“We Have A Great Defensive Staff”
October 23rd, 2017
“Whoever wants to try out for edge rusher, see me Oct. 25 at 6 a.m.”
Formerly winning head coach Dirk Koetter, do you feel a greater need to be more hands on with your defense now?
Your Buccaneers head coach was asked that question today.
Koetter chuckled as he began his answer.
“No. No. We have a great defensive staff,” Koetter said. “They all have proven track records in this league. And, you know, we meet as a staff when we need to. And, you know, I meet with the team three times a week, talk to those guys. When I do have time, I like to sit in on their meetings. It’s educational. I learn stuff, but I don’t always have time. I mean, I spend more time in the quarterback room than any other.”
Koetter has the utmost faith and respect in Mike Smith. Heck, he should. And frankly, Joe really doesn’t want to see Koetter start micromanaging the defense, too.
Koetter saw first-hand in Jacksonville what Smith can do with a defense. From 2003 through 2007, Smith’s defense there allowed fewer points than the Bucs’ vaunted defense during the same period — with far fewer big-name players. And Koetter watched Smith guide a team as a head coach to within about 10 yards of a Super Bowl during the 2012 season.
Smith has Koetter’s full trust. That might make many Bucs fans queasy, considering Smith’s defense has regressed greatly and been historically futile this season. But Smith is the guy.
And as Koetter likes to say, “your guys are your guys.”
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:30 pm
Sure they do
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:39 pm
It seems like the goal of the websites is to throw scapegoat Mike Smith under the bus…
while protecting Koetter and Licht beer
coaching vs personnel(talent)
Kobe Faker and the fans with higher football IQ knows this defensive players in this roster absolutely SUCKS
The defensive players from the draft and the FA acquisitions is straight trash
STOP THE PROPAGANDA!
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:39 pm
It’s either the wrong scheme for the players OR most of the players need to be replaced ’cause they are ALWAYS out of position on defense
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:41 pm
Koetter is good coach. He need real football around him tho
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:42 pm
Better fix this team before Winston leaves
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:43 pm
I miss having a good defense. Where is Rich McKay?
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:43 pm
I have far more confidence in the coaching staff than I do in the mentally weak defensive captains
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:43 pm
Sounds a lot like Jimbo Fisher/Charles Kelly. Some things gotta give soon.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:44 pm
…At this point, we would have to go 6-0 in the division, and get a minimum of 2 more wins, say at Miami and vs the Jets… Just to get to 10-6. Which still may not even be good enough to get to the playoffs.
And According to the numbers our D has been putting up here lately, tearing off 8-9 wins to close the season is going to be next to impossible.
It’s a shame really, when you consider how different this season would feel if we had won the 2 games we choked away against AFC East teams.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:45 pm
Can’t convince me that coaching on D isnt a large part of this crap show. Maybe our D aren’t the most talented in their positions in the NFL but they surely aren’t the worst either. Yet they play like they are! If you can’t get your guys motivated and can’t make any adjustments game after game, THAT is on the coaches. Start bringing up guys off the PS who want to play football and show what they can do. This group needs to wake up- now! Get their damn attention that you- as a coach- take their BS seriously, even if they don’t.Time for everyone to start earning their checks
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:46 pm
My take. Bad coaching doesn’t mean bad coaches. Even good coaches have to make corrections, and you can’t go jumping into major changes in a game or two. But with this defense, clearly there is a pattern here, and I’m not so sure it’s the scheme or coaches or ability to pick up reads as it might be the comms among the coaching staff and players, players’ leadership, or an attitude problem. So back to my original point. Bad coaching means none of these problems are addressed over time. A good coach will get results. Let’s talk Baker and Ward. Everyone knows they are pro-bowl level players. We all know they want to play more. We all know they aren’t exactly tearing it up. Why would they leave Conte or Tandy in over Ward, for example? I think there is somethign deeper brewing here.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:47 pm
rich mckay are you kidding me.. another fool living in the past which was not that great. did you see how fast they stripped mckay the politician of his personnel duties when he arrived in atlanta… sam whyce drafted and built dungy’s defense. mckay and dungy failed to draft or develop a football team. They ran a great defense on a HORRIBLE underachieving team that won a pathetic 2 playoff games in 6 years….
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:47 pm
I still think this is all DL minus McCoy….. If you want McCoy still gets triple teamed at times it is a joke at the lack of respect teams have for the rest of the group.
The continuously good defensive teams(like Seattle) have at least 3 pass rushers in rotation. McCoy I would say is our only one.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:49 pm
It is the players….not the coaches or GM…NO heart…no want to…no leadership….bunch of 53 that think they have arrived…the game has not changed…53 bank accounts will show a big money bomb tomorrow morning when they log on….NO Leadership…IN THE LOCKER ROOM….53 jokers and the deck is stacked against…and they accept losing for a living !!!!!!!!!!!
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:49 pm
The whole franchise is good…. make that great. 2-4 and last place is a far cry from being great. Guy is delusional.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:50 pm
doolnutts
you need to turn your drives license in immediately sir or ma’am…. if you think the big clown cancer93 is tripled you clearly are having vision problems. that is a tired excuse of about 6 years ago… Mccoy is clown with a quick first step and NO FINISH! who is stunting the growth of hungry young men with the desire to win… send that clown and his doll collection to dallas for a 4th and watch the young kids flourish
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:53 pm
How much talent has the Incompetent GM added to the Bucs defense, during his 4 year tenure as GM? 19-35 record, is the Bucs record under his administration.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:55 pm
Sho you’re right! Bucs defense now 29th in scoring defense, 30th in total defense, 30th in pass defense, 31st in third-down conversion %, 32nd in sack %.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:55 pm
Koetter’s fortunes are tied to Smiley Smith and his horrid defense. This doesn’t end well for either of them.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:55 pm
And yes, it is as much on the staff as it is on the players. It is coaches jobs to have a good game plan, have their players prepared and motivated. It is the players responsibility to execute the game plan and to be motivated. It is on the GM, coaches, college scouts and those who evaluate the free agents on our team as well as on other teams.
I see fundamental failures on all levels….oh yeah, but the defensive staff is great. LMAO.
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:56 pm
Baker and ward pro bowl players?
lol
elway knows ward is too old and injury prone. baker is team cancer and koetter accepted bakers just chilln training camp atmosphere
Kobe Faker does not play secret agendas…
No great defensive coordinator can help this pathetic defensive roster
should we breakdown the draft of the last 2 years and the fa acquisitions? it is the worst gm moves in the nfl
“Kobe,I love you”
Mikey Smith
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:01 pm
“Return of SuperCam” is gonna be the headline next week after Cam shreds our defense. Might even help Mccaferry set some career highs!
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:03 pm
Why is it that for many of the last few years this team has consistently failed to pressure opposing quarterbacks? Whether it was Smitty, Lovie, Frazier, Sheridan, Schiano, etc,etc. etc.
I can still recall countless articles here about the dancing stunts etc. and yet here we are once again last in sacks, last in hurries, last in knockdowns and now just plain last
Look good on paper…..and so far that is it.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:05 pm
@ Kobe Faker
should we breakdown the draft of the last 2 years and the fa acquisitions? it is the worst gm moves in the nfl
Just break down the Calaias Campbell debacle….that might be entertaining seeing as how the man has more sacks than our entire roster.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:06 pm
Rayjay1122 Says:
October 23rd, 2017 at 5:55 pm
And yes, it is as much on the staff as it is on the players. It is coaches jobs to have a good game plan, have their players prepared and motivated. It is the players responsibility to execute the game plan and to be motivated. It is on the GM, coaches, college scouts and those who evaluate the free agents on our team as well as on other teams.
I see fundamental failures on all levels….oh yeah, but the defensive staff is great. LMAO.
TEAM CAPTAINS PLAY A ROLE AS WELL……WHERE ARE THEY ? WHERE IS THE PLAYERS ONLY MEETING?
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:08 pm
After every game we lament, I can’t take it no GD more..and then again..and again..Its like that sci-Fi movie with Tom Vruise where he keeps getting killed. Over and over again. If the Phx Suns can fire a coach 3 games into a season? So..can we~~
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:09 pm
Listen Joe love the site and the content but let’s try to keep things in perspective. If it’s bad we haven’t a double digits sack guy since someone rice isn’t it ridiculous to continue talking about his defense from back in 2003 which was a year after we win a Superbowl? We all agree it’s a different league now and if he hasn’t updated his defense scenes from that time he may be out of date. Maybe he was fired for good reason in Atlanta
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:09 pm
I would not blame 8-24 on anybody but Lovie Smith.Licht brought min mostly Lovie guys like toast Jenkins.Sure he has made mistakes both in the Lovie years and till now.Hard to overcome lack of talent from bruce allen and Mark Dominic years.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:10 pm
“What that grinding noise”
Mike Smith
“Thats the sound of Jason Licht sharpening his knife”
Lovie Smith
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:12 pm
but I don’t always have time. I mean, I spend more time in the quarterback room than any other.”
Maybe that is part of the problem.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:12 pm
I truly believe something is critically wrong in the locker room and I think the “me first” players DJAX, BAKER, WARD, and the batman doll-playing DT GMC has fractured to unity and focus of this team…………
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:13 pm
@GhostofSchiano
I know man, it’s frustrating and hard to understand that it could be pure incompetence.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:13 pm
Kobe Faker…. Mike Smith is the Incompetent GM new scapegoat, he replaces Lovie Smith. It’s funny how Leslie Frazier is doing such a good job in Buffalo as the DC. Working closely with Sean McDermott. Leslie Frazier has been a good defensive coach everywhere he has coach, except for Tampa. The Carolina Panthers fired GM Dave Gettleman after 4 seasons. The Panthers went 40-23-1 during Gettleman 4 year tenure. Including 3 consecutive NFC South titles and a Super Bowl appearance. All the while Jason Licht team is 19-35 during his tenure as the Bucs GM. The Bucs shouldn’t pickup Jason Licht 5th year option, instead they should hire Dave Gettleman as GM. And they should keep the coaching staff intact.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:23 pm
Fire Licht he put this defense together. He didn’t sign a Pass Rusher or two.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:26 pm
The rest of this year is an wait and see prove it interview for Licht/Koetter regime…
If the ship sinks, we they go down together as men or will the knives come out?
there is no doubt the glazer ownership has a oustide silent consultant they listen to
before the season, the websites, local tv, fanbase was screaming to extend lichts contract…..
but the glazers did not do it
*I want to be truthful, kobe faker is not the silent consultant”
Kobe Faker
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:27 pm
It’s the Hard Knocks curse, and the lack of pass rush.
Also, I’m sick of Chris Baker. Guy can’t get his butt in practice all summer, whines about hitting drills, then says he wants to play more.
That wouldn’t fly in high school ball
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:29 pm
“should we breakdown the draft of the last 2 years and the fa acquisitions? it is the worst gm moves in the nfl”
lol why don’t you do it for us if it’s so obvious/easy?
Light’s 2016 draft was not good but 2017 has given us 3-4 starters who have all played pretty well so far (Howard/Evans/Beckwith/Godwin).
Not the best 2 year stretch but to say worst in the NFL is ridiculous; unless you can pull all 32 teams and show me that all of them landed like 10-12 very solid players/starters in 2 years of draft / FA. But you can’t because that didn’t happen.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:36 pm
I’m not sure how much more of this bull sht I can take. Tired of investing my time and money into watching a team find ways to suck every year. Koster is not the problem. Defense is atrocious and it’s THE PROBLEM!!!!!
PLEASE FIRE THIS GUY HOLY HELL!!!
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:38 pm
DK is afraid of his DCord. The players pick up on that and this is why they quit every game. They are more concerned about where the parties are in town. The players have zero accountability. Coach Snith needs to get out of the booth and on the sidelines. The longer this goes the more money Gruden will demand.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:38 pm
2016 draft (year of the bust)
1st round- vh3
2nd nowhere spence
2nd yippy A
4th ryan griffen smith
5th celeb benoch
6th davonta bond
6th dick vitale
worst draft in the history of the putrid tampa bay bucs draft history
in the new nfl normal with the salary caps, you cant miss like this and be a winning team.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:40 pm
The Licht hate is just stupid.
He’s got a plan and guess what…..he’s working the plan.
He’s not freaking out and changing course just because the current millionaires don’t feel like earning their paychecks.
Firing him now would be idiotic.
He hasn’t drafted a lot of defensive players yet, especially the DL, but I’m sure that’s on this years draft agenda.
The offensive needs came first. I don’t necessarily agree with that, but so be it.
He’s made some great decisions and he’s laid a few eggs.
I will say his biggest achilles heel is FA.
The Aguayo thing…..I get what he was trying to do but obviously it failed. But he had the stones to do it.
Hindsight is easy for us keyboard warriors.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:43 pm
Smith needs to be on the field. Let an assistant be up in the coaches box.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:45 pm
If you aint the solution then you’re the problem and right now smith aint the solition
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:45 pm
I think dooshlarue May secretly be Licht.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:46 pm
And Ill add that when your defensive leader is a clown then expect a defensive joke.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:48 pm
And licht doesn’t have a clue how to recruit defensive talent
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:48 pm
Baker haters consider this:
Baker 13 tackles 0 sacks 3 mil
Mcd. 11 tackles 2 sacks 3 mil
Gmc. 18 tackles 2 sacks. 13 mil
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:51 pm
Redundant but worth repeating.
Mike Evans Capatain. 98 yards 1 TD.
Jameis Winston Captain 400 yards passing 3 tds.
LaVonte David Captain 14 yes 14 tackles and a FF recovery in the 4th.
Gmc Captain 1 tackle (even though I didn’t see it and it was prob a gimme stat.)
One of these Captains is NOT like the other. #Facts
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:53 pm
Baker is garbage and should be considered buyers remorse
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:54 pm
What we have here is…..players blaming coaches under their collective breaths…and cocky young players poisoned by rich old end of the line (defensive players in this case)….blaming coaching and blaming their poor play on the old coaches that can’t relate….it is still football and the veteran Buc’s defensive players should have the mirrors in the locker room broken …I’d rather cut any that does not step up and go PS squad raiding ….send a message….
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:54 pm
Lining Baker next to Gmc is proving FATAL
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:55 pm
DB55, you left out William Gholston and his new contract 5 year $27.5 million. And Jason Licht suppose to be a great GM. It’s laughable, funny as hell.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:56 pm
I was shooting for interior lineman. At least Will got heart.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:58 pm
Will Gholston 4 years, 10 sacks and he gets a new contract. You can only laugh at Jason Licht stupidity.
October 23rd, 2017 at 6:59 pm
10 sacks in 4 years for a starting Edge Rusher in the NFL. I have NEVER heard of stats like in my life. Not even in Pop Warner football.
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:01 pm
DB55
You can’t fault Ole Softie93 man.
He was being quadruple teamed while saving a baby and was up late the night before putting together his new LEGO set.
Have some compassion please!
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:05 pm
The problem with our two defensive signings this year,they are one dimensional.
Ward was cut because he is weak on coverage. Swaggy had his opportunities to get up the field but Who believes he is actually in shape to do that?
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:05 pm
Will Gholston was never a good pass rusher lol. Thats not news to anbody.
Im with you on Licht tho. He is most likely out at the end of the year which could very well mean the whole coaching staff gets blown up.
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:07 pm
…..hey everyone……Mike Smith is posting as dooshlarue
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:17 pm
The day gmc grabs this team by horns and assume leadership. That day would be the franchise changing move.
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:22 pm
Kobe, Lakeland, Lord C … some great comments. Glazers will hold Licht accountable in one way or another, but I doubt that Koetter will be fired after 2 years, even if we go say 6-10 (worse than that would be problematic). I agree with Mike Smith … this is a very good coaching staff that will eventually get the defense ‘improved’ although I’m now convinced that even with significant improvement it’s a Bottom Third defense.
Scott Reynolds had an interesting comment that focused on Bucs’ tackling (which totally sucks BTW & is a primary reason why they can’t get off the field on 3rd downs). His point was that Koetter’s camp this year was the softest he’s seen, by far, in his 24 yrs covering the Bucs. A piece that he wrote had some comments from Tony Mayberry (surely y’all remember him) when he was visiting training camp this summer. He was apparently totally surprised at how soft camp was & how little contact was going on. Maybe that’s all part of the Hard Knocks curse, that coaches ‘soften it up’ for the cameras so they don’t look like hard-asses. Don’t know, but it was a very interesting observation that seems to be playing out on the field right now.
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:44 pm
@Defense Rules….state of training camp hitting…Huge part…some teams understand and play old school football adjusted to 2017….other are staring at the pinata like the youngest kid at the party…. It is the aimless player leadership…Jameis rah rah…is not NFL leadership….I wish him and all Buc fans the very best…but this locker room needs to be called out and everyone has heard Jameis….next man up….is there any hope of LEADERSHIP ??????????…..talent…check…..coaching …check….money in the bank CHECK !!….leadership….calling leadership…anyone…anyone… ?
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Good piece defense rules
Even skip called keotter soft
October 23rd, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Altered
Jw and me13 are too young to check tj ward and baker. It needs be gmc.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Lamarcus….I don’t care if it a practice squad player….these guys in general….defense in particular….need and immediate reality check..it ain’t the talent…it is the everybody other than me mentality …11 fools lost on defense….I’ll lay off Jameismisses
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:21 pm
I know one thing for certain. The 4 most pressing needs for the 2018 off season, are DE, RB, CB, and RT.
I’d say the 2 biggest targets for next season that I can think of right now have to be Ezekial Ansah, and Saquon Barkley. Then I’d say we need to draft at least another Pass rusher, a Defensive tackle or 2, 2 corners, and a Tackle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVnG55t8rys
A back with Barkley’s size, ability, and skill – In addition to our seemingly potent passing attack, would cement this offense as a top 5 scoring unit. At that point we could win some rings if we field even a severely mediocre defense.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:22 pm
Forgive me for thinking this season is basically already over. Go 6-10 and play for draft position.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:27 pm
this locker room….looks around at each other after ever game and thinks to themselves…I got plenty of money…this is NOT a team….it is a collection of losers..well except for a few…and the few need to stand up ! and call out names if this goes on much longer…oldest first to go…
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:30 pm
#Bucs Defensive Rankings as of this morning?
32nd in Sack %
31st in 3rd down %
30th in Total Defense
30th in Pass Defense
29th in Scoring
Has Bucs Defense ever been this bad? Hey Dirk how about you stop shifting blame and start taking responsibility as the head coach ? The bucs defense is loaded with talent top to bottom with allpros, SB champs, pro bowlers, 1st round picks. The Bucs defensive roster hasnt been this loaded in a decade, you said it yourself on hard knocks, yet 6 games into the season it has produced one of the worst results in franchise history! If you sere simply talking outta your arse and all that BS was just was for tv and then why didnt you go after Calias Campbell in FA? Being cheapskates is no excuse. Why did you sign off on luxury picks i.e kicker, TE, WR (who you rarely ever use btw) in the early rounds? Can’t have your cake and eat it too!
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:36 pm
bring back gruden
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:39 pm
They have to use every single Draft pick on DT/DE
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:39 pm
It is the PLAYERS !….they get beat every which way…
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:39 pm
Last 5 games last year and all that was talked about on this board was how great the Bucs Defense was. All the offseason signings of Pro Bowl Safety, Baker and all these new studs and 5 games in this season and all this Board
is talking about now is firing the same Coach that last season was a Miracle worker. If the defense was so good last year why is it bad this year!!! ? Don’t get it…. Somebody help me out.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:39 pm
@Blake
I’m also in draft mode now lol. I looked at the 2018 FA list of pass rushers and other than Ansah there isnt much there. Wouldnt shock me if the Lions either just get a deal done or tag him because he is their only pass rusher lol.
Im with you on Barkley. He would be a dream pick. But on the flip side its gonna be the same exact conversation as last year with the RBs because its an even deeper class lol.
Right now I would hope for pass rusher in the 1st and RB in the 2nd. Maybe the Chubb cousins?
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Someone called the Steve Duemig show this afternoon claiming to know people in the front office mentioned the bucs have the lowest paid scouting department in the NFL.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:54 pm
Alter ego
Ur right. It can be anyone at this point. Jw and me13 shouldn’t have to do it tho. They are kids. I’ll look at the top and gmc comes to mind. These holdovers from losing cultures is killing us.
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:55 pm
Arden key. Lsu
October 23rd, 2017 at 8:58 pm
@BucsFan90 … “The bucs defense is loaded with talent top to bottom with allpros, SB champs, pro bowlers, 1st round picks. The Bucs defensive roster hasnt been this loaded in a decade.” Seriously? Loaded with talent? This Bucs defense is probably the least talented we’ve had in many years. It’s loaded with old ‘hired guns’ who got their last career payday & play like they’re perfectly happy to ‘retire on active duty’ (used to call them ‘ROAD Scholars’ in the military).
There’s gonna be a huge house-cleaning on defense at the end of this year for sure. This DLine will probably lose several (and no, GMC & Gholston won’t be part of that tmaxcon … sorry). And personally I hope McDonald won’t be either, because I think he’s still got a year or 2 left in the tank, and is playing with more gusto than the rest. But Ayers & Baker & Siliga & Clarke … bye bye. Not a clue what they’ll do with Spence, but he’s not the impact DE we need (maybe an OLB though if we go to a 3-4 permanently). And as it looks right now, we’ll be needing TWO outside corners as a minimum, plus another safety (maybe 2). So right there I count 7-8 new defensive players that’ll be added. It’s gonna take us 3 years minimum to fix this thing if we focus the draft each of those years primarily on defense. Jason Licht better be really good at tap-dancing because the Glazers are gonna be asking a really tough question before extending him … “Jason, exactly HOW do you intend to fix this thing? Be very specific as if your job depends on it … because it does.”
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:06 pm
@JoeyPoppems
I’d say that the 2018 class of RB’s is different from 2017 in one critical way, While there was much debate to be had about which back from last year was the top dog ( Right now it appears to be either Kareem Hunt or Leonard Fournette ); In the 2018 group, Barkley is the clear cut best.
Where as Nick Chubb and Derrius Guice both appear to be very good, Barkley looks to be great. I’d say if we got a shot to go get ourselves a clean cut, dark skin version of Zeke Elliot, we should probably take it.
But that’s a big if. Obviously we are in sore need of a pass rush as well, and I’m going to dig into the tape of all the top Edge rushing prospects, but who know’s what kind of scheme we’ll have next year.
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:20 pm
I think Dirk might be a little confused on what a head coach does, a head coach is responsible for the ENTIRE team, he should have his nose in everything, he’s only comfortable on the offensive side of things, it’s all he knows. I read somewhere that Bilicheck spends just as much time coaching the special teams as he does the offense and defense. That’s what good coaches do.
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:20 pm
The players have a right to call out the coaches, no press member will. If this was a black head coach, the press and the fans would be all over him. Ward is right, this coach think you must have a white player on the field in Chris Conte. this defense got better when Conte was injured last year.Ward is right on.
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:25 pm
@Defense rules…yes a house cleaning on D…I only hope 2 or 3 years from now # 93 can realize what great heart with lesser physical #’s looks like…football is HEART….talent is there….
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:40 pm
I think I have seen this before.
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:46 pm
This guy Wentz is pretty not bad, not bad at all.
October 23rd, 2017 at 9:50 pm
@Blake – is it the RB position we need to improve or is it the OL? I haven’t watched enough games to know right now and highlights don’t tell enough.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:03 pm
It is both USFBUC. Probably more Line because DS76 is not making the next step IMO. He seems to be the nexus of bad plays by the offense lately.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:06 pm
Defense is bad but we’re still in it. If you really are “tired” of rooting for the team then don’t…get gone. Second, talk about what’s going on in the locker room with drivel about 53 individuals only wanting paychecks is baseless and ridiculous. Ward and Baker need to keep it in house, but their gripe is about playing time because they think they can help us win. When the chips are down you can’t start throwing everyone overboard, like so many posters (posers) on this site cry (cry) for. Many of you lot sound like johnny fontaine from the Godfather. Stay strong, quit looking for someone to throw under the bus, root for the team like a fan, not a baby who’s mad because our QB didn’t win the game, the DT gave up the long pass in the 4th quarter, or our safety got stripped when it looked like we had a chance to win. None of that crap happened. Our QB played well, the DB was late along the sideline, and hump got stripped from a good defensive play. We didn’t make enough plays to win that game but no one on the team has given up, and we still have a chance to make some noise this season. Not easy but what is? Don’ make stuff up, keep the faith and Go Bucs!
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:06 pm
@Blake
Yea I agree. Barkley would be tough to pass on if available. Guice is right up there with him imo. Those 2 are the clear cut best RBs and are possibly top 10 locks given recent history.
Chubb, Bryce Love, Ronald Jones, and Damien Harris are a notch below for me. Its still really early tho, obviously lol
As far as pass rushers go, Ive only watched a little of Bradley Chubb and Clelin Ferrill. I was more inpressed by Chubb from the little I saw of them.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:11 pm
@Reach87
I get what you are saying, and I agree with you for the most part, but at some point morale victories just aren’t enough
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:15 pm
@USFBUC
All I can say for certain in regards to the O-Line is that we absolutely must acquire Dotson’s replacement next year. I’m still not as down on Donovan Smith as others are. Seeing that for the large majority of his reps he plays solidly. It’s the pretty rare bad mistakes that still need work.
And As for the Rb vs O-line question, I’d say a back like Barkley is one of those guys that can get the most out of an average O-line.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Also I think we should all continue to have more faith. The Bucs are not getting blown out, the last three games we have only lost by a total of 13 points. That point difference is just the difference of a call or two. 13 points the other way and we are talking about a Bucs team that is 5-1. Our defense needs to be improved but with additional targets ME is still on track to put up similar numbers as last year, Winston is on track to decrease INTs and increase completion percent and yards, our TE position looks to be set for years to come, we have depth at WR, and a kicker who kicks.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Tmax can a black man get a little credit! Dungy is a HALL OF FAMER….and I need not say more!!
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:27 pm
@USFBUC
That’s the thing tho, we are not 5-1, we are 2-4 with glaring deficiencies on the defensive line and in the secondary.
And while I think that Doug has been running hard, all 50 of his rushing yards gained on sunday were after first contact, I think it’s apparent he’s lost/ is losing a step. And will in all honestly need to be replaced a lot sooner than later.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:27 pm
@Blake – I agree on Dot, I was hoping we would have snagged somebody this year to work on. We do have to make a move next year though.
Regarding the defense I honestly hope we move to a 3-4. I think we have the personnel to do it and possibly be more effective. We definitely need to look at the secondary too.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:36 pm
Hey DB……..didn’t you say something about Carson Wentz being pretty good?
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:37 pm
However let’s be honest. Bucs’ Defense isn’t half of what Eagles’ defense is.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:46 pm
Wentz is pretty good SB, but you hit the nail on the head about the Eagles D.
October 23rd, 2017 at 10:49 pm
Jameis is pretty good too now don’t get it twisted. And Wentz is a year older than Jameis.
Plus we have yet to reach the latter part of the season, which is when Wentz began to cool off as a rookie.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:04 pm
Blake, I may be the only Gators fan here that totally signed off on the Jameis draft. I LOVE the kid!. This lack of a pass rush is getting old to me a fan of 41 years.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:10 pm
Winston has EVERYTHING Wentz does and More.
Except Coaching and a Defense I fear.
Sorry but that is my opinion.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:11 pm
The stupidity in this comment section is unreal. This roster needs some work, but this is entirely on Mike Smith being a $hitty coach, not Licht
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:14 pm
And our offense doesn’t blow until crunch time…
Both massive lies
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:23 pm
@Mike Evans GOAT
The blame is primarily on Smith for the regression of his unit, but Licht is not without fault. Choosing to bank on Jac Smith, an Aging Robert Ayers, and Noah Spence who was coming off surgery, has proven to be a very bad bet.
The pass rush has been an issue since before Lichts hiring, and while I understand that Licht’s draft have been more offense heavy, it was still ultimately his choice to neglect the Edge rush.
But I would have to say I don’t believe he should be fired. I’d say give him 2-3 years to fix the defense and build a contender, and if the issue’s still aren’t resolved, then can him.
At this point there are too many good picks and undrafted finds he’s made to justify firing him now. The offense is still in its infancy, and it’s already beginning to heat up. Add a dynamic talent at RB and a big bruising RT and we will be set on that side of the ball for years.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:27 pm
lol Licht is at fault now? The man who has been praised by most all the experts for his drafts?
Sorry he doesnt hit on EVERY pick. He doesn’t coach and he doesn’t play.
Both the biggest issues on this team. Players that aren’t showing up on game day and faulty game-plans on game day. Both of these things are going to be the end of the Bucs.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:27 pm
He brings in the potential, he doesn’t cultivate it.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:31 pm
Can we bring back the old uniforms and logo? That is the real problem
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:33 pm
I’ve lost all enthusiasm for this season. First the continuing kneelers and now just bad play. This seasons over. Mathematically no, but it’s over.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:34 pm
Lil gruden
U can’t make cousin pass for 300 if your defense sucks. This games gives me flashbacks.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:36 pm
Positive note:
I hope we are struggling now to get it out of us. Better now than December. 2 and 4 doesnt look as bad and belI’ve me the bucs coaches are trashing any plans they had. We will make it.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:41 pm
@PRBucFan
Look dude, I like Jason Licht. Mike Evans was a slam dunk pick, 2015 got us a Franchise Qb and 3 other legitimate starters. 2016 is looking pretty ugly if Vernon doesn’t turn his game around. I absolutely loved the O.J. Howard pick. Beckwith seems legit although he had a rough game vs the Bills + Cards, and Justin Evans/ Chris Godwin both have amazing potential, and you can’t fault either for not being Kareem Hunt.
Like I said, I am a fan of Licht’s over all job here, but the fact of the matter is that a he is in large part responsible for the state of our D-line and lack of pass rush. Seeing that he has chosen to neglect that position in the draft.
No other way about it my man.
October 23rd, 2017 at 11:56 pm
Here’s the reason why I dislike Licht. Yes He chose Mike Evans, Jameis Winston (if he can only connect on the deep throws) , and OJ Howard, but that’s because that’s the most obvious choice one could make. Don’t even get me started on this whole kicking situation. I’ll give him credit on Kwon Alexander. That was a diamond in the rough, but ultimately he’s missed more than he’s hit. Not to mention his horrible decisions in the offseason. Signing a somewhat hefty deal for a Gholston? Dude is a run stopping DE and he sometimes shows up. Baker? A slouch who always complains and doesn’t produce. TJ Ward? He hasn’t done much but I understand he doesn’t always play. But it was his decision to hire Mike Smith and Dirk Koetter. Everyone remembers Jason Licht as the man who drafted a kicker in the 2nd round. Tell me, does that sound like a good reputation?
October 24th, 2017 at 12:11 am
ABSOLUTELY ZERO successful Defenses in the NFL “platoon” players in so many Defensive positions…
You can’t ‘rotate’ safeties in the NFL and expect a high-level of play. Either commit to Ward or Evans or Conte and roll with it. Safety is a tough position to keep coming on and off the field for when you’re trying to get a feel for the opposing team’s speed and their formations.
Our safeties have been missing a lot of tackles and giving up big pass plays because there’s no CONSISTENCY. Rotating DEs is a different story than rotating safeties.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:14 am
Agreeing with most of what you said Blake and PR. Licht hasn’t been perfect but neither is any GM, and I think you have to give him 1 more draft to go heavy defense.
@USFBUCS- the Arizona game was 31-0 before we scored any points. It ended close but was a blowout.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:15 am
@BucJ –
What about Godwin, Beckwith, Marpet, Benenoch and Bond? plus guys like Brate and Hump? Cmon man.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:16 am
It is not unbelievable to believe unbelievable!
October 24th, 2017 at 12:17 am
Hey UB what about Evans as well! I see his number on crucial plays a bit.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:19 am
Justin I am referring to of course.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:22 am
Oh snap it is past midnight down there. :). Peace out UB and others.
October 24th, 2017 at 12:22 am
Yo SB yea I meant to include him too. Some rookie mistakes but seems to be improving.
I thought Dirk called a very good offensive game plan yesterday. Hope that continues.
Not sure if this defense will turn it around again though.
October 24th, 2017 at 2:06 am
Am I reading people above
saying our defense is loaded?
We don’t have a end that’s capable of more then 4 sacks a
Year. We have one d tackle 93 that is a 5 sacks a year guy
And the rest will be lucky to get 3.
At backer we are solid.
Our secondary talent wise is the worst or close to it on the league
Someone tell me I’m wrong….
October 24th, 2017 at 9:13 am
Destinjohnny:
I agree with you about our DLine and DB’s being really bad, but I also think a good defensive staff could do a lot better with what the Bucs have.
I think most would consider the line backers outstanding. With that alone I am confident some good staffs could make the Bucs into at least a below average defense.
October 24th, 2017 at 9:57 am
@Aceo: The kneelers ain’t got nothing to do with this imploding team!!!
October 24th, 2017 at 12:15 pm
We go the the Saints Bucs game every year in New Orleans. I have been a Bucs fan since 1978. I really thought that this would be the year I could walk around New Orleans, post game, with my chest out. Well, scrap that plan, as I can see Brees hanging 55 on us. My wife is even trying to come up with a play off of the old New Orleans “Aints” paperbag head covers that there fans wore back when they were horrible. Anyone have any suggestions out there….and Buc’s Suck with an industrial vacuum bag has already been taken….
October 24th, 2017 at 1:39 pm
No you don’t.
Defensive staff is the worst Tampa has had in a long time and maybe ever. The lot of you should go live up in Minot, ND in the middle of winter with just shirt and shorts.