What Happened To The Run Defense?
December 21st, 2013It’s hard to dispute the evidence
Certain stats can’t be spun — at least not easily.
This season, Bucs opponents attempt 26 rushes per game, averaging 4.2 yards per carry. For the Bucs, that ranks as tied for 17th in the NFL for yards per carry allowed.
Last year, the Bucs saw 24 rushes per game. And they were tops in the NFL, allowing 3.5 yards per carry.That dramatic change has left Joe fishing for answers.
Make no mistake, the New Schiano Order defensive philosophy is all about stopping the run. Joe’s been told that by many players.
So what’s gone wrong?
Is it the loss of Michael Bennett, who was stout against the run and racked up many tackles for loss?
Is it the trade of Roy Miller for Akeem Spence?
How about losing Ronde Barber, who was a fixture in run defense?
Linebacker play seems improved across the board this season, so Joe doubts that’s a factor.
Perhaps offenses have adjusted successfully? Against the 49ers, San Francisco showed power, one-wide-receiver sets quite often and the Bucs couldn’t stop them.
Last year, the Bucs allowed runs of 20+ yards eight times, per NFL.com stats. This season there have been nine. That’s not a huge difference. The reality is the Bucs have just lost an edge — consistently.
Joe really wants to see the run defense rebound tomorrow in St. Louis. The Rams are going to pound the rock. They must in order to win. That’s why St. Louis beat the Saints last weekend. They grinded out yards with Zac Stacy, and the Saints couldn’t stop them.
Successful run defense tomorrow will speak well for the New Schiano Order defensive philosophy — another thing Team Glazer will grade at season’s end.
December 21st, 2013 at 2:04 pm
It could be lack of QB containment or simply the teams we played are on a whole, better running teams.
If my math is correct, and the trend continues we will give up about 25 more yards per game this year.
No question we have slipped some…..
To me, it looks like the tackling isn’t as good on a week to week basis…overall.
December 21st, 2013 at 2:08 pm
Stunting was their run defense, but everybody complained about wanting more sacks. The fact is that the defensive line needs attention next off season. The secondary got the attention last season and rightfully so. Micheal Bennett was let go for not being a Schiano guy, just like the rest of the malcontents, but we sure have missed him. Clowny could be a risk, but I think that he is a risk worth trading up for. If he is on his game then he alone could be the last missing peice of our dominant defense. BTW, rushing Kapernick was a bad idea, just like Brett Farve, it’s better to leave that guy in the pocket and take your chances
December 21st, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Joe said – Then, in a bizarre explanation during what seemed like a record-long press conference Monday, Bucs commander Greg Schiano, said he didn’t go back to a hurry-up offense in the loss to the 49ers, the only time the Bucs appeared to have a pulse offensively — and scored two touchdowns — because, in part, the team hadn’t practiced it in the days leading up to the game.
That’s odd; because for an offense that hadn’t been practiced, as Schiano noted, the team sure looked well-oiled and proficient using it.
__________________________
“What Happened To The Run Defense?”
We are no longer putting into “practice” our philosophy from last year!!!!!!
Go Rutgers!!!!!!
December 21st, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Last years run defense stats were a fluke. The pass defense was so terrible that teams barely even attempted to establish the run because they could easily light up that weak secondary with 300 or 400 yds through the air. So if you only look at it on paper without watching the games it looks like teams were barely able to rush against the Bucs last season.
December 21st, 2013 at 2:49 pm
@ Waterboy
Nailed It
Everybody talks about the D-Line being so bad, but I think the SCHEMES of the D-Line is what’s so bad
December 21st, 2013 at 3:00 pm
The Bucs must stop the Ram running game, the key to an upset in St. Louis. I believe the Bucs D will limit the rushing yards of the Rams.
December 21st, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Bottom line is Total Offense & TDs surrendered.But when was the last time the Bucs’ D protected a lead late??
December 21st, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Okay. So you add the Read More part but then delete the links at the top of each story so I can go from full story to full story? It’s all about the clicks and money to Joe……
News flash: those links are there and were never removed. Perhaps your browser is doing something kooky. Sorry you are so bitter. Joe doesn’t come to your house and spread lies about you. –Joe
December 21st, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Correct me if i’m wrong, but I believe the defense has only given up 2 rushing touchdowns this season? Def wish we could bring ypc down to last season’s numbers, but it’s not atrocious. The real issue is defensive pressure on 3rd downs, no containment of mobile qb and not good coverage on 2nd/3rd slot receivers.
December 21st, 2013 at 3:36 pm
and of course our impotent offense….
December 21st, 2013 at 5:33 pm
No last years run defense was falsified by the fact that our secondary had more holes than Swiss cheese! Therefore everyone just threw on us last year. Now they are scared to throw so their is more run!
December 21st, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Let me get this straight…. Run defense is affected by pass defense? (I agree) Rushing offense is affected by passing offense (and vice-versa, I agree). Defense is affected by offense, offense is affected by defense…
BUT, when a QB is losing games because of ANY of those things it’s ALL his fault? Good luck Glennon (or whoever is your successor next year), you could be the equivalent of Brett Favre, but have a horrible run game, worst in the NFL defense and you’re gonna be taking all the blame.
December 21st, 2013 at 6:14 pm
Well, there are two plausible answers for this catastrophe.
1. The pass defense got better, therefore when facing the Bucs establishing a good running game has become more important to opposing teams this season. As one fan said above, teams would torch us through the air, they didn’t need to get 4 or 5 yards per carry to beat us.
2. The offense got worse, ranking last this year. Last season the Bucs had a top 10 ranked offense, having less stalled drives while also keeping the Bucs in the game. Whenever the Bucs lost last season, it was never by more than 7 points except for that Saints blowout (and maybe one other 2 score loss, I’m going off memory), and you usually don’t rely on you’re running game late in the 4th quarter with the score close. This year the Bucs are dead last. Stalled drives and predictable playcalling have led to teams getting an easy edge on the Bucs. The defense stayed on the field longer and more frequently, and with the opposing team, likely already up by two scores, has now started to run the ball more on a tired and fatigued Bucs defense.
December 21st, 2013 at 6:17 pm
I don’t care if we had the 85 Bears defense if they are only taking 3 plays off between series they’re not going to hold up for very long.
If the offense isn’t giving them time to rest they’re going to give up yards and the first place that will show up is the run defense.
I’d like to see the breakdown of yards given up per quarter I’d bet it leans heavily to the end of the 3rd qtr on.
December 21st, 2013 at 6:19 pm
I think the problem is the grass. Schiano had it cut 1/2 an inch shorter. Now running backs don’t trip on it. To bad our offensive line is tripping.
December 21st, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Glennon should have a better passing game tomorrow, at least 200 yards. Both defences gave up equal points so far. The Rams have scored 58 more points than the Bucs. We need more points team.
December 22nd, 2013 at 1:00 am
I think the Bucs have faced a few more mobile QBs and lost contain more so than last season. It would be interesting to see what QB rushing numbers last year against were like compared to this season.
December 22nd, 2013 at 1:22 am
Joe, you are welcome to come to my house and spread lies about me, all my friends do.
BTW, what happened to the Run Offense?