It's obvious this defence has been terrible. I know some are suggesting this has been the worst Bucs defence the team has ever seen, but the defensive showings by the Bucs in 2011 was actually worse - both experientially and via Football Outsiders' defensive efficiency rankings. The Bucs are currently ranked 25th with a defensive DVOA (defensive-adjusted value over average) of 7.8% (25th ranked) which is most similar to 2009 when the Bucs had a DVOA of 7.9% and also ranked 25th. 2011 saw them ranked 31st with a DVOA of 14.2% (high is bad). See here: http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef2011 My actual question is this: Why is a new scheme considered at all as an explanation for the defensive woes? There are 9 new DCs in the NFL in 2014. Using FootballOutsiders defensive rankings (because they're far, far better than yards allowed), let's examine how teams have done, using rank and DVOA% (1st 2013 then 2014), and reminder a high % is bad: Bucs: -6.8% (8th) / 7.8% (25th)Bills: -13.8% (4th) / -13.8% (3rd)Beng: -12.6% (5th) / -7.2% (9th)Brown: +8.2% (24th) / +17.9% (31st)Cowb: +13.8% (30th) / +7.4% (24th)Lions: -0.8% (14th) / -15.6% (1st)Texan: +2.5% (18th) / -2.8% (15th)Titan: +4.2% (22nd) / +7.1% (23rd)Viking: +10.5% (27th) / +8.4% (26th)Of the 9 new DCs, 3 have produced defences that rank about the same (Vikings, Titans, and Bills). 3 have produced real improvement in their defences (Texans, Lions, Cowboys). 3 have produced real downgrades in their defences (Bucs, Bengals, and Browns).Of the teams who have dropped in the rankings the Bengals aren't particularly ineresting because they're still a top 10 defence. The two significant drops are the Browns and the Bucs falling 9.7% and 14.6% respectively. The only similar swing is the Lions who improved by 14.8%.These rankings are obviously very early (it being week 6) and there will absolutely be change in DVOA, especially as the strength of schedule continues to reveal itself (part of the beauty of DVOA is that it takes into account the quality of opponent - thus giving up 21 points to Denver is not the same as 21 points to Jacksonville).But my ultimate point is that the Bucs are not only the worst defence with a new DC (by a lot), they are only 2 of 9 teams with a new DC to be significantly worst.So I guess I'm saying, can we stop talking about learning the scheme as an excuse for bad play? Obviously, another year in this system will improve the play of the defence. But that's true for every defence (and offence). Unfortunately, the Bus are only 22% of new defences struggling to execute basic assignments. The real questions should be about coaching, playcalling, and talent - not whether the Bucs need more time to learn this scheme.
