“Get These Guys Easy-Access Throws”
September 27th, 2022
Playcaller Byron Leftwich
A Patriots hero who spent six years alongside Tom Brady is pointing fingers at the Buccaneers’ playcalling.
Retired running back James White caught hundreds of passes from Brady and a couple dozen touchdown passes. He’s been studying the 2022 Bucs and was talking about them this week on SiriusXM NFL Radio.
White wants to see the Bucs do a better job scheming plays, with “more pick plays and rub plays” to help second-tier receivers get open.
“Get these guys easy-access throws because it doesn’t seem like they’re able to separate in man-coverage enough to give Tom confidence, at least,” White said. “They’re going to have to do a better job of scheming things up.”
Joe has to agree, but Joe is as much or more focused on the running game. Nobody will confuse offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich with Kyle Shanahan when it comes to designed runs. The Bucs ran so damn well in Dallas, on opening day, and then the run game fell off a cliff.
It was very intriguing to Joe hearing White talk about what Brady can do in practice to raise the games of Breshad Perriman, Scotty Miller and Russell Gage.
Joe wonders if Brady agrees with White.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Yup, especially until the O-line settles in and Brady and the receivers are on the same page.
Give the offense a push to get the wheels out of the mud.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:15 pm
lets not forget we were all excited about bucs 4 wr, Evans, Godwin, Julio and gage. well only one of those played. things will be fine once we get them back and our LT. meanwhile, were 2-1. could be worse
September 27th, 2022 at 12:17 pm
Can’t raise Miller’s game, he is what he is. He can’t beat physical corners, got man handled Sunday. For all his supposed speed, couldn’t run by anybody either. I see Gieger was cut. Was surprised he was activated off the PS ahead of Thompkins to begin with since Thompkins had the better preseason. So if they cut Gieger, and kept Thompkins who do they view as a better player? Would love to see Thomkins get a shot over Miller. Scotty has been given plenty of opportunities the last two games, and has done nothing to show for it. Cut bait.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:23 pm
To James White’s point is why I’ve been screaming for screens. Properly executed screens 3-5 times a game can be devastating.
And why don’t the Bucs throw more very quick slants? Slants are quick-hitting and hard to defend, not to mention great against a good pass rush.
These types of plays help new WR’s get on same page much quicker.
I think White has a point in that some minor scheme changes could really help.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:39 pm
This is what I’ve been saying (read: screaming about) all week / month / for the last 3+ years…
Very few routes and concepts that actually scheme guys open in space. It almost all relies on our receivers / backs / tight ends simply being better than the defenders and winning contested catches…
September 27th, 2022 at 12:39 pm
Only team in the NFL not running pick plays and rub routes on a consistent basis.
Sluggo is either dangerously arrogant to think the 3rd stringers can run the same offense as the starters, or he’s blissfully ignorant about the whole situation. Either way it’s not a recipe for success out there.
@nick
Was the passing game humming against Dallas when everybody was on the field? Couldn’t finish a drive then either.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Agree D-rok we seem allergic to screens and slants. Also like routes that start coming back towards the QB
September 27th, 2022 at 12:40 pm
Really!
September 27th, 2022 at 12:44 pm
F**k Leftwich
September 27th, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Boron the Moron won’t change unless forced.
Last year’s Giants game was a beautiful opening script. Revisit that, Todd, and just tell Boron to emulate it or else.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:53 pm
Kevin Faulk
Shane Vereen
Rex Burkhead
James White
Dion Lewis
Danny Woodhead
What do these guys have in common? They’ve been reliable third down backs for Brady?! They knew how to get open for an outlet for Brady, and more importantly they got YAC. They also could line out wide and separate. They created a mismatch on the LB. We don’t have that right now. Our so-called new Marcus Allen in White hasn’t done anything! Gio was supposed to be that guy, and he hasn’t.
Leftwich is getting exposed. White had it right. He’s not scheming people open. Look at McVay. He schemes LBs on Kupp.
September 27th, 2022 at 12:57 pm
What’s the missing ingredient to the run game since Dallas Joe ? DS. They have success pulling Mason to Donovan’s side. Hard to stop the run left with those two road graders coming at you especially if Ko is in the fullback position leading the way.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Byron simply goes to the same well too much…….we are moving the ball through the air…..but insists on 1st down runs……killing drives…..
We seem to be mostly throwing behind the sticks……receivers not getting open early enough for Brady’s quick releases.
We had problems in the red zone but we moved the ball very well against Dallas.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:14 pm
White wants to see the Bucs do a better job scheming plays…
White wants to see LEFTWICH do a better job scheming plays…
There, fixed it for you.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:19 pm
We have to give the “GOAT” easy access throws. LMFAO.
Tom Brady needs Tampa Bay more than Tampa Bay needs Brady. But everyone keeps blaming the teammates, not the guy screaming at guys and throwing tablets on the sidelines.
Is this really the hero you want your kids to watch?
September 27th, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Also did anyone catch the interview with Rodgers and Tom Rinaldi after the game?
Rodgers said that on / after the delay of game on the 2 point conversion, the jumbo screen operator showed something “that they should not have”, and Rodgers said he gave the defense a heads up about our next play.
Basically insinuating that whatever the jumbotron screen showed, it tipped them off as to what our next play was going to be.
Love that for us.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:24 pm
Lack of creativity from BL’s play calling…ya don’t say?!
September 27th, 2022 at 1:27 pm
Even the Operations Team is inept in Tampa.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
The easiest way to defeat man coverage is with bunch formations. While they run a ton of 3 by 1, I haven’t seen a lot of bunch. @D-Rok is right about the slants and screens too. The offense looks kind of antiquated. The running game is entirely unimaginative. This is a copycat league. Even the Patriots are trying to incorporate more outside zone. It should look better once they get some recievers back. Obviously Evans would have made a huge difference.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:33 pm
@Anon Rodgers’ coach schemed. He made Rodgers’ job so easy. had easy access throws. It has nothing to do with the QBs lack of skill. It’s called good game planning. Rodgers averaged 3 air yards?! He had average receivers running wide open in the first half. His release time had to be at least 2.3 He got the ball out very fast. Anon suffers from TBDS.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:43 pm
Alternate headline: BL is a poor OC.
Plain vanilla playbook, bad play calling, non-existent in-game adjustments. Almost everyone on this board has complained about BL since TB12 arrived. More play action, more pre-snap motion, scheme receivers open, add some trick plays.
In short, James White is being Captain Obvious here.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:45 pm
Byron is feeling the heat. He should.
When things become predictable. It’s far easier to manage
September 27th, 2022 at 1:49 pm
All sounds good, but if you’re offense is still executing at the rate of efficiency ours has the last 3 games, you’re going to continue be that unit that hasn’t scored more than a single TD in any of the 3 games or the team facing 1st & 15-20 due to mental errors, or be that team that finally hits on a play to extend the drive, but it’s negated by a penalty/turnover. It’s less about style and approach, and simply starts with players doing their jobs and executing the play calls better, no matter what BL calls.
September 27th, 2022 at 1:57 pm
anonymous. REALLY????????????????????
September 27th, 2022 at 1:58 pm
This team is not the cusp of greatness. I think we will destroy the Chiefs and won’t look back at our 2 point loss on the way to Brady 8th Superbowl win. Our defense is straight Venom. Offense will get better and better and better.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:00 pm
This team is ON the cusp. I’m serious I have huge hands and these phones have such tiny damn keyboards. It’s the same for me with asain clothes cars etc..etc.. It’s not made for 6 foot 3 290 lb. Pound men like me. Sorry for all my bad spelling g
September 27th, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Bowles Prevent Offense. If it continues Brady will bolt. Fire Bowles.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Everyone wants Ybor to be right.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:28 pm
@Bucsfan13
Aaron Rodgers is the most talented QB in the history of the sport. Put many all-time great QB’s on those loaded Brady teams and we are calling them GOAT.
Aaron Rodgers is much more talented than Brady. You switch Brady and Rodgers, and the Bucs are 3-0 and the Packers are 0-3.
Byron Leftwich is a great coach. He’s limited by poor play from the QB.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:33 pm
Anonymous, every QB needs recievers that can get open. Yes, even the goat. He also needs a coordinator who knows his arse from his elbow. McDaniels and Brady had a symbiotic relationship. They were together on the sideline after every series. Nobody confuses BL with McDaniels, or Bill O’Brien for that matter. He’s screaming and throwing his tablet because he demands perfection.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:51 pm
White … “Get these guys easy-access throws because it doesn’t seem like they’re able to separate in man-coverage enough to give Tom confidence, at least,” White said. “They’re going to have to do a better job of scheming things up.”
I agree with White, but there’s a certain irony in what he’s saying. Bucs kept Darden, Perriman and Miller over Johnson, Grayson & Thompkins because they were FASTER. And now White is saying that BL has to scheme them open and Brady needs to give them easier throws because … they can’t get separation? Hmmm, thought that’s what SPEED was for.
Thus far, Darden is 1-for-1 (100%). Perriman is 6-for-12 … with TWO fumbles. And Miller is 4-for-13 (30.8%). I’m impressed … unfavorably.
September 27th, 2022 at 2:51 pm
Ditto to all of the above
September 27th, 2022 at 3:01 pm
The play calling has always been bad.
September 27th, 2022 at 3:03 pm
We are criticized and blasted whenever we are critical of Leftwich playcalling, scheme, and design of the offense. The proof is in the pudding and so far workout BA this offense looks dead.
September 27th, 2022 at 3:57 pm
Playcalling is always the easiest aspect for outsiders looking in to target but there’s been a significant lack of execution by the offense early on. Having all back ups at WR and a new and growing OL will do that. Its hard to criticize plays being called without a good understanding of how they are or aren’t being executed.
September 27th, 2022 at 4:27 pm
Totally disagree.
It’s been the most prolific Buc offense ever.
They will get their top WRs and LT back over the next 2 weeks. They’ll be fine.
If they have some NFL receivers on the team who can’t separate from man-to-man coverage then they shouldn’t be on the roster
September 27th, 2022 at 9:35 pm
So have y’all finally gave up the narrative that Brady makes every one good on the team?? Now I’m hearing the same stuff I’ve been saying for the past 2 years that y’all constantly said I was wrong and I hate Brady. Now yall saying every quarterback needs wr to get open. But I remember when yall saying Brady was throwing them open and how Brady made them better players. And how a quarterback makes his receivers good.
September 27th, 2022 at 9:41 pm
Anonymous. This is what I be talking about when Brady ain’t playing great it’s the team fault or the coaches fault. But when we win he plays good it’s all because of Brady. And still think Brady played ok but when he plays bad it’s every one else fault but his . Even Ira Kaufman didn’t want to blame Brady for nothing. They’re narrative about Brady making everyone on the team good has been destroyed and proven to be a lie .
September 28th, 2022 at 10:41 am
Anonywuss and Oneil (I hate the White man!) bucyall, did you watch the game? How did GB’s receivers get open? Chipping & picking not just run down the field and post at 10 of square out at 7, slant at 4 or back shoulder left sideline. These are football terms, you wouldn’t hear them as water boys on the ping pong team. Point being GB’s offense adapted to the lack of wr’s, they didn’t just run the same o, same o or a double reverse pass. WTF.
September 28th, 2022 at 11:46 am
We run almost zero rubs and zero combination routes. For all those people blaming Leftwich for this… you’re partially right… but this is Brady’s New England offense. Leftwich used to like to run four verticals with no combinations… now we’ve got four short routes and no rubs or picks… This is a Brady and Leftwich problem. The Packers ran rubs in the first half last week and nearly killed us… we don’t do smart stuff like that.
September 28th, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Brandon, I have watched the Patriots since Jim Plunket was their QB. Point is this is not the McDaniels Patriot offense. That offense relied mostly on the RB’s, slots & TE as primary receivers. Moving the chains was the focus very rarely did you see a No Risk It No biscuit throw. The one or two seasons with Moss they opened it up more. They also utilized the fullback often.