Power Play, Power Shift
September 13th, 2019
Joe believes last night’s Buccaneers victory on the road at Carolina represented a major change in the NFC South balance of power.
Just look at what didn’t happen.
On the Panthers’ first drive, Cam Newton was no match for bone-rattling Bucs safety Jordan Whitehead on a 4th-and-1 run to the right at the Bucs’ 47 yard line. The Bucs turned that into the first score of the game, a 40-yard field goal by Matt Gay. It was a massive play by Whitehead.
Two more times did Newton and the Panthers have a 4th-and-1. Once he threw incomplete and once the Panthers ran a gadget play to Christian McCaffrey that ended the game when Vernon Hargreaves was too much for the Pro Bowl running back.
In past seasons, Newton runs all of those up the middle and converts. (See the Bucs loss at Carolina in 2017.)
In addition to displaying a washed out arm last night and on Sunday after multiple shoulder issues, Newton, possibly the greatest running quarterback in history, has now has been neutered in the running game. It was there for the nation to see last night.
The Panthers have now lost nine out of their last 10 games. How long will Ron Rivera last?
Joe watched the Panthers push around the Rams quite a bit on Sunday, but they made so many mistakes they couldn’t recover in that game. Now the Bucs defense has choked them out on their home turf.
The Bucs should be a better team than the Panthers this year, and the Panthers are on the brink of an implosion. Are the Falcons next?
September 13th, 2019 at 8:18 am
Now we just need to clean up the mental errors on offense, have Jameis be consistent, keep pounding the rock with Barber and Jones, and with this defense we’ll be 10-6 and in the playoffs.
My, my, just look at the difference good coaching can make in just one offseason.
Go Bucs.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:18 am
We are witnessing the decline of Cam Newton for sure. He might not be under center in London. This defense played well but Carolina’s problems run deeper than being stymied by a determined and active Bucs D. Without Cam being Cam that team is very beatable
September 13th, 2019 at 8:19 am
Stop riding the roller coaster. A wins a win a loss is a loss. Every week presents a different challenge and ya gota win it. Any team can rattle off 8 in a row including the Panthers. Savor the victory and get ready for the next game. No Bucs performance last night will impact the next game.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:22 am
Power shift indeed. All we need to do is commit to this run game and we take over the division. Brees threw 43 time Monday and a silly prevent defense was needed late to win that game. koetter called maybe 16 or 17 run plays all game last Sunday and got blown up by the vikes. The team that commits to running the ball in this division will win said division.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:24 am
After watching this defense over the past two games, it’s a disgrace that Mike Smith was a defensive coordinator for so long. He should have been fired in the middle of the 2017 season. This team has not had an identity for years and right now it would appear the Bucs have re-identified themselves as a defensive team.
By the way, Vita Vea is a force! He reminds me a little of Vince Wilfork. Wilfork used to be able to dominate a game without a single “stat” earned on the stat sheet. He had no sacks and 1 QB hit but he was a factor! Here’s to hoping the ignorant mouth breathers don’t start getting on Vea’s case for not having a bunch of sacks at the end of the year.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:25 am
The Saints will soon lose Brees and the fowlgoons are beatable right now. We have a chance. Our defense is more than decent and the offense just needs a few weeks to gel. Not crowning them SB champs just yet, but no way are the Bucs drafting in the top ten in 2020.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:27 am
DB’s are looking “youngry !”
September 13th, 2019 at 8:27 am
nothing better than winning on Thursday night and have the long week! Gmen up next = 2-1!!!
September 13th, 2019 at 8:28 am
Did the Bucs start like 2-1 last year before the wheels fell off? Enjoy the win great job Bucs D, but as soon as teams realize they just have to put pressure on Jamies for him to make a mistake we will have to rely on the defense again.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:28 am
The biggest problem for me was overcoming the shock of VHIII’s stop. Your eyes see the score but your mind fails to discern the information it’s being fed. Is there anyone out there that thought, “fourth and one. We got this one?” I’d venture to say no.
No matter, what a great, nerve wracking game!
Now they should spend the next ten days trying to figure out how to get some separation from our wide receivers. Seems, even with our greatly improved defense, other receivers can, on occasion, get wide open. Our guys always appear to be blanketed like a quilt over a body covered with glue.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:33 am
Run the football Lefty. brees threw 43x week 1 ryan 46x. That’s not a winning formula. Run the ball Lefty we easily win the division.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:38 am
Just curious, but has Demar Dotson ever played a penalty free game in his NFL career. We can’t have as many dumb penalties as we had and expect to win games.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:38 am
Spam newton is on a downhill cliff
Dude . Jameis played his game. Kudos
Our defense is legit.
We need 20 A game fromoffense
September 13th, 2019 at 8:43 am
I wonder if we’ll look back on VHIIIs tackle of CMC to end the game as the long awaited answer to that Jonathan Stewart stiffarm of Ronde in the Monday night game back in 2008.
To me, that game (the first of four straight losses to close out a season that saw us start 9-3) was the symbolic end of the Bucs late 90’s early 2000’s glory years.
Maybe this one can jump start a new era…
September 13th, 2019 at 8:44 am
Now if the Bucs can complete the sweep in England, it will be huuuuge!
September 13th, 2019 at 8:45 am
Hargreaves play was the game
September 13th, 2019 at 8:46 am
“Jordan Whitehead
Will be the leader of this defense for the next 7 years
Last night was the death of Derwin James gibberish ”
Son of Kobe Faker
September 13th, 2019 at 8:46 am
Need set the edge, stop the run, or just sack the QB use the “SHAQ WOW” Barrett. Works in wet or dry fields get yours now for only $4 million or 4 easy payments of $1 million every 2 months.
Call now operators are on standby taking orders for a limited time only.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:46 am
How bad is it that they talk more about CAM looking hurt then the Bucs winning. DAMN!!!!!
September 13th, 2019 at 8:53 am
Where is Realist? Are these the real answer you seek? GTFOH
September 13th, 2019 at 8:58 am
Same ole Jameis, where is all the hate now? A these 2 faced bucs fans are not saying anything today…
September 13th, 2019 at 8:58 am
Two elements that travel well no matter the conditions. Mean Defense and a quality run game. We check both boxes. This Offense won’t gel until mid- season. Run the rock Lefty.
September 13th, 2019 at 8:58 am
“Last night was the death of Derwin James gibberish”
I wish Gump had the cojones to pull the trigger on the Minkah trade.
That would be the death of the Derwin James gibberish.
Salute to Kobe Faker for keeping his promise (Rojo 50 yards).
You sir, are a man of your word(s)!
September 13th, 2019 at 9:04 am
The realist has gone into full blown panic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW COACHING, COACHING, COACHING!
September 13th, 2019 at 9:04 am
buc15 Says:
September 13th, 2019 at 8:53 am
Where is Realist? Are these the real answer you seek? GTFOH
You beat me to it……
The two keys to last nights game were the interior defensive line stopping the run 39 yards….and NO turnovers……we win.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:04 am
Son of Kobe Faker Says:
September 13th, 2019 at 8:46 am
“Jordan Whitehead
Will be the leader of this defense for the next 7 years
Last night was the death of Derwin James gibberish ”
Son of Kobe Faker
^^^Yaaaaaaas, Kobe speaking gospel.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:07 am
Lheew Says:
September 13th, 2019 at 8:58 am
Same ole Jameis, where is all the hate now? A these 2 faced bucs fans are not saying anything today…
^^^Im a JW hater BUT that was a near perfect game from him and I was really happy for him I don’t want to see any bucs fail no matter how much I hate them 🙂 I hope he can keep it up which has been his problem.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:08 am
@D-Rome
You’re right about Vea, he dominated in the middle. Several of Barrett’s sacks came because he collapsed the pocket and didn’t allow Cam to step up in the pocket to avoid the sack.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:10 am
NOSBOS- I’ve been beating that drum forever. Statistically, ANY QB’s turnover % goes up exponentially when attempting 35 or more passes. Jameis’ numbers are absolutely horrific when he attempts 35+ passes.
Despite what people may say or think, you HAVE to be able to run the football effectively!
Cam does not look right, and that’s on top of that ridiculous hair! He just doesn’t look sharp. I’d like to think that we just made him look that bad, but I think there’s more beneath the surface.
But that hair! Whew! ODB called! Says he wants his doo back!
September 13th, 2019 at 9:14 am
I have to say I was impressed the team didn’t fold. I still think a team playing us with a QB who can throw will hurt this secondary but I’ll take the W happily. And very glad we didn’t hear McCoy’s name called much except for Jensen baiting and reeling him in… that being said, didn’t hear Suh’s name much either. Nevertheless, for 9 days we are winners.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:16 am
Lheew I’m not a huge fan of JWs but he did last night what he usually can’t do – he avoided the stupid mistakes and turnovers. He didn’t win the game for us be he certainly didn’t lose it which is a huge upgrade.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:19 am
Whitehead played lights out as did Barrett on defense, but Cam Newton is terrible he missed guys all night long and for him not to be involved in the last play was showing how bad he is. Byron Leftwich is THE worst OC in pro football…..If koetter would have had bowels as his DC then the bucs would be a playoff team….and no matter where the season ends up, I think Bowles should be the HC of this team…even if the team goes 5-11, bowels should be the guy to run the bucs in my opinion…but fire byron ASAP
September 13th, 2019 at 9:22 am
Strange, I’ve NEVER seen you post before.
Let’s see what he looks like after 14 games. We’ve seen this same dog and pony show before when it comes to Jameis. He *still* leads all players in turnovers since 2015. He’s had seven, 3+ INT games over the past four years. To put it in perspective, Tom Brady has had four, 3+ INT games in his 19 year career.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:49 am
Jaymiss was OK last night. Didnt lose the game for us. But hes looked OK for a couple games in the past. We still need a GOOD QB. Then with the D playing like this, and a kicker that makes kicks, look out!
September 13th, 2019 at 9:50 am
When you have a defense that doesn’t give up 30 ppg and you are not always playing from behind.
You can actually run the ball.
And the opposing team can’t pin their ears back as you to throw the ball 35+ times a game trying to catch up.
You will always have a good chance to win.
Old school Buc Ball !
September 13th, 2019 at 9:56 am
Fruit Newton is playing poorly (0-8 in last 8 games) and may never fully recover. It warms my little black heart to see it unfold. In the past he runs/jumps in a lot of those red zone trips…including the final play. I don’t believe the Falcons ever fully recovered from the 25 point Super Bowl gag. I bet this is Quinn’s last year there.
September 13th, 2019 at 9:59 am
JOnathan, I am with you cam has always been a punk and now he is done…his game was being 6-5, 250 and able to run…the fact that they didnt have him running the ball on the last play or a run pass option tells you that he is done, CMC is a stud and bowles, had one goal: shut him down and let cam beat you, great defensive game plan for the bucs and bowles. Now on to saquon and a terrible defense of the gmen….hope leftwich learns how to call plays by then
September 13th, 2019 at 10:22 am
As what BA said after the game in the locker room ” Time to start stacking those WINS” GO BUCS
September 13th, 2019 at 10:50 am
Realist is out washing Bruce’s golf cart and buying a new kangol….
GO BUCS
September 13th, 2019 at 10:50 am
Just run the ball and we’ll beat NO and ATL. too. So says (10-6) NOSBOS. Gee, I didn’t know pro-ball was so simple. Been watching since Norm Van Broklin years and didn’t realize the secret. Just run the ball. I guess that’s what you do when you have great receivers and Jameis.
So simple.
September 13th, 2019 at 10:56 am
Our defense look good but guys mj Stewart will be the death of us he’s to slow
September 13th, 2019 at 11:01 am
D-Rome must be one of those 2 faced fans, he got really defensive lol.
The fact is real Bucs fans want Jameis to be successful because that is a key factor for the Bucs to be good. Who wants to start over AGAIN? I’m tired of constantly losing.
September 13th, 2019 at 11:34 am
“Jaymiss was OK last night. Didnt lose the game for us.”
Maybe, Evans uses both hands and Perriman uses his hands and Jameis would look better than just OK!
My favorite part of the game was when Barrett did the Superman bit after sacking Cammie.
Literally laughed out loud. LLOL!
September 13th, 2019 at 11:48 am
Cam looked gay as hell in his head scarf , hair do and outfit during press conference.
September 13th, 2019 at 11:55 am
Suh and Vea in the middle is a force to be reckoned with! Longest run was 10 yards!
September 13th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Keep Jameis handcuffed and the Bucs will win games. Let Jameis loose and he throws 4 INTs.
Sorry but until Jameis can show that he can do this consistently then I won’t trust him to be a full NFL quarterback.
But until then I’m totally fine with the new game manager Jameis for now.
September 13th, 2019 at 12:04 pm
Sorry y’all but jaymis wasn’t just ok he was borderline great. Evans an Perriman both dropped TD catches that were placed perfect definitely surprised by Evans dripped not by Perriman cuz that’s what he’s known for lol. Now jaymis did have a int dropped an missed a few passes but he didn’t lose us the game like last week. Most of y’all need to understand that jaymis is in a new system it took over half a season for Carson Palmer to find a grove so it prob will take our QB a little bit longer BA says it takes 2 years to master his system jaymis doesn’t have 2 years. So that’s why we are seeing our offense struggle compared to last year. They were in dirk system for over 4 years
September 13th, 2019 at 12:09 pm
@Lheew
That is the key for the bucs to be “good” , but the ” real” fans want the Bugs to be great!!!!!!!! And that require replacing the inaccurate game manager!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But if the sheep think that bearly winning a sloppy game against a team in a 9 game losing streak is some kind sign, then those sheep will be sadly mistaken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2019 will reveal answers to the sheep, that the “real” fans already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 13th, 2019 at 12:14 pm
FA- we hope they bring the pressure on Jameis. He’s ranked 2 and 3rd best Qb in the league while under pressure. Aaron Rogers is the only Qb that’s been better consistently. Unfortunately no DQ is as uninformed as you.
September 13th, 2019 at 12:37 pm
Realist
Get back to washing that golf cart while we stack these Ws!!!!!!
GO BUCS
September 13th, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Inaccurate game manager. I dont think any intelligent fan of football would call Jameis that.
El Buco you sound like a sheep parroting the national media.
September 13th, 2019 at 1:25 pm
The facts are Jameis Winston’s stats are similar or better through 4 seasons than TOM BRADY, DREW BREES, BEN ROETHLISBERGER, CAM NEWTON & MATT RYAN. Just do your own research lol. Interceptions are coachable, just look at Peyton Manning…..
September 13th, 2019 at 1:45 pm
@Joe,
Way too early to call a power shift in the NFC South. The Panthers were in it till the end. And I do believe Cam was not 100%, it doesn’t matter how stout our run defense is, you have to believe calling a QB sneak for 1 yard would have been the play. The Panthers were not willing to let Cam get hammered on that shoulder.
Too many games to be played to believe the Panthers are going to lay down the season after 2 games. LOL.
September 13th, 2019 at 2:07 pm
I agree, Joe. I said earlier it was a huge win. The way the team bounced back from a deflating loss at home really said something about our leadership. There are still things to work on, but we did make a statement. Maybe we won’t be 31st in the power ratings now – not that it really matters. Wins matter.
September 13th, 2019 at 2:46 pm
If the Rams do what they’re supposed to do on Sunday at home, the Bucs are tied for 1st place.
September 13th, 2019 at 2:48 pm
I see my comment was removed.
September 13th, 2019 at 4:58 pm
That’s one of my faves in that pic: Whitehead. Been a fan since he was drafted and I know less than 0 about college football. Cam Newton is starting to show his age and pro football isn’t kind to it. Still…….. go mighty defense!!! Bowles and Sir Dungy need to go out to dinner and compare notes.