Sean Tucker Explains How Zac Robinson Offense Will Create More Chances For Running Backs
August 12th, 2026
Feeling good about new offense.
It seems Bucs running back Sean Tucker really liked squaring up against the Jets yesterday in New Jersey.
Tucker noted the flow of the offense from Zac Robinson calling plays to the time the ball is snapped is different when facing a different team. So Tucker liked the feel of a more game-like atmosphere in the scrimmages with Robinson calling the shots.
Tucker also talked about how Robinson’s offense ought to give running backs more of an opportunity for explosive plays and greater impact than they had last year.
“Definitely a lot of different routes and new plays for us,” Tucker said. “Especially with the addition of Kenny [Gainwell] coming in [and] putting his abilities to use.
“A lot of us backs [are] just catching up and getting the plays down.”
Then there is Robinson incorporating more outside zone scheme into the offense. That, if executed properly, can open cutback lanes to exploit, which seems like a perfect offense for Bucky Irving, Kenny Gainwell and Tucker, too.
“I like that a lot,” Tucker said. “With ‘Z-Rob’ [Robinson] coming in with his offense, [there is] definitely a lot more outside zone, I would say.
“Getting used to that and having that ability to definitely stretch it outside more is kind of up my alley.”
A lot of folks, especially national NFL analysts, moan that Robinson was a predictable play-caller in Atlanta. Joe thinks that’s a bit unfair. Joe would be predictable, too, if he had the same lousy play the Dixie Chicks had at quarterback (unless they played the Bucs) and a mostly meh receiving corps — but a beast in the backfield like Bijan Robinson.
Damn right Joe would be predictable as hell. Keep feeding Bijan Robinson until a defense showed it could stop him.
With the Bucs, Zac Robinson has so, so many more toys to play with.
August 12th, 2026 at 9:26 am
It probably didn’t help Atlanta’s offense any that they had Atlanta’s defense.
We be moan our Bucs defensive ranking but really it’s defensive scoring that really counts.
Atlanta and Tampa Bay were neck and neck in that same mediocre to awful area. That was part of the problem with the Buccaneers. The offense was constantly trying to play catch up and they were too injured to do it. If the new and improved defense can hold a lead, we should be a lot better shape with the offensive weapons at Zac’s disposal.
August 12th, 2026 at 9:28 am
Another thing Z Rob has here as opposed to ATL is a mobile qb. It will be interesting to see if that changes anything
Now before anyone goes crazy, no not mobile like the upper echelon of mobile qb’s. Just not granite statutes like Cousins and Penix.
August 12th, 2026 at 9:39 am
I’m not per se excited about Robinson, but I am open minded. Our biggest problem last year was injuries. Seems like some people need reminding that we had the same OC at the beginning of the year (6-2 baby!) as we did at the end (don’t ask). What changed, mostly, was personnel availability. This is not a defense of last year’s guy (he’s a grown man he can defend himself) but just an observation. He was a step down from the year before but that step got bigger as injuries mounted.
Anyway, as a retired coach/GM (like everyone else here) that’s why ZR has to prove himself to me.
August 12th, 2026 at 9:44 am
Tucker needs more touches period. He was running wild vs the Bills and when they needed 2 yards for a 1st down they wanted Baker to throw it. Makes no sense. Hopefully “Z-Rob” will call the easy plays for success.
August 12th, 2026 at 9:58 am
No concerns about the Offense this year other than staying healthy. It’s that Putrid Pass Defense of the recent past that we all are hoping is nothing but Bad memories. LFG!
August 12th, 2026 at 10:02 am
I hope the offense can get off to a fast start in games!! That will help the Bucs D and make the opponent play catch up! Bring on September!
August 12th, 2026 at 10:39 am
@Jack Burton Mercer
“… we had the same OC at the beginning of the year (6-2 baby!) as we did at the end (don’t ask). What changed, mostly, was personnel availability.”
Grizzard created or inherited a scheme that worked when most of the starters were available. It would have been understandable if he could do little with the backups, but that was not the case.
Bee Says: “Tucker … was running wild vs the Bills and when they needed 2 yards for a 1st down they wanted Baker to throw it. Makes no sense.”
This was a recurring theme after the 6-2 start as injuries piled up. A run heavy offense would play to the strength of the OL backups and carry the Bucs into field goal position where suddenly the play calling became pass heavy. The other teams recognized the pattern and consistently came after Baker sending him scrambling for his life. Baker would be sacked costing the Bucs field goal position and ending in punts. The Bucs lost three games by three points or less.
If I recall correctly, the Bucs had 8 consecutive two point tries passing with no conversions and no run attempts.
And, after Bucky came back and played hurt, they forced the Ball to Bucky which was ineffective, and they put White on a shelf and would not let him run the ball which became very predictable.
So, yes, Grizzard was successful when the team was healthier and he could run the game the way he had intended to run it. But, he failed to adapt to win with what still worked for the Bucs with the backups playing by recognizing and capitalizing on what the backups did best.
August 12th, 2026 at 10:41 am
Thanks for the feature with Tucker. I’m a fan.
August 12th, 2026 at 10:44 am
Joe, I think the Bucs and Falcons both had lousy QB play in a number of games last year. If we don’t blame the OC when that happens we shouldn’t have fired Grizzard. Both he and Robinson ran predictable schemes after all.
August 12th, 2026 at 11:35 am
They got heem believin’ HE’s Bijan. That’s good. Gotta first BELIEVE.
August 12th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
just score point z rob!!