Bucs Offense Opens, Changes Course
September 29th, 2024
Freedom rang.
So Joe was told something very interesting after the game in the bowels of The Licht House.
A trusted source advised Joe that Tampa Bay planned to keep the offense rather conservative against the Broncos last Sunday, when Denver humiliated the Bucs in Tampa. Joe confirmed that with another source a few minutes later.
That game plan went out the window today against an Eagles defense think has a bunch of talent.
Tampa Bay came out slinging the rock. It was as if Liam Coen said, “F this, I’m using my best weapons and I’ll worry about balance later.” The Bucs threw the ball on 9 of their first 10 plays.
If Joe wasn’t in the press box among stuffy media types, Joe would have stood and applauded throughout the entire TV timeout after the Bucs’ opening-drive touchdown. Yeah, that’s right, an opening drive TD, the Bucs’ first since the 2022 season.
Yes, the Bucs had success running, but they kept throwing and throwing. Even up 21-0 in the second quarter, the Bucs were slinging the rock on their next drive. Baker Mayfield threw 8 out of 10 times on a field goal drive that put the Bucs up 24-0.
Joe was impressed — and surprised.
Joe doesn’t believe Todd Bowles has any kind of leash on new Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. That’s just how Bowles is. So Joe is giving Coen loads of credit for today’s change of approach, and an assist to Bowles for giving his OC the freedom.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
Throwing the ball opens up the run game.
And you can run through the air as well.
There’s literally nothing in the playbook about needing to run it between the tackles and waste downs if you’re not good at it.
I was just really happy to see the Bucs kept playing and didn’t go into a shell. They stayed aggressive on offense (not down the field, but not wasting downs running when they couldn’t) and defense, and it worked out. That’s a lesson Bowles should remember.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
Lots of ways to win the Super Bowl.
Running is boring.
Sling that ball all around.
Shore up the offensive line a little more and pass protect and use those passing weapons.
Thank goodness – others don’t believe you need balance. Just need to exploit whatever the other defense is weak at.
The Eagles secondary got whipped.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:09 pm
He talked to Brady.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Agree with that take completely Rod.
Stay aggressive on both sides of the ball for 4 quarters no matter what the score is. I would only say that maybe when we got the ball back before the half with a little under 2 min, we should have run 1 running play, just so we didn’t stop the clock 3 times in a row. Minor quibble.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:12 pm
Now everyone should just pay attention. Washington is 3-1; Denver is 2-2; Detroit will be 3-1. This is a solid team.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:21 pm
Running the ball is their weakness. Passing the ball is their strength. It’s a no- brainier what they should be doing. This offense don’t have to be one dimension, but you have to play to your strength. Mix things up and great things will happen!!
September 29th, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Buddha, very good points, everyone thinks we sleep walked over a Washington team that was one of the worst in the league now they’re about to go three and one and have put up 35 points on Arizona. I think we got a chance to be great. Need to peak at the end though. Opposite of the eagles last year. Time will tell!
September 29th, 2024 at 6:25 pm
Joe taking a swipe at Bowles. Cheap shot. Why not just praise Coen for the job he did. We lost last week because the guys were caught believing their own press clippings and forgot this is the NFL. And last week the defense couldn’t stop Plant HS. Second youngest team in the league. Happens.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:27 pm
Everyone keep talking about the weapons Atlanta has. But they don’t have any weapons, the Saints, Panthers don’t have the weapons we have. And I’m talking both sides of the ball!
The NFC South belongs to us
September 29th, 2024 at 6:36 pm
Where is that idiot Capt. Tim rant some more about that offensive line and Jason Light choices.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:42 pm
Bucs have too much talent on offense to be pigeon holed into a style. They can play long ball (when Goedeke returns) or an up tempo short passing game.
Just have to have the rookies improve and clean up their warts on offense and they will be a tough group to stop down the stretch.
We already know that Wirfs, Godwin and Evans are elite. Mayfield, White, and Otton are playing inspired football now too.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:46 pm
Regarding the article, it really makes sense…we saw so little motion last game, there was zero creativity. Stubborn play calling. When your offensive line is not doing well in protection, get rid of the damn ball quicker. Tampa’s coaches thought Denver was reeling so bad that we could beat them with generic playing calling and shear will…they should know better that “this” just is not that type of team. I’m not sure if Tampa has ever been that type of team.
@LakelandBuc…we just need to get everyone healthy we will at last punch the other teams in the face if we’re full force. This team will be incredibly dangerous with Kancey and Winfield back. And I’m also wondering as we get closer to the trade deadline and if we look like we’re making a serious run, does Licht pull a trade on another player or 2…i.e. DE/OLB. This year may not be our window, but you never know.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Bucky should be starting because that’s the only time when we were able to run the ball. Rashad White is a third down back and Baker played good today I hope he doesn’t have to throw that many times again.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:55 pm
Offense indeed rules. Puts pressure on the other team and lets the defense be aggressive, which to Todd’s credit, he did. “Complementary football” between offense and defense.
Did someone let Keith Armstrong back on the team? Special teams were special but in the wrong way.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:56 pm
The days of the NFL being a passing league is coming to a end and I’m loving it. These DC s has caught up with all this passing.
September 29th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
SAY I WITH ME…..
The REDSKiNS are the REAL DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 29th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Say It with Me
The FALCONS are a good source or FEEL GOOD after eating….
Thursday will be the FOR REAL moment for “Bake” and the Baker Shaker Cult.
Hoping for the best, expecting WHAT THE RECORD SAYS HE IS….
Baker sucks and everyone KNOWS IT.
(Trust me, Bakey himself said he needs to be doubted to be good. All I care about is the team WINNING)
September 29th, 2024 at 7:02 pm
When they win and can’t run you love the passing game. When they lose and can’t run you hate the running game. Yes we all love passing the ball and winning. Most of all tho we love winning. Sometimes that means running the ball alot. Whatever it takes
September 29th, 2024 at 7:06 pm
Oneilbuc Says:
September 29th, 2024 at 6:52 pm
Bucky should be starting because that’s the only time when we were able to run the ball.
———
Here’s the stats for today:
Bucky, 10 rushes, 49 yards
White, 10 rushes, 49 yards
September 29th, 2024 at 7:11 pm
@ WiseCrack
Are you sure you didn’t mean to put “Crack Head?”
September 29th, 2024 at 7:13 pm
WiseCrack Says:
Thursday will be the FOR REAL moment
—————-
The Bucs, historically, ALWAYS lose this game. I don’t think they’ve ever won a Thursday night game vs the Falcons ever, and they generally get blown out.
As for Baker, I just want to see him be consistent and not lay an egg.
Gameplan will help him – if Luke is still out, then stick to the quick passing game, don’t just go back to the run up the middle, wasting downs, nonsense.
But Baker so far this year as played 3 good games and 1 rotten game – which matches the Bucs record, amazing enough.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:14 pm
@ss Crack
Atlanta sucks, just like they have in years past with their pretty boy QB Cousins. Detroit was a real test, learn football.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:20 pm
Chuckys Bucs
Sorry cant reply after blowing CHUCKs to your comment.
Stop posting after smoking whatever it is you are reffering to, obviously you have know clue what a wise crack is all about,
September 29th, 2024 at 7:23 pm
ManzielMadness
Thanks you for being honest about suffering from Madness. Props to you CrackHead………….. I mean, ManzielHead???? (Stupid I know, but dam, you make it easy to rebut)
September 29th, 2024 at 7:25 pm
ManzielMadness
For the record. You post reasonably, just keep my name out your mouth or you with get Chris ROCKED
September 29th, 2024 at 7:26 pm
Rod Munch
100
JBF should write a post considering your last commit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 29th, 2024 at 7:28 pm
Wisecrack is a confirmed crackhead🤣🤣🤣🤣. WOW
September 29th, 2024 at 7:32 pm
Your start reading wisecracks comments throughout joes post and you begin to actually feel bad for him.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:33 pm
BUT ANYWAYS, go Bucs what a solid game from everyone. Loved to see the qb pressure.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:35 pm
After 4 games who had Commanders, Vikings, Buccaneers, Seahawks as your NFC division leaders at a collective 13-2?
September 29th, 2024 at 7:36 pm
Take away some dropped passes and this was worse than the score. Just like Washington game.
Hi, some of those drops up to exhaustion. It was really hot down near the field.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:37 pm
Creamsicle
is now a confirmed uncurable virus…. Get your vax now for real
September 29th, 2024 at 7:41 pm
Creamsicle
Just curious, did you think of you name in remembrance of your conception or your diagnosis?
September 29th, 2024 at 7:43 pm
“Wisecrack – SAY I WITH ME…..
The REDSKiNS are the REAL DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I know your confused and might be missing half a chromosome but you do know this is a Bucs website right?
September 29th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
David
Thats whats UP…. The NFC is for real a WILD WEST type deal to the Playoffs this year.
For that reason, if the Bucs make the Playoffs and a deep run this year. NEXT YEAR will truly be a SB or bust campaign.
Seriously praying and hoping we get GOOD BAKER from here on out. When the guy is on, he is THE BEST the Bucs have had, INCULDING Brady
But when he is not on, Its WINSTON 2.0
September 29th, 2024 at 7:45 pm
For somebody named wisecrack your comebacks are truly sad, again i feel sorry for you
September 29th, 2024 at 7:48 pm
David Says:
September 29th, 2024 at 7:35 pm
After 4 games who had Commanders, Vikings, Buccaneers, Seahawks as your NFC division leaders at a collective 13-2?
============
If you could have found a prop bet on that, it would have paid some big time money, that’s for sure.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:49 pm
Joe you not gonna let me send the virus on its way by removing my replys?
September 29th, 2024 at 7:49 pm
Wisecrack says this all in the same thread.
“Baker sucks and everyone KNOWS IT.”
“Seriously praying and hoping we get GOOD BAKER from here on out. When the guy is on, he is THE BEST the Bucs have had, INCULDING Brady”
You are not ok in the head
September 29th, 2024 at 7:50 pm
Ah, my bad
I am leaving, now
September 29th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Creamsicle – Wise can speak for himself, but I believe he was bringing up the Redskins record and play as a way to say the Bucs beating them is a bigger deal than we assumed at the time.
Sort of like bringing up the Broncos going to New Jersey today and beating the Jets is perhaps not as bad of a loss as we might have thought.
Nothing wrong with bringing up other teams – it’s a Bucs site, and we literally just played those guys, and could play them again.
Now if he’s just a Redskins fanboi, then he was clearly dropped on his head as a kid, but even the retarded are welcome here as this site is very inclusive.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Bucs have an amazing receiver corp. Throwing the ball and establishing it then the run game but lean to throwing overall. As others have said successful throwing opens the run game just like successful running can open the throwing game.
September 29th, 2024 at 7:51 pm
Go see a doctor you might need brain surgery
September 29th, 2024 at 7:52 pm
Todd is great.
September 29th, 2024 at 8:12 pm
Rod Munch. The Bucs may historically lose this upcoming Thursday night game. But Baker is 4 – 0 on Thursday night football. The Bucs beat Cousins last year with a better team than these Falcons. This Atlanta team should be 0 – 4. It’ll be a bloodbath Thursday night, we’ll be the talk of the league, and that’s when the grind of our fledgling Super Bowl season begins.
September 29th, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Has anyone commented about how much movement Coen incorporated into this week’s game plan? It seemed like revivers and backs were shifting around prior to the snap on just about every play. It’s so much better than the static formations that were used to.
September 29th, 2024 at 8:45 pm
Today was the team I expected to see.
September 29th, 2024 at 8:45 pm
PSL Bob
No
and
Yes excellent post IMHO
September 29th, 2024 at 8:59 pm
So far so good! Next up Atlanta!
September 29th, 2024 at 9:05 pm
Some will argue that a firetruck isn’t red, the sky isn’t blue and grass isn’t green. I’m going to love this win and just look forward to finally being able to watch the Bucs on Thursday. Go Bucs!!
September 29th, 2024 at 9:10 pm
Which is worse regarding posters here, bickering after a loss or bickering after a win?
Some fans like to enjoy a win without having to skip over so many comments. Sheesh! 😱 🥵😝🤓😉
September 29th, 2024 at 9:10 pm
Hopefully Coen is the real deal OC and soon to be the Bucs HC!
Last week was just embarrassing…
September 29th, 2024 at 9:13 pm
I mean, I want to agree with you but IDK, your name says it all @SenileSenior
September 29th, 2024 at 9:40 pm
One of the best feelings is watching the Bucs chew out the last 4 minutes of a game on the ground.
Bucs did that today in spite of the upright cadaver at RT. Finally Loam and Todd figured out how to hide his suckage. Mostly.
September 29th, 2024 at 10:05 pm
MiddlingMunch,
Sounds like you have an ally in WiseCrackHead. Wouldn’t be proud of that.
September 29th, 2024 at 10:10 pm
Gipper
You should rethink you last post as you have very little to be proud of.
You are quite literally talking smack to the two biggest Homers on this site…
TOOL is not a band cause you just made the name bad again
September 29th, 2024 at 11:03 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
September 29th, 2024 at 8:12 pm
Rod Munch. The Bucs may historically lose this upcoming Thursday night game. But Baker is 4 – 0 on Thursday night football.
———-
That’s a good number I didn’t know. Hopefully his trends beats the Bucs vs Falcons on TNF trend.
September 29th, 2024 at 11:06 pm
PSL Bob Says:
September 29th, 2024 at 8:16 pm
Has anyone commented about how much movement Coen incorporated into this week’s game plan? It seemed like revivers and backs were shifting around prior to the snap on just about every play. It’s so much better than the static formations that were used to.
———
Yeah, it’s good to see, it only seems to help your offense. The offensive numbers on teams that go in motion vs those that do not, make me wonder why any team would not use motion, it’s a huge difference. Also, I think as of week 3, it was something like the top 7 teams that used pre-snap motion were all in the top 7 of yards and scoring. That trend has been showing up the last few years. It’s a free tip to the QB if you’re seeing man or zone, so again, not sure why everyone doesn’t go on motion on every play (or at least nearly ever play).
September 30th, 2024 at 12:58 am
IMO, convert White to WR, still use him as a backup RB this year. Next draft two power backs with soft hands, like Alstott. Get a damn stud pass rusher, if possible in the draft. Advice from the wife Mr. Licht, make sure he has a round sexy ass like Garrett or Watts.
As for the game today. Loved the aggressive play calling on both sides of the ball. Winning games with starters out just makes the team better. 6 sacks that mostly came on blitzes but I’ll take it. Prefer to get there with four but Hurts had no where to go thru the air or ground. McCollum giving up the TD was just a good play by the WR in traffic with possibly blow coverage/ confusion by the DBs
September 30th, 2024 at 3:17 am
Great game.
TODD TRUST LIAM!!!!
LFBake!!!!!
September 30th, 2024 at 6:04 am
It was like we reversed roles — Bucs-vs-Eagles was the exact opposite of Bucs-vs-Broncos. Also way more enjoyable of a watch for the average Joe! When Baker is on, he is a force. It was also interesting to listen to TB12.
September 30th, 2024 at 8:26 am
Tom Brady was consistently saying Baker was taking too many risky throws. But that is Baker. He is best when he is a freewheeling gunslinger. You just have too let him be himself and live with the too tight window throws. Trying to turn him conservative is a disaster like against Broncos.
September 30th, 2024 at 8:29 am
Johnson needs to sit and learn from Sheperd.