Countdown: Dirk Koetter’s 10 Biggest Decisions For 2017 – No. 5
July 25th, 2017
A 2012 flashback for Dirk Koetter?
So you thought Joe wasn’t doing a Countdown series this summer? Shame on you. Joe always has something like this planned to make you think and throw stuff at your computer. Last year, it was the Top 10 X-Factors of 2016. In 2015, it was the 20 worst Buccaneers personnel moves of the past 10 years. Now it’s Dirk Koetter’s 10 Biggest Decisions for 2017.
(Of course, this list is about decisions forseeable now, not wacky crystal ball stuff.)
No. 5 — Changing The Offense
Lots of “ifs” are swirling around every NFL team right now, and that’s especially true for the Bucs’ offense. Sure, the team appears to be loaded with weapons, but most fans include O.J. Howard and Chris Godwin in that mix, and the rookies haven’t caught a pass yet and could play like, well, most rookies.
But if they are the real deal, then Dirk Koetter truly has an offense loaded with receiving talent, including Charles Sims out of the backfield.
And given the major question marks and possible talent deficiency in the Bucs’ running game, especially early in the season, Joe believes Koetter has a big decision to make on whether he will significantly change the offense to match the available talent.
In this A+ Rock Riley video of offensive coordinator/receivers coach Todd Monken, Koetter’s right-hand man explains that the 2017 Bucs remain a “run-first” team looking for play-action hits. (Watch it here)
But do they have to be? And can they pull that off?
Koetter is an experienced, open-minded playcaller who got the job done slinging the rock fast and loose in Atlanta. In 2012, the Falcons and their top-10 offense with the 29th-ranked running game (just 3.7 yards average per carry) finished about 10 yards short of going to the Super Bowl.
Koetter knows how to completely let it rip and utilize weapons. But will he stray from what worked for his Bucs in 2015, when running clearly was the No. 1 option?
No. 7 — Developing Noah Spence
July 25th, 2017 at 1:58 pm
Good coaches and organizations play to their strengths, running the ball was the worst part of this offense in 2016, to be committed to a run first attack with Rodgers, Barber, McNichols, and Sims makes you questions the decision making of Koetter.
I’d rather be a passing attack with the options of Evans, Jackson, Brate, Howard, and Godwin.
July 25th, 2017 at 2:03 pm
I’m not sure anyone is actually expecting Chris Godwin to be a weapon yet. He looks like a solid #2 on paper, but so did Kenny Bell. Gotta at least give him the next 2 weeks to make a guess about his role
July 25th, 2017 at 2:46 pm
I think DK will adjust to his personnel. But if the OL develops as hoped and Quizz and McNichols are decent RB’s then we’ll be able to run whatever we want.
Everybody talks about the run game settting up the pass but the reverse can also be true….great passing teams have an easier time running it.
We may be surprised by how effectively we end up running it. And remember OJ is an outstanding blocker.
July 25th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Are the Bucs really ‘Changing the Offense’ Joe or are they (and Koetter) just returning to their roots? If memory serves (and it may not), Koetter & Monkin both have indicated in the past that they prefer a balanced attack. I think that’s all they’re looking for this year … a return Back to the Future (Bucs’ 2015 offense was more balanced than our 2016 offense IMO). It seems so simple: keep the defense guessing & off-balance, eat up the clock & score a ton of points. What could possibly go wrong with a simple strategy like that?
July 25th, 2017 at 3:12 pm
Kenny Bell and Godwin aren’t in the same class. Godwin, put up 1 1,000 season and almost another and was known for attacking the ball and making some clutch catches.
I’d rather rely on the group of receivers over an untested and below average group of backs without Martin.
July 25th, 2017 at 4:06 pm
With this team and depth u can do a whole lot and even add some to it.
July 25th, 2017 at 4:15 pm
The Bucs need to move Charles Sims to a slot receiver position. Sims continues to be one of the best rout runner on the team….with great hands. If it looks like a receiver, plays like a receiver, and can’t run up the middle. Guess what… it a receiver!
Sims has great speed and great hands…lets stop pretending he’s an NFL back.
July 25th, 2017 at 4:45 pm
They want balance but will go with what works as needed as evidenced by that 2012 season. They were 29th in yards but 26th in attempts so it’s not like they completely abandoned the run game. Maybe a run game = an ATL SB that year instead of getting bounced.
They had a 17 point lead. A run game would have probably made it a lot easier on Matt Ryan / the rest of the team when it comes to some longer drives and keeping their D healthy.
I forgot about that game. A 17 point lead and eventual loss in the NFC Championship; then a 24 point lead and eventual loss in the SB 4 years later. Brutal!!
July 25th, 2017 at 5:17 pm
Buc Ball is the only way to win in this league. Why Dungy got fired, I’ll never know.
July 25th, 2017 at 6:57 pm
Why Dungy got fired, I’ll never know.
He couldn’t get over the hump and get into a SB. Great defense but just a pathetic offense. As good of a defensive mind as Tony had…his offensive view was just pathetic.
July 25th, 2017 at 8:26 pm
Last time I check your five offensive lineman were kind of a big part of the offense and all our lineman are built for run blocking. If Dirk limits there chances to physically impact the game I think that would be a horrible decision.
We are not beating any playoff teams as a one dimensional offense. IMO if he trys to completely flip the offense it will lead to his demise.
July 25th, 2017 at 8:27 pm
In college OJ was a great run blocker too and I believe that’s why they drafted him
July 25th, 2017 at 8:32 pm
Dungy saw himself as a defensive genius, didn’t need a explosive offense to win. Part of his body of work that put him in the HOF. smh
July 25th, 2017 at 8:42 pm
Run the ball early in the season let all the players n coaches get on the same page before we shift always keep it run first. It gives the defense time to rest