Need Points? Fix Run Game
June 19th, 2019
Need more production.
The offense wasn’t the problem with the Bucs last year.
Running the ball was the problem.
Joe decided to dabble in a bit of research last night. Almost on cue as Joe was looking at rushing numbers, Joe heard thunderclaps outside his home office window. Immediately, Joe received an alert from a weather app there was lightning in the area.
Yeah, even the gods are angry at what the Bucs tried to pass off as a running game.
The Bucs were 12th in the NFL in points. Not too bad but with the worst sieve of mankind of a defense, they needed more. The Bucs were 10th in the NFL in touchdowns scored (49).
But here is where the Bucs fell off the cliff. The Bucs had a grand total of 11 rushing touchdowns (three by quarterbacks). That was tied for third-worst. Of the bottom 11 teams in rushing touchdowns, none made the playoffs.
The team with the fewest rushing touchdowns to make the playoffs? The Eagles had 12. Six of the top-10 teams in rushing touchdowns made the playoffs. Only five teams with less than 16 touchdowns made the playoffs.
So the way Joe sees it, aside from trying to improve a truly brutal defense, the Bucs offense should be shooting for 16 rushing touchdowns if the team hopes to play meaningful games in January.
June 19th, 2019 at 5:32 am
Its just as important to fix the run blocking and or scheme, IMO. That said there
were quality running backs available that we passed on in recent years.
June 19th, 2019 at 5:36 am
JOE –YOU ARE RIGHT ON THE MONEY!!!l LICHT AND BA BETTER HAVE A SOLID PLAN TO ADD A QUALITY RUNNER AND AT LEAST ONE QUALITY PLAYER TO BOTH LINES —OR IT WILL BE A LONG DISMAL SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 19th, 2019 at 5:50 am
Wow!!!
Dang, you’re RIGHT!!!
Since you have press access, Joe, PLEASE inform BA that he MUST focus on and fix the run game. I bet it will be news to him and he’ll be grateful for you pointing out the obvious (that he surely hasn’t yet considered).
Changing Bucs history will be your gift to all us long-suffering fans, Joe. Thank you! Because Arians has never demonstrated a solid track record of fixing problems and modifying schemes to leverage roster talent.
And while you’re counseling in his ear, tell him we need to make a couple moves yet to fix the OL. Again, it’ll be news to him. And the last bonus suggestion you can make is, “Work with Jameis on NOT turning the ball over!”
Accomplish all that and I’ll personally nominate you for MVP of the Press Corp!
June 19th, 2019 at 5:53 am
The offense was not a major problem, and yes, the run game was the offense’s biggest problem. But there was also a turnover problem, exacerbated because of no D (playing catchup) and having to pass too often. But nonetheless, turnovers were also huge, inextricably linked to other problems. Fix the run game, kicking, and D, and the INTs will be improved…but Bucs QBs also need to do more work there. After all, contributing or not, RoJo and the D don’t throw picks.
June 19th, 2019 at 6:26 am
“Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong again
Scoring was the problem
Forget everything else…running, passing yards, etc
ITSS
its the scoring stupid
BA has the same roster and maybe more limited than last year w/ Klueless
BA took this job because he can win WITH THE SAME ROSTER but…
SCORE TO WIN
that us the difference between 2018 vs 2019 and BA vs Klueless
NO ONE KNOWS THIS MORE THAN BA
He knows this defense suks
He will dictate the game with the offense and the SCOREBOARD
THE KEY IS SCORING
IF THE OFFENSE PUTS UP 20 POINTS IN THE 1ST HALF…
WE WIN”
Kobe Faker
June 19th, 2019 at 6:34 am
Todd … Impressive. I see you’ve you’ve got sarcasm down pat now. Fun, isn’t it.
Magadude … Spot on analysis. That said, Bob in Valrico’s point that we NEED to fix the OLine’s run-blocking & scheme is where we really need to start IMO. Without the horses in the trenches to pave the way, we’re peeing in the wind.
@Joe … “even the gods are angry at what the Bucs tried to pass off as a running game”. Gods? As in plural? Shouldn’t put that down on paper joe; someone might tell the nuns. And you probably know how bad a whack with a ruler across the back of your hand can hurt I’m guessing. Been there, done that (too many times … slow learner).
June 19th, 2019 at 6:37 am
“MORE PTS
The nascar confedrate bucs fanbase has been dumb down by the klueless turtle mentality
BA is thinking TDs and not settling for field goals. Klueless wants to be close at the end of games to win at the last possession. BA knows he needs the opponents to be more than 1 TD behind in the 4th quarter to have the opponent 1 dimentional and help bowles def.
WE WILL BE WATCHING A WHOLE DIFFERENT FRAME OF MIND TYPE GAMES
BALLS TO THE WALL, SCORE AND SCORE AGAIN, KILL OR BE KILLED…”
Kobe Faker
June 19th, 2019 at 6:40 am
It’s hilarious to read posts from dishwashers or garbage men (hey nothing wrong with either profession we need them both) that drip with sarcasm and venom about other posters and now are taking on the brain trust of probably one of the best blogs who works tirelessly to bring correct information spares no expense in doing so ( see Iras paystub) and just generally is an A hole. Wouldn’t you agree Todd?
June 19th, 2019 at 6:59 am
In the end, if we have more points than the other team, we should win more games this year….
June 19th, 2019 at 7:08 am
Wombat, it’s as simple as that. Post of the day.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:13 am
Magadude-Right on man, complementary football.
Kobe- Amen dude. We have to end drives with TDs. Long, sustained scoring drives typically increase the probability of winning football games.
How do you do it? Having a running game helps.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:24 am
Buc Believer—
While not a dishwasher or a garbage man, I have participated in a company sale at an executive level (of a service I guarantee you have used) netting investors close to a billion dollars. That said, I’ll accept your comment as simply being ignorant due to your need to be the class suck-up. Did you bring your shiny red apple this morning?
I’ll agree with you regarding JBL being one of the best blogs relating to Bucs coverage. Why else would I be here? Surely not to absorb your commentary like a sponge. Really don’t pay credence to gammas who feel the need to disparage dishwashers and garbage men. Just don’t think that’s cool.
My only knock (ever) is the persistent negativism. And yes, I get it. This is the “show me” site. The Bucs have horrendous history. We’ve sucked, surely. But BA et al is a different kind of coaching team (and presence). I submit there is oh so much to be positive about. I wish there would be more focus on some optimistic articles. It would be refreshing. How about an article citing some prior teammates and coaches of White or Bunting? How did they demonstrate valuable leadership on and off the field? You know, some articles like that.
Zach kind of gets that. I’m hopeful.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:24 am
Yeah we need runners that can block for themselves. Tired of these one dimensional RB’s. How do they expect to have good yardage if they can’t block too.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:39 am
Lost in the translation of the rushing vs passing discussion is the most important criteria: EFFECTIVENESS. The most important measure of that IMO is RUSHING TDs SCORED (that’s where we’ve been hurting these past several years it looks like … we’ve struggled to punch it into the end zone on the ground).
BA’s Cardinals had the same problem … at first. 2013 Cards – 12 TDs rushing (#18 in the NFL). 2014 Cards – 6 TDs rushing (#29). 2015 Cards – 16 TDs rushing (#6). 2016 Cards – 20 TDs rushing (#3). 2017 Cards – 6 TDs rushing (#28).
Wow, kind of all over the place (Cards 2nd best rushing ranking coincided with their best record (13-3 in 2015) but their BEST rushing ranking coincided with Cards worst record (7-8-1 in 2016). Two excellent yrs in there (2015 & 2016), one OK yr (2013) and 2 really bad yrs (2014 & 2017).
Interestingly, during the two excellent rushing yrs (2015 & 2016) the Cards QBs passing TDs were UP quite a bit (as were the rushing TDs) AND their INTs were DOWN to their lowest levels in those 5 yrs. Coincidence? Maybe, but what’s interesting to me is that BOTH those yrs (2015 & 2016) the Cards’ RBs AVERAGE rushing YPC was at its’ HIGHEST (4.2 & 4.3 YPC), although the percentage that BA dedicated to rushing was at its’ highest in 2015 (43.4%) AND also at its’ lowest (36.7%).
June 19th, 2019 at 7:43 am
My my Todd we are SO sensitive. Whatever made you think that my post was directed toward you???? You obviously are an educated man with a TON of knowledge that the rest of us are extremely fortunate to have you bestow on us I would NEVER dream of impugning the vast reservoir of knowledge that you display on this site each and every post. I was referring to the ignorant posters (count myself as one if you wish which I am sure you will do) who are in desperate need of your aptitude.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:45 am
Jean Lafitte … Yup, you win today’s ‘JBF Sarcasm Award’. Kudos … that was awesome!
June 19th, 2019 at 7:51 am
Too many time I have seen people post we need this we need that, how can you judge ANY player we have drafted in the last 5 years? Our previews coaching staff could of had our 2002 team and still go 0-16 it was that bad. They never once schemed to the strength of the players. Now we have a good coaching staff with credentials and we should be honestly be able to judge the players from here on out.
June 19th, 2019 at 7:55 am
BB—
“An apple a day…”
June 19th, 2019 at 8:07 am
Points scored isn’t the problem. Here we are again focusing on the wrong numbers. The only number that matters is 464, or 29 pts/gm. That was good enough for 31st in the league, Oakland got us by a field goal for the worst in the league. FIX THE DEFENSE AND YOU FIX THE BUCS.
June 19th, 2019 at 8:09 am
Fact-
Sony Michel averaged over 100 yds rushing in all 3 Patriot playoff games last year.
June 19th, 2019 at 8:09 am
Also, on the RB situation, why hasn’t Ajayi been brought for at least a physical
June 19th, 2019 at 8:16 am
Bucsfanman…thanks for “the “words” At early hour, “complementary football” was what I was trying to remember! Cheers!
June 19th, 2019 at 8:46 am
J P 09 agree if he passes the physical sign him to one year prove it deal (that seems to be BAs favorite contract) for about 3 mil no guarantees to protect us against injury.
June 19th, 2019 at 8:52 am
The biggest effect on our running game for the last decade has been slow starts. There is no running game (to speak of) down by 14 or 21. I can write the script for most Buc’s games the past 4 coaching regimes: Offense wins the coin flip goes three and out. Defense gives up a score. Offense gets ball back gets one first down the defense gives up another score. Now of course they come back almost every time to make it interesting with some late scoring but the result is of course losing in the end.
June 19th, 2019 at 9:11 am
lol….i actually agree with @kobe….lol…
we had no problem moving the ball between to 20’s whether it was running or passing….the problem came once we got into the red zone….we settled for 3 instead of 7…..
the offense became predictable…..a lousy run game made things extremely predictable but we used the same personnel and formations every single time….no creativity….
no doubt a run game will help but we must get creative once we get inside the 20’s……
GO BUCS!!!!!
June 19th, 2019 at 9:39 am
funny how jr sweezy played fooyball for the Seahawks last season, and now playing gor the cardinals but couldn’t play for us? WTF
June 19th, 2019 at 9:44 am
Release Evan Smith sign the two draft picks 6 mil sign Jai Ajayi and Matt Longacre. Thats about 10.5 mil and wait for the cuts.
June 19th, 2019 at 9:47 am
Dalvin Cook……….Derrius Guice………..Darrell Henderson……….it’s not just a trend……….it’s Stage Four Brain Cancer!!
Welcome to JOE BUC’S HOSPICE .com!
June 19th, 2019 at 9:56 am
Vea was a FB in High School. If you put him in to block for Barber in the red zone along with Howard and Auclair you can bet the opponent willl put six in the box and have all the LBs up tight. They will no longer pack the end zone and dare Jameis to pass. With Vea at FB you still are going to get at least four yards a carry or you can just lob the ball to Howard, Auclair, or Evans. Red Zone problem solved!!! Fire the Cannons and make our opponents try to play catch up.
June 19th, 2019 at 10:18 am
4 YPC with Vea as fullback is… optimistic.
June 19th, 2019 at 10:18 am
Every team in the NFC South has a legit top 10 RB & running attack then you have the jason gump managerial bucs…. who have 3 guys who may be in the XFL next year
June 19th, 2019 at 10:59 am
lmao at the “nascar confederate fanbase”
Kobe insults the fans but at least he doesn’t take himself seriously over it and actually injects humor lol.
GO BUCS
June 19th, 2019 at 11:31 am
In Koetter’s 12 year career as an OC or Coach:
Average Yardage Ranking: 13th
Average Scoring Ranking: 17th
@ Jville: 18th / 20th
@ Atlanta: 10th / 13th
@ Tampa: 9th / 17th
Tampa was his worst splits but that kind of makes sense to me considering:
-in Jville he had dominant run games / MJD for red zone.
-in Atlanta they had good kicking (never worse than like 86-90% FG), while Bucs have been bottom barrel. Just using an 86% FG conversion for Bucs on attempts the last 4 years (which is just average):
2015- would have made 6 more FGs using that % or 18 more points. Scoring ranking would have been 17th vs 20th
2016- would have made ~5 more FGs or 15 points. Scoring ranking would go to tied for 19th to 15th
2017- would have made 4 more FGs or 12 points. Scoring ranking goes from 18th to 16th
2018 it’d have meant another 2 FGs for 6 points, or a scoring ranking of 11th vs 12th
So after adjusting for just average FG kicking (while Atlanta was better than that in 2012-2014), Bucs splits would be:
Avg Yards: 9th
Avg Scoring: 15th (14.7)
Extremely similar to his Atlanta split, especially if we were to add on FGs for the year ATlanta was striking at 96%. Bucs have been at like 72% FG lol.
This is a Dirk Koetter phenomenon. We have 12 years of evidence across many personnel groups.
June 19th, 2019 at 12:24 pm
“What Kobe is saying…
that Barber can have less yards than last year. the total team can have less rushing yards… DOESNT MATTER
The 2019 rushing game will be more EFFECTIVE
again it is because of BAs offensive approach vs Klueless turtlitis and it all boils down to
SCORING
fvk the rushing yards and fvk the passing yards
totally different type of game we will be watching boys and girls, dishwashers, garbageman and Nascar confederate lovin bucsfans”
Kobe Faker
June 19th, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Give us your MoJo this year RoJo!!! I know your rookie year was not totally your fault. A coaching squad full of clowns spinning their heads on a baseball bat and then seeing who could keep their balance the longest. The joke of a OL tagging along with them at the carnival known as Raymond James Stadium also did not help.
I would definitly think he’s been working hard in the offseason. And if not, he’s a jokester, also. Getting through holes. Working on his hands. Building weight and muscle.
Hoping the best for you in your sophomore season RoJo. Then you can tell all the naive fans that wanted another RB drafted two years in a row to suck it. If you average 1.9 yards again this year we’re gonna have to give you and myself the Das Boot.
June 19th, 2019 at 12:33 pm
*naive fans that wanted another RB drafted IN THE EARLY ROUNDS two years in a row
June 19th, 2019 at 3:45 pm
They will draft a RB next year and you can get your jersey then. I think Rojo has a big jump in production in year 2. Najee Harris from Bama would be a nice pick next year. 6’2. 227lbs. But im down for the best RB next year and building the oline with early picks in the draft. It would be a sin not to Licht is below average at best.