“Let’s Go Pound Them One More Time”
September 18th, 2025
Pound the rock.
To hear Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, the Bucs always wanted to be a physical run team that can close games out by pounding the ball.
Grizzard spoke today at One Buc Palace and was asked about running the ball late against Houston with just nine seconds left in the game and the Bucs down by five. Rachaad White ran up right guard from two yards out to ice the game.
So why not pass? Basically, it came down to what Grizzard has always wanted the Bucs to be: a physical running team capable of punishing the opposition into submission.
“It was absolute mentality,” Grizzard said of his call to let White hammer it home for the win. “It was from [team goals in] the spring [in winning] the game with the trenches.
“We ran the ball effectively up to that point. Then, we looked at it like, ‘Hopefully these guys are gassed. Let’s go pound them one more time.'”
And the play came out almost identically to the way LSU coach Brian Kelly ranted at reporters after beating Florida 20-10 on Saturday.
“We can run the ball,” Kelly yelped after a reporter suggested LSU can’t run. “Did you see the last play? That’s all you need! You just need one!”
That one run by White turned out to be the winning run.
Bucs right tackle Charlie Heck said when Baker Mayfield called the play for White to run to the right, it was music to Heck’s ears.
“When we heard that call — that’s what you want to hear as an o-lineman,” Heck said. “We knew it was on us to get the ball in the end zone and Rachaad had a great run.”
The Bucs were able to play smashmouth last week despite both tackles sidelined and Graham Barton and Ben Bredeson playing out of position.
Can the Bucs pull that off a second week in a row, especially if left guard Michael Jordan cannot go?
September 18th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Who cares. I am bout disgusted with NFL/ Oh well.
September 18th, 2025 at 4:36 pm
HC Grover Says:
September 18th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Who cares. I am bout disgusted with NFL/ Oh well.
What? Well then see you next year HC.
The Bucs are 2-0 by the way.
September 18th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Oh well
September 18th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
Why didn’t they run it again on the 2pt. Conversion??? Should of, because if a fumble or interception happened and they ran it back for 2 points, Bucs would of loss. Bad call in my opinion.
September 18th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
You.
September 18th, 2025 at 4:52 pm
I just want Bake to get out of this game healthy. I’ll take a 7-6 win with everyone coming out healthy. At least I’m not a ‘fins fan anymore – could be brutal tonight.
September 18th, 2025 at 4:56 pm
Joe … ‘Can the Bucs pull that off a second week in a row, especially if left guard Michael Jordan cannot go?’
I’m confused Joe. Haven’t read anything about Michael Jordan being hurt, but I do see that Bucs have him assigned to our Practice Squad as of right now at least. He started the first 2 games & played quite well I thought. What makes you think that he might not be called up & play against the Jets?
September 18th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Thank you Joe, HC needs to be checked, it is Like a 5 year old smh
September 18th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Defense Rules, I’ve gotta believe Jordan is our starting left guard Sunday
September 18th, 2025 at 5:43 pm
No lie—if I were a Jets or Philly exec today, I’d attempt to sign any Bucs practice squad O-lineman to their 53, just to dry up the well.
September 18th, 2025 at 5:44 pm
“It was absolute mentality,” Grizzard said of his call to let White hammer it home for the win. “It was from [team goals in] the spring [in winning] the game with the trenches.
“We ran the ball effectively up to that point. Then, we looked at it like, ‘Hopefully these guys are gassed. Let’s go pound them one more time.”
Josh had Rachaad White running downhill 4 plays straight, we get down within FG range and Grizz decides to nix that and throw the ball(?!). Defense was reeling and not stopping White, and we gave them a pass schematically & literally.
September 18th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Grumpy old fella
September 18th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
The bucks have become a next man up kinda team, only this year, the next man up happens to be better than previous years back ups were.
I’m wondering how the teams we have played are healthwise as well. Are we beating them up too?
September 18th, 2025 at 7:25 pm
Id actually like to see Tucker and White get more carries if the game script allows for it….which it should. We dont want Irving getting burned out too quick. Last week was physical.
September 18th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
RW has been criminally under utilized since mid/late last season… As a receiver AND as a runner. Hopefully Grizz has seen the light and he continues to get significant touches along with Bucky getting his 🤞🏼
September 18th, 2025 at 9:28 pm
Rachaad was quite well utilized against the Texans. Griz is two games into it with an OL in a shambles and a kicking unit that proves you better pray with your eyes closed every FG and PAT attempt. Griz has a lot of mouths to feed, excluding mouth breathing alligatoridae.
September 18th, 2025 at 9:29 pm
Joe what’s going on with MJ ?