Smothering Defense
September 17th, 2017
Mike Smith should get a game ball. Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s universally understood that the Buccaneers’ greatest offseason move came when Team Glazer opened its fat wallet and showed defensive coordinator Mike Smith the money in a rarely seen power play.
Smith was paid an undisclosed figure not to pursue a head coaching gig for this season and next. And that just doesn’t happen in the NFL.
But Team Glazer made it happen.
Over the final eight games of 2016, the Bucs’ defense allowed an average of just 17 points per game. With all kinds of distractions and excuses on the table today, the defense came out and pitched a 58-minute shutout.
Sure, Mike Glennon is hot garbage, as our the Bears receivers, but the Bucs also completely snuffed out the Bears when they had to. Chicago, a solid running team, couldn’t muster anything. The Bears had 16 carries for 20 yards.
The Bucs had a few issues on short throws over the middle, but that’s just splitting hairs.
Joe is bowing to Smith this afternoon, and Smith is the first guy Joe would buy a celebratory beer.
September 17th, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Defense still SOLID!!!!
OFFENSE will be scary!!!!
Den of what joe?????
Really??????
You are welcome to join us and celebrate!!!!
Bucs WIN!!!!!!
September 17th, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Nice to see the D showing up the way they did today. Let’s keep it rolling and not get complacent.
Go Bucs!
September 17th, 2017 at 4:02 pm
Rename it Joe’s!!! Den of oppression!!!
September 17th, 2017 at 4:03 pm
LVD was all over the field. The offense did what it was expected to do with all the hype this off season but the play of the defense is the real take away from this game. We’re gonna be okay Bucs fans.
September 17th, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Mike has always had a top 5 D as a D.C. Definitely and upgrade from Leslie Frazier.
September 17th, 2017 at 4:05 pm
Beckwith was solid after Kwon left, Irv called it!
September 17th, 2017 at 4:08 pm
It’s hard to find fault when you hold another team to 7 points……
I still am not seeing the kind of pass rush we will need against top QBs……we new they had to pass and still couldn’t produce sacks…….what did we have…..one?
As far as offense…..C’mon Dirk……constantly running on 2nd and 1, 2nd and 2…..let Jameis use his weapons during those situations…..and Jameis….you still overthrow long……
September 17th, 2017 at 4:14 pm
4 home wins in a roll with the defense firing on all cylinders!!!!!
Den of What?!?!
Don’t worry about sacks the way this defense is tackling behind the line of scrimmage.
Super Bowl is the only goal for this team!!!
I’ll keep celebrating! f-the history gods, Irma and the past Buccaneer teams. WE were CHICAGO READY!!!!!
BUCS WIN!!!!!
September 17th, 2017 at 4:15 pm
Joe was makoy hurt. He wasn’t in for the close out pass rush not sure if he was pulled to prevent injury or if he was not in due to injury
September 17th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
I hope this secondary can play a little more press giving up over 300 yards in a win not good…
September 17th, 2017 at 4:26 pm
690 I agree,wanna see more press. Was giving up too many skinny post early on.
September 17th, 2017 at 4:26 pm
Didn’t see as much quarterback pressure as I’d like especially after all this build up, anyone else? Still great win good confidence booster for our team!!
September 17th, 2017 at 5:01 pm
Pass rush???!
most of their starters were out.
We got zero pressure most of the game
September 17th, 2017 at 5:24 pm
The Bears have a very good offensive line – watch that Falcons game from last week, they too got almost no pass rush the entire game. When we play a team that has NFL level WRs then we’ll have to see how things go – but this week all was well.
September 17th, 2017 at 6:04 pm
Once Kevin White got inured, this game was decided because the Bucs could solely concentrate on the run. Bears have a good offensive line and Glennon is quick to check down so I didn’t think the Bucs would get a lot of sacks. DBs did a nice job jumping route and tackling after the catch.
Offense was ok but no turnovers and they scored when the defense got takeaways, good solid win…fun day to be a Bucs fan.
September 17th, 2017 at 7:51 pm
“Pass rush???!
most of their starters were out.
We got zero pressure most of the game”
——-
You cannot be serious! What game were you watching?
September 18th, 2017 at 1:24 am
@joe
Glennon is not garbage!
He made some great throws yesterday!
He is a friend of the Bucs players and a good guy!
Stop hating on Mike!
September 18th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
It’s still dungys defense