Offense Should Not Be A Priority Over Defense
January 20th, 2025
Unknown reporter believes Bucs’ biggest concern is on offense.
Joe doesn’t think there is a remote question about which side of the ball the Bucs need to focus on this offseason. And it ain’t the offense.
There is nothing wrong with the offense unless you think Chris Godwin is going to escape when the free agency dinner bell rings in less than two months.
The offense is set. Period. Every position is currently locked up, again, unless Godwin gets loose.
But someone with the four-letter believes the Bucs’ biggest priority is on offense and that is Liam Coen.
Biggest offseason priority: Solidify their offensive coordinator situation. In his first year with the Bucs, Liam Coen’s unit has averaged 28.6 points a game — second most in franchise history behind only the Super Bowl-winning 2020 team — and his name is generating buzz leaguewide for head coaching consideration.
What is there to solidify? Coen, unless he takes a head coaching job, is under contract. And if you believe Dan Graziano of BSPN and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Coen is not a favorite to get a head coaching gig this year.
Now, if something happens in the coming days where Coen has a second interview with another team, then yeah, it’s time for Team Glazer to spring into action, checkbook in hand.
We aren’t there yet. That’s premature.
But, goodness gracious, this pass defense needs work. To be fair, after seeing how the Commandos tore up the Lions on Saturday, the Bucs’ pass defense doesn’t look as bad as it did a week ago.
Oh, the pass defense is still bad — at least compared to Detroit it’s not a full-blown sieve.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:05 am
Focus of the draft: Best player available as long as its defense. LB and secondary. Ditto on FA.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:11 am
Watch Spytyk get the Raider GM job, and hire Coen as his H.C..
January 20th, 2025 at 7:28 am
I think, Edge Rusher should absolutely, absolutely, absolutely be number 1 priority. I think the Bucs should make a splash move. I want next season to be a Super Bowl!! Make it happen Bucs. Then you also got to be make moves to get someone to fill David and Evans shoes in 2027 and beyond.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:46 am
Yeah I know the glaring need on defense… but…
Luther Burden 3 is an exceptional talent AND the WR core is far from solid
ME is at the end of his prime
Godwin has missed games and will not last forever
Luther Burden III !!!
He will be to the WR room what Buck Irvin is to the running backs same elusive running style
January 20th, 2025 at 7:49 am
You have to take best available when you’re drafting @ 19. Fans want the Bucs to draft an edge rusher but the problem is usually 4 or 5 are gone long before they pick. Do you really want the 6th or 7th best Defensive end or the 1st or 2nd best at another position.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:55 am
“But, goodness gracious, this pass defense needs work. But to be fair, after seeing how the Commandos tore up the Lions Saturday night, the Bucs pass defense doesn’t look as bad as it did a week ago.”
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With all due respect this is silly. Why would anyone assign a greater value to weigh the quality of this defense using the play of two other (completely different )teams vs watching (first hand) how this defense played in 17/18 games this season. So, yes. Yes it does look just as bad as it did a week ago. I mean come on.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:57 am
Offense is solid…
Defense needs to draft a CB, ILB in rounds 1 & 2…..use later round picks to move up for better picks……we don’t need volume of players…..we need quality.
Use all available money to bring in a proven FA Edge rusher….don’t rely on the drat or development.
January 20th, 2025 at 7:58 am
Hodad, that could definitely happen.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:00 am
I think teams saw that lousy owner in Charlotte over reacted to Canales by giving him all that guaranteed money after just one season of calling plays. 5-12 is still bad even it they were somewhat better at the end. Tepper is the George Costanza of the NFL. See what Tepper does and do the opposite. That bad game against the Commandos also hurt Coen,s stock. Tepper is easily fooled but not the others. Even the Raiders made a smart move by bringing on Brady in an ownership stake.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Try to get the Buckeye kid who strip sacked the Long Horns guy for Td the other way.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:18 am
trade Rashad White for draft picks. Get a 3rd back (possibly AZ state RB Scatteboo for power runs) elevate Bucky and Tucker as primary ball carriers.
Take extra draft picks and possibly #19 and send to Cleveland for Myles Garrett AND DON’T EVER, AND I MEAN EVER drop him in coverage. If you want to drop an end into coverage, move Myles to the interior in rarely used blitz packages.
Then resign CG14, draft ILB, develop Deion Jones and grab a couple CBs (1 in free agency and 1 in the draft). Oh yeah, show Liam the $$$ to remain OC for up to 2 more years.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:20 am
Can’t get an Aiden Hutchinson type guy without trading WAY up. Mebbe throw in our #19 and Dean
January 20th, 2025 at 8:24 am
Edge rusher in free agency and LB and DB in the draft. There will not be an impact edge at 19.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:39 am
Hindsight is the great equalizer. When you see the big picture things don’t look so bad.
The Bucs are building a Superbowl team for season 2025.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:40 am
I guess the BSPN reporter didn’t see any games? Bucs need to focus on FA defensive players that can bring immediate impact. Especially players that don’t have injury issues. Time to move on from a lot of players on the D and get true impact players. I also believe that the base defense needs to be the 4-3 with two good real DE’s. LBs should be primarily guys that can tackle and cover. Secondary needs a few good shut down corners that can play man coverage.
January 20th, 2025 at 8:43 am
I wouldn’t object to using every draft pick on LB and secondary help.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:06 am
Over the last six NFL drafts, we have drafted a boatload of defensive lineman, linebackers, and defensive backs. Probably picked more players at these positions than any other positions on the team. The concern should be a guy coaching them.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:13 am
Bucs are getting closer to be an elite team again. They do need juicing up in the D which will affect Special Teams. We need a decent punter and punt returner. If Coen is a doofus and splits, Bowles/Licht will find a decent replacement. Chris Godwin will return (fingers x’ed). I have a feeling Coen is going nowhere. Geez, stability in the coaching ranks, two seasons in a row. What a shock! Looking forward to next fall.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:18 am
Could certainly see that. And in fact wrote that a couple of weeks ago.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:19 am
The Bucs need to find new position coaches on defense. Bowles’ old friends are’t getting the job done.
In FA find a replacement for LVD. A smart young guy with some experience as I think LVD will retire this offseason (a sad day). Maybe pick up an edge in FA because the top edges will be long gone by #19.
Joe, what kind of FA budget will Licht have?
At #19, go with CB. Dean is just not available and we can’t count on Bryce Hall being healthy. The drafted CB needs to be able to play man unlike Hayes and Funderburk.
Second round, I like an ILB to match with the FA ILB.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:25 am
I am in agreement I would be reluctant to take an edge rusher unless somebody of the caliber of Jared verse is still there at 19. Fact is like somebody else said I would rather take somebody who’s top two or three at their position if we have need then get somebody who is only top seven or eight.
Additionally if we think we have a window of only two or three years to make a competitive run at a Super bowl you must understand that most edge rushers are not that impactful in their rookie season compared to a cornerback.
I think we have to see what is also available in free agency because I think there is the ability for an address or there. I also think that with proper defensive coaching Chris Braswell and Diaby can certainly improve. I think they both have the skill set to be dynamic pass rushers but I think we’re let down by a poor coaching staff. Perhaps our head coach will fire some of his assistants and get better coaches for the linebackers and secondary.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:36 am
Upgrade Justin Skule, bring back Chris and Coen. Prioritize fumbles and interceptions on offense. That’s what lost two regular season games and the last two playoff games. Upload on defense anything short of making the conference final is a regression.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:41 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Dream Draft Preview – Round 1 options
James Pearce Jr. (OLB/DE, Tennessee)
A versatile edge rusher with the ability to boost the Bucs’ pass rush. Pearce can immediately contribute to the defensive front-seven rotation.
Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
An elite cornerback prospect with excellent coverage skills and size, Johnson would strengthen Tampa’s secondary significantly.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:42 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Dream Draft Preview – Round 2 options
Nick Scourton (DE, Texas A&M)
A talented defensive end, Scourton could add pass-rushing depth to Tampa’s defensive line and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Trey Amos (CB, Ole Miss)
Amos could be a strong value pick for the Buccaneers, adding depth to the secondary and competing for a starting spot if available in the second or third round.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:43 am
I’ll go one further Joe. They sign Trask, and at least have one maybe capable QB to get started with. Imagine Trask having success with Coen in Vegas.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:46 am
Bowles is a weird coach man like some of the best game plans and performances in big games but also so bad in the games we should dominate.
We need a massive defensive talent injection so there are no excuses next year.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:49 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Dream Draft Preview – Round 4
Lander Barton (LB, Utah)
A strong, athletic linebacker with great potential. Barton could develop into a future starter while providing immediate depth.
Princely Umanmielen (DE, Ole Miss)
Umanmielen is a raw but talented edge rusher who could add another pass-rushing threat to the Bucs’ defense.
Davison Igbinosun (CB, Ohio State)
Igbinosun brings size and physicality to the cornerback room, making him a valuable developmental prospect.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:51 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Dream Draft Preview – Round 5
D’Eryk Jackson (LB, Kentucky)
Jackson is a solid linebacker with great instincts and tackling ability, helping to provide quality depth at linebacker.
Cobee Bryant (CB, Kansas)
Bryant is a physical, press coverage corner who could add a strong rotational presence or even compete for a starting spot.
Cam Jackson (DT, Florida)
A big-bodied defensive tackle who can help stuff the run and provide depth behind the starters.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:51 am
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Dream Draft Preview – Round 6-7
Vernon Broughton (DT/DE, Texas)
Broughton is a versatile defensive lineman with the ability to play both inside and outside, adding depth and upside to the defensive line.
Bud Clark (S, TCU)
A versatile safety who can contribute on special teams and potentially develop into a starting role.
Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State)
A well-rounded linebacker who could contribute on special teams and eventually develop into a starter.
Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
A gritty linebacker with strong instincts who could add depth or contribute on special teams.
Namdi Obiazor (S/LB, TCU)
A safety/linebacker hybrid who could add versatility to the defense and contribute on special teams.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:53 am
I dont think Godwin being re-signed is in the best interest of the team. Already had two major injuries and will be 29 in a month.
His cap number will be huge and Coen has shown that he can have a productive offense without him.
That money would be better served build quality depth in the seconday.
January 20th, 2025 at 9:56 am
Round 3 won’t post Kentucky players both DT and CB
January 20th, 2025 at 9:59 am
To everyone who keeps crying that we need an edge rusher- Please note the stats that we drop our edge rushers into coverage something like a whopping 18% of their snaps. Compare that to top edge rushers in NFL who drop about 1%. We don’t need some savior edge rusher to come. We need to stop dropping them into coverage Todd! (also they are very ineffective in coverage- surprise!)
January 20th, 2025 at 10:33 am
Hey Joe, can you start putting out articles relating Captain Jack, Sawyer to the Bucs at 19.. may be the prudent thing to do prior to the game.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:45 am
1. Corner
2. DL
3. LB
January 20th, 2025 at 10:47 am
Considering our only real need on offense is LG and we need a minimum of 2 DL/OLB, 2 ILB and 2 CBs and probably a S … yeah safe to say we will be prioritizing D.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Coen was a first time coordinator and he’ll learn what worked and didn’t work and timing of certain play calls and he should be expanding his offense. I barely know him and he’s proven I can trust he knows how to do his job. He’s not a head coach he’s a coordinator but I trust him more than Bowles.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:51 am
Definitely need WR depth, a return specialist, a true blocking TE and another O-Line depth piece. None of that should be expensive, unless you want to grab another 1b type WR. Give us that 3 headed monster like we had with Evans, Godwin and AB. Top free agent money should go to pass rush. Top half of draft I’d go with Pass rush, MLB, CB. Don’t care about the order. Probably need to snag some more D-Line depth too. I want it all man! Need better concession workers, parking attendants, couple of them cheerleaders are questionable, I have doubts about the guy who cuts the grass….should be an interesting off season.
January 20th, 2025 at 10:54 am
Joe Says:
January 20th, 2025 at 9:18 am
Watch Spytyk get the Raider GM job, and hire Coen as his H.C..
Could certainly see that. And in fact wrote that a couple of weeks ago.
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As “The Big Guy” (JL) and the Glazers go whistling past the graveyard.
January 20th, 2025 at 11:22 am
Trade the 19th and whatever else it takes and get Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals. Also, if Chiefs let Nick Bolton test Free Agency, snap him up. Bucs are so close, they need proven players not of bunch of rookies that need to go through the learning process. Open the checkbook for both of these guys and a lot of your problems are solved.
January 20th, 2025 at 11:26 am
OHBucfan nailed it right at the start.
Get some, at least one great cover DB’s, and ILB’s with DW45 speed and range.
I also agree with D.R. and others that the D needs more speed, LVD is getting long of tooth and Britt and the other run like turtles. Secondary has Zyon who runs a 4.33 40, Dean can cover but the team needs a dependable replacement who can also cover. Dean can be spotted where needed and Todd would have the talent to play MORE man to man.
January 20th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Somehow the Bucs finished with 46 sacks. Kancey (7.5), Vea (7), David (5.5) and Hall (5) led the way. That’s 25 or 54% from that quartet. Our edge guys got a collective 12 – Yaya (4.5), JTS (2), Nelson (4), and Braswell (1.5) or 26% of team total. Pretty pathetic.
Bucs defense had 7 INTS and 8 FR. Bucs blitzed at 3rd highest % in NFL at 34.2% yet produced one of the fewest turnover totals. Bucs created pressure only 24.3% of time with or without blitz. We know Bucs have to create pressure via the blitz. Bucs surprisingly finished 6th in sacks.
And I get why Bowles dials up the blitz. But that really puts pressure on our porous secondary. Advanced stats are horrific – 4th in pass yards allowed, 11th in completion % of 66.3, INTs towards bottom, passes defensed 24th, air yards and YAC were at the bottom of the NFL…
So yes, to state the obvious, Licht needs to overhaul this defense. There are some good pieces in VV, Kancey, YaYa, Winfield, McCollum, and Izien (like his versatility) but really not much else. Two HUGE questions will be –
1) Is Lavonte David returning?
2) The health of SirVocea Dennis?
If yes and Dennis is good to go then I feel much better going into next season. But we need a pass rusher/edge guy or 2 badly, another 2 ILBs, S and a true lock down CB. McCollum has improved a ton but I dont see him as a true No. 1 lock down guy – more of a No. 2. I know, that’s a lot to overhaul.
Not looking to build the 85 Bears defense (though that would be great!) but this defense needs to compliment the offense. Man, I havent had to say that much over the past 5 decades of Bucs football. Bucs have to figure out a way to rebuild that defensive roster to play complimentary football That’s it. Not splitting the atom here.
January 20th, 2025 at 1:08 pm
And Bucs need to trade away Dean and that salary. Not worth the $$$. Get something…
January 20th, 2025 at 2:17 pm
@Col Angus- if you think we need to waste a draft pick on a true blocking TE, you’re not watching the games. Otton improved, Durham blocks great already , Kieft is a blocking specialist. What more do you want? Not many people talking about the fact our TEs blocked well helped us improve tremendously in the running game ( with the OL and Bucky!)
January 20th, 2025 at 2:51 pm
How bout drafting some play makers on defense!? Need some badly!!
January 20th, 2025 at 3:41 pm
If Bucs decide to go WR at 19, it would be someone like Emeka Egbuka:
(4.30 40, good hands, routes, timing, 6’1″, 205lbs & fits Coen’s offense)
….. not Burden III who will go top 10.
Weak draft for ILBs if Bucs want to change to 4-3; doubt it happens .
Like ILB Barton in the 3rd tho
January 20th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
What needs change is having linebackers setting up at the line to gain yardage then instantly dropping back at the snap, corners safety’s even deeper. Injuries dont matter it is horrible philosophy. 8 years head coach, below .500%. He does not know how to coach. What will change next year? Nothing just another wasted opportunity.¾