Dirk Koetter’s Offense
January 16th, 2015
Bucs OC Dirk Koetter.
When the Bucs hired Dirk (damn, why does Joe continually type “Kirk?”) Koetter to run their offense and lift it from the ash heap that was the 2014 season, fans wanted to know what kind of offense Koetter ran.
In Joe’s eyes, it is an offense molded around the players available to Koetter, rooted in the LaVell Edwards offense of the BYU heydays.
Joe gets fired up about that because it was not only a winning offense, but was damned entertaining and produced solid NFL quarterbacks, led by Super Bowl winners Steve Young and Jim McMahon.
Woody Cummings of the Tampa Tribune did some homework to unearth other nuggets about Koetter’s attack.
Bucs fans should know, though, that it’s probably not wise to read too much into the name of Koetter’s scheme. Though the Four Verticals attack would seem to imply a commitment to the deep ball, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan ranked 22nd, 32nd and 16th the past three years in percentage of throws of 20 yards or more.
The reason is that the Four Verticals scheme, which former Texas Tech and current Washington State coach Mike Leach first made popular during his rise to prominence, is nothing more than a base concept from which the passing plays branch out. The scheme does, of course, include a lot of four-receiver sets, including a standard spread set that uses two wideouts and two slot receivers. But it also makes use of standard formations that employ two wideouts, a slot receiver and a tight end.
Run mainly out of shotgun formations with a single running back, the scheme’s objective is to spread out the defense and attack it by sending four of the five eligible pass-catching targets upfield.
Joe’s fired up to see what Jameis Winston can do. Joe almost wishes the 2015 season was here.
Again, what is impressive and heartening is that Koetter’s offense is varied. That is always a good thing. He seems to be able to adjust his to his personnel.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:13 am
Can’t wait until he is the Bucs HC…
January 16th, 2015 at 9:14 am
One of the better tidbits on Koetter’s approach, is his ability to adapt the offense to the manpower he has to work with.
That is the very philosophy of that great head coach in New England. He finds out what each player excels at and asks them to do just that.
If Dirk can utilize his creativeness and player assessment, then we might just see some OFFENSE at One Buc.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:17 am
Joe’s going to bust an artery when Glennon starts this year.
If he does not start they need to trade him for other roster needs.
shotgun, quick release….sound like a job MG can do.
MGM lives!
January 16th, 2015 at 9:18 am
whoever starts, I love this hire!
January 16th, 2015 at 9:19 am
I think Glennon will be traded prior to the draft.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:20 am
I’m fired up to see what Mariota can do…
January 16th, 2015 at 9:23 am
I expect to see many shorter passes….slants, use of TE & RBs….screens…and once in a while deep.
We have the recieving weapons in place…..ME13, VJax, ASJ, Sims/Martin/Rainey……Muphy & Herron(somewhat) could use some improvement there possibly picking up a KR/PR.
I think we need to move Sims to the slot like we thought he was going to be used.
The key is the playcalling and now we have a PRO!!!
January 16th, 2015 at 9:26 am
MG8 = Matt Ryan
January 16th, 2015 at 9:27 am
Sounds like the team will need another 1 or 2 capable receivers, especially if VJax is let go. All the more reason to keep him.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:28 am
Nothing wrong with Glennon starting until Winston is ready. Mariota will not be the pick guys so just stop.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:29 am
Matt Ryan : 3rd overall pick in the draft.
Mike Glennon : 3rd round pick in the draft.
There was a reason for Glennon being picked in the 3rd round, because he’s no Matt Ryan.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:35 am
Let me get this straight. All these NFL teams passed on Glennon until we took him in the 3rd round.
How come these other teams could not clearly see he was the next Matt Ryan?
I’m glad the Bucs are so skilled at drafting and other teams are not. They plucked the next Matt Ryan out of the 3rd round don’t cha know.
Astounding!
January 16th, 2015 at 9:42 am
87 do not use the draft position as meaning anything. JaMarcus #1….Tom Brady #199…Tony Romo #Doesnotexist.
Anyways you’re all gonna love Leonard Williams next to GMC. Be nice to actually rush the passer with ferocity again.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:43 am
bucrightoff …didn’t Brady come off the bench and become and instant star?
Or did that slip your mind?
January 16th, 2015 at 9:48 am
THERE IS NOT GOING TO BE A WINSTON ON THE BUC’S SO JUST STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT, !!!!!!! HE WILL BE ANOTHER JOSH FREEMAN , AND WE DON’T NEED THAT SO JUST STOP IT !!!!!!!
January 16th, 2015 at 9:48 am
Since everyone is so certain who we will draft at QB (certain but with different QBs)……we can focus on the other positions we should target.
At the top of the 2nd round (34) we will have our choice of several players that slip out of the first because some teams will draft for need & not BPA…..
My opinion is that we go after the BPA for the exception of these positions….QB, RB, TE, WR (unless we cut or trade Vjax)
Would like to find a MLB, DE, OT/G at 34…..and there should be a good player remaining for us.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:52 am
MG8 = LOSER
Glennon fans, I get you like 8 but he has done nothing but LOSE regardless of all the excuses and creative math you try and justify it with excuses and creative math. You are what your record says you are and 8’s record sucks.
Draft Winston and fire lovie
January 16th, 2015 at 9:54 am
That sounds like a system tailored to Mariota.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:55 am
So if the Marcus mob got their way and thru 16 games he threw for 3,700 yds, 26 tds and 13 INTs we would think that was a pretty good year. Oh wait these are MG5’s stats through his first 16 games. Still take JM but Glennon is not bad for what he’s had to work with. Is he an Elite athlete. No. But he’s not a bad QB either.
January 16th, 2015 at 9:57 am
Why do people keep bringing up Tom Brady? The tuck rule is the only reason we know who this clown is!
January 16th, 2015 at 10:01 am
Nothing but lose.. Matt Ryan lose, Dre Brees lose. Cam Newton Lose Eli Manning Lose. You all would have creamed your jeans if we got Cutler a few years ago. Lose. 52 other players on a team and if you expect MM to all the sudden win us 10 games then you all are as stupid as the diarrhea you write on here.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:09 am
Instant star….in his 2nd season. And “star” is very relative, he had 18TDs and 12INTs, not horrible but not great either. Their team was very well built, just like Seattle which is why Wilson came right in and was successful. Our team, well, obviously horrible so only Andrew Luck could come in here and make us successful right away.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:10 am
Maybe the Bucs offense FINALLY enters the modern age? Including a REAL FRANCHISE QB in one Jameis Winston? That would be so friggin exciting!!!!!
January 16th, 2015 at 10:10 am
Only problem with this is that it fits both QBs in the draft. Winston usually runs a 4 receiver set. Mariota is always in the shotgun running a spread. Seems good for both QBs so now we just have to wait to see which one they take.
MARIOTA
January 16th, 2015 at 10:10 am
Looks like some of you forgot to take your meds this morning.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:19 am
Let me get this straight. All these NFL teams passed on Glennon until we took him in the 3rd round.
How come these other teams could not clearly see he was the next Matt Ryan?
……………………………………………………..
Everyone passed on Russell Wilson til the third round too. Professionals DO miss.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:23 am
I hope we Winston but describing this sounds like mariotta’s cup of tea
January 16th, 2015 at 10:42 am
They didn’t say zone read option. They said 4 vertical. Which can mean 4 eligibles. Dosent mean anything. 2 wr 2 te 1 rb. One eligible stays in to block whether rb or te. Duh…. We will not sit ASJ if he’s ready. You think our 3rd or 4th we is better then our #1 te? You just got diarrhea all over me again.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:44 am
These are Koetter’s QBs at all his stops as an OC and HC:
Mark Hartsell
Ryan Perry-Smith
Tony Graziani
Bart Hendricks
Andrew Walter
Rudy Carpenter
Dave Garrard
Blaine Gabbert
Matt Ryan
It may be Mariotta, but, if you look at who he’s had in the past, it’s closer to Winston, mostly pro-style drop back guys. Gabbert ran a spread in college, but, not a spread-option.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:47 am
Hmmmm two very interesting words in that story, SHOTGUN and SPREAD. Sounds a lot like Mariota to me.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:50 am
Damn gatrbuc17 I was gonna post something similar, but you beat me to the punch 🙂
I still envision an interview going sonething like (Lovie/Licht): “so Dirk you faced our team twice last season and are somewhat familiar with the QB’s on our roster. If we decide to trade down or draft a lineman can you win with Glennon or McCown?” (Dirk): “absolutely! I watched Glennon in particular and I see a lot of Matt Ryan in his game. I am confident if we improve the OL around him we will be a good offense!” (Lovie/Licht): “Welcome to Tampa!”
January 16th, 2015 at 10:51 am
Just like last year when the Bucs didn’t pick Johnny Manziel, I’m glad Joe doesn’t get to choose Bucs personnel.
January 16th, 2015 at 10:58 am
Those who have been wanting more screen passes will be happy to know that Koetter calls them regularly…
January 16th, 2015 at 10:58 am
87
Russel Wilson says hi. Says the 3rd rnd is where you find champions.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:06 am
DB55 …please more than just Russel Wilson. You can do better than that.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:08 am
So now you guys are saying Glennon can be as good as Russel Wilson???????
Just stop it already!
January 16th, 2015 at 11:11 am
If you look at the QB’s that Koetter’s has coached in college and the NFL, they resemble Winston and Glennon, far more that Mariotta.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:26 am
Mgm4life or until we can find a better qb. He’s got the height the arm strength the intellect and is the first one in the building everyday. All he needs is a OTA n PS to get coached up. And we’re good. If we can win with brad johnson we can win w glennon.
Personally I like to see glennon mentoring Winston. Bosom buddies.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:31 am
87
Russel
Matt schaub. I always liked him until he got old. Not his fault he played against Peyton his whole career
Nick foles
Brian griese
Josh mccown
Mike glennon
Omg never mind you’re right I’m wrong. Moving right along.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:31 am
Man 87 you are desperate for Jameis. Don’t worry though, Leonard Williams is going to be a destructive force next to GMC, we should be very excited about what they can do together.
January 16th, 2015 at 11:35 am
If the argument is Koetter will mold the offense around a player’s strength, then we don’t need a new QB.
We just an offense focused on McCown’s or Glennon’s strengths:
January 16th, 2015 at 12:55 pm
@Toes,
You just made me throw up all over my computer…
January 16th, 2015 at 1:00 pm
@bucrightoff Says:
“..Don’t worry though, Leonard Williams is going to be a destructive force next to GMC, we should be very excited about what they can do together.”
That would be a fun D. Problem is, again with no QB, then the Bucs would be Buffalo-South. How did they do in the playoff? Oh, yeah….
January 16th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Mattress Mike Douche Bag, Johnny Douche Bag, Shameis Douche Bag! Lovelite doesn’t like Douche bags! Joe does but not our front office!
January 16th, 2015 at 1:04 pm
@theodore Says:
“…We just an offense focused on McCown’s or Glennon’s strengths”
What are those strengths again? Carrying a clipboard? McCown has been doing that most of his career, except when a coach forgets what his “strengths” are. But I do expect The Cannon will be following in his footsteps…
January 16th, 2015 at 4:21 pm
Ok, so you want our team to fail before we succeed?
Nice to know where you truly stand.
I almost got ready to respond, until…
I usually don’t listen to what you have to say, but that’s the right attitude to have (finally). You might have a preference, but at the end of the day, they’re still a Buc.
Don’t even speak that type of negativity into existance. lol.
Lets not forget, that he was already on a playoff with a pretty damn good defense and a strong special teams when this happened.
First off, stop yelling. Second off, do you promise to leave forever if it does happen?
Given the way that the rookie wage scale works for 1st rounders, I’m almost willing to bet money that we use that 2nd round pick to trade back into the first round and select the top OL or DL that slips towards the end of round 1.
I’m sure the rest of us read that same article from Ray Lewis.
No, they think he’s going to be BETTER than Wilson. Remember, he already pushed Wilson out of the starting gig in NC State.
January 16th, 2015 at 4:26 pm
When he was the OC at Jacksonville, the Jaguars had Maurice Jones-Drew and a sub par QB so the Jags were primarily a running team. I still remember the game against the Bucs when they ran the play on every down until the last play when Matt Jones caught the game winning 5 yard TD pass.
It was excruciating.
With the Falcons, his strength was in the passing game and his QB so the Falcons were known as a passing team. And this was with an offensive line that was rated worst than ours.
It just shows you what a talented experienced OC can do with the talent he has available to him. Poor line play can be disguised or compensated for if you call the right plays.
January 16th, 2015 at 4:27 pm
i love me some celly!
January 16th, 2015 at 5:13 pm
Well said ddneast – An OC with that won’t be stubborn and has some imagination will be nice to have for once.
January 18th, 2015 at 1:14 am
After reading this, I’m doubting the 1st pick will even BE a quarterback!?
It sounds to me like a Lovie Smith/Dungy-esque type move – utilize the talent you currently have. Add coaching to the current staff…I’ve been hearing a TON from the MG8 crowd – that their boy just didn’t a fair chance…well, I’m hear to tell the fanboys that they should probably be careful of what they wish, cuz it just might come true. Sounds like MG8 is about to have his day – but sure hope Koetter can hide the weaknesses of the slow-footed wonder (as in: I wonder how he hasn’t been knocked to the IR yet)? …but this is definitely the type of move, especially at offense, I expect.
The question is, do the owners agree, or do they want a QB at the top of the draft? We definitely DO NOT need Leonard Williams with the overall first picl…we already have a 300 lbs 3 technique DT…and a DE with a 5.0 second 40…ain’t any better than the crap we already have at DE…and there’s not a single edge-rusher in the whole LOT of the available DE’s.
Only other position of need, that could also represent adequate value for a skill position player – would be OT…but guess what, THEY UNDERWHELM, TOO!?
This draft kinda sucks for the positions of need – so it’s either going to be the owners insisting on a QB (and based on combine numbers, owners have to be comfortable with Mariota than ‘Famous Jameis, the walking trouble magnet’)…or there isn’t much worth a top 5 pick this year…
It’s either buy a QB with the number 1, or it’s overpay for a developmental DE/OT…as much as I love WR’s, there’s NONE worth a 1st overall.
It’s a QB, and if it’s a QB, it’s Mariota for the future. You can play MG8 while the future is developing.