“They Just Gotta Get Better At Blocking”
October 1st, 2022
Cameron Brate
It seems Cameron Brate’s mustache isn’t helping him in the run game.
It’s quite a spectacle, so Joe thought that it might throw defensive players off their game.
Joe brings this up because the Bucs’ run game was sad against the Packers and not too good against the Saints, either, despite Leonard Fournette getting an A+ grade from coaches for his New Orleans showing.
So what’s a run game fix, Coach Bowles?
Head man Todd Bowles told the Buccaneers Radio Network this week the he likes the fire from his tight ends and is good with their catching overall, but “they just gotta get better at blocking in the run game.” Bowles said they were “decent” against Green Bay but have to do better.
A peek at the snap counts shows rookie Ko Kieft was only on the field for 11 snaps last Sunday, his lowest total of the season. Veteran Pro Bowler Kyle Rudolph made his Bucs debut but only had nine snaps, and rookie Cade Otton was absent due to a family tragedy.
So Brate played 58 snaps, his highest game total since 2016.
With Brate carrying the blocking load, it’s no surprise that Bowles thinks the tight end blocking needs to improve.
It seems with each passing day, the Gronk prayers grow louder.
Dropped off some supplies at @BigStormBrewing Odessa taproom for our neighbors to the southwest affected by Hurricane Ian. Was only there 5-10 minutes and three others came by to donate supplies. “Luther” brought baby food on a dolly in his first of several trips. pic.twitter.com/lcIHHGIs6Q
— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) October 1, 2022
October 1st, 2022 at 5:19 pm
While I’m no fan of Brate, the issue with the running game is the completely inept playcalling of Leftwich, who is as predictable as the garbage OC’s under Dungy in the run game.
If Leftwich had any intelligence at all, he’d actually mix things up a bit and not be so insanely predictable. Versus GB, they were literally putting 8 people in the box and run blitzing up the gut on 1st down – they did it nearly ever series. What does that tell you? To say just run it anyways is literally stupid. That is not the Bucs strength, and if you had a football IQ over 4 you’d know that if the other team is expecting something, and sitting on the play, well use that to your advantage. That’s the issue with the Bucs, they don’t. On the opening play vs GB, we used a playaction pass and got like 25 yards on it. I believe that was the only time he did that the entire game (or at least that’s the only time I remember it on 1st down).
Just mix things up. You don’t need to run less, just change up the GD order of calls. Instead of it always being 2nd and 9, just think if the offense passed on 1st down, using playaction, and did that like 7 times a game, then you could still run it the rest of the time but the other team wouldn’t be sitting on the call.
Just mix up the order and watch as the run game is suddenly fixed when the other team isn’t sitting on the calls.
October 1st, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Also, again, I’ll point out that Leftwich has had one other year as OC without Arians. It was 2018 in Arizona, and they finished 32nd in offense.
If Leftwich had any talent at all, someone would have made him their HC. When even the Jags pass on you, that says a lot. This is Arians offense, and it was Arians who forced Leftwich to open things up and not be super conservative. What we’re seeing now is Leftwich’s idea of an offense. 1.3 yards and a cloud of dust.
October 1st, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Dear 7lb 3oz baby Jesus, please bless those moustaches that need blessed and help Gronk find his way back to one buc palace, preferably on a big pirate ship with a crows nest and a plank… But a 747 will be just fine as well. And please remember we will still trade you billy ray for Keith whitley. Amen
Why was Ko not in there more?
October 1st, 2022 at 5:37 pm
GRONK!!!!!
October 1st, 2022 at 5:41 pm
Brate has been an average blocker at best throughout his Bucs tenure. Otton actually seems to be head and shoulders a much better blocker than Brate ever was. It is what it is, but Otton needs to actually start being a threat in the passing game to keep defenses honest!
October 1st, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Brate is not the problem. The oline cannot block one on one. Perhaps wirfs, mason and d. smith can. The others can’t. Easy lanes for defense to get to Lenny.
October 1st, 2022 at 5:58 pm
Otton better than Brate?
Otton was signed hurt, and already been hurt again?
October 1st, 2022 at 6:04 pm
Bucs should look into extended warranties, with all these broken down players.
October 1st, 2022 at 6:25 pm
Cam needs to pick it up. He’s a disgrace to Tom Selleck’s mustache.
October 1st, 2022 at 6:57 pm
Brate got thrown to 8 times. There were 2 pass interference calls which moved the chains and he 5 caught 5 of 6 passes thrown his way. He’s gotten a bad rap about his blocking as that has improved over the years as well. The best ability is availability and he’s made just about every game except when he had broken ribs and was out for 3 games. Give him a break will ya. And the mustache? Dirk Diggler would be proud.
October 1st, 2022 at 8:18 pm
Maybe Brady could offer Gronk part ownership in TB12 or his movie company or make Gronk a sideline reporter when Brady goes to Fox. If that don’t work maybe the Glazers can make Gronk a part owner in Man United or even the Bucs. If that doesn’t work maybe Joe can pull some strings at Big Storm Beer and they can offer Gronk a share in their company. Something, anything to get Gronk back to the Bucs catching passes from Brady.
October 1st, 2022 at 8:34 pm
Rod, that is really interesting. And you know what? Maybe Todd doesn’t realize that yet and thinks the success has all been Leftwithzip so is letting him just keep doing what he’s doing. I believe he is starting to see it though.
October 1st, 2022 at 8:46 pm
Lmao
Ive said before
3rd string LT, first time starter. Rookie LG, 1st time starter. 1st time starter at Center. Ist year starter with the Bucs at RG.
And Cam Brate is is the Problem????
How about a coach who would send that line out- to protect Tom Brady?
But Bowles will never say that- because then the blame is aimed at the right person- Todd Bowles!
Didnt the Jets tailspin, once he became the Head coach?
Are guys sure you have confidence in this guy?
October 1st, 2022 at 8:52 pm
Todd Bowles with the Jets
10-6
5-11
5-12
4-12
Team went from 10th in offense, to 24th
4th in defense to 28th
Problem with offense solved
October 1st, 2022 at 8:54 pm
Otton is the answer. He’s looked good blocking.
October 1st, 2022 at 8:55 pm
Sorry
10th in offense to 29th
4th in defense to 25Th
Either way- team went from 10-6 his first year, to cellar dweller in his 4 year.
Not good
October 2nd, 2022 at 12:01 am
Brate played well against the Packers.
Was surprised the other two Tight Ends got so few snaps.
October 2nd, 2022 at 8:32 am
Is Kyle Rudolf still on this team? What a waste of cap space. If Otton is back my guess is he and Brate have about same number of snaps. And need to get Ko on the field.