Blame The Run Defense?
October 25th, 2019
Run defense too good.
To hear Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles speak, as he did yesterday at One Buc Palace, the culprit for the abhorrent Bucs pass defense — last in the NFL — is clear in his mind.
Rather than finger the cornerbacks or safeties (or both elements), Bowles will have you believe it is the run defense’s fault for the abhorrent pass defense.
Yes, seriously.
As hideous as the pass defense is, the run defense is just as strong. Excellent. Best in the NFL. And therein lies the problem, Bowles said.
“When you stop the run that quick, you are going to get more passes,” Bowles said. “Before last week, we had about 50 or 60-plus more passes than anybody in the league, so that’s part of it. The other part is we’ve got to continue to communicate and we’ve got to make more plays when they throw it that much.
“You don’t mind the yards going up as long as you get the turnovers. We had some things to correct in the Bye Week that we practiced and that we went over and talked about. Hopefully the second part of the season those things get corrected and we go from there.”
There is so much to work with here. First, there is the good ol’ Lovie Smith mentality that turnovers, largely unreliable and fluke plays, will cover up for rotten defensive plays. Don’t worry about tackling or covering receivers, just strip the ball.
Nonsense!
Second, Joe is damn sick of the lack of “communication” excuse. Granted when disgraced former Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith was running his sorry defense in these parts, a problem really was communication. Literally. As in dudes didn’t understand orders being barked on the field.
If this crap is still the case, can someone teach these guys sign language or have them use surveillance equipment so they can talk to each other effectively? It’s getting ridiculous hearing this crap year after year.
Or, how about this novel concept: trade for friggin’ defensive backs who can converse with one another and maybe make a play once or twice a game?
So in Bowles’ mind, if the Bucs played softer run defense the Bucs’ secondary wouldn’t get torched as much?
This is just unbelievable. No joke, Joe has never heard of such a thing, outing an area of the team that is playing outstanding football as the root problem for another area of the team playing like @ss.
Is Bill Belicheat throwing rocks at his rush defense, second-best in the NFL, for his secondary giving up an ungodly amount of yards (which they are not)? Hell no!
Is John Harbaugh, whose Crows have the third-best rush defense, hollering that it is too good therefore his secondary is being picked apart like wild wolves would a wounded deer? Of course not!
If Bowles is even remotely serious about this, he should then instruct his linebackers to lay down and allow opposing running backs to get eight yards a clip, therefore, opposing teams won’t have to put the ball in the air and, as a result, his secondary won’t get roasted like a Thanksgiving turkey each Sunday.
Joe has to give Bowles some credit. This is next-level scapegoating.
Here is the truly sad thing: The run defense of the Bucs is so good teams are not trying to beat their heads against a brick wall by running. So yes, the Bucs have turned offenses one-dimensional.
So the Bucs’ secondary knows the passes are coming (which Bowles basically outlined). And still they can’t stop it. Just unreal!
Sure, it might help if someone not named “Shaq Barrett” could rush the passer. And pass-rushing specialist Michael Bennett, who the Bucs let go for no good reason, was just traded last night for a sixth-round pick.
Aaawww, just skip it!
October 25th, 2019 at 5:21 am
If that’s the case , then that is more reason to go after a stud free agent shut down corner before the trade deadline like a Jalen Ramsey type (he was traded) or a Patrick Peterson who is available . A guy that can take half a field or put on an opposing teams best receiver.
I know that means giving up a top pick or picks but if you are going to use that excuse then make a move . BA wants to win now
Plus we seem to waste top picks on “meh” guys anyways
October 25th, 2019 at 5:30 am
“Hopefully the second part of the season those things get corrected and we go from there.”
Well okay then. “Hopefully,” not all Bucs fans think this team is so biblically bad that attendance is even lower than in the low to mid 40s.
If I’m the Glazers and see my HC riding around in golf carts and coddling my failing QB, and see my DC use words like “hopefully” followed with a statement like somoene else should do something, I’d be pretty unhappy.
October 25th, 2019 at 5:33 am
Todd Bowles is really just echoing what we have in society now. Those who work to make thngs happen and pay their own way end up absorbing and carrying the law breaking losers who want someone else to pay for their stuff.
October 25th, 2019 at 5:36 am
^^^^
Take out free agent ***
October 25th, 2019 at 5:45 am
Agree with Bird in that Bucs NEED a quality veteran outside corner in our Secondary. However, I do think Captain Gump let that ship sail months ago. No team’s gonna give up a quality CB without asking a king’s ransom in return.
In my mind the problem is that TB HAD to play VHIII & MJ Stewart these first few games. With Ryan Smith suspended, with Jamel Dean hurt and with SMB simply not ready to play outside what choices did he have? However, all 3 of those CBs are ready now, and if TB STILL starts VHIII or MJ I’m jumping ship.
October 25th, 2019 at 5:53 am
Nothing will change , as I think JL must have pictures,what a cluster this has become beside being the laughing stock of the NFL and being broke dont help.
We are going to send some down the road for JW’s payday soon, if we keep America’s Quarterback.
And as far as Gruden goes,there were pleanty of people screaming for his head after the superbowel until he was ran off
JMO
October 25th, 2019 at 6:16 am
Why run, when its so easy to pass against us.
October 25th, 2019 at 6:19 am
After reading Bowles comments, all I can say anymore is sigh. Completely worn out from this organization. Different names with same results.
October 25th, 2019 at 6:32 am
????
You don’t mind the yards given up?
Ridiculous
Maybe you might shift your focus coach, towards your pass defense not giving up passing yards.
I was mystified with the last D coordinator… Did the man understand the basic tenets of what it is to play D?
More of the same?
Here’s a concept coach- dead last in passing yards is not where you want to be….
You’re on the wrong end of the spectrum. Things are actually going exactly te opposite of how they are supposed to go.
So I will grace you with a free lesson-
Stopping the pass completely= good
Completely giving up yards to the pass = bad
You’re welcome
You’re a truly,
Just a simple minded fan
Who understands the basic concept of pass defense
P.S. this concept is defending the pass
October 25th, 2019 at 6:32 am
Yours truly
October 25th, 2019 at 6:38 am
SO. This is supposed to be our next coach in line when BA is hangs it up? We are in for a ride. Ugh!
October 25th, 2019 at 7:18 am
That Michael Bennett sure does get traded and moves from team to team an awful lot. Maybe there was a reason he has been traded and let go many times.
October 25th, 2019 at 7:27 am
This is such a horrible franchise all over, please glaziers blow this up, the bucs are basically at rock bottom. Start over. The bucs need a competent GM who builds from inside out and then go get the niners DC Saleh and play defense & run the ball
October 25th, 2019 at 7:33 am
Bruce “Lack of preparation H” Arians
Jameis ” Meaningless stats” Winston
And now
Todd “Hopefully it gets corrected ” Bowles
And there’s always the Golf Cart
October 25th, 2019 at 7:45 am
we’ve got to continue to communicate and we’ve got to make more plays when they throw it that much.
You don’t mind the yards going up as long as you get the turnovers.
-Bowles
Make more plays could mean turnovers or it could mean break up the pass or inhibit the routes…
Seems like they are making adjustments and working on “preparation “
We’ll see how it plays out, secondary is young , there’s been injuries and they haven’t played together long-
NFL is about adjusting-
They are not 2-4 because of secondary.
October 25th, 2019 at 7:51 am
Todd Bowles isn’t complaining about his run defense….not at all….he’s simply explaining what happens when you stop the run and stop it early….you get more passes….
He is only stating what we already know and have known all season….
Our problem is in the secondary and somewhat with the pass rush.
October 25th, 2019 at 7:54 am
All these coaches didn’t forget how to scheme…..the talent sucks, there’s always some glaring hole to overcome. We have a secondary filled with completely unproven players, there’s no vet back there with any level of proven success. The closest player is Hargreaves and he might be the worst CB in the league so nobody is listening to him. Licht doesn’t know how to build a roster….he’s given too many unproven rookies the starting gig without ever having to compete. Its a terrible formula that has obviously not worked.
October 25th, 2019 at 7:59 am
I can see what Bowles is saying. Why would u force the run when it dont work. That would be like dirk koetter running dives with jacquizz martin and sims. U’d have to be an incompetent coach to stick to that gameplan. Imo the culprit of our bad pass defense could be a mix of things like for instance the ability to challenge for pass interference penalties. In a man blitz scheme the cbs are aggressively grabby, alot of times they walk a fine line of defensive holding and pass interference (see richard sherman and brandon browner with the seahawks). They are most likely coached to keep from using their hands. Carlton davis has this problem. Vh3 cant stay on his own feet , hes always tripping or stumbling. I think we should get jamel dean and smb out there. Guys with good speed. Devin white could be having issues as a playcaller lavonte david should’ve been the one to call out plays and get guys in position this season. This is a new defensive scheme they are professionals but there is obviously a learning curve. I got faith in our team i just wanna see vh3 hit the road asap so we can move on to our future cbs. Our pass rush is seriously lacking. A pass rush can make a secondary look great or really horrible. We need some thick dline guys. The 49ers have 4 first round picks on that line and they are making the whole defense look like studs.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:00 am
Joe, it’s not a “Lovie Smith mentality” when it comes to turnovers. That’s football mentality. Turnovers can be caused. It’s not just luck or a bad break by the opposing team.
He is correct that no defense in the NFL has more pass attempts thrown at them than the Bucs.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:01 am
So I read an article saying Jameis Winston doesn’t like wearing his contact lenses during football games.. wonder if this is true.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:04 am
So Bowles prefers 3rd and 2 and then his pass D gets a pass via a 2 yard scamper by a mediocre RB or QB over 3rd and 7 and hoping that the QB does not hit the TE or whoever is coupled to VH3…? This year I think either choice yields an ultimate fail….. Its time to beat a below average qb and a 6 win team like Tennessee but I bet the Bucs will somehow find a way to lose. Glazers, fire Quarles and Licht, their top draft picks are the worst in the NFL, even compared to fire sales like the Jets and Fins! Fire Licht. Fire Licht!
I have been a Buc fan since inception, went to Tampa Stadium in 73-74 to see the UT Spartan ball field guys like Freddie Solomons and Jack Tatum under Earl Bruce when I was 8 ****ing years old and then spent many a Sunday in the South endzone with my dad and sis watching the Bucs get beat down almost every Sunday until ’79 (and end zone seats were still $9 back then)….. No way I’d ever pay that to see the garbage the Glazers have put on the field this year
October 25th, 2019 at 8:08 am
Don’t forget this was a roster approved and assembled with free agents and draft picks via Arians and his army sized staff before the season started. The had many opportunities to make changes but felt what was already here and what they added could win now. So mich for their judgement. Sorry, I don’t feel sorry for them. They made their bed now they have to sleep in it.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:40 am
@TBBF exactly – Bowles is only saying when teams can’t run against you, they will pass more.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:50 am
The Patriots stop the run and the pass and get many sacks and turnovers. The Patriots have great coaching and strong ownership. Never would such nonsense be uttered by a Patriot coach.
That folks is how many light years the Bucs are from being winners. There are winner and whiners. The Bucs are Whiners.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:51 am
Here’s a novel ideal, double cover their #1 and #2 receivers. Force them to have to go to their 3rd and 4th options.
October 25th, 2019 at 9:07 am
I love when English majors act like they know more about football than coaches. Classic.
October 25th, 2019 at 9:21 am
Patriots were 20th in total yards against in 2018 improving from 28th in 2017. They locked arguably the best corner in Gilmore. Give this staff time with a lot of new working parts. They are not the Patriots and every year is different. Patriots have also benefitted from playing the easiest schedule through 7 games in the league.
October 25th, 2019 at 9:39 am
Exit Mike Smith. Enter Todd Bowles. Looks to be about an even swap.
October 25th, 2019 at 9:39 am
Oh Joe… Your reading between lines or lack of understanding makes for good troll bait, but little else.
TBBF can always be counted on defuse it with usually less than 3 sentences.
In BA I Trust!
October 25th, 2019 at 10:19 am
I was gonna say… I cN be th e only one to consider this a bit of trolling. Yes it does come across as an excuse when that’s the first sentence but continue reading. He does acknowledge when they get all those passes coming his guys need to make the plays.
The thing about yardage concerns the he’ll out of me. I’m a belive thag turnovers mostly come when either you have a really good pass rush and or you’ve locks them dkwn so much and yards are so hard to come by that they force things aftwr losing patience. . I think you’ll find the stinging defense by yards would likely have more turnovers than someone just leaving guys wide open. ..
October 25th, 2019 at 10:20 am
It’s not like the other qb is saying.. woah I threw thay int be cauz the whole day they were covering anyone and then when they actually did it caught me off guard
October 25th, 2019 at 10:39 am
If the run defense is the problem lets move Suh and Vea by the deadline, problem solved Bowles.
October 25th, 2019 at 11:08 am
What happened to the defense we were hearing about during training camp? The one that was smothering our receivers. Mike Evans couldn’t get open and every pass was contested? There was a pass rush that got to the quarterback and no running lanes. All of a sudden (once there were actually games) our defense was neutered. No aggressiveness. Average pass rush. The only thing working is the run defense. Partially because of the players on the d line, partially because it is so freaking easy to pass against us. The scheme has changed or gone soft. I miss the training camp defense. I would rather them play balls to the wall aggressive and live with a few missed plays/tds. Be aggressive.
October 25th, 2019 at 11:39 am
I agree J0e, it’s is unbelievable.
Bullchit Bruce has taught his staff the art of double speak quite well it appears.
October 25th, 2019 at 12:27 pm
C’mon now, Bill has always had solid personnel on the backend to help accommodate his schemes.
Cast In Point
Corner
• LCB Ty Law
• LCB Asante Samuel
• LCB Shawn Springs
• LCB Devin McCourty
• LCB Aqib Talib
• LCB Darrelle Revis
• LCB Malcolm Butler
• RCB Logan Ryan
• RCB Stephon Gilmore
Safeties
• FS Tebucky Jones
• SS Lawyer Milloy
• SS Brandon Meriweather
• S Rodney Harrison
• S Patrick Chung
• S Devin McCourty
That’s a long list of Pro Bowlers, All-Pro’s, and Potential Hall of Famers.
All this man needs is a decent (not great) press corner opposite Carlton Davis.
An another decent edge rusher.
October 25th, 2019 at 12:29 pm
Todd Bowles committed the ultimate sin for a coach … he gave the Tampa media an honest answer to one of their questions. And as a ‘reward’ the media spins it so as to make him out to be the bad guy.
TB didn’t say that the ‘abhorrent pass defense’ was the fault of the run defense as this article claims. As the article itself states, what he DID say is “When you stop the run that quick, you are going to get more passes.” Simple: other teams ADJUST their game-planning & their play-calling. And now you have a new problem to deal with. Duh.
And TB’s spot on about ‘communication’ even though certain media types are apparently ‘sick’ of that ‘excuse’. It’s not an excuse at all; it’s a bonafide PROBLEM. BIG difference. There are 4, 5 or 6 DBs back there that all MUST be on the same page every play OR breakdowns will occur. And we’ve seen much-too-much of that, not just this year but in years past. I’m convinced that PART of it is lack of TALENT for some of our DBs; PART of it is EXPERIENCE for some of our DBs; and PART of it is on COACHING.
The TALENT part is on management IMO, and VHIII & MJ Stewart are the poster kids for that. Neither should’ve been selected where they were, and yet they were starting. The EXPERIENCE part comes from us having too many rookies & 2nd year guys in our Secondary, and there’s only ONE way to fix that: TIME. (Like CS Lewis said … ‘Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn; my God do you learn’.
The COACHING part is befuddling because none of us is qualified to say how much that contributes to the problem. These coaches are very experienced; they’re not dummies, despite what the Tampa media would have us believe. Leslie Frazier didn’t magically go from being fired by the Bucs to leading Buffalo’s #3 defense because he read a JBF.com column. They’ve been dealt a lousy hand year after year after year by Bucs’ ownership & management. Difficult to turn that around in 1 year. Or even 2 years. Tampa media & Bucs’ supposed ‘fans’ need to quit whining & start looking for positives & growth in this team. It’s there IF you stop listening to the nay-sayers.
OK, off to moderation once again. At least there I feel like I’m in good company.
October 25th, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Your posts are so delusional they really need to be in moderation so Joe doesn’t get sued.
There is not one word Joe misinterpreted from Bowles.
October 25th, 2019 at 3:04 pm
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
October 25th, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Arians had sketchy drafts in Arizona and we all know that Licht misses on picks more than he hits. Not a good combo and the reason why our secondary is in such a gosh damned mess. Hopefully they start to play Dean and Bunting more to see if they have what it takes or if they are just 2 more busts chosen by Licht. This season is toast so getting them some playing time can only help right? Davis may have been something back in the 70’s but the si$$y a$$ rules of today don’t allow muggings. He is a liability and needs to be replaced. Hargreaves is not worth talking about.
October 25th, 2019 at 8:50 pm
If you think this team is going to stop the passing game while giving up the booty on the ground I have something to sell you. Could you imagine what the defensive stats would be if they were bad against the run and the pass? The 3 starting DL men are all better against the run than the pass. What would you expect? I just want to see a DB in the same zip code when a receiver is making an attempt at a catch. Is that too much too ask?
October 26th, 2019 at 7:48 pm
Man Joe your reading comprehension is as suspect as your writing ability. All he said was more passes = more opportunities to complete passes. Seems like common sense to me…….