Byron Leftwich Said Teams Can Run Hurry-Up Offenses All Game Long
December 9th, 2022
Seems content.
Joe hates being the old f@rt here, but running a quick offense that pushes the ball downfield is hardly a new thing.
Back in the late-80s and the early-90s, Buffalo shattered all football stereotypes. The belief in football back then was you had to milk the clock and if you didn’t win time of possession you would burn out your defense (sound familiar?).
Also, there was a belief teams in the northeast or the rust belt couldn’t throw the ball in November and December, forget about the playoffs.
Green Bay sort of demonstrated this was nonsense in the early 1980s with Lynn Dickey, James Lofton, Phil Epps, John Jefferson and Paul Coffman. But the Packers defense was awful and the Packers were lucky to have a .500 record, though they proved to be trendsetters showing for passing a lot in the winter.
Unlike Green Bay, Buffalo had a ferocious defense to go along with a fireworks offense led by future Hall of Famer quarterback Jim Kelly. The Bills’ hurry-up/no-huddle was nicknamed the “K-Gun.”
So yesterday, Bucs failing offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich was asked if a K-Gun-like offense could be used for an entire game.
“I believe [so]. I believe this game comes down to scoring,” Leftwich said. “I know a lot of you guys look at a lot of those things, but this game comes down to scoring. That’s the one thing that’s 100 percent true – you score more points than the other team, you win the ballgame every single time. Nobody has [ever] lost scoring more points than the other team.
“There’s a lot of numbers out there that can seem somewhat factual, but it comes down to… the only number that’s guaranteed in any analytics is [if] you score more points than the other team, you win. I think any offense can work as long as you can score points doing it.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles said before the season Bucco Bruce Arians’ offense wasn’t perfect because it is his firm belief the Bucs were gassed — offense, defense and special teams — because of the fast-paced offense.
When Leftwich was again asked if it’s possible to run a hurry-up offense all game, he again said yes.
“It could. It could,” Leftwich said. But… “[I’m not] saying that we would do it, but it could. It could.”
It sure sounds like the Bucs have no desire to get away from their stuck-in-park, non-scoring offense.
The Bucs are top 5 in play action passing efficiency this season, yet on pace run play action the least in the entire NFL. Someone might want to inform Byron Leftwich of the success they've had this season and in past seasons using it, since apparently "stats" aren't his thing. pic.twitter.com/l7Z4QskAWK
— Barry (@BarrysOnHere) December 2, 2022
December 9th, 2022 at 3:57 am
Been saying this everyday for three years. Even if it holds LBs and S for a split second, it helps Brady who is so quick to read defenses and throw open receivers
December 9th, 2022 at 4:28 am
Geeze talk about not playing to a players strengths. BL is just an arrogant a hole and can’t accept the fact that he is wrong. Reason Jaguars didn’t hire him. Glazers need to make a move or they are about to lose their fan base. Oh and my alumni UCF has run a hurry up offense entire games and have had much success. So yes it’s possible. We are not asking for the entire game Bl but how about every other series? Try something different you fool! Go Bucs!
December 9th, 2022 at 4:52 am
Jags didn’t hire him because they couldn’t stomach listening to him represent them on the news every night. Same way we can’t. Beyond ignorant.
December 9th, 2022 at 5:19 am
The play calling is so predictable – it’s as if the playbook only has 8 plays in it. Most of them runs up the gut, a screen, and a pass 3 yards short of the marker!
Why don’t we have plays that scheme receivers open – I can’t remember a single play this season with a Bucs receiver uncovered down the field.
December 9th, 2022 at 5:35 am
Stubborn and stupid.
December 9th, 2022 at 5:41 am
I mean , if I was going to trust anybody to get this team ” SCORING MORE POINTS THAN THE OTHER TEAM ” Then it sure as hell ain’t gonna be left Nutt or toilet bowls ! The players led by Tom Brady is who is gonna get it done …look , I don’t care how we get there but once we r in the dance we got a shot with Brady .
December 9th, 2022 at 5:59 am
utterly pathetic
December 9th, 2022 at 6:08 am
Leftwich was mediocre as a QB…..same as an OC.
December 9th, 2022 at 6:09 am
Any chance the Glazers are reading his pathetic drivel?
So the Bucs were gassed all the way to a Super Bowl win in 2020-21? They were so gassed, they made the playoffs only for Bowles to call an awful defensive play at the end of the game against the Rams in 2021-22? Back to the laughing stock of the NFL. Just great. And some of you guys were whining about Bruce’s red pen.
December 9th, 2022 at 6:21 am
Yep. Tried to defend this guy a couple of weeks ago, coming off the Seattle game. I was convinced there was a plan related to the O line and protecting Brady. After the last two weeks, can’t defend that. Not with the last two drives from the last game. If you can, then do. Step on the throats and then let the defense feast.
Now whether he’s entertaining and enthusiastic when talking to the media? Couldn’t care less. Will that cost him a head coaching gig? Again, don’t care. None of that will change us numbskulls calling him names like ignorant, stubborn and stupid. Boring.
Joe, the Bucs have the largest staff in the league. Find someone else who cares to talk. All this focus on BL is as boring as he is.
December 9th, 2022 at 6:43 am
Bucs have to make coaches available to talk otherwise they are off limits. Wish it was like training camp where everyone was available and Joe could watch practice as opposed to warmups.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:00 am
Who calls plays in a no huddle? Not Arnold Jackson Leftwich. He becomes a spectator. It’s Brady.
At the end of this year, if the Bucs owners bring back Bowles and Leftwich, 2023 will be a throwaway year. Bet the under and the Bucs to lose every game and you will finish with a lot more money than you started.
And don’t start this salary cap crap or building for the future. It’s just bad coaching. Special Teams? Other than the Punter and Kicker are horrible. OL play? Horrible on the run. Defense? Can’t stop teams at times. DBs are still weak spot. LBs are slow or out of position. The whole team loafs at times. DE missing, please report to stadium entrance. Don’t cite me a few games here and there. They lost to Pittsburgh. Carolina. Cleveland. Three pathetic teams with pathetic QBs. That’s 9-3 instead of 6-6.
Prove me wrong Wooden Indian Bowles and Arnold Jackson Leftwich. Run the table.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:01 am
I like the hurry up. But for anyone that saw the Dan Fouts lead “Air Coryell” Chargers offense, you would see the best and worst of a game long strategy. They were killing every opponent offensively. But by the fourth quarter the Defense was gassed. I’ve seen nothing in the last forty or fifty years better than that Offense, or anything that would make me believe that a game long hurry-up was really sustainable.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:02 am
On the other hand, I’ve seen teams grind it out, take their shots, have a superior defense, and win Superbowl’s multiple times.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:07 am
I cannot understand the logic of Bowes, if his defense will be tired due the hurry up, opponent defense will be also tired. He needs at least to try it each quarter.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:21 am
Do leftwich and bowles even talk they seem like they are on a different team with what they say sometimes.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:24 am
It’s getting increasingly hard to listen to Bowles and BLs press conferences. You come away thinking that they can’t see the hand in front of their face. Neither seems to think there’s anything wrong with what they’re doing. It’s the old ‘We do what we do’ routine.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:27 am
Oh, and in case you missed it. If you score more points than the other team, you win. This guy should be bumped all the way to team president with profound statements like that. Let’s hope the rest of the league doesn’t catch on to this secret. Classified Top Secret info right there.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:34 am
I’m sure 360 pound Vita was gassed….
December 9th, 2022 at 7:35 am
“you score more points than the other team, you win the ballgame every single time. ”
Seriously? This is the philosophy that won this idiot the OC job? OK, as obvious as that answer is, I’d like to ask a follow-up. Why didn’t we score more than our opponents in half the games we’ve played this year? Obviously you haven’t figured out how to score more points than your opponents. It’s a flip of the coin, 50-50. Is that it Byron? Get the hell out of here. Really!
December 9th, 2022 at 7:43 am
Mark, Dan Fouts had shatty defenses, as did Manning yet he was pretty successful. The irony is the D is getting gassed because of the offense they’re running. So if you’re run out of gas wouldn’t you rather be scoring points doing it?
The bottom line is Bowels needs an excuse why he killed the 2021 season so that’s his story an he’s sticking to it. Accountability is not and has not been in these coaches dictionary since 2019. BA, where you at your boys are embarrassing you!
December 9th, 2022 at 7:58 am
Bucs are playing hurry up offense now. As many 3 n outs they have this year, and not able to sustain drives, they are playing hurry up and punt. I argue the d is gassed because the offense can’t move the sticks.
December 9th, 2022 at 7:58 am
. The irony is the D is getting gassed because of the offense they’re running. Exactly NEfan. These guys just don’t get it. No huddle can’t wear your D down anymore than 3 and out. This is a flawed perspective from Bowles who sees the game from a strictly defensive perspective.
December 9th, 2022 at 9:00 am
At least Dungy would be honest and tell us he is gonna play close to the vest and win with D and special teams – he wanted his O to not lose the game
Bowles is a clone but won’t admit it in public
It seems like BL doesn’t have the free reign of the offense and Bowes is neutering him
December 9th, 2022 at 9:03 am
Bowles and BL will continue to fail at their jobs and we’ll continue to be dissapointed with the results.
The worst Deja vu to be stuck in. We’re doomed with this staff.
December 9th, 2022 at 9:05 am
There are homeless, mentally ill substance abusers that make more sense when they say something than this Bozo.
December 9th, 2022 at 9:47 am
Kentucky… three and out does gas a defense… in a three minute three and out. A three minute in hurry up is about 30 seconds. Even worse.
And grinding offenses tend to become more dominate as the game goes on. Don’t know the actual dynamics of it, but a D tires out faster generally. I’d like to know how a guy like DB, Warren, or Ronde views it, but I’ve heard that said before. I suppose is that on D you have to give 100 percent every play, chasing the play and such, to be successful. An O needs to be 100% at the point of attack… enough to make their part of the play succeed and downfield. And easier to be the guy pounding on someone than the guy taking it.
December 9th, 2022 at 9:52 am
We had a 16 play drive to start the game against the saints, only came away with three points, scored 0 till last 5 minutes of game when Brady took over and 14 on em, nuff said
December 9th, 2022 at 9:53 am
We had a 16 play drive to start the game against the saints, only came away with three points, scored 0 till last 5 minutes of game when Brady took over and 14 on em, nuff said
December 9th, 2022 at 10:32 am
Why does everyone talk about the hurry up offense as if it’s an all or nothing proposition? It doesn’t have to be. They just need to do it 2-3 plates each series to stop the defense from making situational substitutions or catching their breath. For example:
Second and short. Send two speedsters on long routes and have everyone else run shorter routes. Incomplete pass? Speedsters speed off the field and their replacements go right to their places on the line. The winded corners and safeties won’t have a second to catch their breath, making it easier for Evans and Godwin to get separation.
December 9th, 2022 at 11:17 am
BA was the brains behind our offense. Everyone knows that.
December 9th, 2022 at 11:53 am
Exactly, or close to it, WillieG. A few more drives per game in hurry-up, especially at start of quarters, and if needed, at end of game or end of half. When Brady was with NE they were very good at deferring opening kick-off to 2nd half, then at last drive of 2nd qtr, they usually got points, then got the ball to start 3rd qtr, and suddenly the Pats had added at least 6 points, all while keeping their D off the field.
At least run the no-huddle look more often, is what I’d opine from that standpoint.
December 9th, 2022 at 1:41 pm
They don’t need to run hurry up all game. Just start with it, and see what happens. If teams can’t stop it, keep doing it. The real problem with the offense, is they can’t run. No running back combo has faced a lower percentage of stacked boxes. Teams are simply ignoring the run game. Any coordinator worth his pay, would find a way to take advantage of that. Draw plays, inside counters, whatever
December 9th, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Omg stop being so arrogant and admit your playcalling sucks. Your keeping this offense in handcuffs. Let them play at their strengths and you will see a much better team
December 9th, 2022 at 5:52 pm
IDK if its Bowles or Left. Both? Idk. It seems like it is Bowles after his excuses. But I have a question to ask them. If they are so right in what they are doing (haha) can they not at least see that they are pissing off the fans?
December 9th, 2022 at 10:21 pm
The best part of running hurry-up is the D can’t substitute. Any time they see a defensive package in there that is more of a run stopping personnel group, switch immediately to hurry-up and stay with it. Force the opponent to waste a timeout if they are getting toasted or winded so they can substitute. Considering our RBs are all good receivers, no need to sub on our end. Run a little, pass a little, play action a lot!
The K-Gun was brutally effective and Kelly was a master of the delayed shovel pass up the middle to Thurman Thomas also.
I still want to see Vita Vea tote the rock on short goal-to-go plays like the Fridge used to. Imagine 360 (+?) pounds coming at you with a 3 yard head of steam. Ball secured tightly in both arms, head down and straight ahead! Fuggedaboutit.
December 10th, 2022 at 8:28 am
The level of ignorance, hubris, and stupidity flowing from his confused face is enough to drive anyone both definitions of mad. Having him at pressers is such an utter waste of time. Only reason it’s done is to get these stupid “the team who scores more points in the game almost always wins” quotes. That, and because it would be a gift to BL if we didn’t make him look stuoid with easy questions that have obvious answers that he contorts just to sidestep. This dude is a clown and someone needs to sell Glazer blow up dolls with the inflatable 2×4 so we can Hacksaw Jim Duggan the best one we think should have spectacularly fired this idiot 3 games deep into 2022 season. This is just maddening and incredible. Unbelievable no one has fired him yet
December 10th, 2022 at 12:57 pm
Bl is a numbskull. He said no huddle doesn’t give the defense time to rest.
Wrong. If you drive down field they have plenty of time to rest.
They get no rest when they are 3 and out. That is what they do without the hurry up.
Plus the bad play calling
December 10th, 2022 at 8:04 pm
Newsflash to Leftwich, you score more points when you go hurry up offense !
December 16th, 2022 at 12:23 am
Byron:I believe [so]. I believe this game comes down to scoring,” Leftwich said. “I know a lot of you guys look at a lot of those things, but this game comes down to scoring. That’s the one thing that’s 100 percent true – you score more points than the other team, you win the ballgame every single time. Nobody has [ever] lost scoring more points than the other team.
“There’s a lot of numbers out there that can seem somewhat factual, but it comes down to… the only number that’s guaranteed in any analytics is [if] you score more points than the other team, you win. I think any offense can work as long as you can score points doing it.”
these 2 paragraphs say it all, no need for more evaluation of this man. He is done, these 2 paragraphs escaped from his mouth and it will never be the same. There is no putting this back in the bottle. He said this sh!t