Run Game Coaching Already Showing Up (Part II)
July 29th, 2024
Bucs right tackle Luke Goedeke.
Does the thought of a Bucs handoff make you slump in your chair or begin a barrage of flatulence?
Either is understandable.
The Bucs hit a milestone last year you won’t read about on Buccaneers.com. Tampa Bay was the first team to rank last in the NFL in yards per carry in consecutive seasons since the Arizona Cardinals in 2006.
In early June, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles sure made it sound like a fix is on the way via better coaching under his new offensive staff.
Yesterday, beastly right tackle Luke Goedeke seemed to echo that.
“Different eye candy we put on [this year], different schemes we have and everything, I think it will really complement our game really, really well,” Goedeke said. “As a whole offensive line up front, I think we’re looking really, really strong this year … communication, understanding where the back’s trying to hit it, just stuff like that. At the end of the day it’s going to take a little time but I’ve seen already during OTAs like what it can be already, just the gashes we’ve had already.”
When Goedeke referred to where running backs will hit holes and “gashes” he’s already seeing, he’s certainly not talking about pass blocking. And that speaks to coaching, and players being taught well and grasping knowledge for all aspects of the run game.
A whopping 29 full-time running backs ran for at least an average of 4.0 yards per carry last season. Rachaad White was stuck at 3.6 yards per carry.
Between the huge talent base on the Bucs’ offensive line and a new offensive coaching staff with hands-on experience on solid running teams, the run game simply has to improve significantly.
And it shouldn’t take the Bucs more than a few games for a level of what looks like decency to be restored.
July 29th, 2024 at 7:01 am
I get uncontrolled flatulence pretty much all the time but yes, it definitely gets worse when the Bucs run the ball. Being a Bucs fan for many many years this run game has caused more than flatulence. After Canalas has been running up the middle all the time I’ve had to run to the bathroom on many occasion
July 29th, 2024 at 7:38 am
Hopefully this is the year Goedeke starts playing as tough as he tries to look.
July 29th, 2024 at 7:39 am
Don’t tease me Joe!
July 29th, 2024 at 7:46 am
Well…we all know that the WR room is stacked. Add a decent run game to the mix and a middling defense and who knows? Should be the formula for a deep playoff run sans a butt load of injuries.
July 29th, 2024 at 8:00 am
I’m shocked to learn that, on running plays, the O-linemen apparently didn’t know where the RB was trying to go on the play. How can they open up holes and running lanes for a RB if they don’t know what holes theyre trying to open or what running lanes they’re trying to create? Aren’t those things the key parts of the play? And they didn’t know? How does that happen? No wonder we were so awful.
July 29th, 2024 at 8:41 am
In Canales’s offense the RB allegedly had three options to choose from.
July 29th, 2024 at 8:44 am
Good one Joe got a morning grin.
July 29th, 2024 at 8:47 am
@LT. Dan, if the Bucs fix their running game this year I definitely can foresee a deep playoff run as long we don’t suffer serious injuries in positions where we lack depth.
If we can fix the running game AND be able to apply intense pressure to QBs via a pass rush we could have another boat parade this season or next. An intense and violent pass rush is necessary though. We can’t let Mahomes have all day to find an open receiver or let him run wild.
July 29th, 2024 at 9:17 am
@LTEB I saw that too. Makes no sense to have a run play when the OL doesn’t have a clearly defined goal. Never ever heard of that before.
July 29th, 2024 at 9:24 am
Not knowing where the RB is going? Another negative against Harold Goodwin – good luck in Carolina!
Both Goedeke and Mauch showed improvement as the season went on, but don’t forget that Goedeke led the team in number penalties called and yards last year.
July 29th, 2024 at 9:56 am
Well perhaps White’s lack of success running the ball was not entirely on him? Sounds like it.
July 29th, 2024 at 10:04 am
Giving the RB multiple options of which hole to hit is a staple of the zone running scheme.
July 29th, 2024 at 10:13 am
I like it when a Big Ugly says “gash” about the running game…
July 29th, 2024 at 12:34 pm
White was over 2 yards per carry better than his backup.
Maybe the issue wasn’t White…
July 30th, 2024 at 2:12 am
Canalwater will have a blast in Carolina ,
July 30th, 2024 at 1:11 pm
Well if White can hit the hole or even see a hole we will be ok.