Worse Than Last Year
October 9th, 2019
Here we go again.
Joe was one of the loudest voices last year about the absolute disgrace that was Mike Smith and his defense when he was a coordinator with the Bucs.
It seems current defensive coordinator Todd Bowles may be trying to out-puke Smith.
Bowles has done an excellent job against the run. So damn good! (Maybe too good?) The Bucs have gone through a murderer’s row of NFL running backs in the past four games and none have hurt them.
Maybe one reason why is they don’t need to. That’s because the pass defense is worse than last year! In fact, it is hideously bad!
As Sheil Kapadia points out in The Athletic, the Bucs have given up 31 or more points in four of five games. Last year that number was 30 or more in four of the first five.
Now last year the Bucs gave up an average of 259 yards a game through the air. This year? Try 64 more yards a game for an average of 323 yards a game.
Talk about feast or famine!
And this is after the Bucs drafted three defensive backs in the first three rounds this spring!
The Bucs have drafted seven defensive backs in the past four years in the first three rounds including four defensive backs in the first or second rounds. The worst pass defense in the league is what they have to show for it. That’s a helluva lot of draft capital spent for a truly unacceptable return.
Either someone is hiring the wrong secondary coaches or someone needs to rework their prototypes for what they look for in defensive backs.
Joe will keep banging this drum until the trade deadline hits: If the Bucs do not go out and trade for a proven starter at corner — doesn’t have to be a Pro Bowler, just a competent starter with games under his belt — this team cannot and will not contend for any postseason berth allowing 320-plus passing yards each week.
And guess what? If that crap continues, guess who is going to resume his old habit that he has to make a play every snap or the Bucs will lose because his team’s pass defense is so atrocious?
You guessed it. America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
And then folks, we are back to Square-1.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:26 am
Todd Bowles is supposed to be a defensive genius but the numbers don’t lie. I think the really weak point in the Bucs pass defense is Hargraves. He is just not tough enough to be a starting corner. He is short, weak, and not very fast. Not a good combination for your #1 corner. I hope the Bucs don’t waste millions of dollars on him with a new contract next year. He is average or a little below average and should only demand average money. The Bucs salary cap killed them this year. Lets see what the can do next year with a lot more money to spend (or waste)!!
October 9th, 2019 at 3:42 am
More points and more passing yards allowed, you say? Maybe the common refrain that it was all Mike Smith needs to be challenged after all. Maybe Jason Licht’s mugshot needs to come back into focus for Bucs fans to understand what’s really happening here.
Oh, you’d argue that the run defense is dominant so therefore Bowles is an upgrade over Smith? How about the fact that replacing McCoy with Suh, and having a healthy Vea alongside him, explains a hell of a lot more about the run defense than the hiring of Bowles. Eh?
Some of the fans and media need to get their collective heads out of their asses and begin to understand that this roster, especially in the defensive backfield and the offensive line, is weak. Very weak. Plus at most positions where there’s some strength there is absolutely no depth to speak of.
This whole thing falls mainly on one guy…a guy who has just as terrible a record as Mark Dominik as GM of the Bucs over the last 5+ years. It’s incomprehensible why media and certain fans continually give this guy a pass as if his record doesn’t exist. The numbers don’t lie. Damn.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:50 am
Disgraceful. I have no words. What a joke of a franchise. And I am usually a very positive and optimistic fan. 2nd week of October and my Bucs jacket will hang in the closet for rest of the year again. I hope I am wrong, but I am not.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:51 am
Aahhh, you’re SOOO PREDICTABLE Joe. It’s all about Jameis. The defense makes Jameis look bad. The OLine makes Jameis look bad. The receivers don’t get open enough so they make Jameis look bad. The RBs average less than 4 YPC so they make Jameis look bad. The play-calling hog-ties Jameis so it makes Jameis look bad. And don’t get me started on the kicker. Poor Jameis.
Newsflash: Jameis, ME13, Marpet & D Smith make more than our ENTIRE defense. To pay for our most expensive offense in the NFL, we’ve stocked our defense with relatively few veterans (LVD, Suh, Allen, Barrett) and tons of youngsters. And most of those youngsters are in the Secondary, in skilled positions that take time to master.
The reality is that the Bucs are a very poorly constructed team. We shot our wad on OFFENSE and now so many pee & moan that the DEFENSE is allowing too many points. Funny how so many have preached PATIENCE with the Bucs’ offense for the last 4 years while it’s produced an average of around 22 PPG in that span, while all the while we keep dumping more and more money into that money pit WITHOUT seeing a commensurate increase in PRODUCTIVITY.
But hey, keep ‘banging the drum’ for a veteran corner. Keep ‘banging the drum’ for a veteran pass rusher. Maybe we can buy our way out of mediocrity. Hasn’t worked in the past, but surely it’ll work … this time.
October 9th, 2019 at 4:17 am
houston we have a problem…
and it’s name is carolina
October 9th, 2019 at 5:44 am
“You guessed it. America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston.
And then folks, we are back to Square-1.”
With Jameis “meaningless stats”Winston as our QB the Buc’s have never left Square-1. He isn’t consistent or good enough to even sniff Square-2.
October 9th, 2019 at 6:04 am
Press and blitz
October 9th, 2019 at 6:06 am
Why is no one talking about picking up Eric berry, I know he’d be expensive and we don’t have a lot of cap left. But that secondary really needs veteran leadership desperately. Time to start seriously looking at trading Brate. As many have stated already, if wer aren’t going to use him, get something for him. Then trade for Pat P. Probably have to rework his contract to fit it under the cap, but then we’d have 2 all pros in the secondary.
October 9th, 2019 at 6:11 am
I do agree to some extent. We do need a tru cover corner if we want to end the drought. Dean an SMB are rookies an havnt shown a lot but they are rookies they need time to develop. Also we have to coach out the bad that mike smith out into these guys so 1 offseason to turn around this horrible defense isn’t enough time it’s only bin 5 games. I am one who has lost his patience with this team but we have to find some cuz these DBs need time to grow
October 9th, 2019 at 6:15 am
JOE YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!COACHS MUST BE HAVING A CONTINUOUS ORGANISM LOOKING AT OUR GAME FILM!!!!!!
October 9th, 2019 at 6:25 am
Incredible that Joe feels the need to use the defense to defend America’s Groper. Again.
October 9th, 2019 at 6:43 am
Defense Rules- Great points regarding team focus. We’re looking at the defense going “what the heck,” and we’ve got a huge investment in the offense that can’t get out of its own shadow.
The major, GLARING difference in defenses is that this team is attacking. Smitty’s defense was passive and still gave up yards. Bowles’ defense attacks, leaving inexperienced, less-talented DBs to fend for themselves. Thus, the increase in yards and scoring.
I find it hypocritical that we KNEW this was going to be the case, that the OFFENSE would need to carry the defense yet, we still are blaming all our woes on the defense.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:02 am
Like I’ve said many times….Koetter and Smith have solid resumes, they didn’t just forget how to coach football. Licht on the other hand had ZERO track record of success and he’s been the one constant. Licht doesn’t have a vision and certainly cant execute. Arians and Bowles are both well respected and they cant make much of this secondary. The improvement is the investment in Vea, Suh and Barret. Koetter/Smith had nothing close to the same talent on the line. Its comical that Licht keeps his job….and got an extension at that.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:07 am
If the last game is indication, Jameis won’t have enough time to make bad plays. He will probably be looking over his shoulder constantly. The loss of two players on the right side of the O line is of greater concern to me right now.
Kappa injury was unpredictable, but at Dots age and issues with his knees
should have been Licht have been better prepared for.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:24 am
First swing at posting a comment was apparently disallowed by communist Joe because I referred to Winston as America’s Grouper (sic). Joe, you always find innovative ways to defend him….amazing. Now it’s Todd Bowles fault.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:28 am
#WEAPONS4WINSTON was premised on the offense winning regardless of how the defense performed. Remember?
October 9th, 2019 at 7:38 am
You need to compare those #’s to pass attempts through the same amount of games than last year.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:39 am
Should have hired Kris Richard as head coach. The offense was already good. Bowles defenses have never been that great and looks like they are getting worse.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:42 am
You can just see week Bowles will try to fix the passing D and CMC will have a repeat of last week.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:42 am
Two second rounders, Berto, kicker, out of football, and Spence, lol, and first rounder VH.03 Jason Licht’s 2016 draft haul. Anyone still wondering why we suck? See a pro bowl guard, or tackle? See any defensive ends? This draft 3 db’s. You build a team from the inside out.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:45 am
The D has played good enough to win 4 out of 5 games.
The O has plated good enough to win 2 or 3 out of 5 games. The d aint great but come on.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:56 am
There are are some obvious things to learn from our DB carousel :
Big and fast receivers are a mismatch for shorter and slower corners ala VH3.
Giving him a fifth year option seems problematic at this point in spite of his tenacity in the tackling dept.
Even the lengthier corners will get too much recognition from the zebras
for the groping style of defense that Davis resorts to when beaten.
Dean’s size and speed may be an asset in pass defense. Will he available and
be able turn the game around with INT’s. I am skeptical of Arians blaming his drops on his gloves.
SMB is a big gamble that Bucs fans better hope pans out .
October 9th, 2019 at 8:00 am
Talent eval on that side of the ball is THE issue. I think it is unrealistic to believe a quarter of a season will correct 5+ years worth of crap talent eval. It just isn’t. That being said, Bowles should be begging for FA help on that side. If he isn’t in Lict’s office everyday carrying the same message many of the posters on this site have been screaming (Brate for a DB with a pulse) then he should be sued by Bucs fans for malpractice.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:04 am
This team passed Square 1 last week and is circling the drain. Next thing you know. BA is pulling a Bernie Sanders’ and getting heart surgery.
Lose this week in London and this season will be officially out of control.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:08 am
@allbucedup… lol, the pack just lit up the Dallas D and he has no experience and would not help jw.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:09 am
sadly, pass rush effects this entire team…..when the pass rush outside of shaq is humming, DBs look better and the offense feeds off that…..
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 9th, 2019 at 8:21 am
Imagine what it would be like if they had drafted 7 offensive linemen early?
October 9th, 2019 at 8:22 am
miken
and BA has helped JW?…lol…
better defense would help JW a ton….
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 9th, 2019 at 8:27 am
It is not ,IMO, Bowels or the scheme….it is the DB’s inexperience and playing too lose fearing getting burned….of course Bridgewater was throwing beautiful passes to very good WR’s behind a solid offensive line
October 9th, 2019 at 8:38 am
Once again … why is our run defense so good???? Because teams are passing on us
October 9th, 2019 at 8:44 am
So some of you now want to lay it on the offense. No you were all over the we are going to a 3-4. Going to put pressure on QB’s. They won’t have time to throw. they will be sacked. Chased. OH BOY !!!!! Well to this point it has backfired. No they are the main problem. Most people are not looking at it wrong. They should not have to score 40 points a game to win.
October 9th, 2019 at 8:54 am
Yea but next years quarterback is going to be so much better than this years. Obviously!
October 9th, 2019 at 9:01 am
Anyone know what Sterling Moore is up to? I don’t understand how he has been jobless, seem to do a decent job wherever he went.. Coaches must hate him or something
October 9th, 2019 at 9:19 am
DB55 Says:
October 9th, 2019 at 8:54 am
Yea but next years quarterback is going to be so much better than this years. Obviously!”
This is the best most accurate thing you have ever written. Congratulations!
October 9th, 2019 at 9:25 am
Sterling who?
October 9th, 2019 at 9:58 am
Wheres Devin White?
October 9th, 2019 at 10:44 am
Thought it was all coaching Jason? DB are simply not talented or experienced enough and that falls on GM. Just think 5 more years of this
October 9th, 2019 at 10:46 am
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 9th, 2019 at 11:36 am
Pete
You’re a funny guy
October 9th, 2019 at 11:40 am
It’s very worrying and the 2019 draft class is already looking like being another miss for Mr Licht.
October 9th, 2019 at 2:27 pm
Too much youth in the secondary.
Most of us knew this coming into the season….
Nobody knew who Ronde was until his 3rd season…
Can’t expect much from the rooks.
October 9th, 2019 at 3:50 pm
The team needs a TRUE #1 CB … TRADE FOR JALEN RAMSEY OR PATRICK PETERSON, OR MAYBE EVEN CHRIS HARRIS AFTER THE LONDON GAME … THEY’LL HAVE 2 WEEKS TO GET READY & UP TO SPEED FOR THE 7TH GAME AGAINST THE TITANS!
October 9th, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Good article Joe. I would love to know the reasons why they aren’t going out and getting Patrick Peterson, or any other good corner. And while they’re at it, what’s the behind-the-scenes reasons for not going after Trent Williams from the Redskins. Money I would guess. Cap Hell? Jerry Jones and Snyder in DC never seem to let that slow them down. I get it. I’m not a GM and I don’t know the ins and outs of negotiating vs. what they can afford, but it sure seems like we have a legitimate spot in the playoffs waiting for us if we could swing a CB and possibly Trent from the Redskins. Hell, I even thought JW played a pretty good game. Good decisions and undeniably better accuracy. …And I’m not forgetting the 2 interceptions he threw that didn’t count because of defensive penalties.
October 9th, 2019 at 7:31 pm
Wasn’t “Continuous Organism” an Acid rock band in the late 60’s. 😂
October 9th, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Things will start to change when we get rid of Licht.
October 10th, 2019 at 3:43 am
I called for Donte Jackson from DBU aka LSU. You know?
The guy who runs a 4.3?
Licht drafted MJ Stewart, who runs a 4.56.
Great choice Licht!