Secondary Observations
August 5th, 2021
Jamel Dean, Todd Bowles and Chris Godwin weigh in
Earlier this week, cornerback Jamel Dean talked about how the Bucs secondary took a big leap and clicked after the bye and he didn’t quite know why.
Whatever the reason, will it continue?
Joe asked Chris Godwin whether he’s seeing anyone jump out among the cornerbacks in training camp, at least more than what Godwin expected. Godwin did not pick a name but he did explain that he sees the unit playing with a ton more confidence.
“Our three starters [among the corners] seem to be in a much better place, by starting off in a much better place confidence-wise,” Godwin said. “I think last year they were viewed known as being like young guys trying to prove themselves. And I think all the things they went through last season showed that they were not only talented but they were ready for the moment. And they stepped up really, really big for us in the postseason and that confidence is carrying over into this season.”
It all makes sense, and today after practice, mild-mannered defensive coordinator Todd Bowles echoed Godwin’s observation.
“They’re playing with a lot more confidence, that’s for sure,” Bowles said of his young secondary.
The Bucs broke very long stretch of NFL history by winning the Super Bowl last year without a current or former Pro Bowl defensive back on their roster.
It’s a super-young group that’s now experienced and seemingly more hungry.
Joe is crazy eager to see the 2021 edition, especially as playcallers adjust and try to find new weaknesses. Injuries? Depth? Meh, that’s a concern for every NFL secondary.
Enjoy The Ira Kaufman Podcast, Episode 2 of this week.
August 5th, 2021 at 12:52 pm
Youngry lol
August 5th, 2021 at 1:13 pm
They know the system, have gained real, tangible playoff level experience and know what they can do and how to be successful.
August 5th, 2021 at 1:22 pm
Pete knows….as a former 2nd string JV corner, confidence was everything. I was terrified to go in & always got ran over then carted-off the field
August 5th, 2021 at 1:27 pm
I would have confidence too if I knew my offense could bail me out if I made a mistake. Not having 34 turnovers and numerous short fields and pix6’s to worry about helps too.
August 5th, 2021 at 1:38 pm
These young corners are practicing against a potentially legendary group of WR’s and also have the GOAT throwing it to them.. This is a perfect storm for development.
Gravediggers are coming!
August 5th, 2021 at 1:54 pm
And throw in Ross Cockrell with an off season and training camp to learn the playbook. Oh boy! GO BUCS!!
August 5th, 2021 at 2:17 pm
Fingers crossed.
August 5th, 2021 at 3:18 pm
Ross Cockrell? 😂 guy makes a few picks in camp yeah, but as someone who watched every game twice last year i remember Ross for getting beat for tds e.g. against no velocity drew brees in playoffs and most the year getting mowed down in the run/screen game e.g. watch the 2nd panthers game 😂 Pump the ross brakes b4 you look silly my friend.
August 5th, 2021 at 3:45 pm
Yes and no Ft. Meyers. Cockrell has looked very good in camp. Will it translate to the regular season? Don’t know…we will see. But sometimes things do come together for these young guys, and their game really does improve. That is what good coaching can accomplish when added to a player with the right desire and intelligence. Let’s hope the young man has a great season.
August 5th, 2021 at 4:06 pm
Pro bowl means nothing. They had talent and a good scheme not designed by Lovie Smith or Mike Smith.
August 5th, 2021 at 4:49 pm
Buc fan since 76
It’s been a long time since I’ve had this much confidence on our guys on the back end
35 24 23 31 33 32
Add RossCockerel
These guys can hold it down
Thank you Todd Bowles
Go Bucs
August 5th, 2021 at 4:50 pm
Isn’t Ross playing a new position than what he has in the past? These coaches seem great at picking out where players strengths lie.
August 5th, 2021 at 5:04 pm
BucEmUp … Astute observation & very true IMO. Lovie & Smitty both had had success as DCs in the past, but failed to ‘keep up’ with the evolving NFL offenses. Neither adapted well, and it cost them big time. Plus neither had near the talent on defense that Todd Bowles has to work with.
Historically I think folks have always thought about offenses as being the most unpredictable (the offense knows what’s about to happen on each play, whereas the defense has to react). Todd Bowles seems to take a different approach IMO: he’s very pro-active on defense, and thus very unpredictable. His one ‘constant’ seems to be run defense, but he seems to be excellent at using his run defenders to open blitzing opportunities, thus keeping our defense very unpredictable it seems. Over time offenses will probably adapt to HIS unpredictability, but as long as we have the Front-7 that we have, I can only imagine that’ll take quite a while.
August 5th, 2021 at 7:41 pm
NONSENSE.
These guys will get TORCHED just like they did against Washington in the playoffs and for most of the season.
As soon as our pass rush comes up against an O-Line they struggle with, like Shaq & JPP did for several games last season, that secondary will get EXPOSED once again.
We have a bunch of ‘average’ cover guys. They’re just not elite.
I’ve been saying it for ages and I’ll continue to say it… they’re the Bucs #1 WEAKNESS.
Hopefully our Offense will put up so many points that it won’t matter.
But anyone thinking that secondary is going to “shutdown” other teams this season is in for a rude awakening. You just wait and see.
August 5th, 2021 at 8:29 pm
^^^^^^^
@BradyBucs
—————-
exactly! Overall our hope is POINTS from offence, 30+.
It was 20 years ago when D was asking O just 17 points, and they going to give W. That time is gone.
August 5th, 2021 at 10:33 pm
Gravediggers will make their presence felt in a good way for the Bucs this season
August 6th, 2021 at 7:10 pm
^ They’ll be renamed that “Nosepickers” by Week 4 because they pick their noses more than they pick off passes or play good coverage.