Expect Rams, Patriots To Continue Attacking Bucs Secondary
September 22nd, 2021
Rams coach Sean McVay.
Yeah, teams so far through two weeks have pretty much abandoned the run against the Bucs’ defense and instead have gone to the air.
And they’ve had considerable success. So Corey Seeley of “The Draft Scout” believes two of the better coaches in the game, Sean McVay and Bill Belicheat, who will square off against the Bucs the next two weekends, will continue that trend.
Despite the Bucs shutting down three future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in a row to win the Super Bowl last year (Drew Brees, drama queen Aaron Rodgers and Pat Mahomes), Seeley wasn’t that sold on the Bucs secondary.
He noted in a column this week those fears have come to life.
I know we’ve praised the Buccaneers defense, and deservedly so. But that secondary is beginning to concern me in a big way. We all knew the secondary wouldn’t be their strength as their front-seven is what’s truly dangerous to opposing offenses.
Obviously, it’s very early in the season – a lot can change and improve. Still worth noting as the season progresses.
Joe isn’t worried. Yeah, Sean Murphy-Bunting’s injury worries Joe. But Joe has faith in Todd Bowles. He will find a solution. He’s done it before (remember the 2019 season when the Bucs’ secondary was toasty and before the season ended they were locking up receivers?).
The trick here is, will Bowles find a solution soon enough before a No. 1 playoff seed is sacrificed?
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:10 am
Bill knows he needs at least 28, so I’d expect the Patriots to open things up a bit. We’re not quite sure what we are yet, but I don’t see a shootout. Pats will try to shorten the game, and he’ll make Brady take the short stuff.
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:13 am
These four words will resonate throughout Gillette. GET THE F@#$ BACK
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:20 am
The Rams game is the equivalent of 1.5-2 games in the race for high/top playoff seeding…followed by the return of the Patriot Prodigal Son to Foxboro. What a time to be a Bucs fan!
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:40 am
Handsome wife?
September 22nd, 2021 at 1:23 am
Holy cow–the secondary just got two pick sixes, how is that not adequate for these perpetual worriers?
September 22nd, 2021 at 1:41 am
Bucs win on offense — just score more points than they score, and it doesn’t matter what they do.
But any competent coach is going to attack this secondary, in particular if the Bucs can’t get pressure on the opposing QB, and right now, they’re having a hard time doing that, and Bowles doesn’t seem to want to mix things up very much. However, that is EXACTLY what happened last year. People seem to not want to remember that this defense wasn’t anything special for most of last year.
This team will win or lose on offense. Hopefully, by the time the playoffs come around, the defense will step up like they did last year. Or better, they’ll prove me wrong, become an elite defense for the entire season, and I’ll happily take my public beating for doubting them.
September 22nd, 2021 at 3:14 am
while the bucs defense struggles, the bucs offense should strive for a 50-burger every game…
and settle on 40+…
#YouCantFuggWithAye50Burger #FiddyForTheWin
September 22nd, 2021 at 3:16 am
lets just clone mike edwards and we’re good 🙂
September 22nd, 2021 at 4:44 am
The Defense is giving up 27 points a game so far, that folks is giving up the b**ty.
Glad this offense is historically good.
Shootout at the SoFi corral live on Sunday, (Monday morning here)
Just hope the Bucs are on the right side of the scoreboard when all the smoke clears.
Lets not forget the last time that BA’s Bucs played the Rams in LA. 55-40 Bucs.
That sent the Rams into panic mode.
Would be nice to be the clear #1 seed on Sunday night after the game.
GO BUCS!!!!!!!
September 22nd, 2021 at 5:01 am
Gut feel is that a LOT of Bucs’ fans are in for some big surprises these next 2 weeks when Bucs play the Rams then the Patriots. Our #1 offense has scored 31 pts against Dallas (ranked #15 defense) and 35 pts against Atlanta (ranked #32 defense). It has pretty much had its own way with both defenses in scoring, and has been blessed with the best starting field position in the NFL to date (own 36-yd line). However, our offense has turned the ball over a league-leading FIVE times in the process, averaged a very low 26 mins TOP, and ranks #19 in 3rd down conversions made (39%).
Bucs’ defense has been nothing to write home about but has gotten the job done in the final analysis. They played 2 quality QBs who each passed for over 300 yds, earning us a #30 ranking in passing yardage allowed. However, we rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing yardage allowed, and 4th in takeaways. Sounds quite familiar except for 1 thing: this year we’ve allowed opponents to convert 46.9% of their 3rd downs, 4th worst in the league. As a consequence of that AND having a quick-scoring offense, our defense has stayed on the field for far too many defensive plays & given up too many points.
Bucs offense & defense together also rank 2nd in the league in penalty yardage with a ridiculous 189 yds. That certainly hasn’t helped our offense or our defense.
Now along comes the Rams, ranked #5 offensively (scoring 61 pts in 2 games) and #8 defensively (allowing only 38 pts in 2 games). To be followed by the Patriots, ranked #23 offensively (scoring 41 pts in 2 games) but #3 defensively (allowing only 23 total points in 2 games). BOTH teams are much better defensively than what we’ve faced to date, and both their offenses have shown that they can move the ball. And oh ya, we’re playing BOTH teams on the road. Time to see what our 2021 Bucs team is made of.
September 22nd, 2021 at 6:22 am
bucs is just chilling and they should be. they will turn on the switch come playoff time just like last year.
September 22nd, 2021 at 7:22 am
Just curious, but how long have the 2 opposing quarterbacks we faced had before throwing the ball, and what’s the league average?
I always hear commentators say that if you give even a below average QB enough time he can pick apart a NFL defense.
September 22nd, 2021 at 8:48 am
Wasn’t that the Chiefs plan? Time for Bowles to come up with another perfect game plan.
September 22nd, 2021 at 8:52 am
If that was my babe I’d be smiling too. Hubba, hubba!
September 22nd, 2021 at 8:56 am
Good stuff DR,
But lets remember, the D rankings you mention for Dallas (#15) and ATL (#32) come after playing the Bucs crazy hot offense, so of course they might be lower than they turn out long term. And the Cowgirls looked very good going on the road and beating a good Chargers team. But your basic point is still justified.
I was much more bothered by the fact ATL only scored 6pts against a poor Eagles team, then 28pts against our Bucs. THAT is THE telling stat, IMO.
September 22nd, 2021 at 9:10 am
Harry … I agree with you; that is a telling stat. But like everyone’s been saying all summer, every team will bring their A-game when playing the Super Bowl champs. And especially when it comes to division rivals. Carolina MIGHT just be for real (#1 defense right now) and New Orleans still has a formidable defense themselves. I suspect we’ll see a lot of dog fights this year.
September 22nd, 2021 at 9:16 am
So this game will come down to which D gets most stops.
My gut tells me the Bucs thought they could beat both Dallas and Atlanta on talent alone. I won’t be surprised if this staff saved some surprises for LA.
While the NFL is “one game at a time”, the schedule has to be strategically managed as well.
This was the first Big Game the moment the schedule came out.
September 22nd, 2021 at 9:44 am
@DR: “I suspect we’ll see a lot of dog fights this year.”
Every week my friend. No matter the who the opponent is
September 22nd, 2021 at 9:52 am
Def Rules, what you failed to mention is what are the Bears & Colts offensive ratings, that corolates to how the Rams D ranks same for Pat’s, they played Miami & Jets. The verdict is still out on the Rams on whether or not they can match our offense, plus they played against Andy Dalton and Wentz (got injured), I’ve got to believe Dak & Ryan are better. As far as Patriots, the only thing they have going for them is Bucs coming off physical Rams game and travel from west coast. Other than that there is NO they can keep up with Bucs offense and once again Pat’s have very few quality receivers and there best DB Gilmore isn’t playing. Can’t see a W for New England.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:31 am
Running the ball will help the defense tremendously. It’ll cut down on number of opposing offensive possessions and give our D much needed rest. Many of our defensive problems can be traced squarely back to our O.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:33 am
Patriots played Miami and NY
Offensive juggernauts LOL
Rams played the Colts with a wounded QB and almost lost.
Running game is the key.
Maybe LA is kind to Rojo
September 22nd, 2021 at 11:41 am
@Listnfrmafar … “The verdict is still out on the Rams on whether or not they can match our offense, plus they played against Andy Dalton and Wentz (got injured).”
After only 2 games I think the verdict is still out on all 32 teams. Personally feel that the true test of any team is when they play a BALANCED opponent, one who can beat you with offense OR defense (and very often BOTH). Rams look to be the most BALANCED team that we’ll possibly see all season, but only time will tell. I don’t expect a high-scoring 45-42 shootout or anything like that. I do feel like the Bucs’ defense will stand up, but so will the Rams’ defense. Something along the lines of last year’s score (27-24) seems most plausible, and could go either way.
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:24 pm
Agreed! But Patriots NO way can they match up on either side of the ball. Expect trick plays and hope Bucs motivated after the Rams, O know TB12, Gronk and especially AB will be.