Every comparison has its limitation (eg injuries), but Bowles defensive play calling mostly beat Shanahan's offense yesterday. A point Romo kept making on the TV, but also PREVIEWED oin an article by Josh Q:
"The 49ers prefer to be in heavier packages on first down, using an extra tight end or a fullback on over 75% of their early downs. This will force the Bucs to utilize their base defensive personnel more than they have in other games. What will be interesting is what type of base defense Todd Bowles decides to implement as we have seen three versions this season."
Josh Q is mostly saying that Bowles has three ways to play, but he should go back to the week 1 formula particularly to shut down QUICK & SHORT THROWING JONES and to hold CMC in check:
"My hope is that Bowles goes back to the Week 1 changeup in this matchup."
And HILARIOUSLY its a front that includes one of the biggest complaints about Bowles:
The most common base formation the Bucs use is a 3-4 front that looks like a five-man surface with Yaya Diaby and Haason Reddick flanking Vita Vea, Logan Hall and Greg Gaines. But Bowles has experimented with two different types of 4-3 packages. In Week 1 he used a similar player grouping but used Hall as a heavy end and dropped Reddick to the second level as a stack-linebacker. This package was largely a success.
Reddick as a second level linebacker lmao. ("WhATs his cOvEraGe grade?")
Thats what Bowles did. Here's why Josh Q hoped for that. You can see it play out in the game:
"By using Reddick in an off-ball capacity the Bucs could use Dennis as an add-on rusher to create advantageous matchups for Vea and Diaby and limit his coverage responsibilities. In doing so, Bowles can limit Dennis’ exposure to Christian McCaffrey in man coverage, which is a clear matchup advantage for San Francisco."
CHECK - CMC had an average game for him.
"Jones is a quick-game/short-field merchant. Just 5.4% of his passes have stretched the field past 20 air yards. This gives the Bucs an opportunity to play with an extra man in the box, where strong safety Tykee Smith thrives. By getting Smith closer to the line of scrimmage, the Bucs can try and create rotations that make him responsible for Christian McCaffrey and give the best possible personnel matchup."
CHECK -- Smith played lights out
"Blitzing may not be the best way to rattle Jones. He is one of the most successful quarterbacks under pressure this year and because of his quick release."
"As Todd Bowles did last week on the play that led to Lavonte David’s interception, he may need to be judicious on when – and how – he sends extra rushers."
CHECK - 6 sacks with limited blitzing