Merril Hoge Dives Into How To Attack The Bucs
October 17th, 2026
The Buccaneers (1-4) average exactly 20 points per game. Sad!
The Steelers (3-2) have averaged 29.3 points over their last three games.
The two teams square off tomorrow at The Licht House.
So what’s one way to short-circuit the Tampa Bay offense without letting it happen organically? Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge (also of ESPN fame) dove into that subject during an Xs and Os breakdown for the Steelers’ official website.
Hoge says pass blocking in the backfield has been a serious Bucs weakness. “This has been a problem for Tampa and their offense, no matter who’s playing quarterback,” he said.
Targeting Bucky Irving and others is a way to blow up the Bucs, Hoge showed on film. (Hoge outlined a Cade Otton block, too.) His analysis also would make make most offensive line aficionados cringe.
The Steelers have not had a ferocious pass rush this season, though it’s been ok. If it turns great on Sunday, there’s a strong chance it’ll be tied to the backfield blocking.
October 17th, 2026 at 1:06 pm
Roll up Barton
He’s top heavy and gets pushed around in pass protection
October 17th, 2026 at 1:09 pm
Run the ball
October 17th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Ko and Bucky in the “I”.
October 17th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
Was Hoge holding his little yellow hanky?
October 17th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
When is the Den of Depression name coming back?
October 17th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
20 points per game. All the defense has to do then is hold the opponent to 19 or less.
All I’ve heard about is the greatness of the Bowels lead defense this year.
So what then is the reason we’re 1-4 so far????
Anyone, anyone, Bueller, Bueller…….
October 17th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
How obvious all you have to do is bring pressure up the middle cuz the twin turnstiles Barton and Mauch can’t block
October 17th, 2026 at 1:44 pm
RPO offense coupled with playing CG in the slot. Quick passes on crossing patterns and WR picks. ( yeah I know, but refs Don’t seem to call that penalty much) No WR screens, Steelers will be waiting for them. Hopefully, the O line can drive block effectively against the squealers. Would like to see the RBs get 100+ on the ground.
D has to sell out against Rodger’s, heavy blitz packages and playing press coverage. Secondary will get killed if they give him open targets. Even if the D has to take a few penalties, Rodgers needs to get hit hard.
October 17th, 2026 at 2:13 pm
Most of us assumed the D would be our downfall this year. Thus far, it’s our best unit
October 17th, 2026 at 2:13 pm
How to beat the Bucs: Have a competent HC. That’s too much of a disadvantage for the Bucs to overcome.
October 17th, 2026 at 2:21 pm
I said this earlier in another post, simple, TE over the middle…. And if they decide to jet sweep us on a short gain, its right there. todd has our OLB’s covering ghosts or they aren’t fast enough and lined up too far from the O line to be effective, plus dropping big guys into coverage when the should be pass rushing…… Yeah, SAD!
October 17th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
It is a valid observation that our RB’s have not blocked well. In fact, have seen them flat get run over. With all due respect, Bucky and Kenny are on smaller side to be consistently stonewalling trained professionals 50+ lbs heavier bearing down at full speed. This is where we miss Rachad White. White is terrific at picking up blitzes and holding blocks long enough for receivers to get downfield.
October 17th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
I outlined the issue with the backs and tightends when I mentioned in the prior post that I had three TB olineman starters graded out. and that the backs and tightends were not pulling their weight in blitz protection. Buccs are actually #2 in pass block win rate when teams do NOT blitz and #7 overall in pressure rate. Maybe we need give Bauer Sharp more of a look and/or play Kieft more to help stabilize the blitz pickup. Hell, maybe go 6 offensive linemen?
Here’s a nugget for the opposing offense. Per Warren Sharp, Rogers apparently struggles vs. Cover 3 and has seen that coverage infrequently this season. The Buccs play Cover 3 at the second highest rate in the league. Teams respect the Buccs pressure…..and have their QBs get rid of it quick! In fact Love and Prescott were #1 respectively in time to throw that week in the QB position, and Burrow was #2 in week 1 vs. the Buccs. Rogers is #12 in time to throw against pressure and when qbs hold onto the ball longer the Buccs have double digit pressure rate.
October 17th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
White was very good at pass pro, whatever happened to him?
October 17th, 2026 at 3:36 pm
I think our pass block stats LOOK better than they are, owing to so many WR screens, which come out instantly
October 17th, 2026 at 3:52 pm
I get why Evans and White left……and i hated when we let RB Blount go too (back in the day)….is what it is, Evans and White saw something or maybe they just needed a change of scenery
October 17th, 2026 at 4:30 pm
Well Bowles already said we are going to run, so the Steelers have that info to work with. Is Bowles bluffing? Not a chance, he doesn’t have the ability to think ahead!
October 17th, 2026 at 4:51 pm
#10 can break contain. So, bring it up the middle on passes and he might burn them 7 yards.
October 17th, 2026 at 4:59 pm
so the backs also dont block well for daniels and godwin doesnt get open for him either?
October 17th, 2026 at 6:16 pm
Tampa will stop the run, Get pressure up the middle, seal the edges and of course drop a couple dudes to cover their TE’s ..Now its up to the kid to not turn the ball over ,and run the ” rock” as you tough guys say.. Easy Peasy! IN THE TODD WE TRUST….GO BUCS!