More Shotgun
July 24th, 2020
Time for flexibility?
It might be time to break out the shotgun more often.
And no, Joe’s not talking about that sweet Mossberg 590A1 SPX Tactical pump (with bayonet) used by the Navy Seals.
(Any time you can buy a shotgun off the rack that the Navy Seals also use and it’s rigged for optional bayonet use, that’s a cool tool.)
Yes, we know Bucs coach Bucco Bruce Arians doesn’t use shotgun formations very often. He also doesn’t like fullbacks, which is why he used O.J. Howard as a blocking tight end more than Howard’s previous coach did.
And you know what, new park-violating, home-invading, NFLPA-ignoring Bucs quarterback Tom Brady might feel at home in Arians’ offense. It seems Brady’s coach up in New England, Bill Belicheat, didn’t use the shotgun much, either.
So reading an excerpt in a Bucs preview by jet-flyin’, kiss–stealin‘, data-analyzin’, Bucs-film-studyin’, limousine-ridin’ Thomas Bassinger of the Tampa Bay Times, typing for Football Outsiders 2020 Almanac. Joe saw Bassinger note how little Arians and Belicheat (and by proxy, Brady) used the shotgun.
Both the Arians offense and the recent Brady offenses use less shotgun than is currently prevalent around the league. The Bucs were 26th in shotgun rate last year, the Patriots 27th.
Well, here are thoughts to ponder as to why the shotgun stats should change if the Bucs want to win this season or at least be flexible.
It’s just a matter of time before some Bucs test positive for “The Sickness.” There’s no rhyme or reason to think players won’t get flagged on a test. Just a matter of time. But when? And who?
Let’s say a couple of starting offensive linemen are out for a couple of weeks? Remember, Brady is about as mobile as a washing machine.
Since this season will be so weird in so many ways, might it be smart for Arians to use shotgun more to help protect Brady and give him more chances to throw passes when he’s not pressured? And to have that option honed if there are injuries or positive virus tests along the Bucs’ front line?
As the numbers demonstrate, Brady is a significantly better quarterback when he’s not feeling defenders’ breathing on him.
July 24th, 2020 at 9:22 am
Interesting thoughts. Very innovative and dynamic if COVID begins to impact not only game planning but play calling. I’ve always liked the shotgun personally–no better way to give the QB instant visibility of the D formation and the early field. I also expect a lot of quicker tosses to the checkdown option…so for both Bucs fans’ and his sake, I hope RoJo learns to catch better.
July 24th, 2020 at 9:42 am
Interesting thought. We could very well see much more shotgun used this year.
July 24th, 2020 at 10:38 am
Shotgun often forces LB’s to back off the LoS, and nullifies the play-action game.
With drafting Vaughan and a supposedly Jones coming on, I don’t see more shotgun, I see *less.” A major Bucs weakness, we’re told, is the running game. You don’t developed a strong running game out of the shotgun, unless you expect the pass to open up the run. I am not a big believer in that strategery.
……
BTW, Joe, I agree: that Mossberg 590A1 SPX tax may be the best home defense firearm out there, especially with a modded stock. Great choice.
July 24th, 2020 at 11:00 am
I prefer my Mossberg 590 Shockwave for home defense
Shortest legal barrel, pistol grip, you can maneuver it around in a doorway.
This weapon was NOT designed for trap shooting.
July 24th, 2020 at 11:02 am
I was set to argue against it…but Joe makes a valid point.
I don’t see it happening though.
July 24th, 2020 at 11:39 am
Cobra – Bingo! What’s that saying? A run game helps the QB? 🤔
Brady doesn’t need shotgun to see the field. He’s been getting the ball out quickly to the right read for 2 decades without it!
Can we stop with the gimmick ideas for the GOAT. Geesh.
In BA I Trust!
July 24th, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Crazy to think the NFL is not allowing roster to be more than 53. What if 1/6 of a team comes down with the Covid-19?
July 24th, 2020 at 1:03 pm
AlabamaBucsFan Says:
Boycotters of the Woke Football League won’t notice what happened.
July 24th, 2020 at 1:06 pm
gp Says:
Good choice, and why I mentioned a modded stock. I like a slightly longer barrel, and something against my shoulder. I’m a large human and have no problem handling a larger weapon.
In our case they have to get through the dogs first to get into the house. Dogs are early warning and gives me time for a less panicked shot.
But I DO get your point, and why some prefer a shorter barrel and pistol grip.
July 24th, 2020 at 1:29 pm
If Brady gets sick we got Gabbert. Sign Kap.
Unless you’re trained really well, and I mean really, I don’t think trying to clear your house with long and heavy pipe is ideal. Hand guns all the way. And before the Glock fanboys chime in, they are over rated.
July 24th, 2020 at 1:53 pm
bojim
You do realize that when the 9ers benched Kap (before he started kneeling) he was replaced with Gabbert.
2nd point, the sound of a 12 gauge racking can cause the lose of control of certain bodily functions among those who know they are in the wrong
I have “backup” to my shockwave for those who are still standing after the buckshot has been expended
July 24th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
gp: “This weapon was NOT designed for trap shooting.” Exactly why you shouldn’t be able to own one.
July 24th, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Gracias!
Joe will just say “Cruiser ready.” 🙂
July 24th, 2020 at 3:27 pm
PSL Bob
Defending my home and family is a constitutional right
This weapon *was* designed for *home defense*
July 24th, 2020 at 3:35 pm
gp, not going to argue, just stating my opinion. Anyway, how bout those Bucs!
July 24th, 2020 at 3:41 pm
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
So if I want to own a firearm, how do I join a well regulated militia?
Once again I am confused.
July 24th, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Mossberg 590 tactical here. Love it.
On a side note, nothing silences a gun range faster than a round or two from the shotgun.
July 24th, 2020 at 5:17 pm
Love the Mossberg but earlier this year I bought a DP-12. Check it out. Baddest tactical shotgun I’ve ever had my hands on.
July 24th, 2020 at 5:20 pm
Jason Says:
*Once again I am confused.*
Yes you are.
Understandable given the state of todays education
If you are called to join the militia, I imagine someone will loan you a weapon.
Don’t worry, we’ve probably got a ways to go before that happens.
July 24th, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Not on the shotgun topic but…Joe – have you heard anything from the Bucs on their fan attendance policy? I was told by my account rep that there would be a “major, major” announcement this week. I’ve seen nothing yet.
July 24th, 2020 at 10:21 pm
Thanks for the advice 0404.
July 25th, 2020 at 12:03 am
Forever:
No. Not a word. Haven’t even heard protocols for reporters at training camp (from the Bucs, but heard rumors through the grapevine).
July 25th, 2020 at 12:15 am
LOL
July 25th, 2020 at 7:38 am
I’ve got the semi auto version. 8 shell capacity. Fire all 8 in less than 3 seconds.
July 26th, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Gp Kap just had surgery at the time bro he was never bench . I know the media set that narrative up but Gabbert is trash bro . If Brady goes down we might as well tank the hold season because that’s exactly what it will look like if Brady goes down . And we better be able to run the ball or we still going to lose . That Titan game showed me that at Brady age he is now he needs a running game.