“Without Being Touched”
September 12th, 2016
A great and simple Xs and Os nuance was verbalized this morning by former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht.
Chatting on WDAE-AM 620, Becht was asked about what stood to him from the new Bucs defense under Mike Smith.
Becht went right to the defensive line and how it set up Kwon Alexander for his monster day, 15 solo tackles and
“The key is the front four,” Becht said. “I mean, the three sacks, and you saw the linebackers, they’re able to hit gaps without being touched. I mean, when you’re big guys up front can occupy offensive linemen and you get clear paths to make big plays, you’re going to get 17 tackles like Kwon Alexander did.”
Yes, D-line play isn’t just about sacks and breathing on quarterbacks. Last year, the Bucs’ defensive line was stout against the run, which was a big reason why Lavonte David and Alexander had big seasons. It was good to see that return yesterday with rookie Noah Spence in the mix.
And it was great to see two Jason Licht free agent defensive linemen, Clinton McDonald and Robert Ayers, be a part of that success. Licht’s free agency report card sure has improved lately.
September 12th, 2016 at 10:44 am
Did you notice how awesome GMC was when you surround him with talented players who can also get to the QB on the outside? I know Kwon Alexander had a great day but so did GMC.
I remember a local radio personality used to say GMC has never seen a double team and even if he was double teamed it was part of the scheme and not because he’s a good player. The mouth breathers around here think GMC is only OK and he should be traded for a 3rd rounder even though other teams specifically game plan for him.
September 12th, 2016 at 10:58 am
McCoy played great! Ayers really flashed off that sack. The stunt game was killer. Atlanta made nice adjustments to the pressure. Thank god for Kwan and David, they really benefited from the paly up front. It feels so good to start the year off with a win.
September 12th, 2016 at 11:37 am
Yesterday was probably McCoy’s most productive game in his career. The “I told you so” crowd can say what they want, but up until yesterday GMC hadn’t had a game like that. Here’s to hoping he stays healthy and continues to duplicate that production all year.
As far as the defense goes as a whole, Kwon and David were great as usual, Hargreaves had some major “welcome to the NFL” rookie moments that he should be able to correct, our DE’s need to generate more pressure on the edge. If we lose J. Smith for extended time it’s going to hurt our subpackage rush.
Overall, a good showing for the first game in a new scheme. The arrow should continue to move up.
September 12th, 2016 at 11:41 am
I thought GMC looked really good when the slid him out to the 5-tech in the subpackage too.
September 12th, 2016 at 12:38 pm
The nice thing about the defense is their still learning so wait till about mid-season.
September 12th, 2016 at 1:39 pm
Licht’s free agency report card sure has improved lately.
Wow Joe…you have a gift for understatement!
Remember how many here wanted to dump Sims because of his injury in his rookie season. Sims was a freaking steal in the 3rd round.
ASJ is finally living up to expectations. Seriously. Can Joe or anybody here make any argument for a GM who has a better three years of drafting.
Tell me which GM is even in second place with his picks over the past three years. Licht has been money!
September 12th, 2016 at 2:19 pm
From the stands I can tell you McCoy looked like a bulldozer! Moving the line of scrimmage back time and time again. He was awesome!
September 12th, 2016 at 2:21 pm
Wins are rare, this win is huge to set the pace.