If Bucs Cannot Move The Ball Against The Eagles, There Are Big Problems At Work
September 27th, 2024
Soft Eagles defense awaits.
Joe will walk out on a limb and suggest if the Bucs can’t move the ball against the Eagles on Sunday, there will be changes to the offense in the very near future.
For example, if the Bucs cannot run the ball with Rachaad White but Bucky Irving demonstrates he can run, well, that may be White’s final start.
This and other changes could be coming. Because the Eagles defense is about as strong as someone who tried to use a paper umbrella yesterday.
Per Rich Hribar of Sharp Football Analysis, the Eagles are 29th in allowing teams to march into the red zone and/or score.
43.3% of the drives against Philadelphia have reached the red zone or scored prior, 29th in the league.
Then there is this little nugget: The Eagles defense can’t get off the field if their lives depended on it. Again, per Hriber:
The Eagles have forced a three-and-out with a punt on 6.7% of opponent drives, the lowest rate in the league.
How this team has such a soft defense yet is 2-1 and in first place in the sacred NFC East, Joe cannot figure out.
What Joe can figure out is if the Bucs offense still struggles for a second straight game, against this Eagles defense, there are serious issues on the Bucs offense.
September 27th, 2024 at 4:33 am
Joe … ‘Because the Eagles OFFENSE is about as strong as someone who tried to use a paper umbrella yesterday.’
Based on what followed Joe, I’m assuming that you meant Eagles DEFENSE. I get the analogy, but the Eagles’ defense (63 Points Allowed in 3 games) is doing just as well as our Bucs’ defense (62 Points Allowed in 3 games). And oh ya, their offense (70 Points Scored) is doing slightly better than ours (64 Points Scored). Bottom line? Both teams are very similar, but we’ve BOTH got some very significant issues, on defense and offense.
What’s concerning me is that the Eagles’ defense is coming off 2 very good performances against quality teams (Atlanta & Saints). They whooped the Saints good (15-12), because the Saints couldn’t run against them (29 rushes for 89 yards … 3.1 YPC) AND they shut down the Saints’ passing attack (14-for-25 for 142 yards).
Eagles lost to the Falcons the week prior (22-21) because Kirk Cousins picked them apart in the last minute (5-for-6 passing covering 70 yards for the go-ahead TD). Eagles gave up big stats to the Falcons both on the ground (28 rushes for 152 yards … 5.4 YPC) AND in the air (20-of-29 or 241 yards) but had only allowed 15 points until that fateful last minute. I wouldn’t take their defense too lightly IOW, paper umbrellas & all.
September 27th, 2024 at 6:29 am
Dittto to DR. You nailed it sir!
I would add that our team is more banged up on both sides of the ball than I have seen in recent years. Baker needs to get the ball out faster and quit trying to be Mr. scramble. We need to run to the ball on Defense. Cant tell you the number of plays where I was thinking…Where is everyone?!?
BTW have they cut Palmer?!? Use his speed Coach Coen!
Go Bucs!
September 27th, 2024 at 6:58 am
Dam,….Defense Rules…. you always come up with the Stats…. BBBam..
September 27th, 2024 at 7:52 am
Nice post DR. I would only add too that the Packers game week 1 skews the stats big time in a sample size of 3 games. Week 1 is often chaotic and I don’t put stock in week 1 performances personally.
Plus, the Eagles have the revenge factor going for them from the playoff game last year. Think it doesn’t matter? Look at the bucs vs. lions game.
September 27th, 2024 at 8:22 am
Well. Bucs are NOT the worst rushing team. Giants had 24 rushes for 26 yards against a bad Cowboy D last night
September 27th, 2024 at 8:30 am
White is just a glorified third down back. If my fat azz can see it while sitting in my recliner swilling Bramosa’s why the Bucs coaches?
September 27th, 2024 at 9:04 am
Those stats can’t tell you why they are 2-1 and one play away from 3-0. They shut down the saints offense. A saints offense with running backs much better than our and a much more explosive offense. They have a good defense I’m not sure why you expect this coordinator to have a plan after taking a dump on the field
September 27th, 2024 at 9:25 am
The Eagles offense is balanced,
2nd in Total Offense
3rd in Rushing Offense
5th in Passing Offense
If the Bucs offense play like it did against Detroit and Denver
This game is be laughable
September 27th, 2024 at 10:27 am
So what happens if the Iggles deliver a Bronco-esque beatdown?
September 27th, 2024 at 10:42 am
I don’t know if I could have any faith in them this week after that game last week.
September 27th, 2024 at 11:09 am
I got a winning strategy for this offense. Throw the d*** ball to Mike Evans!
September 27th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
Defense Rules Says:
Eagles lost to the Falcons the week prior (22-21) because Kirk Cousins picked them apart in the last minute (5-for-6 passing covering 70 yards for the go-ahead TD).
—————————————————————-
We all know what coach Bowles likes to do with the last minute, especially when he has all three time outs in his pocket.
This doesn’t make me feel good.
September 27th, 2024 at 12:36 pm
The big question? Will the Bucs show up or lay down? Walked into week 3 like they were the better team and got embarrassed. Just like last year, and the year before, and so on. Looking at you coach.
September 27th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
O had them going 9-8 from the beginning & their schedule isn’t any easier coming up. Sometimes I wonder if the coaching staff the owners & the Glazers really do care. The Glazers care more about stupid Manchester United.
September 27th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Stupid me I meant the front office the coaching staff & the Glazers. Duh.🤦💩
September 27th, 2024 at 7:01 pm
It’s the NFC Least, Joe. That’s how.
September 28th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
I remember last season when the bucs would win a few then turn around and loose three in a row. Coaching? Players? A little of both? Same with Baker last season. Hot and then cold. Who can accurately predict this team based on recent history? I will hope for the best but my expectations remain modest.