Warren Sapp Questions Value Of Run Defense
October 15th, 2020
Our beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers own the NFL’s No. 2-ranked defense.
Does it feel like they do?
Only seven teams have allowed less points than the Bucs, so that’s impressive alongside the yardage ranking that reflects the No. 2 overall ranking.
But again, Joe will ask, does the defense feel like a dominant unit?
Joe would reply, “No” not after blowing three leads to the Bears and Nick Foles. But defense certainly hasn’t been the Bucs issue this season.
Buccaneers legend Warren Sapp, never one to shy away from an opinion, was on SiriusXM NFL Radio yesterday and he scoffed at the Bucs’ elite run defense. It’s nice, Sapp said, but he questioned what’s the real value there.
“I keep hearing about Tampa and their [top] run defense. Damn, too bad it’s a quarterback-driven league and they throw it 50 times,” Sapp said. “Second rated in the run defense don’t do too much … when you get into shootouts every week.”
Scoring is up in the NFL and even Tom Brady is averaging 39 passes a game. Believe it or not, Teddy Bridgewater is slinging it 35 times per game.
Joe is not knocking run defense. Hell, if they run it, then it’s your job to stop it. But the discussion on the value of run defense is an interesting one, as the Bucs secondary is inexperienced and offense is a bit easier this season without teams having a true home field edge because of crowd noise.
Sapp noted how Aaron Rodgers was in New Orleans and was hard-counting the Saints, which would have been impossible if not for The Sickness.
On Sunday, the Bucs will face a Packers team that has run and passed well through four games. It’ll be the best test yet for the Bucs’ all-around defense. If the Bucs can look like the No. 2-ranked defense they are, then Joe suspects a Tampa Bay victory will be delivered with ease.
Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks and Sage JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman talk about getting humbled in Chicago and what the Bucs must do to improve. It’s a new TAMPA TWO, from The Identity Tampa Bay and JoeBucsFan.com.
October 15th, 2020 at 12:36 pm
right joe, they couldn’t beat chicago, and you think they’ll beat the pack good one
October 15th, 2020 at 12:39 pm
While it was a huge loss for the defense losing Vita!!!!!! The “toilet bowles” defense was going to be exposed either way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Packers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! errrrrr, I mean, go bucs!!!
October 15th, 2020 at 12:41 pm
I love Sapp but he’s becoming more and more Hot Take than substance. I get the spirit of what he’s saying but Sapp comparing this defense to theirs is getting old.
I have more problems with the discipline and penalties and complacent coaching. But there is time to right the ship.
Now we see what makes Bill Belicheat special.
October 15th, 2020 at 12:45 pm
I mean in 2017 we had the worst run defense in the NFL. Fixed the D line then turned into the worse passing defense in the NFL. Honestly I am starting to think that DBs are more valuable then D linemen. an Interception is worth infinitely more then a sack, also PDs are what tends to decide games.
October 15th, 2020 at 1:03 pm
Stop stupid penalties, protect Brady, execute plays, no turnovers- Bucs will win
October 15th, 2020 at 1:10 pm
Fun fact of the day!
Through five games last year Jameis had exactly five turnovers. Five interceptions to be exact.
Through five games this year Brady has exactly five turnovers. Four interceptions and one lost fumble to be exact.
Last year’s defense after 5 weeks had two games in which they gave up over 400 plus yards including one game where they gave up over 500 yards
This year’s defense is ranked number two in the NFL after 5 weeks.
Yet I have people on here continuously telling me the defense is the same as last year and that you’re just making excuses.
So I ask one question.
Really??????
October 15th, 2020 at 1:18 pm
So far we are 10-11 since last year with the top run defense, if only it equates to wins….
That being said hope we show up and dominate this game in all aspects for once.
Go BUCS!!!!!!!!
October 15th, 2020 at 1:30 pm
In addition we are only one game better than last year through 5 games and if we made one kick last year we would have had the exact same record, despite have a better running game, better defense, having a better RT and being in the same systems for a second year in a row.
So where is this upgrade everyone was soooo excited about in order to give up ANY hope for the future?
October 15th, 2020 at 2:01 pm
@Ndog
1 game is a huge difference in the NFL…especially through 5 games. One game is the difference between 1st and 3rd in the NFC South right now.
The big thing to look at is how Tom Brady progresses through the season. Jameis got worse as the season went on and capped it off by losing back-to-back games (4 INTs against Houston and a pick six vs Atlanta to end it).
The Bucs’ two losses so far have been against a playoff team and a one-loss team. Last year’s losses were against 2 playoff teams and a bottom feeder Giants team. The Bucs are winning games that they’re supposed to, which didn’t happen last year. This week is going to be a measuring stick of how good or bad this team is.
October 15th, 2020 at 2:17 pm
If you ignore trolls like NDog – he won’t have a platform to seek attention with his crazy takes. Just don’t respond to his empty posts. He will go away.
October 15th, 2020 at 2:35 pm
ArmchairGM I agree 100% about the one game being vital. Now saying that, anybody who has one honest bone in their body would also recognize that if last year’s team had this kicker and this defense alone our record last year with zero change from the quarterback, receivers or TEs our record would have been 11 and 5 at worst 10 and 6.
Example we would have won the Giants (8), Seahawks (9) and Atlanta (10) game for sure and possibly the first Saints (11) game.
So like I said where was the improvement at QB? if this team wins 10-11 games this year that’s exactly what last year’s team would have had with the improvements besides the QB.
THIS IS SO CLEAR BUT ALL OF THE CLUELESS REFUSE TO ACCEPT IT. BTW if Brady gets hurt like Jameis did last year (torn meniscus/broken thumb) we will be lucky to win 7 games this season cause you know he wouldn’t be able to last.
But I know you all want to keep leaving those little details out to build your ridiculous case
October 15th, 2020 at 2:36 pm
I love the empty comment as I bring more to the table than anybody on this blog and it’s not even close.
FACTS !!!!!!!!!!
October 15th, 2020 at 2:42 pm
@Architek
I usually ignore him, but it gives me hope for the Bucs when I compare this year to last year. I’ve been pessimistic about their chances vs. the Packers this week, but then I remembered the Bucs haven’t had their top receivers since week 1. Plus, they’ve been in every game despite the miscues and penalties.
October 15th, 2020 at 3:00 pm
VEry critical game here. Bucs need to win at least 5 of their 1st 8 games to have a chance. The key here is stoppin Rodgers and his passing game. He seems to be even better when rollin out of the pocket. O line needs to block great. because brady cannot run 3 yrds and has been taking multiple hits here lately. How long you think he is gonna hold up under them hits? better pray Arians Boy..Gabbert does not have to play. He’s gonna really perfume the place up.
October 15th, 2020 at 3:04 pm
buc o stupido o. Guess that’s humor?
October 15th, 2020 at 3:13 pm
@Ndog
It’s too early in the season to compare to last year. Winston had an okay first quarter of the season (SF game was awful) before the team lost 4 in a row. He also had EIGHT multi-interception games out of 12 after the first 4 games. I think Jameis could take this team to the playoffs, but Brady gives a better chance of winning it all. The big thing is turnovers. You have to win 3 or 4 games in a row against stellar teams, but Winston struggled to string together wins against mediocre and good teams and you wouldn’t be able to rule out a blowup, 2+ INT game from him.
Again, it’s too early in the season to compare because we haven’t seen enough of Brady.
October 15th, 2020 at 3:48 pm
@ joe
It doesnt look like they are a #2 defense because they are 17th against the pass. Thats what sapp is talking about and thats what have many of us scared when we play rodgers. Think about it, the bucs have not played one elite qb this year ( and no a 40 year old noodle arm brees is not elite) and the defense is only 17th against the pass. And no sapp is not comparing this defense to his. All he is saying you are fooling yourself if you think you are going to win consistently only being great at stopping the run in a passing league. Not really that hard to understand unless you are the type to get pissed just because someone said something negative about your team. I for one will wait and see before i crown this defense.
October 15th, 2020 at 4:03 pm
Of course you guys try to ignore me. That’s the easy way out when you know you’re wrong and you can’t disprove anything that I say. Game, set, match!
October 15th, 2020 at 4:13 pm
Yep, you win again NDogTurd. We know how proud you are as leader of the #3 Nuthuggers Gang.
October 15th, 2020 at 4:37 pm
@ joe
It doesnt look like they are a #2 defense because they are 17th against the pass. Thats what sapp is talking about and thats what have many of us scared when we play rodgers. Think about it, the bucs have not played one elite qb this year ( and no a 40 year old noodle arm brees is not elite) and the defense is only 17th against the pass. And no sapp is not comparing this defense to his. All he is saying you are fooling yourself if you think you are going to win consistently only being great at stopping the run in a passing league. Not really that hard to understand unless you are the type to get pissed just because someone said something negative about your team. I for one will wait and see before i crown this defense.
October 15th, 2020 at 5:37 pm
Ndog sure loves him some Ndog.
October 15th, 2020 at 5:55 pm
Ndog, does your entire life revolve around the word “if?” “If” so, you must not be very successful in whatever it is you do.
October 15th, 2020 at 6:22 pm
@Armchair
I understand brother. So my approach is and has been that we “get better” every week. Injuries aside, the discipline issues continue to plague this franchise and the repeat offenders (OL, Mike Evans, and Carlton Davis) just wears fans out because the Bucs have been beating themselves since Gruden left!
So trust me I understand.
Secondly, I am really watching the coaching adjustments because in 5 weeks I have NOT been impressed by the game management, play design, and recent soft coverage. I know you can’t blitz every down but these Corners are man corners.
We don’t use a lot of screens or creative play calls – we don’t use our quickness or jet sweeps, so I’m seeing and watching to see if this staff is champion level.
October 15th, 2020 at 6:24 pm
NDog-
70-80% of your posts are dogmatic or Jameis comping which are moot. How can you be a Bucs fan and have a winning record right now, first in the division, and still complain???
Make it make sense???
October 15th, 2020 at 6:35 pm
Sapp is, as always, 100% correct.
This is like years ago under Schiano when they were the “best” run defense. 1) who cares, teams get 70% of their yards through the air and 2) they were only the “best” because it was so easy to throw on them.
This defense is much better against the pass than that Schiano abortion, but again, who cares if you’re #1 against the run – it literally only matters when you’re setting up a fantasy lineup. I’d take being #1 against the pass any day of the week. Who else was #1 against the pass? The 2002 Bucs defense, which is THE best pass defense in the HISTORY of the NFL. That’s how you win games, not shaving a half yard off an average run.
October 15th, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Funny thing about the #2 defense, when they absolutely need to get a stop….. they just can’t get it done
October 15th, 2020 at 7:21 pm
Architek Says:
October 15th, 2020 at 6:24 pm
NDog-
70-80% of your posts are dogmatic or Jameis comping which are moot. How can you be a Bucs fan and have a winning record right now, first in the division, and still complain???
Make it make sense???
……….
Because he is Not a Bucs fan?
Just a Jameis fan
October 15th, 2020 at 7:57 pm
Warren can make statements about shootouts today, and is a valid point. But I also can remember in 2003 after the superbowl season they could not stop the run. When you can not stop the run, it is miserable for a fan to watch the other team just do anything they want. Warren was on the field, just imagine how frustrated Warren was. Or how many times have we seen this team in the Lost decade, just get walked on. We all know sacks are generally a good indicator of wins and losses. And I would love to see them look like the 85 Bears D, But at least they are not going to get walked on, and they can always improve the pass rush. GO BUCS!!!!
October 15th, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Ndog I promise I don’t try to argue or down talk the bucs or speak negative I simply ask that same question where is the upgrade? Because if you are calling this a upgrade we gave up a 20yr old for a 40yr that doesn’t make sense at all mine as well keep the younger guy if this blows up this is gonna be BAD BAD!!!
October 15th, 2020 at 9:27 pm
This guy ⬆️ gets it.
October 15th, 2020 at 9:37 pm
I love how a person can be a season ticket holder for over 20 years and have missed one game in that time frame and also gone to multiple road games is can be considered not a fan.
Unbelievable, you know people are allowed to disagree with the teams move? What they did this offseason not only did I disagree with frankly I think it was wrong on a human level. Like or not they treated Jameis horribly and if you want to believe it or not played a major role, I believe intentionally, in him not getting a good offer with the opportunity to start elsewhere.
It is very simple if you don’t want a player you move on and don’t discuss said player at all, that’s ok that happema all the time.
What you don’t do is not want the player but at the same time go out of your way to talk bad about him, put him down, and ensure everyone believes the sole reason you did not win last year was him.
That is why the coach is a liying, backstabbing, pos and their is nothing on earth that will change my stance in that. That is why I do indeed find it hard to root for a team that has a head coach like that and a spolied brat, lucky as heck QB that has had about everything go right for him his entire career but is still a little bit(h.
October 15th, 2020 at 10:30 pm
Uh-oh, sounds like NDogTurd-dee-poo got his little feelings hurt and has a boo boo face now. Ah, poor baby.
October 15th, 2020 at 11:40 pm
Imagine if the Bucs would have gone out and got a true #1 corner and then lined up CD on the other side. This defense would be pretty darn great! I was beating the drum for a veteran cb but it is what it is. Now hopefully Licht goes d line next year and gets younger up front.
October 16th, 2020 at 12:08 am
Ndog,
The truth is like fire burning in their hearts and bones. Remind them how penalties in the San Francisco game were called back due to penalties. Remind them of the touchdown passes Mike Evans dropped. Those that attack you and call you names, do so because they hate the truth. It is Tom Brady the Packers will play; Rodgers will not take them lightly.
October 16th, 2020 at 8:24 am
Congrats Mirrormirroronthewall, you’ve been voted into the #3 NutHuggers Gang. Lots of fun times ahead for you. You and NDogTurd can take turns with his autographed #3 blow up doll.
October 16th, 2020 at 9:31 am
I don’t think calling someone a nut hugger just because they disagree with you on the quarterback position is stupid. Brady ain’t nothing with us . Every time we lose against a good team yall give Brady a pass all the time . But last year yall did say that a good quarterback is supposed to pull his team together and win . Jamies got blamed for every lost the past 4 years . They never attempted to give him a running game the past 4 years . And now with Brady we are seeing 100 yard rushing runningbacks and yall try to give Brady the credit for them calling running plays . I haven’t seen or heard any of you blame Brady for nothing regardless how he plays . Now yall look at the hold team because of Brady . What’s going to be the excuse if the Packers beat us ?? I know what’s going to be said the Packers has a good defense so it’s ok if we lose this game . So we only supose to beat bad teams and when we play good teams it’s ok to lose?? Lol lol 😁😆🤣 . But all summer long Brady was going to change everything and he was going to lead us to the superbowl !!!