Interesting input on our dline.

REDandPEWTER · Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 3856

http://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=78943

ravishingone · Joined: 07 Jan 2007 Posts: 1837 Location: Leola

Not trying to make an excuse for the d-line, but three of the starters (Te'-o Nesheim, McCoy, and Bennett) have never played this many snaps through entire NFL season, much less 11 games. Bennett was a rotation guy last year. Bowers is still only playing about 20-25 snaps a game, which is wise by the coaching staff.

I like Miller and Gibson, but really next year this team just needs one of them on the roster to be the run stopping NT. I think it will be Miller, but his 1.5 career sacks offer nothing on the pass rush.

Even with Clayborn coming back, I would like to see 2 solid additions to the d-line to give depth and let guys be fresher throughout the game. A good pass rushing team like the Giants will rotate about 8 d-line throughout the game, the Bucs right now are doing it with 6 guys. Gibson is probably getting less snaps then Bowers.

indifference · Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Posts: 1334

bucsfan333 · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 1:40 pm Post subject:

This is why we need a pure pass rusher. Bennett is best in a rotation, and he can play inside on passing downs. Clayborn does an excellent job pushing the tackle back in the pocket but that isn't always effective, especially when the QB is able to slide away. Bowers should, and probably will, be on a snap count for the next few seasons, if not his whole career. He's a great talent but he's no good on IR.

We need a speed rusher. A guy that can constantly get around the tackle and force the QB to move. A guy that can contain one side of the line and prevent the QB from sliding away from pressure. The guys we have now look like they're on roller skates most of the time.

A legitimate pass rush would do wonders for our defense. And when we play Cam, Brees, and Matty Ice twice each each year, we've gotta get after 'em. They'd pick us apart if we had Revis and Scrabble combined with our aenemic pass rush.

Get. After. The. QB.
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REDandPEWTER · Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 3856

Interesting piece from Joe Theissman this morning on Ron and Ian wdea. He said it best. He labeled the eagles a perfect example saying doesn't matter how good your secondary is. They're only as good as you're front 4. The eagles have pro bowlers and an all pro in the secondary but get shredded every week bc they're dline gets very little pressure.

He went on to say about Tampa that there isn't much pressure from the outside pass rush and guys like Matt Ryan will pick anyone apart when facing very little pressure in the pocket.

If our dline can't get to someone like Peyton manning he's going to light us up.

RoeKG · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 4010 Location: PA

I was going to start a thread with a similar idea. I noticed some stats regarding our defense a few weeks ago but never got around to posting it.

We are 32nd in pass defense. Which we can all agree, is awful. The only debate is whether the pass rush or the coverage is more to blame. Both deserve it, but I think one is worse.

But, we're 21st in opposing QB rating. Still not good, but much better than last. What it means is despite the high YPA (31st) and completion percentage (30th) we do give up, we don't give up a lot of TDs (tied for 18th in the league with 3 other teams) and get a good amount of INTs (3rd in the league).

We're also tied for 28th in the league in sacks. I'd be willing to be we are also very low in hits and pressures.

What these stats say to me is that opposing QBs have more time to throw more than they are just quickly finding the open man. We wouldn't be allowing such a high YPA if that weren't true, IMO.

The issue is the pass rush, IMO, and the DEs aren't getting it done. Even with Clayborn, Bennett, and Bowers, I see DE as the biggest issue. Bowers and Bennett could end up being great rotational guys, but we don't have a pass rushing DE outside of Clayborn.
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bucsfan333 · Posted: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:23 pm Post subject:

REDandPEWTER · Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 3856

RoeKG · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 4010 Location: PA

RoeKG · Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 4010 Location: PA

Soul Glo · Joined: 22 Nov 2009 Posts: 2758 Location: FL

God we miss Clayborn. Need Bowers and Clayborn healthy and together and keep Bennett you get a solid DE core. Still a need another impactful DT and must get a speed rusher. But lets be honest out CBs suck, we are relying on a UDFA. Our corners at worst, are equal (probably more) in blame.