Mike Smith Will Return
January 1st, 2018
Chief of the 32nd-ranked defense will return
It’s official.
Your Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith will return for his third Tampa Bay season in 2018. Dirk Koetter delivered the news early this afternoon. But Koetter couched it with a “for now,” saying changes around the league sometimes bring change.
But the message was clear: continuity is king in the new year. There’s hope, but not change. Team Glazer likes the status quo, “courage,” as Dirk Koetter called it.
Smith is under contract but most of his assistants will have their two-year deals expire very soon. The Bucs were the worst-ranked defense in the NFL (total yards) and 22nd in points allowed.
Look for an overhaul of the defensive backs coaches and possibly more.
Of course, defensive masterminds, and Smith and Koetter friends and colleagues, Jack Del Rio and Marvin Lewis are on the market. There’s always a chance one of them lands as a consultant with the Bucs.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Oh Yea!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!
Now fix the “real” problems the Trenches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Hopefully Mike Smith takes this time off to realize that you can’t have your Cornerbacks 7 yards away from receivers
January 1st, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Seems all accountability for performance left this organization when Dad stepped aside. No surprise here. More of the same for 2018.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:24 pm
So a 5-11 record, worst ranked defense, and nothing changes?
Next year is going to be UGLY!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Welp, we’re going 5-11/ 6-10 again next year.
I officially have zero investment in the 2018 Buccaneers.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Seriously??? Could this year have gotten ANY worse??? WHAT A PHUCKING JOKE!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:25 pm
No surprise Smith is staying. As I said, as a professional, give him ONE chance to correct. Now…go get Grimes to come back!
Trade DJackson and get a DB, or DE and/or pick for him.
I’d fully expect to see one of the fired HCs here as an assistant/consultant.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Guys…..when you watch Clemson / Alabama tonight watch for #42 in Orange!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:26 pm
@Jameis Weinstein….the name…too funny.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:27 pm
This is great news. Jay Hayes and Brett Maxie though, might want to get a real-estate agent, however.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Lmfao
January 1st, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Terrible news.
I was semi-OK with Koetter returning IF some changes were made. But Smith returning?
I suspect the Glazers no longer want ex-coaches on the long-term payroll.
Here is hoping some other sucke…err…NFL team taps Smith as their HC.
My interest in the Bucs just fell several stories.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Give Smitty a Pass Rush and see what he can do!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Great, we can look forward to Chris Conte and Ryan Smith starting again next year along with Mike Smith playing all his corners 15 yards off the LOS and then wondering why the defense can’t stop anyone. Eanwgie the Bucs can’t rush the passer, yet the best edger on the team, David, is out covering the 2nd TE.
Really looking forward to hearing all offseason about how the Bucs have these exotic blitzes and 3-4 change up defenses that ever actually show-up on game day.
If Smith stays in the same place and Dirk doesn’t give up some HC duties AND doesn’t get an OC, then wow, my early 7-9 prediction could be a bit optimistic. Then again if Winston just ignores Dork, like he did on the last play yesterday, and tries to score TDs instead of playing for FGs, maybe it won’t matter the Bucs have the worst defense in football yet again.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Wow, just heard Dirk say that Desean Jackson did a great job winning all year.
Literally nothing is going to change. These fools still can’t see it.
@The Buc Ostrich
Hope you’re ready for all of this blind optimism to bite you square in your A$$.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:30 pm
I can see “continuity” if a team is doing well.
But why train-wreck continuity?
Seems the team is hardwiring bad defense.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:32 pm
Did I ever tell you guys the definition of insanity? It’s doing the same things over and over again yet expecting different results.
Man I wish that I could have the worst defense in the NFL, Call soft zone Quarters coverage for practically 70 percent of snaps, and still be able to keep my job.
Did I ever tell you guys the definition of insanity?
January 1st, 2018 at 12:32 pm
The season ended yesterday. Just because Dirk said it today doesn’t mean Smith isn’t gone.
Smith won’t be back as DC.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:32 pm
I didn’t expect Dirks conjoined twin to get fired, Dirk mentioned such in his introductory presser when he got the job.
Like I mentioned before, JW suspension uncertainty is a big part of the reason this staff was retained.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Hey I looked it up and sure enough the Bucs finished 32nd in defense for the first time ever! Amazing! In fairness to Mike Smith and Dirk, the 1986 Bucs finished 28th when there was only 28 teams, but wow, 32nd makes this arguably the worst Bucs defense ever!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Dirks in this presser spewing the same exact garbage that he was spewing all year long that got us a 5-11 record this year.
Next year is going to be U-G-L-Y!
Oh and if we miss out on both Bradley Chubb, Saquon Barkley, AND Minkah Fitzpatrick, all because Dirk wanted to win a meaningless game, I will never, ever, ever forgive him.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Same old Bucs, another year in last! Yay!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Tried to tell you guys this. We couldn’t get a top notch D coordinator in here with Dirk on “thin ice” and gone if we flop again next year. And like I also asked, who thought our DE’s were sufficient for this year? And who thought Hargraves would become a top notch CB?
January 1st, 2018 at 12:43 pm
I think it isn’t official. He basically said it depends on who becomes available for DC.
If we keep him we are flucked
January 1st, 2018 at 12:43 pm
If the coaches are retained then the problem this season is with the talent.
Who signed these guys?
January 1st, 2018 at 12:46 pm
Some think that Coach Smitty did a pretty good job with no pass rush, injuries to keep the scores down as much as they were!!!!!!!!!! And know that the so called defense that was so bad averaged almost a field goal a game less than the loser lovie defense that some wanted to see a third year from!!!!!!!!
Glad to see the decision makers “realizing” the “real” issues of this team!!!!!! Now get a “real” DE for Coach Smitty!!!!!!!!
GO Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:48 pm
So what is the motivation for someone to want to pay money and buy tickets next year?
January 1st, 2018 at 12:48 pm
After yesterday if Smith don’t start Tandy or trade him he is a dumb ass. I was sure hoping he would get the ax!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:48 pm
“Some think that Coach Smitty did a pretty good job with no pass rush…”
Yes, yes there are those people. We fondly refer to them as idiots.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:48 pm
Let’s see. I guess I couldn’t be happier. we are retuning:
The architect of this AWESOME roster-Licht
The head coach who lead us to a 5-11 season- Koetter
The DC of the 31st ranked defense- Smith
and the TO prone QB whose lifetime record is 17-28 and 3-10 this year- Winston.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I’m getting my season tickets now.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:49 pm
Well stab me with a spoon
January 1st, 2018 at 12:50 pm
:-/
January 1st, 2018 at 12:52 pm
@Dave
If you have to ask, then you don’t need to be there!!!!!!!! If hiring a game announcer is what gets “you” thru the door, then they don’t need “you”!!!!!!!!! did you even watch yesterday’s game????????
Would you buy tickets if they hired Al Micheals as Defensive Coordinator????
How about they just fix the trenches and win some games instead of starting all over, and learning new systems, with new play-callers!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:53 pm
Very disappointing. That’s one of two coaching mistakes for the off-season. Now let’s see if Dirk gives up play calling or not.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:55 pm
@The Buc Ostrich
Gonna be hard to fix the trenches, when yet again, Dork Koetter was spewing garbage about how great our O-line is. Hard to fix a problem when the fools in charge can’t even see the problem.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:56 pm
Dirk wasn’t gonna fire his boy we all knew that.
January 1st, 2018 at 12:57 pm
Man, the sheep are all riled up!!!!! Nothing angers them more than, that they were told that they will try to get to re-live the past only to have the wool snatched from them!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing what happens when you show confidence!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 12:58 pm
well what do ya know….looky here….
ALL the fans who wanted Koetter back didn’t think he was gonna cross the buddy who hired him did ya
LOL…….Gruden or Not,….
I called this …smith hired him in jville ….and THE DEFENSE was the reason for the 9-7 season
Joe and a lot of folks gave koetter credit for …..just sayin
January 1st, 2018 at 12:59 pm
If Smith don’t start Tandy after yesterday he really doesn’t have a clue. Was kinda hoping he would get the ax. 32nd in the league with 32 Teams…. Really
January 1st, 2018 at 1:00 pm
and if the prob wasn’t the OC or DC….not a big enough prob to get rid of them
then that means IT is talent…..
Licht isn’t going no where neither
January 1st, 2018 at 1:01 pm
I’d rather have Dirk keep his playcalling duties and give up some HC duties to Mike Smith and then hire a real DC as well. The Bucs were not only the 32nd defense, they also gave up the most yards per play of any defense. The offense actually moved the ball and thus restricted the number of plays the defense was on the field – so despite being the worst defense in football they’re 15th in the number of snaps played.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Am I the only 1 why noticed that we were running a lot of 3-4 last night?
January 1st, 2018 at 1:02 pm
If true, bad move. Heck, lets bring back Martin too and start him all year with Barber in waiting and expect different results….
January 1st, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Del Rio would be a great mind to have walking around One Buc Place.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:04 pm
haaaaaaaaa, I just about choked on my beer. Are you fn kidding? What are the glazers doing? I think they are scared to fire this staff due to their track record with coaches. Maybe trying to reestablish credibility ? What a fkn joke. This staff sucks
January 1st, 2018 at 1:05 pm
I think its the right move to give both Koetter and Smith one year to rectify the problems that plagued this sh!tty season.
These guys are professional NFL coaches with more than 30 years experience in the league between them. Mike Smith won NFL coach of the year THREE times in the last decade for God’s sake. You think these guys just forgot how to coach and suck all of a sudden now that they are Buccaneers? CMon Man….
Jason will add talent and Koetter/Smith will get this chit figured out.
Bucs will be a winning team in 2018 and the negative mentality commenters who will dominate these comments threads all off season will be forced to re-evaluate the reason they are still unhappy even though the Bucs are winning… LOL
January 1st, 2018 at 1:05 pm
You go 5-11 and nothing changes?
The glazers suck out loud.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:05 pm
Bucnut, cracking me up man, funny a hell
January 1st, 2018 at 1:05 pm
8-8 here we come
January 1st, 2018 at 1:06 pm
By the way, this decision represents all the concerns I had if the team retained Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht. It’s being reported elsewhere that Dirk Koetter will continue to be the offensive coordinator.
No matter what the “Totally Confident” buffoons say the fact remains is that this team is only three games better than a 2014 team that was built to tank and one game worse than the 2015 team. By bringing back Smith and continuing to be the offensive coordinator this should signal to the rest of us that it’s going to be the status quo for 2018. Heck, allowing Doug Martin and Chris Baker to take a single snap yesterday should tell all of you that very little is going to change.
Staying the course with the head coach is fine but even those who wanted Koetter to stay believed serious changes needed to be made. That’s not going to happen. Jason Licht is now going on year 5 of *his* rebuild and some of you believe the fix is going to be easy. Just draft some linemen, right? Those guys take time to develop like a year or two. Imagine how much better off this team would have been without the missed Aguayo and VHIII picks. Jury is still out on Noah Spence as well.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:07 pm
Pick grin, same experienced staff that got run in Atlanta for being losers, just sayn
January 1st, 2018 at 1:08 pm
Well.. 6-10 or 5-11 here we go…
January 1st, 2018 at 1:08 pm
No accountability whatsoever
January 1st, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Just FYI. Insanity is a legal term for having the capacity of knowing the difference between right and wrong.
The often misquote from Ben Franklin or Albert Einstein of doing the same thing expecting different results is erroneous. It’s came from a narcotics anonymous pamphlet in 1981.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:17 pm
Now this was a surprise. The worst defense in the league and we keep the coordinator. Well maybe the position coaches was the problem or the Glazers just had to much money involved with Smith to make the call. However I am a buc fan til I die and one other thing is there should be plenty tickets available next year. To clarify, here’s a team that has plenty play makers on both sides of the ball but only won 5 games and looked bad all year and the team makes no changes? Unless the bucs made some type of a change this off season I don’t see but minimal turn out from fans next year
January 1st, 2018 at 1:20 pm
So basically it wasn’t the coaching but the players. That’s a new approach for the Glazers now lets get some guys in there that can put pressure on QB’s and let’s see.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:20 pm
@ Blake
So you think Chubb, Barkley & Fitzpatrick will all be gone at 7?……wish I could wager with you on that….
And, Dirk wasn’t the one who wanted to win the “meaningless” game…..he called an out play to give Murray the shot at a losing FG…..it was Jameis and Godwin that wanted to win…..because, it wasn’t meaningless to them.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:24 pm
@Stanglassman
Just FYI, often times, words in the english language have multiple definitions, and are also not constrained to the specific definition ascribed to them in legal proceedings.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:31 pm
Wow!! this is exciting news!!! Woohooo! Continuity at it’s finest!! I predict this team will go 4-12 for sure!!
—-
WTF!!!!!! Koetter won’t fire his pal, but someone else needs todo it!!! WTF and WTH????
—
January 1st, 2018 at 1:36 pm
Fickle fans–or are they really fans, the ones who love to hate. Last year at this time all the rage was over the possibility that Smith might leave and everyone seemed so happy when the Buccaneers signed him to an extended contract that locked him up with the promise that he would not seek a head coaching position. Looked what happened the last three weeks when for the first time this season, the Buccaneers won time of possession. What defensive coordinator would have wanted to play without NFL caliber end rushers, with a rookie corner who did not play corner in college, with a middle linebacker who missed four games and a Pro Bowl Linebacker who missed four as well. With the low expectations for next season on this board, I think the Buccaneers are a good bet to win 9 or 10 games next year.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:36 pm
Del Rio. NOW.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:37 pm
@Tampabaybucfan
If you re-read my comment, you’ll notice I said “if.”
But I definitely feel that all of them being gone by pick 7 has a strong probability of happening. Seeing that each player represents the highest rated prospect at their position. Chubb’s the best edge rusher, Barkley is the clear cut best Rb, and Fitzpatrick is the best all around DB period.
Even in the most QB heavy scenario, realistically there would only be 3 QB’s gone in the top 5. Darnold, Rosen, and Allen. The Browns need a QB but have have 2 picks in the top 5 (#1 and #4) so theres a good chance they get a QB and one of the guys I mentioned, the Giants pick #2 and need a QB but might not take one, Colts pick #3 and don’t really need a QB. The Broncos and Jets pick #5 and #6 and both need a QB, but there should only be one left between them.
So unless we luck out and somebody over drafts Baker Mayfield, or takes an OT early, then yes, all 3 of those guys could be gone by the time we’re on the clock. Which would suck.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Hopefully one of the teams seeking a HC picks him up.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:44 pm
I do like the stability and continuity for the players. the coaches and players know better than anyone what doesn’t work , seen a lot of it. They should be able to bring in new players from F.A. & draft to upgrade the deficiencies (pass rush, running back). They are not that far away from being consistently competitive. Remember the bad kicking game alone lost two or three games this season, almost including the last one.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:45 pm
I’m try to be fair and honest. This is the reality:
The Bucs are the worst team in the NFC South
The Bucs has the worst players in the NFC South
Even the owners has low expectations of this team
The Bucs are in a 10 year playoff drought
The Bucs has become a joke in the NFL
January 1st, 2018 at 1:50 pm
I was told from a very good source at ESPN that the Bucs was after Gruden. But Gruden would not work for them unless they fired one of the brothers and give him part ownership. Also was told Gruden played with them and didn’t tell them no until last week.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:51 pm
Not sure how I feel about that. Guess everyone gets a mulligan!! Gotta dump a few position coaches for sure. They made the right call with Koetter. Smith’s really gotta show next season or he will have to start all over on some team as a water guy. And I like him. 🙁
January 1st, 2018 at 1:52 pm
Well this is a typical Glazer clown move.
No hope.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:53 pm
NFL Network Michael Silver said that the Glazers went after Jon Gruden. And that Gruden told them no. Jon Gruden wanted the Raiders job all the time. He never had any interest in coaching the Bucs.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Maybe next year we can win 6 games and the Glazes will give everyone a five-year extension. You know if this GM had any brains he would bring back Doug Martin.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:54 pm
This coaching staff was fired until Gruden told them no last week.This coaching staff isn’t still save until some key coaches are hired by other teams.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:56 pm
This is Michael Silver tweet from Saturday
One reason I am not reporting that it’s a done deal is… wait for it… the fact that it’s not a done deal. I am adding a report that the Bucs made an unsuccessful run at Gruden. I think we all know what likely happens next.
January 1st, 2018 at 1:56 pm
The weaknesses on this team: o-line coach, safety and CB coach, TE coach, RB Coach
January 1st, 2018 at 1:58 pm
This team is about 1 more bad decision from a fan boycott
(assuming there are any fans left)
January 1st, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Stev…before you fire someone, you have to ask who is the good person that would come in and replace them. And the answer is NONE.
Under talented particularly on the front end and back end. One of the worst teams in the league. HC and GM on thin ice. So if you were a talented young “up and comer”…would YOU take that job? No way.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:06 pm
When people come here and voice their honest opinion. They get the “hater” label, these are facts not hate. A lot of Bucs fans refuse to accept the reality that their beloved team stinks. Only the Cleveland Browns (15 years) are in a longer playoff drought than the Bucs (10 years).
January 1st, 2018 at 2:11 pm
Not surprising…yet oh so depressing. The Dirk & Smiley Smith are a package deal…a late Christmas gift to us Buc fans. The Den of Depression may become the ( new ) Sombrero of Suicide under Smith’s continued watch. The Bros. Glazer must be reluctant to admit last season’s extension of Smith as yet another mistake.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:12 pm
I would much rather have Vic Fangio or Del Rio. Smith is unwilling to play any other way than his way and lining up 10 yards off the ball doesn’t work in today’s short passing league. Come on Tampa fire this garbage
January 1st, 2018 at 2:14 pm
There is much rejoicing going on in Charlotte, ATL and NO. Nobody thought we were foolish enough to let him coach out the season, let alone bring him back for another. The definition of insanity is on full display at One Buc. I am not a fan of changing for change sake, but if anyone deserved to be fired this year it was Mike Smith.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:15 pm
This is exactly why Koetter needed to be fired. No accountability and change for the defense that desperately needs it. Jack Del Rio or LB coach Mark Duffner should be DC.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Go all in on d with draft and free agency for edge rusher and cb. Defense finished last in nfl. The offense was top 10. Enough said
January 1st, 2018 at 2:26 pm
Called it. Days ago.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:30 pm
Bull #%%#$#@$@$#^
God @!#%$^%%$^$#%
Mother 1242u2i5i2
January 1st, 2018 at 2:37 pm
You can’t win in the NFL with a “Buddy” system. Greg Schiano and his buddies, with their ex-players stunk. Lovie Smith and his buddies and their ex-players stunk. Now Dirk Koetter and his buddies and their ex-players stinks even more.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:40 pm
The offense and the defense was Top-10 in 2015 when they fired Lovie Smith.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:47 pm
As I said BEFORE the Press Conference:
https://www.joebucsfan.com/2018/01/another-top-10-offense-dirk-koetter/#comment-3911734
“Mike Smith might actually be back for another year. Maybe. I don’t totally agree with it, but let’s be honest…his defense played vary hard this year. They just lacked the essential talent to get things done well enough.
His assistants, which were NOT chosen by him, failed him.
I think he should be permitted to make some staff changes and choose who he has (outside of the LB coach).”
January 1st, 2018 at 2:47 pm
Embarrassing simply Embarrassing
January 1st, 2018 at 2:49 pm
Lakeland.. i honestly think shianos defense was better than the garbage smith is putting out there. We have an organizational failure in scouting, identifying, and developing defensive talent. Ok, linebackers are great but thats it. Im a huge 93 fan, hes pretry much been wasted due to poor management. All this brent grimes stuff, im like meh. He isnt frigging ronde barber or even brian kelly.we just suck so bad a corner we make grimes oit to be second ciming of Deon fkn sanders
January 1st, 2018 at 2:50 pm
@Rod Munch … “Hey I looked it up and sure enough the Bucs finished 32nd in defense for the first time ever! Amazing!” You’ve been pedaling this BS for months now; exactly the same as every politicians who keeps throwing out the same BS over & over, knowing that some will bite on the empty hook.
This year’s Bucs’ defense, with marginal talent in a number of key positions & with very little depth gave up 6,049 yds (most in the NFL, thus the #32 ranking), BUT … yards don’t mean diddly. The T-E-A-M gave up 382 pts … #22 in the NFL. THAT’S the number that matters. A certain part of those 382 pts were surrendered by special teams … 21 pts … so our defense really gave up 361 pts. And yes, our special teams ranked #32 in terms of TDs scored by opponents STs. But wait, there’s more.
Our offense ranked #28 in the NFL in terms of fumbles lost per game (.8 average per game). It also ranked #21 in Interceptions per game (.9). Taken together, Bucs ranked #26 in the NFL in terms of Giveaways per game. That’s an average of almost 2 turnovers per game that not only cost us potential points, but also hurt the Bucs’ defense in terms of starting positions for their opponents. In a lot of those instances, Bucs’ defense did a commendable job holding opponents to FGs BTW.
For a change Mr. Munch, you might try looking at some of the positive things this Bucs’ defense accomplished with limited talent (as in no pass rush to speak of and a secondary that had its’ own problems). Our defense ranked #7 in terms of Takeaways per game (1.6 average), as well as ranking #7 for Defensive TDs per game (0.2 average). And it ranked #7 for Defensive points per game (1.8 average) … adding up to 29 total points on the year (when extra points included). Funny thing is that when you subtract those 29 points from the 335 points our team scored, that means our offense really scored 306 points … or 19 points per game.
What that means, Mr Munch, is that our offense benefits in its’ ranking from defensive & ST scoring, while our defense’s ranking gets hammered by opponents’ scores allowed by our STs and yes, bad field positions due to our offensive turnovers.
So Mr. Munch, please dig a little deeper when you post that our defense ” finished 32nd in defense for the first time ever!” The only thing “Amazing!” about people who use stats like you sued them is that they’re cherry-picking, and doing a lousy job of analysis to look deeper BEHIND the picture that’s being painted.
Oh, by the way, 8 NFL teams this year gave up MORE points than the 382 given up by the Bucs’ T-E-A-M, and 2 others gave up the same number (382). Not nearly as bad as you try to make it appear for a defense that spent much of the year with several rookies starting and a number of other players who more than likely won’t even be on the team next year.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Is it me.or is buccanner bonzai an annoying know.it all?
January 1st, 2018 at 2:55 pm
@defense rules
No one reads a post that long.
January 1st, 2018 at 2:58 pm
I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS S***! IN ALL SERIOUSNESS OWNERSHIP IS TRULY INEPT.NEITHER OF THESE CLOWNS SHOULD BE BACK. BUT AT LEAST FIRE THIS GARBAGE ASS DC. GLAZERS REALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY’RE DOING. F*** THE BUCCANEERS. THIS TEAM IS DESTINED TO BE TRASH
January 1st, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Lakeland Gruden already said he wasn’t even targeted by the Glazers and said Tampa was his preferred destination. Keep trying to rile people up tho
January 1st, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Kyle Says:
January 1st, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Is it me.or is buccanner bonzai an annoying know.it all
@ Kyle:
If only Buccaneer kickers were this accurate. If only… 🙂
January 1st, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Yeah really bonzai- you called it. As well as anyone with a clue that read Koetter was returning. You’re the smartest of the senseless commenters on JBF
January 1st, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Defense Rules
You play the hand that you was dealt
And Jason Licht has dealt Mike Smith a bum hand
Mike Smith has his share of the blame
But Jason Licht should receive most of the blame
January 1st, 2018 at 3:04 pm
Well there goes them killing even more of their fanbase with this crap. You just can’t expect season ticket holders to watch this same repetitive Sh-t Show on defense for another year. Damn Coach K I understand friends are friends, but dammit man, open your freaking eyes
January 1st, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Defense rules, very nice job.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:07 pm
Booooooo!!!!!! So we can expect the same old crap.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:08 pm
Maybe the Glazer’s are seeing what I’m seeing Joe…it’s not the coaches(except that fact Koetter needs to stop calling plays) that’s the problem.its execution and the absence of a pass rusher(s).you see guys….CBs can only cover for so long if there is no pass rusher,turn overs occur when the guy with the ball is running for his life.which on this roster here and today that guy does not exist.but draft a DE and pick one up in FA and I guarantee you guys like Grimes and McCoy will look like the 2002 Defense.not to mention King Kwon and LVD.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:09 pm
How the hell did Koetter sell a Mike Smith return to the Glazers??
January 1st, 2018 at 3:11 pm
@Lakeland.
I sat in the stands for Every home game for the first 20 years. During that time we had 14 consecutive Losing seasons. You have no clue what it is like to root for THE laughing stock of the NFL. 42 years and I am still rooting. Maybe you should switch teams?
January 1st, 2018 at 3:17 pm
SB
I rotted for them since day 1
But trash is trash
And the Bucs are trash
I’m not hating, just stating facts
When start posting lies instead of facts
Then i will switch teams
January 1st, 2018 at 3:17 pm
**rooted**
January 1st, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Maybe we’ll get lucky and someone will hire Smith to be head coach. There are decent DC candidates out there like Del Rio, Pagano, Fox, Spagnuolo.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:22 pm
Wah wah wah, I’m happy to have Kotter and Smith back for another go round.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:26 pm
When start posting lies instead of facts?????
January 1st, 2018 at 3:26 pm
UCF giving Auburn all they can handle. LOVE IT!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Maybe they have their eyes on a coach that’s not yet available. They are big game hunters.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:30 pm
I heard nothing in DK’s presser that gave a strong indication Mike Smith would return. LOL. Then you weren’t listening, or you didn’t read what’s actually written in this post. Smith is here. He wasn’t fired. He’s the guy. Dirk Koetter said last night and today that the Glazers blessed his “staff.” Maybe Smith moves on to a head coaching gig. But today he is the guy, and that answers all the fans’ questions about whether he will get canned. Sure, maybe Koetter brings in someone else as a consultant for the defense. It’s the NFL. It’s fluid. You’re here until you’re not.–Joe His responses to being questioned on it were very qualified and he was hesitant to declare anything with certainty. So, the headline on this article is more than misleading. I could suggest a new title: “Mike Smith Here for Now”.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:31 pm
This smells like a “business’ first decision by the Glazer boys. I knew they were locked in with Smith when they over paid him on that two year ddeal. Ok so what if this team starts off 1-4 or 2-5 this ownership will let the season play out. No one’s getting fired midway through the season (the Glazers what their moneys worth of losing). These guys are sitting pretty, making money hand over fist (and they’re already loaded) so who cares? Beginning to resemble other perennial losing organizations; i.e., a total disconnect from the fan base.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Remember when the Glazers forced Dungy to fire Shula or be fired? Well they should have given DK the same ultimatum to fire Smith this year.
We would be lucky to get someone like Pagano to be our DC. Dude actually won a game with Josh Freeman as his QB.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:36 pm
Bucs needed 2 coaching changes and they aren’t doing either.
1) New DC to replace Smith
2) Have someone other than Dirk call plays
Looks like another sub 500 season in 2018.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Defense – The Bucs finished 16th in turnover ratio, and many of those turnovers by the offense came when the defense had put the offense hopelessly behind. Take the game in Minnesota – the defense was so bad the Bucs were down 21 points before the offense had the ball 3 times – so Winston goes out and airs it out trying to create points while the defense continues to dig an even deeper hole. If you think this defense, which was ranked last in the NFL by a full 5 yards, and gave up the most yards per play and was last in the NFL in sacks – if you think that’s a good defense, then wow, I guess you have incredibly low standards.
Again no Bucs defense has ever finished 32nd in the league – never – this is the first time, so I was just giving Mike Smith and Dirk the credit they’re due! You don’t lead the league in yards per play against without playing your corners 15 yards off the line of scrimmage on every play – and only Mike Smith had the COURAGE to do it!
With that said Mike Smith was playing Chris Conte and Ryan Smith all year, two of the worst DB’s in football – and Ryan Smith is THE worst DB I’ve ever seen ever, and I’ve been a Bucs fan for over 30 years so that includes some really bad DBs in those years.
The question is why was Conte and Smith playing at all? TJ Ward wasn’t great, but he wasn’t Conte bad – and there is no way you can convince me you couldn’t sign a guy off the street that would have played better Ryan Smith. Also the lack of Mike Smith better utilizing David was a huge negitive. Sure David is a great cover LB, but for God’s sake design some blitzes for him, and not just like one a game, he’s the best edge rusher on the team and again the Bucs finished last in sacks. Also how many 4th quarter collapses did the defense have? I recall quite a few.
The Bucs defense was 15th in the league in INTs – tied with the Giants and Colts, but considering the lack of pressure QBs were under that wasn’t bad at all. Also the Bucs forced the 2nd most fumbles and recovered the 2nd most fumbles – which makes me wonder, if the Bucs were forcing a ton of fumbles AND the offense was fumbling it a lot, was there something going on with the game balls? Fumbles tend to be a bit random and not really tied to team records, for example the top 3 teams to produce FF’s and the top 4 teams to get FR’s, none of them made the playoffs.
The Bucs have key pieces in place, including a very good young LB core, but zero depth. You really can’t count on Spence at this point so you need two DE’s. You need another guy to play along McCoy. Even if Grimes stays and VH3 is at least serviceable you still need at least 2 more corners and you certainly need someone to replace Conte. That’s a lot of new pieces and it’s very doubtful you can address all those needs in one off season.
With all that said I think the Bucs can bounce bounce to being a mediocre defense – and frankly if Dirk figures out how to call games in the redzone that’s all the Bucs need on defense to be competitive. But to defend this years defense as being anything other than terrible is laughable, the defense was so bad and so often put the offense in bad positions it lead to turnovers, it was rarely the other way around where the defense played outstandingly and offense turned over the ball to give the game away.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:37 pm
Sb, i know man, this peach bowl is a good game. It hurts usf isnt there. Ucf is legit, tbey have a linebacker with one hand??? I thought it was a joke.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:41 pm
SB
That was a typo
I meant when I start posting lies about the Bucs instead of posting facts then I will switch teams. You know what I meant, but anyway, everything I post about the team is the truth.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:42 pm
Munch sorry but defense crushed you with statistical info, your post is opinion and that’s about it
January 1st, 2018 at 3:46 pm
The Bottom Line
5-11 Record
Last in the NFC South
10 year playoff drought
These are facts
Not fiction that I created
January 1st, 2018 at 3:47 pm
Well you have to give the Glazers credit for continuity!! We will continuously be the laughing stock of the NFC. 2018 is already a wash. anyone putting out any 2019 mock drafts to see who we might get with the 1st pick of the 2019 draft?
January 1st, 2018 at 3:48 pm
Who knows…Harbaugh might be available as a QB coach. He just chit the bed at the outback bowl….was thought to be the second coming of Urban or Saban… instead, he has preformed far below expectations in his three years at Michigan. And apparently OSU, PSU and Wisconsin are going to be going down hill for some time.
January 1st, 2018 at 3:49 pm
time to pick up hockey
January 1st, 2018 at 3:52 pm
Jason Licht has his eyes on Ricky Aguayo as a possibility in the 2019 NFL draft.
Place Kicker from Florida Sate
Brother of Roberto Aguayo
January 1st, 2018 at 3:56 pm
LOL whoever said Lovie had a top 10 defense with the Bucs apparently wasn’t watching… unless they meant top 10 in penalties…
January 1st, 2018 at 3:56 pm
Lakeland thats good stuff right there. Gotta like a kicker who can get his ass kicked on Friday night and then come out to miss field goals on Saturday.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Since the Glazers let Dirk come back they let him make the BS decision of bringing back best bud Mike Smith. And he’s gonna come back with that BS scheme. If we go 5-11 next year are the Glazers selling??? God I hope so as long as we don’t get moved to another city.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Hopefully the scheme at least changes and some new players are brought in, especially if Smith ends up sticking around. This team cannot bring the same core back running the same schemes and expect success next season.
Switch to a 3/4 full time and on the offensive side of the ball get rid of Doug Martin and Chris Baker. I need to see how these next few months unfold, before I really panic as a fan.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:14 pm
Kyle – I gave like 4 paragraphs of stats but you think it’s all opinion. LOL! I get that my post was longer than a bumper sticker so I guess you had a hard time digesting it, but that’s on you sweetheart, not me.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:18 pm
@GoBucs … “No one reads a post that long.” You’re undoubtedly right, but it was intended for Rod Munch. Read it if you wish; or not. And yes, he did read it. Read his response, it’s very good.
Rod Munch … BOTH of us have been long time Bucs’ fans (me since 1982). Just like SB & Lakeland, we’ve seen many more bad teams than good teams unfortunately. This team has tons of potential, but potential doesn’t win football games as we both know. Right now we have just too many weaknesses, especially on the DLine, OLine & in the secondary. If GM Licht can fix those, this team can do some damage next year. And yes, we can win with this same coaching staff (they know better than anyone where the weaknesses are, and have hopefully learned how to mitigate them).
Lakeland … Keep the faith brother. Next year will hopefully be better. This team played hard this year; it just didn’t have enough horses in the right places to win more. We’ve got a good core of young talent, and sufficient $$$ to fix many if not most of our weaknesses. Ball’s in Jason Licht’s court right now.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:45 pm
Smitty might still get the HC gig with Giants
January 1st, 2018 at 4:48 pm
Defense – I’m not saying the situation is hopeless, I’m just saying this years defense was really really really bad and defending it is nonsense. With better players it can be better – but that is true if any team. The Bucs need to fill a lot of holes – but if Smith is still playing his corners 15 yards off the LOS when it’s 3rd and 3 – teams will continue move the ball at will. The Bucs have core pieces but I don’t think they’re well suited for this defense and Mike Smith didn’t change up how defense to take advantage of his players – that is concerning as well.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:54 pm
Sb
Duh. Give any team a pass rush and they have a shot. His job as coordinator was to find a way to slow teams with the players he had. He decided to have the corners play 10 yards off. He decided not to blitz. He decided to have teams dink and dunk there way down the field, and he still gave up the most long passing plays in the league. And youre sorely mistaken if you dont think coordinators have input on draft picks. They took a safety in round 2. A efffing safety, with that pass rush and room of rbs. Then a receiver in round 3 after just signing djax. Smiths d is only set up IF he has a pass rush. He didnt adjust. Bad bad coaching.
If these clowns really bring back all these coaches this will be by far the least Im looking forward to next season. What a joke. N now dirks back to his old smartass self with the media talking about how he is never giving up playcalling. I hope the glazers have a change of heart and can these clowns. Its happened before kids. Booooooooo to the glazers and dirk and smith. Terrible year. Got outcoached every game of the season.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:55 pm
ESPN has Dirk saying he’s not giving up play calling duties and plans no changes to the staff, that Mike Smith and Todd Monken return in their current roles.
Wow.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Darin – the corners were often literally 15 yards off the LOS, if it was only 10 yards that must have been when Smith was being aggressive. I swear in that Vikings game they were 25 yards off the LOS at time – Maybe it was only 20 yards – but I know it was way more than 15.
January 1st, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Rod – I don’t disagree at all that the defense was really bad in many areas, but they were above average to average in several areas (takeaways, etc) that they can build on. The old Tampa 2 teams of Monte Kiffin were average in terms of yards given up, but excellent in terms of points allowed. That to me is where the real bottom line lies … points allowed. Most concerning change this year IMO was 3rd down conversions. Last year’s defense was #1 in the league, this year’s defense was at the bottom. Not a good look. Far as CBs playing way off, gut feel is that there’s much more to the story than we’re being told, in VHIII’s case in particular.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:01 pm
The Bucs need to infuse 8 new players to compete hard against the incumbents at the offensive and defensive line positions.
Via the draft and free agency. A major influx of talent.
Fix the trenches, fix the Bucs.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:13 pm
The Glazers would be the responsible party by telling Koetter he can stay but Smith must go !!!
Koetter just can’t be the full on head coach with Smith on the staff and this is where the Glazers should have the experience and knowledge to help Koetter by forcing this divorce !! Thanks Mike but your better off elsewhere and Dirk and the Bucs will be better off also!!
Licht and Ownership this is your Job and responsibility and as you and just abour everyone knows , it’s best for Dirk,The Fans and the Team.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:18 pm
LOL. “Sombrero of Suicide.
Field of Fail
Pit of Pathetic
Lair of Lose
Coaches Graveyard
Monument of Misery
There must be dozens more.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:21 pm
I Love You Guys!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 5:31 pm
“Continuity” has become the New Gold Standard for many Bucs fans.
Can the bar be set any lower?
January 1st, 2018 at 5:35 pm
watch this defense excell after the crying clown ends up in Dallas…. cancer93 is the main problem with the bucs and defense. when your highest paid defender and team captain is fragile soft career loser it’s impossible to win… he has milked his quick first step to nowhere more than any dt in league history and is certainly the most overrated buc of all time. hopefully for the young bucs this fool has played his last down in tampa… take that selfish me first pos right on a greyhound to dallas… its the only hope…. martin and dotson need their key cards revoked too.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:36 pm
JonBuc
Sombrero of Suicide
most outstanding sir… love it… wish that is was not accurate but it is.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:38 pm
Can the bar be set any lower?
his coming from a die hard martin supporter who was wrong… of course, yes the bar can go lower with the glazers running the show…. their incompetence has no depth gauge
January 1st, 2018 at 5:47 pm
When you have superior talent, especially in the front and back, you can run vanilla defenses and dominate (see Bucs 1996-2004). When your best talent is at LB, you don’t run a vanilla 4-3. You run a 3-4 and scheme the f out of it.
The Bucs either need a HUGE 1 season upgrade of talent at like 5 positions (DE, DE, DT, CB, S) or get a coach who can make it work with the talent and upgrades they realistically can have.
January 1st, 2018 at 5:48 pm
Kyle Says
“Is it me.or is buccanner bonzai an annoying know.it all?”
It’s not you. He really is.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:06 pm
The whole fire Smitty movement was just plain dumb since it was never going to happen without firing Dirk as well. The glaring thing to me is that he was the wrong guy for the job to begin with since we didn’t have the Ends which are what his defense centers around. They obviously misevaluated this roster thinking the 5 game streak in 2016 was what they had and not the other 11 games…….Now we are handcuffed into needing Ends as a necessity among other needs elsewhere. It’s a do or die scenario, if they get the wrong ends that can’t get pressure this team plummets again and everybody gets canned most likely.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:08 pm
Thats fine coach Koetter. You live with DC Smitty and your career will die with him as well. Mark my words..This team will njt progress defensively under coach Smith. His time has come and gone. Atlanta knew it. Thats why they..gave him his walking papers. What a sad franchise my Bucs are. Sad..indeed.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:15 pm
Another way to fix this passrush without needing to invest so much into Ends is switching to a 3-4 base defense…….I wouldn’t think M.Smith would do this until I watched the Bucs Bonus show and the guy(forget his name) said it is likely to happen next year. He also reported, Get this, that Baker will likely be retained to play NT in a 3-4.
Not sure how much this dude knows but I would welcome that change. I think it’s more likely we could get more QB pressure that way then finding ends that will come in and do it. It is not easy to find solid ends in FA(the guy from Det and Dal may not even hit FA) or in the draft(not in rookie years).
Not sure if our coaches will come out and say their plans. If not it may be worth it to see what happens to Baker if this guy knows what he’s talking about. If they keep him it may be a sigh we are moving to a 3-4 D.
Another question is would that leave McCoy?
January 1st, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Best case scenario… Smith gets a Head Gig in Chucky’s conference so he can beat Smittys Teams year in year out. And we can get Del Rio come in and Coach this defense up that is quite capable if we can add a couple of Pass Rushers!!!!! Look out 2018 if that happens. GO BUCS….GO SMITH…..Somewhere else.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:19 pm
Defense – The Bucs were middle of the pack in INTs, something you scheme for, but the numbers shoot up based on fumbles, which is more random. For example that all-time great Bucs defense was 30th in fumble recoveries in 2002, yet as we all know was 1st in INTs. Also for all the talk about fumbles killing the team, who lead the league in fumbles? That would be the Rams. Again, to me you can’t count on fumbles being there as even the greatest defense of all time, the 2002 Bucs, were 30th in that category.
So if you remove that the Bucs are 15th in INTs and 32nd in sacks, and 32nd in yards and 32nd in 3rd down conversions and 32nd in yards per play against. As far as points per game, the Bucs are 1 point removed from being in 25th place and 6 points removed from being in 28th place. Hanging your hat on points per game – it’s just not a good argument.
Some more stats… The Bucs defense was 29th in completion %, 32nd in passing yards allowed, 27th in QB rating against, 32nd in sack yards, 32nd in sack rate, 23rd in rushing yards allowed, 30th in rushing TDs allowed and 24th in rushing average allowed.
BUT there is one bright spot, in addition to being 2nd in FFs and FRs, the Bucs were #1, that’s right #1, in 4th down conversation %!
There we go, something Mike Smith can hang his hat on, he’s the best in the league when it comes to stopping teams on 4th down. Now there was only 9 attempts and only 2 were good against the Bucs, but man, one of them cost the Bucs that game in Carolina. Timing is everything.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:26 pm
Defense Rules has some good points, but the Buc’s defense benefited from several things as well. We were so far behind at half-time in 4-5 games that the opposing offense just shut down in the second half. Also, our inability to get off the field plus a slow tempo on offense meant our defense faced 9-10 fewer drives than average, almost a whole game. We’re in the bottom 10% in points per drive, touchdown per drive, drive success rate.
We’re also last in a number of other key metrics. We gave up 104 first down conversions, far and away last (only the Colts and Browns were above 90). Our third down conversion rate allowed was 48%, again worst by far and the worst in the league since the 2010 San Diego Chargers. If you’re the Glazers and you keep Smith, you have to fire Licht. Smith said his defense only worked if he could get pressure without blitzing.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:27 pm
JimmyJack – We heard all off season that the Bucs were going to run a lot of 3-4 this year, and I’m not sure we ever actually saw that. In that defense you’d move McCoy to DE, like the Raiders did with Sapp (and where Sapp ended his career with a 10-sack season). The Bucs have excellent LBs by they might not be a good fit for a traditional 3-4. David would be a fantastic edge rusher LB, but Kwon inside might be a bit too small. Beckwith would be a good fit as an inside LB however, so maybe you move Kwon to outside and then you’d just need a big guy to play inside.
But I think it’s very very unlikely that Smith changes his ways at this point. Old coaches rarely suddenly change their ways and start scheming around their players when they didn’t do that their entire career.
IF the Bucs did get a couple of DE’s and resign Grimes and VH3 comes back and plays OK and get another safety and get some corner depth, then the Bucs defense should be A-OK!
January 1st, 2018 at 6:31 pm
If he truly does stay, he needs help. Hopefully we can have some sort of advisor come in. And he needs to have better communication with the leaders of the defense to become to use them more effectively. The linebackers are the core of our defense. He needs to figure out how to get them more involved. We also gotta get Hargreaves to improve cause he’ll be key next year. I really believe the kid can play.
If Mike Smith does stay this will be the first time in 7 years that our defensive scheme is the same for three years. This will also be the first time in GMC’s career that he’ll have the same scheme for three years. Crazy.
Go Bucs!!
January 1st, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Rod…..I didn’t think it was very likely to see much 3-4. And I would not be saying I think it’s a possibility for next year. But I’m just saying that because somebody else reported it. I don’t know why he would say that but I’m sure he knows more then I do.
I think the move would help Spence more then anybody. I don’t see that guy ever being an elite pass rusher. He does have some good ability from the end position but he also gets stuffed way too often. We need an end who can get closer to the QB on most plays. Opposing QBs probably don’t have Spence’s side in the back of their minds when they drop back. He gets just gets held up at the line wa6 to often.
It’s hard to guag3 Spence’s athletism from the end position but with his body type I would think he could make a lot more plays from a LB position with more open field to play with.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:46 pm
IMO points per game is the key measurement for either a defense or an offense. Look at Atlanta, New Orleans & Carolina this year. Defensively, they rank as #8, #10 & #11 respectively in terms of points allowed … all 3 made the playoffs. Yet if you look at their ranking in terms of yards allowed, Carolina is #7, Atlanta is #9, and New Orleans is #17. Looks to me like Points Allowed ranking better reflects their final record/standing than Yards Allowed do.
The bottom line to me is that our DLine was pretty bad, and that impacted all other aspects of the defense, even the Secondary’s play. If we’re going to be competitive with the other 3 teams in our division, we HAVE TO improve the DLine big-time. As in re-sign McDonald (he’s the best leader on the DLine IMO), get at least 1 super-stud DT & 2 DEs in the draft and/or free agency.
January 1st, 2018 at 6:50 pm
You bring up VH3. What a freaking disappointment. I really think when you get a guy like him that has talent and underperforms it’s because he doesn’t put in the work to compete. And yeah it’s mostl6 on Vernon but coaching has to get this guy working hard for the team.
There is a reason why we constantly see players leave our team and find success elsewhere……..Just follow the long list of poor coaches who were fired from here and those years are the same when we cut players who play better elsewhere………Its not a coincidence and it’s not magic
January 1st, 2018 at 7:05 pm
I love you guys! Hope all of you and yours prosper in 2018!
January 1st, 2018 at 7:06 pm
I am sure all of us can get along during the L O N G offseason!!
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 7:09 pm
gambelero – Wow, I looked up the average points per drive against and the Bucs are in fact 32nd in pts per drive against, 23rd in plays per drive against, 32nd in yards per drive against, 23rd in time given up on opposing drives, 23rd in drives leading to TO’s against and 28th in scoring percentage against.
Going back to all TDs versus the team, the Bucs gave up 17 rushing TDs and 22 passing TDs, but all those fumbles and INTs on offense, well that amounted to 1 TD against and then you have 2 more kick returns for TDs and PFR has one as other, they say that would be blocked kicks return for a TD.
You have 4 TDs against that the defense didn’t give up that count against their points against… in terms of TDs allowed overall the Bucs gave up 43, the Bucs offense gave up 1 TD on the year, the league average is 2.7 TDs, so the Bucs offense was well below (in a good way) average in that category. Special teams certainly hurt the Bucs as the league average was just .6 TDs against and the Bucs gave up 3. So does that move Tampa’s defense up the charts?!?
So the Bucs defense gave up 39 TDs when you remove the offense/special teams from the mix what happens!?! Well in terms of TDs allowed by the defense only the Bucs go all the way from 24th allowed, to 23rd allowed. They leap frog the Packers and 49ers, but the Broncos then leap frog all three, so you end up netting 1 spot.
Finally is starting field position… with all those TO’s and poor special teams surely the defense was just starting behind the 8-ball all year, right? Well the Bucs defense average starting field position against was 21st.
January 1st, 2018 at 7:12 pm
Well Defense, if you like points against stats then read my last post.
January 1st, 2018 at 7:14 pm
SO the Bucs in the beginning are supposed to be a powerhouse and we are 5-11
NO CHANGES IN THE COACHES??????
Doing the same thing over and over hoping for a change is the definition of STUPID
REALLY SMITH HAS WORST Defense and gets his job back what other TEAM would do that
January 1st, 2018 at 7:18 pm
JimmyJack – We heard all last season from Joe here that the Bucs were going to do something with a 3-4, that the Bucs might even make the switch to a 3-4, and we know the outcome of it. Spence as a stand-up 3-4 is probably a better fit, but then you have Kwon perhaps playing out of position as a ILB. I think from a stats standpoint a move to a 3-4 would make David a superstar since I think he could easily get 10+ sacks and still get 3-5 INTs plus a ton of tackles, etc. With as much as I hated the Jersey Trash ™ Schiano, he got some good stats out of David in that attack Patriots like defense. For a 3-4 however there’s a lot options, you could play a 3-4 zone blitz defense, a traditional 3-4, there’s ways to get people involved if you want, but all of those options might expose your corners more – but if you get more pressure the corners will suddenly look a lot better so maybe not.
January 1st, 2018 at 7:25 pm
@pickgrin
As usual nice post. I like how things are supposed to change overnight…good coaches suddenly become bad coaches. I mean do we honestly believe the % for the Raiders have improved dramatically because Chucky has arrived and Del Rio is gone? I just find that hard to swallow.
The Raiders should win at least ten and make the playoffs. Del Rio didn’t do that this year and so welcome Coach Chucky. I think either coach could do it next year but if Chucky excites them….
January 1st, 2018 at 7:28 pm
Rod you mention Conte. You mention T.J. Ward. But not once did you mention my man Tandy. Last game of season after sitting all season because of Smith. He plays one half and has twice as many tackles as Conte and Ward. He played 6 or 7 games at the end of 2016 and only one other guy in NFL History had more tackles over a 6 game period than #37. Oh yeah also had 5 interceptions during that period of games that led to a 9 & 7 record. Then didn’t even see the field this year. So you tell me Smith is a great defensive mind! Hope he try’s and gets another Head Coaching job because if not we are in for more heart ache in 2018!!!!
January 1st, 2018 at 7:34 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e6dDDa3kO4
We need this guy. Sapp’s size with GMC quickness and a LB’s athleticism
January 1st, 2018 at 7:35 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEsswczmQzk
January 1st, 2018 at 7:40 pm
Good point Rod. We did hear whispers about that last year so it might mean nothing. In any case they will need to generate pressure on the QB or this defense will be going nowhere. Again
Reguardless I believe a scheme change would be an easier way to fix this defense then trying to build our Dline in one offseason. It’s going to take the front office a lot of their resources spent in the DE and it may not be in the best intrest of the team. But I really think the hire of Smith as DC was not in the best intrest of the team either. He was just the wrong guy for the job.
January 1st, 2018 at 7:43 pm
What might be in the best intrest of the team is if the Giants decide to hire M.Smith at their HC. He would actually be a better fit for them because, I believe, they still have a strong front 4.
If that happens I won’t be looking forward to playing the Giants next year since Dirk struggles with pass rush heavy teams
January 1st, 2018 at 7:45 pm
Bonzai
Stfu! Every team could use more talent. This team has more talent than some playoff teams. Coaches work with the talent they have. Theyre supposed to put their players in position to succeed. This is a league of parity. The ones who win are the ones with a qb and a damm good staff. Most scores are one score games. This team lost multiple games this year because of their head coaches time management and when to go for effing 2 mistakes. So yes when the coordinators had decent games, rarely, the hc effed it up. Multiple nfl front office guys have said this year the bucs offense AND defense are the most predictable in tbe league. Thats BAD coaching. No way to put it on the players. Great players in this league are great because of the systems they are in. Geeez i cant stand you pansies crying about a lack of talent anymore. Theyre all pros, coach em up and put them in position to succeed. Predictability gets you 4-12 to 9-7 iin this league.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Darin…the fact is that the coaches are average at best and the Ownership seems to know little or nothing about Football. That is a recipe for disaster. And so, what are we supposed to do about it? Put on the Pewter colored glasses, hope for a future HOF draft pick or two, and lie to ourselves about the likely outcome of the next one, two, or three years…and so forth. Either that or find some other activity for Sunday afternoon.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:15 pm
Since Koetter and Smith aren’t going to walk the plank it needs to be one of the Glazer brothers or maybe all of them.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:25 pm
Realist
This georgia oklahoma game is a perfect example. Oklahoma was smashing them first half. Now georgia is putting it on them. What happened did georgia sign a bunch of “talent” at halftime? No the defensive coordinator is sending the blitz on every play now and rattling mayfield. If they decided not to get creative with their blitzes theyd be getting blown out. Kuddos to the d coordinator. If it was the bucs smith would still be sitting back in his 10 yard cushion and rushing 4. Games are won by adjustments, n lf course players making plays in those adjustments. Study the game a bit more and youll realize how bad of a coaching job these clowns pulled this year. My guess is mike smith will be gone once marvin lewis becomes available. Dirk cant say that yet obviously. Then after next year dirk will be gone. Guess we have to be “patient” in getting a new hc.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:31 pm
I can only.imagine the excuses when they add two elite pass rushers outside of Gerald McCoy and STILL are last in the league in sacks and pass defense.
Oh then it will all be the corners.and safeties, lack of depth and talent right???
No….no it has absolutely NOTHING TO.DO WITH THE FACT THAT THIS IDIOT HAS OUR CORNERS PLAYING SO FAR BACK THEY NEED A CELL PHONE JUST TO TALK TRASH TO THE WR THEY ARE “COVERING”
FRIEKING IDIOTS !!!
GOOD LUCK SELLING TICKETS NEXT YEAR MORONS. YEP…BUCS ARE WASTING EVERYTHING AWAY FOR KOETTERS LOYALTY TO HIS FRIEND. AWWWWWWWW!
DAMN.YOU DIRK! I LIKED YOU ONCE UPON A TIME BUT.YOU JUST SCREWED YOURSELF. NO HOPE FOR 2018.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:32 pm
Darin…don’t look now…scoop and score and Oklahoma leads.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Darin… I doubt Smith will be gone.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Well………Fromm better grow up Quick for Georgia to get back in this!
January 1st, 2018 at 8:37 pm
BucEm…. Koetter is doing the best he can…as is Smith. It is up to the GM and the owners to make the hard decisions. I don’t know if Licht can. And the G boys don’t have a clue what they are doing.
January 1st, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Yes Darin,
I will hold hope that our HC learns how to adjust in this league but that feels like a long shot.
On top of just the adjustment there have been tons of misevaluation with their personal, they play with little passion/confidence in big games(Car, NO2017…Dal,NO2015), poor running scheme, bad game management, bad game planning………….There are quite a few obstacles for this staff to overcome including getting their QB to make better decisions. On top of all that we are entering the offseason with the worst defense in the league.
This is a very sorry state that this team has put themselves in when they entered the season with plenty of talent and playoff expectations.
Despite all those problem if they can just get this team to play with the intensity they showed this month……..and add a few playmakers on defense they may be able to finish with a winning record. But they will have to give that effort for 16 full games and they haven’t show they are capable of that. This seems like an uphill battle.
January 1st, 2018 at 9:25 pm
People forget that mike smith’s defense led us to that 9-7 record a year ago. Does he need to fix his defense? Yes. Do I think he did a poor job this season? Yes. But I do also think he will learn from this season and be better for it. He will make his adjustments. And we should see a better defense next season. Hopefully he has some edge rush next season too. Hard to be successful on defense when the QB has all day to throw.
January 1st, 2018 at 9:31 pm
Lmao!!!
I get it now!
They arent a football team!
They are a comedy!!
January 1st, 2018 at 10:43 pm
Since Hue Jackson isn’t available, I guess the next best thing is to keep Smith.
January 1st, 2018 at 10:48 pm
Tandyman – I like Tandy, he’s generally played well when given the chance and he should be on the team in my opinion. However to count on him as a 16 game starter, the Bucs really need to aim higher. He’s a good backup and utility man, but again, he’s not a guy you pencil in as a 16-game starter.
January 2nd, 2018 at 1:06 am
It is what it is. When Dirk came back, I expected the less talented girlfriend to follow. They get one more year to show that the team is headed in the right direction. 2 more wins than this year ain’t gonna cut it either.
January 2nd, 2018 at 1:07 am
@ GMen Hue Jackson doesn’t coach defense anyway.
January 2nd, 2018 at 6:39 am
If you always do what you always did you will always get what you always got.
January 2nd, 2018 at 7:35 am
Del Rio… Hands down would be a 100% improvement… Lets go get him shake up the defense leave the offense alone for now!!!
January 2nd, 2018 at 7:42 am
Rod. I have to disagree!!! When he’s given a chance he does what he does. Hell let him do it 16 games. Just don’t get it but guess I don’t know what I’m talking about. But I sure didn’t like watching Conte and Ward lose 11 games. Maybe they will trade # 37 and he will get his chance somewhere else.
January 2nd, 2018 at 12:55 pm
+-856+2
+
Entirely possible (although I don’t know how) that Smitty gets coaching gig somewhere else..
Koetter might already know this. If there is a God.
January 2nd, 2018 at 12:58 pm
Anybody like that RB Anderson from Oklahoma yesterday? Man what a ferocious runner. Don’t know where he is on draft lists, but gonna find out.
January 5th, 2018 at 10:46 pm
Lakeland Says:
January 1st, 2018 at 2:06 pm
When people come here and voice their honest opinion. They get the “hater” label, these are facts not hate. A lot of Bucs fans refuse to accept the reality that their beloved team stinks. Only the Cleveland Browns (15 years) are in a longer playoff drought than the Bucs (10 years).
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I HEAR YOU BROTHER….sick and tired of SICK AND TIRED..