Koetter Talks Cutting JPP’s Snaps

March 28th, 2018

Ever since Tampa Bay traded for first-class NFL defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (man, it’s fun to type that), Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht have lauded JPP for playing more than 90 percent of the Giants’ defensive snaps last year.

For those who don’t care about such data, that’s a ton of snaps, a league-leading kind of total in the trenches.

Koetter mentioned the feat yesterday at the NFL coaches breakfast in Orlando, so Joe asked if it’s far to say Koetter wants to cut that number significantly, say back to 80 percent of the snaps

“It is fair to say that but I don’t think that’s what he wants to hear,” Koetter said of JPP. “You know, I think he addressed that in [his] press conference. When I did my research on JPP, one of the things people that have coached him in the past told me is, ‘He doesn’t like to come off the field.’ Well as a coach, I look at that as a positive. But I think if you look around the league, teams, we’ve said this every year, that we’d love to have a rotation and play guys less. Sometimes injuries don’t let you do that. You know, we’ve been hit hard the last two years at the defensive end spot. So, you know, by the end of the season we had guys that were playing a lot of snaps by necessity.”

Koetter went on to say the Eagles were a great model for rotating defensive linemen, and he noted they stayed healthy. Of course, the Bucs now own two members of that Super Bowl roster, defensive tackle Beau Allen and defensive end Vinny Curry.

Joe sure hopes the Bucs cut 29-year-old JPP’s snaps a bit from his astronomical total last season. No, the Bucs are not headed to the Super Bowl this year, and it might be a good idea to preserve JPP a little bit over the course of a long season.

Maybe, just maybe, some fast starts by the Bucs’ talented offense, and a blowout win or two, will make that easy.

38 Responses to “Koetter Talks Cutting JPP’s Snaps”

  1. AlteredEgo Says:

    It is not the percentage……it is the number of snaps….!!!

  2. DB55 Says:

    Over pay and under utilize, the Bucs business model is extraordinary. Shocking they aren’t more competitive

  3. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Doesn’t need to cut his snaps with his left hand though.

  4. StPeteBucsFan Says:

    A lot of IFS still need to pan out….BUT….if they do…watch out.

    Noah Spence was considered better than Joey Bosa their first year at OSU.
    He was flashing his rookie year despite the bum shoulder…same for last year until it put him out of commission. He was the player drawing all the rave reviews in the joint practice with Jax. They see some good defensive players and they complemented Spence big time.

    I think this is the biggest IF of all simply because I believe if he could regain his health Spence has more upside than anybody on this team including JPP. All respect to JPP he’s proved it while Spence has to get on the field.

    Still….IF…The Bucs landed Chubb and signed one more good DE like Arden Key later….Koetter will have no problem rotating lineman. Think of it.

    JPP…Spence…Curry slides inside to tackle…and of course GMC

    We still have Gholston…and Beau Allen does not want to come off the field…

    IF these piece fall into place…largely contingent on health…we could have a really good d line next year.

  5. Rod Munch Says:

    Anything to make sure the Bears 4th DE they signed and paid $4m gets his playing time.

  6. tmaxcon Says:

    Softest franchise in pro sports…. I never realized how scared koetter coaches… cancer93 has grip on him.

  7. Onetrickpony Says:

    Kinda like buying a corvette and letting it sit in the garage and driving your Volkswagen instead ?

  8. webster Says:

    Jesus some of you are truly clueless. All great defenses rotate the dline. The giants that won super bowls. The rotated strahan, tuck, osi etc on the outside. Then they rotated paul, tuck, osi etc. Phily last year. How does this equate to overpaid underutilized? Its smart. You thought the bucs signed the bears de not to play? You want 4 fresh pass rushers at all times. But i get it..some of you just have to complain about every damn post. Obviously some posters are the chicks in their relationship. It is plainfully obvious.

  9. stevek Says:

    I just want to see this defense get off the field on third downs.

    Hooray for a legit edge rusher! So pumped to have some talent flying off the edge.

    Now, can Heargraves get it together and play like the #11 overall pick? Now or never for Heargraves. He shouldn’t be allowed to wear #28, as it is a disgrace to the great Warrick Dunn.

    I need to see Licht’s first round picks, outside of Mike Evans, take a step up! I am looking at #3 (fumbles/turnovers/silly decisions), and VH3 (aka Cinnamon Toast Crunch!).

    I am not so worried about Jameis, but I am terrified of VH3 not being tall enough, fast enough, or in possession of enough heart/desire/drive to get better. I hope I am wrong, but if he comes out flat as hell this year, then there will be problems. He needs to warrant his draft status.

    Let’s go Bucs!

  10. webster Says:

    During the bucs superbowl run, they rotated ellis wyms, booger, sapp, rice, greg spires, chartic darby, buck gurley. They all played. This is nothing new. Stop whinning

  11. Eric Says:

    IMO you should assess a guy and his productivity on an individual basis. If JP plays better with more snaps, and getting the feel for the game, by all means let the man do it.

    Some running backs are like that, they get better as game goes on but not as good if platooned.

  12. delson Says:

    Lorenzo Carter 6’4 250 lbs 4.42 40 yard dash 82 inch wingspan 10’10 broad jump he was listed at 242 during the college season and officially 250 at the combine. If carter ran 4.42 then it cant be mcdonalds the guy is still putting weight on. The bucs would be stupid to pass on the speed rush and the pursuit ability of Lorenzo carter.

  13. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Something to Consider – “If” we add 4-3 NT – Bennie Logan”

    Snap Counts Eagles vs. Bucs

    Based On Snap Counts (2017) Eagles
    RDE Vinny Curry (578) | Derek Barnett (424) | Steven Means (53)
    RDT Fletcher Cox (608) | Destiny Vaeao (230) | Elijah Qualls (103)
    LDT Tim Jernigan (492) | Beau Allen (422)
    LDE Brandon Graham (666) | Chris Long (495)

    Based On Snap Counts (2017) Buccaneers
    RDE Vinny Curry (578) | Noah Spence (247) | Will Clarke (315)
    RDT Gerald McCoy (810) | Mitch Unrein (389)
    LDT Bennie Logan (572) | Beau Allen (422)
    LDE Jason Pierre-Paul (1011) | William Gholston (447)

  14. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Tackles For Loss Eagles vs. Bucs

    Based On – Tackles For Loss (2017) Eagles
    RDE Vinny Curry (10) | Derek Barnett (8) | Steven Means (2)
    RDT Fletcher Cox (7) | Destiny Vaeao (0) | Elijah Qualls (0)
    LDT Tim Jernigan (9) | Beau Allen (4)
    LDE Brandon Graham (16) | Chris Long (2)
    Tackles For Loss Defensive Line = 58

    Based On – Tackles For Loss (2017) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    RDE Vinny Curry (10) | Noah Spence (1) | Will Clarke (2)
    RDT Gerald McCoy (13) | Mitch Unrein (4)
    LDT Bennie Logan (9) | Beau Allen (4)
    LDE Jason Pierre-Paul (11) | William Gholston (4)
    Tackles For Loss Defensive Line = 58

  15. Mike Johnson Says:

    JPP is no P…. He has a very high motor. And if you ever watched him, he’s like Sapp, the more he plays, the higher the motor get. Let the man Play! Koetter. I’m starting to think Koetter is the one who needs limited snaps. Grow a pair Koetter. I betcha Bill Parcels did not cut Lawrence Taylors snaps!!

  16. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Sacks Totals Eagles vs. Bucs

    Based On – Sacks (2017) Eagles
    RDE Vinny Curry (3) | Derek Barnett (6) | Steven Means (1)
    RDT Fletcher Cox (6.5)| Destiny Vaeao (0) | Elijah Qualls (0)
    LDT Tim Jernigan (2.5) | Beau Allen (1)
    LDE Brandon Graham (10.5) | Chris Long (5)
    Total Sacks Defensive Line = 35.5

    Based On – Sacks (2017) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    RDE Vinny Curry (3) | Noah Spence (1) | Will Clarke (2.5)
    RDT Gerald McCoy (6) | Mitch Unrein (2.5)
    LDT Bennie Logan (2.5) | Beau Allen (1)
    LDE Jason Pierre-Paul (8.5) | William Gholston (0)
    Total Sacks Defensive Line = 27

  17. blackhouse jizm Says:

    1,d.james fs fl st….2,lorenzo carter de ga….4,tarvarus mcfadden cb fl st….5,anthony averett cb alabama….6,rb bo scarbrough alabama….6,rb gerald holmes mich.st….7,byron pringle wr kansas st

  18. Bucsfanman Says:

    If the Bucs are playing well there will be a natural rotation. 90% is pretty high, GMC was 80%+. I’m sure injuries play a large role in snaps as well. Again, if the line stays healthy, he’ll probably see less than 90%.
    No big deal. Obviously, you want your best 11 out there. They need rest too though.

  19. AlteredEgo Says:

    BF…”Obviously, you want your best 11 out there. They need rest too though.”…they can rest on the bench after 3 and outs….watching the offense grid down the clock…. 🙂

  20. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Mike J

    C’mon now – U know damn well…that U don’t wear out your thoroughbred.
    Especially when you consider the kids injury history.

    Snap Count % (2012-2017)
    2017 – Snaps:1010 | 91.65%
    2016 – Snaps: 792 | 71.35%
    2015 – Snaps: 502 | 43.46%
    2014 – Snaps: 959 | 91.16%
    2013 – Snaps: 567 | 50.22%
    2012 – Snaps: 875 | 83.33%

    Sacks & Tackles (2012-2017)
    2017 – Sacks: 8.5 | Tackles: 68
    2016 – Sacks: 7.0 | Tackles: 53
    2015 – Sacks: 1.0 | Tackles: 26
    2014 – Sacks: 12.5 | Tackles: 76
    2013 – Sacks: 2 | Tackles: 27
    2012 – Sacks: 6.5| Tackles: 66

  21. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Sh!t, Go ask Jimmy Johnson about the importance of keeping guys fresh.
    What made that Dallas Defensive Line so damn good, was that beastly rotation.

  22. Cover Deuce Says:

    A note that any halfway decent editor would have probably given you: the Bucs don’t “own,” anyone, since owning people is sort of looked down upon these days. They do however *employ* two consenting adult men who recently won a Super Bowl.

  23. JAB83 Says:

    If I were JPP I would be terrified of the idea of cutting anything of mine.

    However, he is a beast, bet if he played on one leg and was over weight he would still be a beast.

    Bring in the offensive equivalent. AP needs his Super Bowl Ring THIS YEAR!!!!

  24. JimmyJack Says:

    If the man wants to play you let him play. When he starts breaking down we will talk.

  25. DB55 Says:

    LUVMYBUCS Says:
    March 28th, 2018 at 2:46 pm
    Sh!t, Go ask Jimmy Johnson about the importance of keeping guys fresh.
    What made that Dallas Defensive Line so damn good, was that beastly rotation
    —————-
    I thought it was cuz they had Charles Haley and he never came of the field. He played in the SB with a broken (injured) back but wtfdik?

  26. webster Says:

    Its too late if he starts breaking down to talk. You rotate to prevent him from breaking down. Its really not that hard guys. Jpp playing 91% of the snaps is not normal. In fact i believe i read he played more snaps than anyone in the league. Again not normal. Stop freaking out and overreacting just because koetter wants to give him regular number of snaps like everyone else in the league.

  27. Bucsfanman Says:

    AlteredEgo- Amen brother! That’s the scenario we hope for.

  28. mike10 Says:

    I get the value in a rotation, however, the Eagles also don’t have JPP. 80% of JPP is better than most players 100%. So if he is making an impact and wants to play, I say let him play

  29. SteelStudBuc Says:

    So many stats LUV and too much imagination.
    There’s nothing wrong with 80% snaps… that’s 8 out of 10 plays… give the guy a couple plays off every quarter to get his wind. What’s the big deal? Fresh legs are good against winded O- linemen.
    Too much whining from this fan base. They will be a better team this year… so much belly achin

  30. webster Says:

    You are not going to be able to play 92% of the snaps in this heat and be effective in the 4th quarter.

  31. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    DB55

    I thought it was cuz they had Charles Haley and he never came of the field. He played in the SB with a broken (injured) back but wtfdik?

    C’mon bruh, his snaps were limited. He was used mostly on the money downs.

  32. SOEbuc Says:

    Would we get a two and three if we traded down with Arizona?

    Round 1: Vita Vea
    Round 2: Michel/Guice
    Round 2: CB
    Round 3: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo

    Vea and Okoronkwo would give us a sick ass rotation.

    Trade back into the third for Terell Edmunds, also.

    #GMSOEbuc

    #Oh wait this league has officially turned into two hand touch and defensive lineman definitely need to use helmets to make contact so pretty much all the NFL wants to see is a QB lined up with receivers and no one else on the field throwing the ball around. Pay me millions to do that. This is turning into some serious BS and if Pu$$y ass play continues bring on the XFL and injury waivers.

  33. Rrsrq Says:

    Joe says we are not going to the SB, we all said that about Jacksonville when we played them in preseason, I’m just saying you never know, with the right guard pick and RB, we could average 24-30, defense can’t be as bad to give up more than 17 a game (on paper). I expect improvements and a real culture change.

  34. gotbbucs Says:

    If he helps get the defense off the field on 3rd down and the offense does their part then snaps won’t be an issue.

    Injuries on defense happen when they’re on the field for 12-18 play drives every series.

  35. Alan Says:

    I would love to trade down if chubb Nelson Barkley and ward are gone. I would demand both first round picks from the bills and a 3rd round pick. If it’s Arizona or another quarter back team a first this year and 2nd plus a 1st for next year. I would prefer to trade up to 4 with Cleveland only if Barkely was still there. What do you guys think?

    If none of this happens Nelson Chubb Barkley and ward gone.

    1st round derwin James
    2nd round corner
    3rd round best running back available

    Licht has killed us with picks like hardgraves bust for 9th over all and drafting aguayo in the 2nd round. Drafting the running back that we cut during hard knocks he needs to have an A+ draft or I say we fire him

  36. Pancake block Says:

    The best way to cut back on snap count for the entire defense is to consistently force your will on opposing defenses and pound that rock. An Anemic 2.9 yards a carry ain’t gonna accomplish that…sustained drives keep a defense fresh not 3 downs and a punt. We need to be more than 1 dimensional on offense

  37. BringBucsBack Says:

    Couldn’t an up-tempo offense negate oft-made D-line Personnel changes?

    Come on Joes, the Bucs have no shot at the Superbowl this year? Did you think the same about the Eagles this time last year?

  38. SOEbuc Says:

    Joe- “No, the Bucs aren’t headed to the Super Bowl this year.”

    Wow Joe. Would’ve never guessed YOU were a band wagon Bucs fan. 2016 Jags (3-13). 2016 Eagles (7-9). Slow your roll bro and keep the faith.