Better
October 4th, 2019
Ranked No. 2.
Joe really doesn’t want to think of the rancid Bucs defense from last year.
Just the thought makes Joe’s stomach turn. Joe’s on his way to New Orleans later this morning. The very last thing you want to start your trip off with in that town is a case of acid reflux.
Now Joe isn’t quite anointing the Bucs defense as “totally fixed.” Shaq Barrett — what a find by Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht! — is a dream come true. And the run defense has just been playing lights out. But that pass defense, specifically the secondary — YIKES!
It’s great that the Bucs can make teams one dimensional, however, though the Bucs can’t seem to stop teams they force into that one dimension.
Considering how far this defense has come from the depths no NFL team has seen before (hi Mike Smith!), that’s enough for follicly-challenged Billy Barnwell of BSPN to claim the best defensive coordinator through four games is Todd Bowles.
Do you remember how bad the Bucs were on defense last season? … They allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a passer rating of 110.9, the same figure Russell Wilson posted on the other side of the ball. The Bucs posted the second-worst red zone defense since 2001. Oh, and star pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul went down during the offseason with a neck injury and hasn’t played in 2019.
By points allowed, the Bucs haven’t been significantly better, given that they rank 30th in points allowed per game. Tampa’s defense has scored twice on its own and created nine takeaways, fourth in the league and more than half of its season-long total from 2018. The Bucs also have faced 46 drives through four games, the seventh most in the league, giving opposing offenses more chances to score.
Bowles has managed to coax some upside out of this unit. Unsurprisingly from a Bowles defense, Tampa is blitzing a ton — 41.8% of the time — and allowing the league’s 12th-fewest yards per dropback when it does.
If the Bucs can beat the Saints Sunday and Teddy Bridgewater still burns the Bucs through the air, it’s high time Licht get on the horn looking to trade for a corner.
A win against the Saints tells Joe the Bucs are a real threat to make a playoff run. If that’s the case, then a trade should be made to upgrade this secondary.
Does anyone have faith the Bucs can win this division the way the secondary is getting torched? It’s no better than it has been the past two seasons.
“Totally fixed?” That’s not how Joe would classify the secondary in its current stage. There are a whole lot of words Joe would use to describe the secondary. It ain’t those two.
October 4th, 2019 at 5:07 am
It ain’t fixed.
October 4th, 2019 at 5:19 am
You have a bunch of first and second year players out there… watch…they will have some setbacks, but will improve with each game overall. We need every premium pick we have to replace some of the one year contracts FA’s on our own team that we will be facing next year. Give it time.
October 4th, 2019 at 5:41 am
This article is a joke. Cam newton and goff threw 118 times thats not counting the times they were sacked or tried to run it. Newsflash they both lost. Foh
October 4th, 2019 at 5:51 am
If I was Bowles, I’d be blitzing about 90% of the time. Seemingly when we go back into that soft zone teams just get an east 25 yards every time. I know it’s live by the sword, die by the sword, but I’d rather that one big cut than just getting snipped out all the way down the field – since either way it results in 7 pts for the other team. So take your chances, get those sacks and turnovers and hopefully points – and if you give up 33pts, well don’t worry about it if you score 7 yourself + you have Winston as your QB.
October 4th, 2019 at 6:21 am
NOTHING is ever ‘totally fixed’ in the NFL IMO. The ‘fix’ can change in a heartbeat with just ONE injury … or ONE suspension. When BA made that statement, my guess is that he felt that SMB, Edwards & Dean would all be major contributors in the Secondary. Unfortunately both Edwards & Dean missed considerable time in training camp, and SMB isn’t progressing as quickly as some had hoped.
This week is looking up somewhat though. Jamel Dean was back to Full Participation yesterday, and of course Ryan Smith is off suspension. Todd Bowles hasn’t had much choice up til now but to play VHIII outside and MJ Stewart at nickel. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if that changes in New Orleans or London now that availability of Secondary players has improved.
Oh and having Devin White available as our middle LB could be a huge bennie for our Secondary. We’ve been getting burned in the middle of the field on the short junk, and HOPEFULLY White can impact that. If so, that SHOULD force opposing offenses to change the way they attack, and open more opportunities for how we respond. The upcoming Saints’ game should provide some clues.
October 4th, 2019 at 6:23 am
Yall need something negative to gripe about…. typical
October 4th, 2019 at 6:57 am
Whatever…same old screeching and moaning. It will be the same old tired hot air even when we win Sunday. Go Mighty Bucs!!
October 4th, 2019 at 7:01 am
I will have a wait and see with White. Don’t know if he is an upgrade over Minter. White hasn’t shown me anything so far.
October 4th, 2019 at 7:08 am
Try to look into Patrick Peterson, I think that’s what everyone wants. But what about Xavian(?) Howard in Miami? We all know they are tanking for picks, so, why not. He is a great corner !
October 4th, 2019 at 7:09 am
My belief is as the season goes on,the secondary will improve. Our defense have come a mili inch close to getting more sacks n deflections on some of the big pass plays vs Rams n Giants. No worry, the more we play together the better the chemistry,which will result to improvements. Once JPP n DWhite returns this defense can be scary. Not to mention cb JDean who has height n speed
October 4th, 2019 at 7:23 am
The resurgence of ROJO this year makes me think its a wise move to let our
secondary grow a bit before we make rash decisions on their replacements.
We have to make room with the cap to keep our best players and sign the
next wave of young stars. If SHAQ continues to play as he has ,he would
be a much better investment than an expensive corner from another team
that may or may not make the impact Shaq already has.
October 4th, 2019 at 7:33 am
averaging 29.2 points allowed this year is disgraceful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! especially with the soft schedule!!!!!! And now some of the sheep will “realize” that the Rams were looking past the Bucs to their short week divisional matchup!!!!!!!!!!!! If this is not corrected, Then some will need to be held ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real’ fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 7:36 am
What was the team’s record last year at this time?
October 4th, 2019 at 7:49 am
The Bucs have a very young secondary that should improve each game. Even Hargreaves missed so many games over the last couple of years should improve. Davis, Dean, and Murphy-Bunting all have the potential to be very good. Davis has cut down on penalties. They are all learning a new defense. Relax…just a bit.
October 4th, 2019 at 7:53 am
Starting to scratch my head about Barrett. Plays 4 FULL seasons in Denver (only missed 3 games). Averaged 3.5 sacks per season. Denver gives up on him. And he becomes Derrick Thomas and Lawrence Taylor? hmmmmmm……
October 4th, 2019 at 7:56 am
Don’t forget that our “savior” Ryan Smith is back….LOL
October 4th, 2019 at 8:01 am
Can our schedule get any tougher this year? The weakest team we play is Atlanta. Every week is a challenge. The Rams put up 29 in Seattle and get beat by 1 pt. All that matters is winning. I don’t think Teddy Bridgewater is a deep threat and with White back and our front four I don’t see Kamara going crazy.
I think we win this one. Then we’ll see if the Panthers have made any adjustments. One week at a time. I do agree that our young players will improve. I think we can win our division but not sure if we’re ready for a deep run into the playoffs yet but the only thing holding that back is the secondary.
If that somehow gels then we are extremely dangerous.
October 4th, 2019 at 8:11 am
Concur with above posts on giving it time. 1) Not enough $ to pay everybody and top market rate on trade for veteran corner. Even if it worked out for one year on best case scenario, we would have to let others walk in following season(s). Would love to enjoy sustained success after lost decade. 2) Young secondary should grow with experience – together. 3) Opponents have been forced to pass because we have #1 run defense in the NFL. That is a whole lot of awesome, my friends.
October 4th, 2019 at 8:23 am
George
“White hasn’t shown me anything so far.”
George…George…George…C’mon man. He’ been injured. He’s flashed briefly but he HASN’T PLAYED! How can he show you anything?
Last year I can imagine Viking fans saying Dalvin Cook hasn’t shown me anything…this year he’s the second leading rusher through four weeks with over 400 yards just one yard behind McCaffery.
As usual D.R. makes the terrific point…NOTHING is ever completely fixed in the NFL.
Patience grasshoppers! I get the anxiety and the rush. But IMHO we are not as desperate as we suggest. Two young players returning…the normal growth curve for any young NFL DB except for the generational players. No less an expert than Chris Godwin said in a national interview that Carlton Davis is going to end up being heard from…he has talent.
I love BA’s fearless exhortations…let it go and play and I think his young DB’s are doing that and learning from experience…sadly that experience means getting burnt.
All DB’s get burnt…see Aquib Talib who was “abused”…TV announcers observations…by us last Sunday. Does Talib suddenly suck? Nah…if Talib gets toasted for two TD’s do we n not suppose Davis and the other young DB’s are going to get burnt?
Where there is desire, there is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame, someone’s bound to get burned
But just because it burns, doesn’t mean you’re gonna die
You gotta get up and try, and try, and try PINK
I see our young kiddie corps getting up after their burnt…they are learning…the hard way maybe but they ARE learning.
October 4th, 2019 at 8:36 am
We are good Joe. This is how you build long term success, by bringing your players up in your system. Quit trying to trade away youth for over paid vets
October 4th, 2019 at 8:37 am
ModHairKen Says:
October 4th, 2019 at 7:36 am
What was the team’s record last year at this time?
The difference this year opposed to last year is: last year disappointment had started to set in by the quarter turn and this year the Bucs look like a team on the rise!
October 4th, 2019 at 8:45 am
I think the secondary is better and those youngsters will improve under Bowles, starting this weekend. The Bucs’ offense needs to have its best game Sunday as well. It’s very likely to happen. I also wish Drew Brees a speedy recovery so they can sweep the Saints with Brees under center next time. The needle is still pointing up. The curse of Chucky is dead. Yo Bucs!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 8:47 am
i believe BA…..he knows this team better than anyone or any stats…..
we’re 2-2 in OCT…..
if BA says it’s fixed, imo, it’s fixed…..
GO BUCS!!!!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 8:51 am
BucAllNight Says:
October 4th, 2019 at 6:23 am
Yall need something negative to gripe about…. typical
BINGO!!!!!!
buc15 Says:
October 4th, 2019 at 8:36 am
We are good Joe. This is how you build long term success, by bringing your players up in your system. Quit trying to trade away youth for over paid vets
BINGO!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 8:53 am
realist
its about time you returned from hiding!!!!!!!!!!
nothing is more disgraceful than smitty’s defense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
get ready to wash that golf cart and go into hiding for another week!!!!!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 8:55 am
813BucBoi, I like yer style. Go Bucs! BTW, how bout them Lightning? Go Bolts
October 4th, 2019 at 8:59 am
It MIGHT be fixed in terms of personel, but not in play.
I personally think Ramsey is worth a 1st rounder and $16 million a year easily.
Anybody watch Marcus Peters last night?
Ramsey doesn’t require help over the top much, because he is in man regardless of what scheme is called.
I think with a lockdown corner this team is Playoff ready.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:09 am
BIGMAC
lightning taking it all the way this year!!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 4th, 2019 at 9:15 am
Bucs secondary has been a joke the past 7 years, maybe longer. Get it fixed and they will be Bucs of Super Bowl days.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:35 am
@Billy
Yeah no doubt Ramsey has talent. He doesn’t need help over the top…except for the neck up.
This team is showing great chemistry right now. Who wants to bring one of the top prima donnas in the league and mess with it.
Peterson…OK…Ramsey…NO FREAKING WAY.
Did we learn nothing from our DJAX experiment?
October 4th, 2019 at 9:46 am
Too much invested in young CBs to trade for a lockdown corner. I think both Bunting and Dean have a bright future. Just need a season to develop.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:51 am
We need to give the youngsters a chance to learn and grow.
October 4th, 2019 at 9:56 am
Bucs D gave up 5.5 more points per game last season through first four games. Definitely some solid improvement! Go Neers!
October 4th, 2019 at 10:09 am
@stpete
That would be my only worry obviously because you just can’t tell but of all coaches BA has shown the ability to tone down egos.
Honey Badger is an example.
Winning should Trump ego or you just don’t love the game, you love the attention.
I think Ramsey needs to respect his coaches and he doesn’t.
It that because he is a jackass or because his coaches suck.
Again I’m truly not sure.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:14 am
He was a backup stuck behind miller and others. Never got a full time starting gig. He is showing what he can do with starts..
October 4th, 2019 at 10:18 am
Oh look, Rhealist came out of hiding now that it’s been several days since we won.
Shocking.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:27 am
We just got a transfusion of CB speed with Ryan Smith, who already has experience, and great height and length plus top speed from Dean who got lots of experience and good Coaching from Auburn and faced top knotch SEC WRs in College. Bunting has great speed and size and will be a starter next year. We don’t need to waste capital on a Veteran CB who does not know our system and has no chemistry with our young CBs. We already have one veteran CB riding the bench and if our starters can’t stop the Saints this Sunday, put in Smith to cover the slot, and Dean as a regular CB and who has done best on the other side, or bring in Bunting to get some experience. Use the saved capital to nail down Barret on a long term deal now!?
October 4th, 2019 at 10:35 am
I get a kick out of the difference between critical bucs fans and trolls. Real fans (even when criticizing) use words like “us” and “we”. Trolls use words like “they” and “them”. Just sayin’.
October 4th, 2019 at 10:45 am
Buc Realist … “averaging 29.2 points allowed this year is disgraceful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” No Realist, what’s disgraceful is pinning ALL 117 points that have been scored against the Bucs on the BUCS’ defense to get your 29.2 PPG Allowed.
You know good & well that THREE TDs and 1 Safety were the result of the Bucs’ OFFENSIVE MISCUES (some call them Pick-6’s but I’m sure you have some other name for them). That’s 24 points all together right there (including the 2-pt conversion in the SF game). But yeah, you so graciously label the Bucs’ defense as “disgraceful” for all those points that the offense allowed. Our defense has actually allowed 93 points (23.25 PPG Allowed) … and that includes holding opponents to FGs when the Bucs’ offense & S/Ts caused the defense to start in terrible field position). IMO our defense has actually done better than that. I’m super-impressed and fully expect them to do still better yet as our young Secondary gains more experience.
And oh BTW, did you know that our defense is ranked #1 in Rushing Yardage Allowed through 4 games? Did you know that they’ve contributed 1 Pick-6 of their own for a TD plus 1 Fumble Recovery for a TD? Did you know that our ‘disgraceful’ defense has racked up 4 INTs & 8 FRs in just 4 games, turnovers that gave our offense some great opportunities to score quite a few points themselves? Nah, didn’t think so.
Of course, none of this will change your mind one iota because of your agenda. Must admit though, that your use of exclamation points to set that agenda off make it MUCH EASIER to decipher. Thank you for that.
October 4th, 2019 at 11:25 am
Can Joe be wearing transition lenses when he watches the Bucs ? Theyseem
to have been rose colored for Jameis and cheap putrid for the defense.
October 4th, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Haven’t checked, but what are opposing QB’s ratings this season?
October 4th, 2019 at 2:25 pm
@brandon 83.9 which is 8th best 2 teams above us have only played 3 games (9ers and jets).
5 tds 4 ints 111/182 61.0% compl 1273 yds
October 4th, 2019 at 2:46 pm
I hope lightning take it this year an the Bucs #endthedrought
October 4th, 2019 at 8:12 pm
I like are secoundary.
October 5th, 2019 at 3:27 am
How many corners are we going to have to draft or sign before we get even ONE good one? This borders on lunacy. I don’t trust Licht to trade for a corner. Every single corner that he has been involved in getting has been below average.