Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense

Buc Wild — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 03:00:11 -0000

Looking back to Thursday's game, it's hard to imagine the way our defense played led to a loss. Granted, allowing 10 points is not bad, but a loss is a loss, or so I've been told. Let's take a gander at each of the units/positions on defense and how they fared.

Defensive Line

To me, this has been the biggest surprise. With a highly touted 3rd year player (Gaines Adams), some re-treads (Hovan and Sims) and Wilkerson, I don't think this group screams trouble. But after three games, they've been pretty stout against the run (though the end of the year isnt here yet) and have generated some pressure on passing downs. Adams hasn't quite made the impact I've expected, but I won't pitch a fit until the regular season comes. Wilkerson showed some nice moves and explosion on Thursday night. The big additions have been mid round picks Roy Miller and Kyle Moore. These guys not only add some depth, they have added playmaking abilities, shown in the game against the Dolphins. Chris Bradwell continues to show up. An interception and a forced fumble were generated by the DL, along with 4 sacks (only one by the first string). Grade: B

Linebackers

A mixed bag on Thursday night. Against the run they appeared to flow to the ball, and make some nice plays. Able to read and react. Against the pass, there a bit iffy. When picking up tight ends or running backs in man to man, they seem to use the trail technique, which is fine. But in zone, they appear lost. Not a good sign. Mystery man Barrett Ruud has yet to do anything in preseason. Count me as concerned. Geno Hayes has stepped up, and I'll admit, as an FSU fan, I'm happy to see him do well, but he was my pick to start all along once we let 55 go. Flip and Hayward are nice players at WLB, but I think Hayes is the right guy here. Quincy Black still hasn't showed that flash that the coaches talked about. Koutouvides and McCoy played well. The touchdown pass by Pennington was a result of too much time in the pocket and getting lost in coverage. All in all, not a bad night, but room to improve Grade: B-

Defensive Backs

If you remove Torrie Cox from the equation, the secondary played pretty well. No big plays, a sack (E.J. Biggers), and though some spotty communication, no real downfield threats. When you put Torrie Cox in, it wasn't pretty. Down the field plays, a few muggings, just not a good night. It's hard to predict how our secondary will do without T-Jack and possibly without Talib. Elbert Mack will need to step up and we will most likely have to count on Cox to some degree if Talib misses game time. If this group can maintain discipline as they did most of Thursday night, should be a decent group. And thus far, Ronde Barber has stepped up. My only question? We haven't played a team with a dominant receiver yet, will have to see how we match up there. But for Thursday night, I'll take the few big plays against Cox with everyone else showing up. Grade: B-

Overall

10 points, thats all that was given up and the touchdown came after undisciplined coverage by Cox, and Pennington playing sandlot football and hitting his tight end. Our first string gave up 3 points over one half of football, and didn't allow Miami to become any kind of threat. That's a pretty darn good performance right there. All in all, 4 sacks, a pick, a forced fumble and recovery, and 10 total points. You hold the opponent to 10 points, I'll take it every week. The defense has progressed and continued to look good in preseason. Though we had 4 sacks, one was by the first team. I'd like to see a bit more pressure generated. Grade: B

Few questions answered as Bucs fall to Fins 10-6

Buc Wild — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:33:40 -0000

Thursday night was supposed to be a wrap up of everything we've seen in camp thus far. The excitement of the first home game with new coaches, getting to see the players for the first time, and settling the position battles heading into the last week of preseason. Only a few of those things were accomplished. The much publicized battles for certain positions were in full swing, but no one seemed to take control.

The game opened up and finished in some rain, with heavier rain falling in the 2nd quarter and the game even being delayed about 45 minutes due to lightning. And to be honest, the two lightining strikes were just about more exciting than anything the Bucs did on Thursday night.

The Bucs first string offense would take the field and after a nice drive to about midfield, they were stopped. Out came the punting team. Only this time, we were struck with some good fortune. The punt was blocked, but as the Fins recovered it, the Bucs were able to strip the ball and recover, giving them a new set of downs. They'd make it count, somewhat, as the drive stalled inside the 20 and led to a Nugent field goal.

The first team defense did a fantastic job of shutting down the Dolphins attack, holding them to a three and out before taking over on offense. The offense again would make their way down the field, converting some 3rd and longs to cash in another field goal to make it 6-0 Bucs.

The teams would trade punts, and Leftwich would give way to McCown after the lightning delay. McCown would get the team in field goal range, but take two sacks to knock them out of field goal range.

The only other scoring play of the half would come in the two minute drill as the Dolphins marched down the field and netted three points just before half, brining the score to 6-3 Bucs.

The first drive of the second half saw all the scoring it would take to win the game. The Dolphins would receive the kick and picking on Torrie Cox made their way down to the two yard line. The Bucs had their second string defense in at this point, but on a sandlot play, Pennington droppd back, spun around, reversed fields and found Anthony Fasano wide open in the end zone on a busted play with busted coverage. 10-6 Dolphins.

The Bucs offense tried to get in gear, but their next drive ended in a missed field goal by Nugent. He had two shots at it, made the first called back by penalty and missed the second. A third miss in three games isn't gonna bode well for Nugent.

The action slowed considerably until the 4th quarter when the back up Tampa defense forced two turnovers. Kyle Moore forced a fumble and Chris Bradwell intercepted a Chad Henne pass. The offense would slow and as Freeman tried to gain a foothold on a possibly starting job, he wasn't able to get it done. His drives were filled with misfired passes, bad protection and scrambling attempts.

The game was still within reach at 10-6 but on the Bucs last drive, Freeman went no huddle and though he moved the ball, couldnt convert a 4th and 10 to extend the drive.

A night that had the potential to set the team up for the long run ended up posing more questions than answers. The Bucs fall to 1-2 on the preseason and will have a full week of practice as they prepare for their final preseason game.

The Good - The running game. Cadillac and Graham looked great, while Ward struggled a bit. This is a huge luxury the Bucs have and it played out well last night.

The Bad - Failing to cash in on several red zone opportunities. Field goals wont get it done.

The Ugly - The quarterback battle. No one stepped up. There were no winners last night, only degrees of failure. It will be interesting to see how Morris and company approach this.

SB Nation - Chris Bradwell

Grading out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense

Few questions answered as Bucs fall to Fins 10-6