The Buccaneers' secondary was, IMHO, a bigger issue than the edge play.
Its an interesting question. Did the secondary struggle because of a poor pass rush or was the secondary (and LBs) a reason for the poor sack numbers?
For the last two season the way to beat the Bucs has been the quick, short passing game. League worst stat against RB and TEs, maybe worst YAC number, etc.
Until they turn that around the defense is not getting any better.
LA Times team reporter mock has Stroud taking:
“The Bucs can’t afford to ignore their highest need for a pass rusher. Sure, Mesidor will be 25, but the mistake they’ve made in the past at this position with picks like Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Chris Braswell is choosing potential over production. The Bucs are back in win-now mode and Mesidor had 12.5 sacks and a 21.3% win rate while forcing four fumbles. They haven’t had anyone with 10 sacks since Shaquil Barrett in 2021.”
I do not think they see edge that big of a problem based on their half hearted effort. They probably see the problem at boundary CB and ILB just as big of a problem along with the lack of size on the DL.
I'm so confused by this cornerback "need".
We spent premium capital on two corners last year. We have McCollum wrapped up for 2 more years and he's relatively young. We have Smith who can slide into the slot. We have one of the highest paid safeties.
How can secondary be prioritized over front 7? Why is it even being considered a need outside of picks 4-7?
Most pundits are looking at the 27th ranked pass defense and Dean leaving via FA. It's not a horrible conclusion to draw. If the BPA is a CB in any given round, do it.
The 2025 Bucs defense was one of the better defense against deep passing (10+AY), but completely struggled against shorter passing (YAC ) and I think were worst in the league when it came to 1st down passing percentage (ie teams threw against them for 1st downs). So again, underneath passing.
Use the Lions game as an example. The Lions top receivers were ASB (WR), Gibbs (RB), Wright(TE) and Montgomery (RB) and ASB is often catching stuff short and getting YAC (46 of 86 yds are YAC).
The horrific Falcons loss the top receivers are Pitts and Robinson. The Eagles loss, Goedert and Barkley are top 2 receivers.
This is one reason for the low sack totals and the obvious reason they think ILB is a big need. They couldn't stop the short passing game.
Did the secondary struggle because of a poor pass rush
Tampa was third in the league in pressures
Yes, but way off in sacks. Ball coming out quick and underneath?
Yes. But, those pressures become sacks if there is middle of the field coverage of which we had zilch, nada, nothing. Anzalone alone will improve our sack total in 2026.
Licht paid McCollum like a #1 corner. He also just drafted Morrison in the second round last year. Those two ARE our starting outside corners. Parrish in the slot.no clear #1 CB and McCollum isn't playing like the 2 he should be.
Dont they want McCollum to be the #1?
if they dont then first pick is CB?
Seems everyone is saying we need a straying corner. If that is the case, then Licht screwed up. In what world does a guy get to continue making mistakes that set us back like this?
I agree we need depth at the position, but these types of investments in $$$ and high draft picks aren’t resources you throw at backups. McCollum and Morrison are either starters or Licht screwed up again.
The Buccaneers' secondary was, IMHO, a bigger issue than the edge play.
Its an interesting question. Did the secondary struggle because of a poor pass rush or was the secondary (and LBs) a reason for the poor sack numbers?
For the last two season the way to beat the Bucs has been the quick, short passing game. League worst stat against RB and TEs, maybe worst YAC number, etc.
Until they turn that around the defense is not getting any better.
until Licht builds the defense from the front to the back, we’re going to be spinning like this. Our front seven is horrible.
For the last two season the way to beat the Bucs has been the quick, short passing game. League worst stat against RB and TEs, maybe worst YAC number, etc.
Exactly. This was primarily an issue with design (Bowles) and a decline in the play of the linebackers when it comes to coverage. I would place the highest priority on improving the cover skills of the LBers and CBs, specifically in the short passing game.
Exactly. This was primarily an issue with design (Bowles) and a decline in the play of the linebackers when it comes to coverage.
That’s why good OC’s treat Bowles’ defense as an extra bye week.
Continuously sends ineffective and predictable blitzes from the middle of the field, while having his corners playing in the next area code.
Easy pitch and catch for even average QB’s.
I do not think they see edge that big of a problem based on their half hearted effort. They probably see the problem at boundary CB and ILB just as big of a problem along with the lack of size on the DL.
I'm so confused by this cornerback "need".
We spent premium capital on two corners last year. We have McCollum wrapped up for 2 more years and he's relatively young. We have Smith who can slide into the slot. We have one of the highest paid safeties.
How can secondary be prioritized over front 7? Why is it even being considered a need outside of picks 4-7?
Most pundits are looking at the 27th ranked pass defense and Dean leaving via FA. It's not a horrible conclusion to draw. If the BPA is a CB in any given round, do it.
Ok but two things:
LB coverage can be attributed to much of that
McCollum was hurt and Dean was hurt
We played two rookies
I'm all for taking a corner 4-7 but I'm mostly uninterested in the first 3 rounds
LB coverage can be attributed to much of that
I think this point is exaggerated somewhat. Did the linebackers get worked in coverage? Hell yeah. But there were two them on the field and five secondary players. The linebackers aren’t the sole reason the team is 27th in pass defense.
I like the CB’s fine. I would put the majority of that ranking on the scheme more than them specifically, but if a top CB falls (probably won’t) in your lap, the organization should at least discuss it.
@donkey_hunter - thank you thank you. I’m glad some of you are starting to see this.
@donkey_hunter - thank you thank you. I’m glad some of you are starting to see this.
Starting?
Lol. I’ve been banging this drum for half a decade, my friend.