The Bucs Went Deep
November 25th, 2024
“Yeah Bake, I know what a deep ball is.”
The Bucs went deep on Sunday in the New Jersey Swamplands. And look where it landed them.
The Bucs had one of the best offensive outputs in franchise history yesterday. Maybe not points on the board or yards on the field. But for production and guys getting the most out of their touches, very productive.
For the very first time, the Bucs had four different guys score rushing touchdowns. And for the fourth time in franchise history, a Bucs quarterback connected with 11 different players catching the ball.
Very impressive. And perhaps, this was the result of going deep a few times?
Joe has weekly made the observation, backed up by NextGen Stats, that the Bucs don’t throw long. This is more observation than critique because whining about it is nitpicking. The offense is not the problem with this team.
Well yesterday, Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who “this Joe” is convinced will be a head coach somewhere next year, college or NFL, decided to break from his previous 10-game pattern and went long a few times, as documented by NextGen Stats, types Kevin Patra of NFL.com.
Next Gen Stats Insight for Buccaneers-Giants: Baker Mayfield completed eight of 10 downfield (10-plus air yards) attempts for a season-high 172 passing yards.
Previously, if Mayfield threw four passes long, that was a lot. The vast majority have been 10 yards or shorter.
In fact, against the 49ers, many of Mayfield’s passes were behind the line of scrimmage.
Joe has to think a big reason for this was the return of Mike Evans. Even if he’s not quite 100 percent, the Giants had to account for the future Hall of Famer.
Joe doesn’t believe Coen changed his philosophy just on a whim. There are no such things as coincidences in football.
November 25th, 2024 at 12:12 pm
If Coen is smart which I think he is…. He’ll stay right where he is with some financial incentives… Makes more sense in this league, young OC/DC’s are getting moved up too quick and not really honing their skills with building a team and making them more valuable in the market. As example Ben Johnson (38) of the Detroit Lions OC has turned down offers for a couple of years… in my opinion (it is to finish what he’s created and get the SB under his belt and increase his value in the market). Coen should follow same suit Coen got a team that with some tweaking can contend for a SB soon. Who knows maybe he would would not have to go far with Bowles whispering retirement soon. GO BUCS!!!!
November 25th, 2024 at 12:19 pm
I love the caption Joe, I nearly spit up my chicken sandwich
November 25th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
There’s no doubt this would be the number one offense in the league with a healthy Godwin and Evans rn. The O-line has gotten better every week. The run game has as well. Coen even is getting better imo. Oh what could have been. And I’ve been thoroughly disappointed in the receiver depth. But at least now we know.
November 25th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Biggunn that is my thoughts as well with Coen. I see a lot of commenters thinking he’s going to jump ship, but personally don’t think he has the resume of consistent work to show any owner that he can work his magic year after year with success and when there is more video on his play calling strategies. He has bounced around too much and as someone who hires a lot of managers – I would be suspect of his resume vs all other HC candidates floating out there for 2025.
If I were Coen, I’d work 2-3 years with Baker and a consistent offense to gain traction as a dominate OC in the league. I’d create connections so I have a good staff to hire, then I’d look for my next team.
Canales is a horrible comparison, as he had a consistent job with proven results when he worked for Seattle for almost a decade! (Albeit different positions). Kinda annoying to hear “this Joe” also compare the two like the same thing will happen at the end of this year. Yes it could happen but man I don’t think he’s at the top of the list compared to other coordinators. Coen is good – but in reality how well has Canles done this year for the Panthers? 1 more sub par year (I don’t trust the panthers owner) and he may be on the Rah Morris train, having to downgrade to a coordinator position to prove his value until he gets another shot (IF he gets another shot)
November 25th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
When I first suggested that Baker Mayfield might become the Bucs version of Drew Brees a couple of years ago, I stipulated that he needed to be paired with his version of Sean Payton for that to likely happen. The Mayfield/Coen pairing is the first step in a long and illustrious career for both of them should they remain together.
My interest in the Bucs after 48 years is hanging by a thread. It could be revived.
Let’s just see what the Glazer family does next.
My flirtation with the user name “Roscoe” will go on hold for now. I want all to know how I feel about Mayfield and Coen.
November 25th, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Since when is 10 yards downfield a long pass?
November 25th, 2024 at 1:24 pm
Jack Burton Mercer Says:
November 25th, 2024 at 12:53 pm
Since when is 10 yards downfield a long pass?
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When it works and produces a possible TD. Citrus Co.: Please don’t give up on the Bucs. They are positioned to win 4, possibly 5 more games. I wish I could be there but I’m too old now. BTW, where is DR?
November 25th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
CC: Sean Payton cheats, BTW. Hopefully, Denver has him on a tight leash.
November 25th, 2024 at 1:51 pm
Citrus County don’t let orlbucfan sell us short. We’re positioned to win 6 more games. And orlbucfan I’m with you-where is Defense Rules?
November 25th, 2024 at 1:53 pm
orlbucfan; I don’t want to give up on the Bucs however the NFL and Roger’s woke, corrupt, politically correct, unpatriotic, anti U.S. policies demand that I do nothing to support his sleazy organization.
With regard to my current feelings about the Bucs, I believe that the Glazers are at a major turning point. The last turning point for them was to bring in B.A. to try to get the best out of Jaboo. When that failed they got lucky when circumstances aligned for TB12 to come on board. That won them a SB but left a smoking pile of rubbish behind with the coaching staff and forced their hand in hiring Bowles as HC. Bowles has proven to be less than what this team needs. If the Bucs win the next 4 or 5 games and he remains we will find ourselves in the same position with him next year with the same complaints about his coaching and Coen likely departs unless a deal is made. As Bucs fans from the start we have witnessed the circus show far too many times. Payton and Brees took the Saints to a SB and relevance for a decade and a half and set Brees up for the HOF. I want Liam and Baker to do that for us. How the Glazers handle the upcoming coaching situation will be a big test for them. I hope they don’t let the fans down.
November 25th, 2024 at 1:54 pm
I had the impression that the Giants were really focused on the RB’s and TE’s in their pass defense, as the Bucs’ offense has been focused in that area. Short passes to the flats were well defended and Otton had few targets. Coen and Baker shifted to the WR’s with success. Having ME13 also helped open up the other guys.
November 25th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
orlbucfan; I never really liked Sean Payton or the Saints for that matter but I did like Drew Brees. Payton was responsible for reviving Brees career and leading him to the HOF assuming he does get there. As a Bucs fan I want the same for Baker Mayfield. He has overcome a rough start to his career and silenced many detractors. He can be the (excluding TB12) first Bucs HOF QB.
November 25th, 2024 at 2:03 pm
orlbucfan; Stay tuned for a comment that is currently being analyzed by the man.
November 26th, 2024 at 8:05 am
But but Rod Munch says Baker cant throw deep. It was a tiMe to throw issue. Now the o-line is playing well he can throw deep.