Advanced Stats Show Bucs Run Defense Is Pretty Solid
January 7th, 2024
Stopping the run vs. the pass.
Todd Bowles is big on stopping the run. Some believe the Bucs coach stresses stopping the run too much and as a result, the pass defense slacks.
The Bucs are the worst team in the league in pass defense, allowing 260 yards a game through the air. Horrible.
On the flip side, the Bucs’ run defense is rather good. The Bucs allow 3.8 yards per carry, fourth-best in the NFL. Advanced stats also suggest the Bucs are stingy on the ground.
Former Jets analytics guy Arjun Menon did the research and he did not include quarterback sneaks, which really throw off the run defense numbers.
As you can see in Menon’s graphic below, three teams allow fewer yards after contact per run than the Bucs. As far as yards allowed before contact per run, well, this data seems to suggest opposing offenses are opening up holes on the Bucs’ front line. Or at least, getting a crease.
Still, per Menon’s research, the Bucs are an above-average team in limiting yards before contact.
If only Bowles could find magic to repair the pass defense, the Bucs defense would be somewhat solid.
NFL defenses' yards before and after contact allowed this season (non-QB sneak plays). Wonder if Browns run D having the 5th highest missed tackle rate will hurt them in the 'yoffs pic.twitter.com/D4OutzkXED
— Arjun Menon (@arjunmenon100) January 6, 2024
January 7th, 2024 at 12:16 am
Based on this graph, Bucs will run. Panthers are poor after contact.
January 7th, 2024 at 12:30 am
yeah because they don’t know how to defend the pass so teams don’t have to run much, but when they do this defense get’s fooled by a fullback blast on 3rd & long something even our offense can’t pull off even if they were paid to do it, oh wait they’re paid $$$million$ !
January 7th, 2024 at 6:30 am
Chubba absolutely made the Buc his BIOTCH last time they played…in the rain. Probably will be much of the same today.
January 7th, 2024 at 6:54 am
I never want last in the league. Yeah that Bowles is a defensive wizard. 🤣
January 7th, 2024 at 9:22 am
Passing accounts for 75% of total offense and the Bucs are dead last stopping the pass. Therefore the defense stinks. End of discussion.
January 7th, 2024 at 9:33 am
I thought TB used to be a defensive back when he played?…
Shouldn’t the DB’s be his specialty?
January 7th, 2024 at 9:47 am
Saying that our run defense is pretty solid,
Is like saying a one armed boxer is pretty good at blocking with his right hand
Its a passing league. The rules are designed to encourage passing.
Guess nobody at one Buc got the memo.
We have to get a pass rush to become a decent defense.
JTS and Logan Hall are both wasted high level draft assests.
You cant waste top picks every year, and be a good team.
Kancey has skill. But hes tiny. Im afraid injuries are gonna be more and more of a problem.
His best hope is that the New coach runs a 4-3 defense
Shaq hopefully gets his burst back next year. Achilles injuries usually take two years to fully recover.
Yaya Diaby looks like a keeper.
But we need to hit on a pass rusher with our first pick this year.
And meybe a coach who is up with the times
January 7th, 2024 at 9:56 am
The only reason the running DEE has decent stats is teams find it so easy to pass they don’t waste time trying to run. The old saying ‘ take what they give you’. The Bucs give teams the freedom to pass!
January 7th, 2024 at 10:11 am
Anyone notice that if the Bucs win today, the opponent next week is soft on the run? (See above graphic.)
January 7th, 2024 at 10:29 am
Defense hasn’t been the problem most of the season.
January 7th, 2024 at 10:33 am
The Bucs are good at stopping the run in a passing league? That’s like being good at picking up women in a gay bar, the opportunities are few and far between.
January 7th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
WillieG
– Lmao!