Is the Strength of the Buccaneers Their Defense Again?
Check the calendar Buccaneers’ fans, it might be 2020 again.
Through three weeks of football for the Buccaneers, I would argue one side of the ball has been outplaying the other. Last year this was also the case, just the opposite. The offense was clearly far ahead of the defense. It was top three in most categories as opposed to the defense being bottom three in most. While the gap isn’t that large so far, it is there. The defense has unfortunately not been consistent, but has still done more.
The biggest thing has been the run defense. While they haven’t faced the best competition on offense as of yet, they have faced some pretty good RBs. Bijan Robinson in week one and Breece Hall in week 3. And facing those guys (plus Nick Chubb in week 2) has led to the 5th best ypc allowed in 3.6. This is nothing new as the run defense has always been in a league of its own since Bowles arriving, but it is still worth mentioning. Even missing Calijah Kancey, the run defense has shown up. They will face arguably the biggest test next Sunday in Saquon Barkley.
And while the passing defense hasn’t put it all together, how about Jamel Dean? In coverage, Dean has been rated by PFF as the best corner in preventing separation. He is the 6th best CB in the whole NFL according to their grading. If you dont’t trust PFF, just watching him, you can see that every snap. Last game I cited how he only allowed one catch against the Jets. The whole season he has only allowed 6 receptions. The secondary as a whole has also been pretty good about blitzing from the secondary. Having a healthy Antoine Winfield will do that, but Jacob Parrish hasn’t been a slouch either.
But speaking of pass rush, it’s time to praise Yaya Diaby. He currently leads the league in QB pressures and has gotten 2 sacks this season. Against the Jets alone he had 11 pressures, which is insane. People have been constantly saying the Bucs pass rush has been ineffective. The biggest thing from last year was the Bucs couldn’t get pressure rushing 4. However, this year, they are 8th in pressure rate when rushing four or less.A huge upgrade. Yaya has been developing, and Haason Reddick on the other side has been very helpful.
There are a lot of valid reasons as to why the Bucs offense hasn’t been able to keep pace. Not only have they dealt with a ton of injuries, but they have faced some really good defenses. However, this is a good thing in my opinion. The defense has done some heavy lifting, but so far it has been able to carry it. So, when the offense is closer to full strength, that should lead to a well-balanced team. This is not to say the Bucs offense has been bad. I have been mostly impressed with how they’ve handled the injuries. Just right now, the defense has been better.
Pete Carroll Reacts to Raiders' Shocking Adjustment: ‘It Was a Game-Changer’
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has spoken out about how the Las Vegas Raiders' first major adjustment in their most recent game against the Seahawks completely shifted the dynamics on the field. According to Carroll, the Raiders' ability to adjust early on threw off Seattle’s strategy and made it clear that the Raiders' coaching staff was ready to fight back in ways many didn’t expect.
“That first move they made, it really caught us off guard,” Carroll admitted. “The Raiders weren’t just playing the game in front of them—they were thinking ahead. That kind of change in strategy is exactly what teams like us have to be ready for. They changed everything.”
For Carroll, the Raiders’ decision to adjust early in the game was the kind of calculated move that turned the momentum. Their tactical shift put the Seahawks on their heels and forced Carroll and his coaching staff to make immediate changes to stay competitive.
Carroll’s Reaction: ‘They Made It Tougher on Us’
The game was tight, but it was the Raiders’ first big adjustment that proved to be the defining moment. Carroll emphasized how the Raiders’ move shifted their game plan, forcing the Seahawks to adapt quickly, making it harder for them to execute their offense.
“They had us adjusting before we could get into a rhythm,” Carroll said. “We thought we had the edge in certain areas, but they showed they were capable of making those key changes early. That changed the entire course of the game.”
For Carroll, the takeaway from this matchup is simple: preparation and adaptability are key. The Raiders' coaching staff was prepared for what Seattle was going to bring, and they made sure their first adjustment would keep the Seahawks from getting comfortable.
The Raiders’ Resilience: ‘They Adapted Quickly’
The Raiders’ ability to adjust on the fly caught Carroll by surprise, but he acknowledged that it also showcased the depth of their coaching staff and the talent on their roster.
“You’ve got to give credit where credit is due,” Carroll said. “They made the right decisions at the right time, and it made the game harder for us. That’s a team that knows how to fight back, and they executed their plan perfectly. We didn’t expect that kind of resilience early on.”
The Raiders’ early adjustment didn’t just impact the game—it highlighted how a shift in approach, even early in the matchup, can drastically change the trajectory of a contest.
Carroll’s Lesson: ‘It’s All About Adjustments’
Carroll’s team is now looking back at the game and using it as a valuable lesson in flexibility and resilience. “We have to be ready for any adjustment, any moment,” Carroll said. “It’s not about making one big play—it’s about adjusting every step of the way.”
For Carroll and the Seahawks, the Raiders’ first big adjustment was a reminder of just how critical it is to stay prepared for anything that comes their way, especially when facing a team with a coaching staff capable of shifting the game at a moment’s notice.
