The Bucs’ Elite Run Defense
October 3rd, 2026
Behind the ugly curtain that is the Buccaneers’ 0-3 record is an elite NFL run defense.
The Bucs are allowing 3.1 yards per rush, second best in the NFL. For perspective, Seattle led the league last season allowing 3.8 yards per carry. In 2024, it was the Ravens on top at 3.6. In 2019, the Bucs led the NFL, allowing just 3.3 yards per carry.
One could argue the Bucs have yet to face an elite running back this season, but the Bucs have seen a couple of very mobile quarterbacks.
Regardless, the run defense has been strong. Edge rushers have made plays. Vita Vea stepped up last week. Josiah Trotter was strong in Weeks 1 and 2 and several others have contributed.
This is potentially a great sign for the Bucs to stay in the game tomorrow. Green Bay has a horrid offensive line and there’s little reason to think they can run at all on the Bucs.
It seems a smart game plan for the Packers would be to throw, throw and throw some more. While the Bucs defense was excellent last Sunday, it still proved vulnerable at times against the pass.
If the Packers can muster 17 points tomorrow, the odds of a Bucs win with an undrafted rookie quarterback making his first start will get longer in a hurry.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:13 pm
And that happens every year with Bowles, load the box so nbdy run but its ok if they beat us by passing. Important is they cant run. What a joke.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:21 pm
So.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:23 pm
Fordham and Stick elevated
Bain Morrison Mayfield Kieft out
Dennis Parrish Nacho questionable
a weakened Bucs secondary and pass rush –
and a weak Packers run game may make the Bucs run defense look good
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:23 pm
Green Bay lost it footing without Josh Jacobs and Micah Parsons
They don’t even look the same
We have been excellent against the run
We have been good against the pass
I hope we’re able to maintain the play of the defense
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:33 pm
Yay😑.. In a passing league, the Bucs are an elite run stopping defense.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:34 pm
IF the Bucs are to win some games, our defense will have to lead the way. And in the process, we’d better hope that our offense can at least stop giving the ball away.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:41 pm
The problem is we usually allow every qb to complete 70pct+ so it offsets
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:42 pm
Straws!
Keep grasping!
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:48 pm
Sounds like a typical Bowles defense. All run stop, but lets backup QBs torch his D.
October 3rd, 2026 at 4:52 pm
We’re only giving up 206.7 passing yards a game
4 TDs in 3 games
That’s really good
October 3rd, 2026 at 5:19 pm
“elite” ? lol some elite gas-lichting.
October 3rd, 2026 at 5:22 pm
ROFL
October 3rd, 2026 at 5:29 pm
Sorry Joe, But I fail to see anything Elite about our Bucs.
October 3rd, 2026 at 5:46 pm
That’s great! But … 0-3.
October 3rd, 2026 at 6:41 pm
lol ok.
October 3rd, 2026 at 7:06 pm
Both starting guards for the cheese heads have been ruled out for tomorrow…. let’s see just how “elite” the Bucs D can be against back ups.
October 3rd, 2026 at 7:28 pm
This is a game where we should be able to run the football at will. So I sincerely hope we do it…And our offensive line needs to STEP IT UP!