Run Defense In The Spotlight
September 15th, 2011
Yes, the Bucs were better against the run Sunday. It wasn’t great, but it was a good sign as they try to move toward having a respectable run defense.
Amid all the talk of finding more sacks and quarterback pressure in the offseason, Joe was always stuck on the Bucs ending their 36-game slump against the run, minus a few decent outings.
For Joe, Sunday in Minnesota is going to be an extraordinary test. The run is coming at them. Adrian Peterson, pulling his fat new contract, is going to get the rock. The Vikings would be nuts not to pound it repeatedly against the Bucs. And, per a Star Tribune story, it seems that’s what’s coming from the purple team.
Not so much the Vikings. McNabb took pains to say he was here to win, not meet some passing yardage milestone. Even left tackle Charlie Johnson, who played with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, talked up the running game.
“When you have a back like [Peterson], and when you give it enough time, give that back enough time, you find a rhythm,” Johnson said. “Once you have that, it opens up so much more in the passing game. I think that’s the approach.”
Joe also expects Minnesota to mix it up and take advantage of Quincy Black’s and Mason Foster’s inexperience in the middle of the field. But with the Bucs not having to key as much on a superstar receiver, what their run defense is all about should be revealed Sunday.
Hopefully, the ghost of Jim Bates can’t penetrate the roof of the Metrodome.
September 15th, 2011 at 9:00 am
MN would be dumb not to hand the ball off to AP 25+ times. Personally, I think the Bucs defense looked MUCH better against the run. I don’t know the stats I just knoe I never saw much from Det. running the ball other than one reverse.
Of course, AP is a different story.
I think we see this from the MN offense:
run AP
run AP
short pass 6-12 yards from the LOS between the hashes
run AP
run AP
short pass 6-12 yards from the LOS between the hashes
…
…
…
Repeat.
Every team would be stupid NOT to do that until the Bucs show it can be stopped
September 15th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Jahvid Best is no Adrian Peterson but the run D did look a hell of a lot better. This will be a great test for the young guns up front.
September 15th, 2011 at 9:52 am
We have Tubby McTubbers starting at nose-gaurd this week. Why would we fear Peterson ?? Unlike last week , Price plans on increasing to an entire 10 plays before he rolls over , grabs his hamstring , and plays dead again .
September 15th, 2011 at 9:58 am
The Bucs defense played much better on the road last year especially on artificial turf. Let’s hope that trend continues this year. I think the speed on defense will give the Bucs an advantage in this game. If the offense can get it together; I think we take this one.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:02 am
Joe, I just read the article in todays LA Times on BPs problem and what was done to fix it, It describes the two problems with his pelvis. It is a wonder he is walking now let alone starting. As I have said before, this young line will get better as each game is played, so will the LBs, the big question is the game plan for the offense, trying to get 3 yards and a clould of dust doesn’t do it, they either open up or we are mired again.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:48 am
Aite Blubber Price I would like to see you get both of your hamstring ripped off then put back together, with a hammer and nails. Theguys a big guy and might not be in the best shape because of the recovery from the injury. But he was making plays this sunday.
September 15th, 2011 at 10:56 am
Well said, Optimist
September 15th, 2011 at 11:23 am
The Lions ran for 126 yards. Best was the leader with 72 yards. Thats great run defense!!!
The Bucs ran for 52 yards. Freeman(?!?) was the leading rusher with 26( 1/2!!!) yards
And we are worried about the Run DEFENSE???
How early do you guys start drinking, anyway? I think you’d have to be pretty blind not to think the run OFFENSE and the pass DEFENSE were the problems !!
September 15th, 2011 at 11:49 am
this will be a good, true test 4 tha run d come Sunday. Also, expect plenty of runs and play-action 2 attack our LB’s and Secondary. Visanthe Shiancoe and Percy Harvin come 2 mind as tha main threats 2 stop in their passing game. McNabb was ultra horrible last week and I wouldn’t bank on that happening again. We must keep him in tha pocket and limit him on deep balls 2 shut him down. AP is another story
September 15th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
If Minne is smart they won’t run at G-Mac.
September 15th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Uh…Jim Bates is still alive as far as I know. Don’t think his ghost will be found anywhere, much less the Snow Pillow, I mean Metrodome.