Run Defense: Worrisome but Progressing

by jarldg on Aug 24, 2010 4:00 PM EDT

If you didn't happen across the game this past Saturday, go look at the stats. Tampa won, yet demonstrated that the defensive line is yet struggling to make plays and limit rushing attacks. Regular season play is nearly upon us and fans have serious concerns about the defense performing poorly and putting the offense, possibly without Freeman for a game or more, in poor situations.

Last season I watched the games without expecting Tampa to win but looking to see player improvement. For the most part I was satisfied, and believe this team can perform much better in 2010. I still believe this to be the case, however the Chiefs gave Tampa a lot of trouble on the ground. This was evident watching the game but the numbers are still surprising.

The four most relevant running backs rushed for a combined 142 yards. Here are their Yards Per Carry averages:

Palko: 7.0; Battle: 5.36; Charles: 5.2; Jones: 3.63.

Obviously, the message isn't that all hope is lost, but there is cause for concern. Tampa's initial two picks were directed toward stopping the run and an immeasurable amount of pressure is on McCoy and Price to dominate. They have to more than merely produce in their careers, they have to ascend to levels that exceed 'good'. The entirety of the defense depends on being able to shut down opponents running games and forcing them to test Tampa's strength: the secondary.

McCoy looked better against Kansas City than he did facing Miami. You could see him use his hands better and get some pressure on the quarterback and was about thirty inches from getting a sack. Brian Price played poorly and was on the ground often, however he's given a pass because of his injury and absence. McCoy's performance was satisfying and reassuring, and Price's camp gives hope to fans because they've seen him perform well. Still, most running backs in red were able to impose their will and move the chains.

Maurice Jones-Drew will test the line even further next week. Though not perfect, the line has played with an upward trend as the rookies are getting acclimated, and I expect Tampa to perform better than they did against the Chiefs. Not immensely better, but noticeably.

Statistics according to http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2010082153/2010/PRE2/chiefs@buccaneers#tab:analyze

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Gonna be a long year, they will get better though.

If an optimist had his left arm chewed off by an alligator, he might say in a pleasant and hopeful voice, "Well this isn't to bad, I don't have a left arm anymore but at least nobody will ever ask me if I'm left-handed or right-handed" but most of us would say something more along the lines of "Aaaaaa! My arm! My arm!" DANIEL HANDLER (as Lemony Snicket)

by bucnut1 on Aug 24, 2010 4:12 PM EDT reply actions

Super, super, super early.

Definitely concerning to see the Chiefs’ first-team offensive line controlling the tempo and TOP against our first-team defense, but this was the first time Brian Price stepped into live NFL action. Its gonna take the noobs some time for to get their sea legs.

Cannons... fire them.

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by Craig T on Aug 24, 2010 4:17 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

It was good to see Price out there.

Though he wont achieve his potential for a while, I’m excited to watch him develop.

by jarldg on Aug 24, 2010 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

not worried about run stopping in the last game

one could argue that KC has the best RB’s in the league right now with Thomas Jones and Jaamal Charles and didn’t expect the D line to stop them with sucess
MJD will be a good test for for the DT’s though and the starters will most likely get to play the whole half should be a good game

by ShiftyShayne on Aug 24, 2010 4:30 PM EDT reply actions

They looked as I suspected they would...

young and struggling. This will be another long season unless some real positive changes happen up front. Little to no pass rush and poor run play. Ugh…

by Cracker Ball on Aug 24, 2010 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions