bend their knees to get their pad level under the defenders to drive with their legs. That’s why they pass block better because they can stand more erect. I would have them on that dummy sled every single practice. Barber is a capable RB if we can get some initial push at the line of scrimmage. How many times do we see any of our backs get stonewalled at the line of scrimmage? Too Many.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:12 pm
All I know is that I am getting ready to start Snowmobiling earlier than usual this yr.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Jean…….How can you say such a thing? How could you say you will put those guys on the sled everyday?
These guys have sacrificed so so much. It would be downright cruel to push them any harder!!
November 16th, 2018 at 11:15 pm
LOL…..SB say f**k this Tampa crap I’m outta here. Can’t blame ya bro
November 16th, 2018 at 11:35 pm
JimmyJack
oh the brutality lol
November 16th, 2018 at 11:37 pm
OK, now what is point of football?…
That’s right, to score more than the other team. No, you don’t win by getting more rushing yards, you don’t even win by getting more turnovers, you win by scoring more points.
Now I know people will say but you need a running game to score points.
Well the Bucs had a running game in 2015 – the 2nd best running game in football – and they scored less than they score now.
Well I know, it’s because the Bucs pass so much they get 3 and out’s all the time and the defense is spent… It’s like the reason the run and shoot failed…
Nope, that’s fake news, the Bucs literally have one of the best offenses in football when it comes to keeping drives alive.
But you have to run the football or people will think you’re girly, because unless you can run it up the gut on 1st down you’re not a man…
Well, was Dan Marino a man? I mean look at him, he has a chest full of hair, and he seemed pretty mainly to me.
Anywho if you’re going to say you MUST run the ball, kindly explain why, and how it makes a difference… Please avoid cliches, and don’t tell me that you have to run to score in the red zone. That is not true, you score by getting the ball across the line, it doesn’t matter if you pass or run it across the line, it counts the same. Just raming up the middle like you’re Mike Shula in 1999 isn’t how you win, take this offense and put it with those 97-2002 Bucs defenses and you have a dynasty on your hands – you know, unless you think you can only win by running the ball, but you know, the Bucs won the SB by running the ball, not because they had the best defense in the history of the game (which is backed up by stats – not hyperbole).
November 16th, 2018 at 11:38 pm
Hey JimmyJack………….:)
43 yrs of being the worst team in the NFL and me being there for every yr has soured me a bit.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:55 pm
Rod
When you have average QB play a running game can help level or even mask their deficiencies. Without it they get exposed.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:55 pm
Rod Munch you actually can win a game because of your rushing attack. You are wrong.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:56 pm
Rod Munch you also can win because of turnovers. Again, you are wrong.
November 16th, 2018 at 11:59 pm
Rod Munch our defenses have been tired in the first halves of games this year leading to blowouts………see Pittsburg, Bengals and Chicago games.
Again your wrong. Amazing
November 17th, 2018 at 12:02 am
Tod Much… ..we are the best offense at keeping drives alive? Check our turnover rate and get back to me on that one. You’re deadwrong
November 17th, 2018 at 12:04 am
Man I really tried to get in coach k’s corner through the season but the more he speaks and gives his 2 cents the more I want him gone…is that so wrong of me ?
November 17th, 2018 at 12:04 am
Dan Marino never won squat. Cept a hall of fame speech.
November 17th, 2018 at 12:09 am
We need to run the ball to keep the defense honest. The problem is we’re trying to run the open up the pass, when really we should pass to open up the run. Calling a run play is a wasted play before we establish our passing attack, that’s when our running attack is most effective
November 17th, 2018 at 12:59 am
Bucs Fan #7423
They pass so often in 3wide sets they try to run the ball while in pass protection, It’s not working. When any team is struggling the rule of thumb is to slow down the clock. To do that you need to dominate the time of possession. Learn to pound the ball, impose your will and control the trenches. You pound on a defense in the trenches by halftime you’re getting that push bringing the safeties downhill. get my drift?
November 17th, 2018 at 1:40 am
JimmyJack – You win games by scoring more points than the other guys – that’s literally the only way to win. Also you really think Dan Marino with the Bucs defense was loser, the Bucs only in 2002 by running the ball? Give me a break. Who is even the last RB to even win a Super Bowl MVP? Terrell Davis – 20 years ago. Meanwhile QB’s won how many MVP’s in that time? 13. Even a WR has got an MVP since the last time a RB did. Your thinking is outdated. You do not have to run the ball to have success, it’s not 1968.
Bucs Fan #7423 – I agree with you on that at least, the Bucs should pass to open up the run, instead of Dirk’s moronic approach of just running up the gut to meet a quota. The first game of the season was a perfect example, the Saints had no idea what was coming – they were completely off balance – and the Bucs ran the ball effectively when they did run it. Well until Dirk shutdown the offense with 8 mins left to “protect the lead” and just ran it up the gut for no gain and nearly let the Saints back into the game.
November 17th, 2018 at 1:45 am
Trench War – Tampa is 11th in time of possession this year.
In 2015 when they were 2nd in rushing they were 26th in time of possession.
November 17th, 2018 at 2:12 am
Rod
We’re not wearing out the trenches, so the enemy is just pinning their ears back against us with their pass rush. We need to impose our will, and push our weight on them to wear their butts out. By the second half by wearing them down we could control the clock at will. Which in turn helps keep the defense off the field. Yes, you can treat a passing game like a running game by using clock management but with the passing game the offensive line is not beating up on the defense. If you control the trenches, you control the game.
November 17th, 2018 at 2:35 am
I guess Dirk is watching without his glasses on. No way the o line gets a C anything. F is what I give them. D. Smith TRASH, R. Jensen TRASH, C Benenoch REALLY BAD TRASH, D. Dotson STARTING TO SMELL LIKE TRASH, and A. Marpet SMELLS LIKE ROSES. There’s only one guy on that line that deserves a pay check and that’s A. Marpet.
November 17th, 2018 at 5:49 am
Rod … You’re exactly right … Scoring more points than your opponent will win every single time. THAT is the name of the game. Oh and NOT allowing your opponent to score as many points as you do … THAT also is the name of the game. Wow, one might come to the conclusion that BOTH offense AND defense are important to winning.
The New Orleans Saints, over these past 5 years, provide a fascinating illustration of the validity of BOTH notions.
o 2014 … Record: 7-9 … PPG Scored: 25.1 (#9) … PPG Allowed: 26.5 (#28)
Total YPG: 411 (#1) … Rushing YPG: 114 (#13) … Passing YPG: 298 (#3)
o 2015: … Record: 7-9 … PPG Scored: 25.5 (#8) … PPG Allowed: 29.8 (#32)
Total YPG: 404 (#2) … Rushing YPG: 93 (#24) … Passing YPG: 311 (#1)
o 2016: … Record: 7-9 … PPG Scored: 29.3 (#2) … PPG Allowed: 28.4 (#31)
Total YPG: 426 (#2) … Rushing YPG: 109 (#16) … Passing YPG: 317 (#1)
o 2017: … Record: 11-5 … PPG Scored: 28.0 (#4) … PPG Allowed: 20.4 (#10)
Total YPG: 391 (#1) … Rushing YPG: 129 (#5) … Passing YPG: 262 (#5)
o 2018: … Record: 8-1 … PPG Scored: 36.7 (#1) … PPG Allowed: 25.8 (#23)
Total YPG: 414 (#5) … Rushing YPG: 127 (#8) … Passing YPG: 287 (#7)
I know Rod, lots of boring statistics. But the year-to-year comparisons do show a several interesting things. For one, it’s REALLY TOUGH to consistently pass your way to victory. Look at the Saints 7-9 records in 2014, 2015 & 2016 … awesome passing attack but mediocre rushing attack. They gave up a little passing in 2017 & 2018 in favor of more BALANCE (better running game) and voila … their record improved.
For another, it wasn’t JUST more emphasis on rushing in 2017 & 2018; it’s also been more focus on creating a better defense. Saints defense dramatically improved last year over what it was in 2014-2016; and again voila … their record improved. It’s this old-fashioned concept of BALANCE in how you BUILD AND OPERATE a TEAM that makes all the difference. This year’s Bucs are essentially the New Orleans Saints of 2014-2016 … without DREW BREES.
November 17th, 2018 at 7:53 am
We not only should have a running attack, but a combination of two running backs like Ingram and Kamara adds a new dimension to any offense and makes the defense have to account for them. In the last game our running backs were
nearly a third of our offense. Execution at critical times is the issue with the offense not scoring.
November 17th, 2018 at 11:45 am
Don’t sell us fans short there Brother Dirk. We clearly see the..Whole Picture.
And YOU…..ain’t in it come 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 17th, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Rod nobody’s arguing that the goal is to score more point then your opponent. No ideal where you going with that. Also nobody is talking SuperBowl MVPs in here except you…..again, no ideal what your point really is, but whatever it is I am certain your are wrong. Because you usually are.
November 17th, 2018 at 2:02 pm
I forgot who said it but I maybe Tampa should get a president of football operations. I cant understand how the Glazers can watch this mess unfold under their watch. It’s like the fans wanna win more than the owners. Do they care that we on pace for the worst defense in the NFl history and we’re known for being a defensive team
November 17th, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Dirk Koetter’s grades are bs. Anything Koetter does is BS. Get his sorry @ss out of town. Put his stuff in a box along with his pink slip. Can Koetter! Fireeeee Licht!
November 17th, 2018 at 8:16 pm
Just more garbage talk from a dead man walking!!
November 17th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
Defense Rules – While it’s hard to take anything you say seriously when you thought this would be a good defense with Chris Conte and Ryan Smith starting, I do appreciate stats – they’re great and it makes for something to talk about. Seriously, that’s a great argument you posted.
So what you’re saying is that because the they ran the ball it made their defense better… however what I’d say is that because their defense wasn’t as awful as it normally is they didn’t have to pass as much.
It literally makes no difference if you run or throw the ball if time of possession and turnovers aren’t out of whack. Just because you pass the ball does not mean you turn the ball over, turnovers generally happen from trying to get back into a game when the defense has you down by 21 points in the 2nd quarter. What exactly does running up the middle for 0.8 yards get you? Nothing, you just punt sooner in the season.
But anywho going back to the Saints, they were #5 in rushing AND #5 in passing – how is that abandoning the passing game to run the ball? They didn’t. The Saints actually got good defense play for once and were able to run the ball because they didn’t have to outscore everyone. You, as a defensive minded guy, should appreciate that.