“Mad Mismatch”
May 25th, 2019
A Week 5 terror
BY ZACHARY SEIFTER
JoeBucsFan.com intern
An excited Buccaneers legend was caught telling the nation that the Bucs’ newest toy is a “mad mismatch.”
Bucco Bruce Arians has said a big part of what he wants to do is create mismatches.
Whether that’s Mike Evans in the slot against small nickel corners, or O.J. Howard against slow linebackers, Arians is all about mismatches.
He may have one in Ndamukong Suh.
It’s a near certainty that Vita Vea will take the nose tackle job in Todd Bowles’ new 3-4 scheme, so it appears Suh will line up at defensive end a nice chunk of the time.
No problem.
Suh can play defensive end pretty darn well, as he showed last year with the Rams. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips had him line up there on occasion and Suh was up for it when he wasn’t playing nose tackle in Phillips’ 3-4 defense.
He showed his skills at DE in a Week 5 matchup at Seattle. Early in the fourth quarter, the Rams were down by a point and on 3rd-and-10, Suh made a quick push before blowing by Seahawks tight end Nick Vannett from the edge to bring down Russell Wilson. Here’s what Ronde Barber had to say about the play during the FOX broadcast:
“Ndamukong Suh has three sacks on the season, and he is a defensive tackle, plays nose tackle but he’s playing defensive end on these sub-rush packages and this is a mad mismatch,” Barber explained to the TV audience. “Running back, tight end Vannett in there, no chance to block Ndamukong Suh.”
Suh had another sack a few minutes earlier lining up at defensive end, but it was called back for a holding penalty in the secondary.
Allowing Suh to rush off the edge could be an important piece in revitalizing a Bucs pass rush that, although improved last season, has been almost non-existent in past years.
If JPP is able to return at some point this season, his skills rushing inside, as well as the outside, would provide a boost. Shifting him and Suh on the line constantly would make this defensive line quite versatile and dangerous.
All the Bucs have to do is find the mismatch.
May 25th, 2019 at 12:23 am
Hire this guy full time Joe.
Solid info!
May 25th, 2019 at 12:32 am
Agreed, Zack is killing it!
May 25th, 2019 at 12:35 am
ZachBucsFan.com coming soon?
May 25th, 2019 at 12:39 am
3-4
Frontline
Gholston (L) Vea (M) Suh (R)
Actually Suh is probably better for 3-4 Bowles
You think ghoston what ? Big dude that is good against run only
Front 3 makes sense
Clog up everything up front . Linebackers make plays
Again Like 9.25 for that deal is good whether he plays when he wants
May 25th, 2019 at 12:48 am
Agreed!!! Nice article
May 25th, 2019 at 12:54 am
Great peice. I enjoyed your content about Suh.
May 25th, 2019 at 1:05 am
It’s not a near certainty that Vea is the nosetackle either. Haoli Nagta, Brandon Williams, and Akiem Hicks are all similar in size to Vita (340lb+) and played the DE position in 3-4 fronts.
I’d start Beau Allen at the nose, Suh and Vea manning the DE positions. That’d be alot of beef in the middle. Lavonte and Devin should be some roaming maniacs with all of the blockers occupied by those guys on early downs.
May 25th, 2019 at 1:25 am
^^^
Beau Allen doesn’t have starting hair material
May 25th, 2019 at 1:28 am
Year 5 and beau Allen is jacked now
Protein powder works wonders in year 4-5
May 25th, 2019 at 1:31 am
Thanks Zach—needed this article!
May 25th, 2019 at 2:58 am
Zach, you must be watching epic volumes of film to come up with this. I want your job!
May 25th, 2019 at 3:37 am
#ZackTheMack
May 25th, 2019 at 4:52 am
Zack—
Way to show your boss(es) how to write substantive articles that are informative versus “triggering”.
You have a nice writing style. Really enjoyed the read.
One suggested edit…need to add an additional ‘f’ to the word ‘of’ in this sentence: “Allowing Suh to rush of the edge“ (presuming you intended to write “off”).
Great job otherwise. I can say with Bucs passion that I genuinely look forward to reading your articles.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:17 am
WARNING The house of Spears is being deployed on the south this year get ready
May 25th, 2019 at 5:25 am
Great research Zachary; that Week 5 ‘mismatch’ is particularly telling. Great defense always starts upfront with physical play in the trenches IMO, and we lacked that last season for various reasons. Mismatches & disguises are a big part of great defense though, but that doesn’t come automatically. That’s where player selection (unique talents & skills) & exceptional coaching (putting guys in position to maximize those unique talents & skills) all comes into play. Gradually we’re giving Todd Bowles the pieces he NEEDS to make his hybrid defense work. Not there yet, but looks to me like it’s coming together nicely.
The DLine possibilities are really intriguing right now. Because of the talents involved, I personally think TB will use a lot more 4-man fronts than he’s probably used in the past, then ‘morph’ into 3-man rushes. Suh has great versatility, but he’s also a guy who’s used to playing a LOT of snaps. Vea also has great versatility because of his skillset. Beau Allen’s a big boy also, and it sounds like he’s hungry right now (or has at least gotten the message that he needs to step in up a bunch to get any playing time this season). That’s a LOT of DLine TALENT … and BEEF.
And waiting right BEHIND all that, licking their chops, will be LVD & White. If the offense slides too much ‘blocking help’ towards the center, our outside guys could have a field day. This could REALLY be a fun season.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:33 am
Open question. Are there any other JBFers planning on going to the London game? I’m booked. Would love to meet up before or after the game for a pint or two or three or four.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:40 am
G morning Todd. Not only can King Suh play defensive end he plays it like he has played the position his whole career. His hand tech,arm length and power make him extra formidable when at DE. There are film sessions on the tube showing his play with the rams last season. One word Dominant. Todd Bowles 3/4 is attractive because at this stage of his career it allows him to go to the exterior of los and operate,taking him away from some of banging that gose on inside.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:50 am
I like the way you think ncBuc. And Bird one thang for certain two thangs for sure,we know Suh loves the mula. The fact that he agreed to an incentivized deal is awesome to me Kudos Jason Licht. Suh not coming here on a 1 year deal and leaving any money left on the table. I fully expect an aggressive King Suh,he’s a vet and will manage his way thru the regular season but I think we as fans will more than delighted by his overall play next season.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:55 am
Oh and btw both Will and Beau are said to be looking jacked this off season. Ain’t nobody manhandling us upfront next season. And I mean nobody.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:57 am
I love the physical nature of this man’s game. When he tackles he rough houses and manhandles.
May 25th, 2019 at 5:59 am
It’s like he’s the one NFL player in this league not concerned with handling Tom Brady roughly. Just YouTube his highlights and see. Everyone else seems so ginger wit Tom Brady. Who low key is beastly.
May 25th, 2019 at 6:04 am
Zach,
Correct me if I’m wrong.
In my summation of an intern, he/she runs petty errands, makes coffee, keeps the computers and printers humming with frequent trips to Staples, mops the floors and cleans the bathrooms.
If this is so, fine and dandy. One must get their feet wet before they learn to swim.
But this? Being forced to write an article with one hand and cleaning the toilet with another is nothing less than slavery!
Bet the slave driving Joes sit back, smoke cigars and ridicule you as they blow cigar smoke in your face. Does that about sum it up?
Obviously kidding, but I do hope you are getting monetary compensation for your efforts. If not, I know a good lawyer …
Hahaha
Keep up the good work …
May 25th, 2019 at 6:05 am
Morning NOSBOS—
Listened to a podcast recently where a draft analyst was studying Josh Allen tape. He commented, “I intended to study Allen, but I kept seeing #7 making plays all over the place!”
Mike Edwards.
I just spent my morning java time watching highlights on this young UDFA STUD! What a find! Man oh man, if the non-fan negativists can’t muster up optimism for the evolving make-up of this defense, it simply evidences, “See what happens when cousins marry!”
Weapons, weapons, weapons!
10-6 & Playoffs, Baby!
3, 2, 1…let’s GO!
May 25th, 2019 at 6:07 am
Now mods, please tell me exactly WHAT PART of my comment above triggered “awaiting moderation”?!
Which part?!
Joes, Bueller, Bueller, anyone?
May 25th, 2019 at 6:15 am
NOSBOS … Had read that about Beau Allen, but hadn’t heard anything about Will Gholston. Would love to see him kick his career into overdrive. If not, he’ll end up being a cut casualty almost for sure because of how much he makes. He & Allen BOTH have about the same $$$ riding on rejuvenating their careers.
One thing that caught my attention early about BA’s staff is the sheer size of the Strength & Conditioning coaching staff. Piroli, Stacchiotti, Wade, Javadifar & Kingdom … WOW! BA is serious about conditioning, strength & speed obviously. It would seem logical to expect that players who are in top condition play ‘better’ & probably suffer fewer injuries. It’ll be interesting to see if that holds true at the end of the season.
May 25th, 2019 at 6:20 am
Defense Rules & NOSBOS—
As much as I’d love to converse with you this early a.m. (and have tried), all my comments are awaiting moderation for literally no reason.
So, Joe et al get what they wish…instead of staying and engaging, I’m headed elsewhere. Wish we could have had a quality conversation absent the knuckle-dragging negativists, but a one-sided conversation just isn’t…well…a conversation.
May 25th, 2019 at 6:32 am
Perhaps the Joes will use their individual names when posting articles now….
May 25th, 2019 at 6:36 am
ZACK IS A MISMATCH VS LEEE!!!!! LOL
KEEP BRINGING IT ZACK!!!!
JOE, YOU DID IT WITH IRA AND NOW ZACK. GREAT HIRE!
May 25th, 2019 at 6:40 am
Todd—
Been to London over fifteen times. Know the Tube system like the back of my hand.
Don’t have plans to be there during the week of the game but if something changes I’ll let you know.
I usually stay at the Marlin Hotel, near Waterloo Station, a good 45-60 minutes by Tube to Wembley. But the hotel’s room sizes are well worth the slight inconvenience. As you may or may not know, hotel rooms in Europe are minuscule in comparison to the U.S.
Not so at the Marlin Waterloo.
May 25th, 2019 at 6:57 am
JA—
Thanks for the info. I’m psyched about the trip. When the Bucs schedule came out I shared (over morning coffee) with my wife, “Man…the Bucs play the Panthers in London on my birthday weekend! We need to have a party to watch the game!” Being an awesome bride, within an hour she came to me with two printouts and shared, “Happy 55th birthday my dear. Not sure how to also get you a ticket to the game, but the rest is my gift to you.”
One printout was for a week’s stay at the Doubletree in Westminster and the other a round trip ticket to London!
Best birthday present ever! So if any other fans are going, I’d love to meet up for some adult beverages.
May 25th, 2019 at 7:00 am
NOSBOS and Defense Rules—
I’ve been “trying” to have a conversation with you both this morning, but all my comments thus far have been placed in m oderation (intentionally misspelled that word because I suspect writing it actually triggers the very word). Anyway, good morning to you both.
May 25th, 2019 at 7:01 am
If I can get a decent publicist to set up a book signing in London I’ll be there.
We’ll see …
May 25th, 2019 at 7:05 am
Todd—
p.s. You’ve got a good wife!
May 25th, 2019 at 7:11 am
JA—
You know what they say, “Even a blind squirrel finds a bit every once in a while.” I definitely married up!
Publicist? Was that in jest or are you truly an author?
May 25th, 2019 at 7:12 am
a nut
May 25th, 2019 at 7:13 am
I see Vea, Sue, and Allen as interchangeable parts which will allow the Bucs to constantly move them around on the line in order to create mismatches. Imagine Allen in the middle with those two powerful man beast coming off the edge. Our run defense will be much improved with that trio of trespassers and White and David lurking in the back!
May 25th, 2019 at 7:14 am
Author
Two novels—a third due soon.
More later. Gotta run …
May 25th, 2019 at 7:18 am
JA—
Do tell. Would love to read.
May 25th, 2019 at 7:27 am
Todd … Joe’s got me in the cooler too. I gave up trying to figure out what words trigger that. But hey, it’s HIS website so he can set the rules.
May 25th, 2019 at 7:32 am
Defense Rules—
I begrudgingly say, “Right!”
May 25th, 2019 at 7:35 am
Way to go Zach!!!! Love the article … keep up the good work kid!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 7:39 am
@Defense
I actually think the moderation is some sort of glitch on occasion. There seems to be no rhyme or reason. It is aggravating…..all of my posts are eventually cleared.
I do notice that every time I use the name of a certain poster that hates GMC, I get moderated.
May 25th, 2019 at 7:48 am
Great job zack. GET off joes back just like the rest of us he’s bin watching our beloved Bucs win titles for the basement. It might take a few winning seasons to get all the fans out of the den of depression haha it ain’t easy but we can be positive lol
May 25th, 2019 at 8:25 am
My prior posts have been released from mod-jail. One error I made in a comment, Mike Edwards was drafted…not a UDFA. My bad. What a stud, regardless.
May 25th, 2019 at 8:27 am
Save this article zach!!! Because in Nov-Dec you can refer back to this to see where it all went wrong!!!!!!!!!! In imagination and on paper the plan of attack always looks unstoppable!!!!! Then the “reality” of actually playing against more talented teams will hit!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t feed the sheep zach!!!!!!!!!!
Shifting him and Suh on the line constantly would make this defensive line quite versatile and dangerous.
May 25th, 2019 at 8:33 am
congrats on the trip todd, I do hope the game is competitive!!!!!!!! I hope you get the direct flight from Tampa on British Airways!!!!! Try to change to their time schedule two days, before!!!!! Just drink water on the plane (no alcohol)!!!!!! Sleep if possible on the plane, and hit the ground running!!!! See everything you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 8:51 am
More by zach….he is putting out tge best stuff here if late!!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 9:01 am
Hey Zack, JPP is washed up, he ain’t coming back chief. The sooner you, and Licht realize that, the better off you’ll be.
May 25th, 2019 at 9:33 am
Im hoping this D is gonna make some noise this season for sure.
I just can’t seem to wrap my mind around keeping JPP
Dude is a beast, but will be out for who knows how long and may never be the player he once was.
I say cut him (non-football injury) and use the cap space for another player.
Why take the chance on him at his age??
May 25th, 2019 at 9:39 am
Zack,
Intuitive article commentary which will hopefully play out over the season.
Zack,
I am from England, go to Florida every October for 3 weeks holiday and to catch a Bucs game!
This year, no game at Raymond James for the time I am there!
Your gain is my pain…..enjoy, London is a great City to visit.
I know this isn’t a travel page but can anyone comment on whether is it worth flying up to New Orleans from Orlando to watch the Bucs away from home? Is it safe to be a Bucs fan up there with the divisional rivalry?
Any advice appreciated
May 25th, 2019 at 9:41 am
Unfortunately they need to cut JPP and find a replacement or two. They can’t afford to wait 6-8 games for him to return.
May 25th, 2019 at 10:00 am
Zack…JBF sending you to London ?
May 25th, 2019 at 10:29 am
You can be sure that the Bucs have target weights for each player who will rotate on the DL. According to the current roster at the Buc’s site we have this.
Beau Allen 6-3, 327
Terry Beckner Jr 6-4, 295
Will Gholston 6-6, 281
Jeremiah Ledbetter 6-3, 295
Rakeem Nunez-Roches 6-2, 307
Dare Odeyingbo 6-2, 282
Stevie Tu’ikolovatu 6-1, 320
Vita Vea 6-4, 347
Ndamukong Suh 6-4, 315
Each will add or subtract weight as required in the new scheme. So Allen (325), Vea (335) and Suh (315) might be there for one play and Suh (315), Vea (335) and Tu’i (320) could be the lineup on another.
We will have bulk when we want it, speed or whatever, up front as the situation calls for.
The core may be the three that you mentioned, Bird. My understanding is that there will be a lot of variation in order to make confusion for the opponents.
__________
Go Bucs!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 10:30 am
Nice job Zack.
If they don’t replace JPP then they must believe he can return full go when he does.
He is already aged and it would be tough for me to believe when he does return, he would be the same animal he was last year.
If he does however this D could actually be dominant.
I think the win 10 games, even with a brutal schedule.
I love the attitude change we are witnessing in practice.
NFC South hasn’t seen the likes of SUH baby.
May 25th, 2019 at 10:34 am
I believe Gholston is being asked to add some weight. Could his target weight be something like 295?
May 25th, 2019 at 10:38 am
Todd
Way to make us all jealous! Hopefully the Bucs and Brits will hear you cheering.
NCBucsfan
You may have created a wonderful branding slogan if White and LVD and our DL play as you suggest. And being an optimist I think they will.
It’s not hard to imagine a beefy DL occupying OL while our DB’s run wild.
So I write to praise your creation….”Roaming Maniacs”. I love that. White certainly is a bit maniacal…LVD perhaps not as much but he is a very good player.
A beasty DL combined with “Roving Maniacs” will definitely improve our D.
May 25th, 2019 at 10:42 am
Oops…LB’s not DB’s although with Bowles I think they may join the maniacal guys blitzing and blowing up plays all over the field.
Bring on the maniacs!
May 25th, 2019 at 11:51 am
Good chart Senile. Tells me ain’t no pushing us around this upcoming season. We about to do some pushing tho. Cause I expect all members of the Dline group to take on the demeanor of Suh. Menacing.
May 25th, 2019 at 11:58 am
I have gone back to basics when trying to picture what Bowles scheme will be. I am relearning fundamental football or at least reprogramming my own brain.
LBs and DBs make up the “backfield” in distinction to the “frontline” when I think in a dual terms. When I think “Three tier” then I use DL, LB and DB. So on and so forth.
___________________
“Roving Maniacs” … good one!
___________
Go Bucs!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 12:09 pm
While the sheep tell each other how great the D-line will be, in a few short months they will be asking how do they fix it!!!!!!!! Followed into the offseason of a huge wish list of new Dlineman to fix the disaster of 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 25th, 2019 at 12:38 pm
Well done Zack, great piece. Maybe the Bucs could learn something from Joe’s director of personnel!