Overall I think this was a sloppy effort from the Bucs but at least they showed resilience to the bitter end. That makes me proud of my Bucs for looking at least competent on national television.
Offense: Fitz did some good things but also a lot of bad things occurred out of his control. He showed resilience but holding things together. Winston doesn't have to start the next game as I feel comfortable with Fitz starting next game. But I can see Winston coming back after this next game though.
Play calling was good as usual but timely penalties in scoring or driving situations really hindered Bucs progress.
Growing pains for Godwin and OJ Howard but their arrows are still pointing up.
Defense: I am not a fan of Smith's play calling. He just isn't aggressive enough for the modern NFL game.
Injuries at DT is worrisome but it also shows that it is time soon for Vea to step into the fold.
I can't really blame the secondary given the front seven has to do a better job. But with that said Grimes is still a B+ corner but no longer is the A+ corner he has been the last few years. Nothing wrong with a player slowing down due to age but it is what it is. Carlton Davis opposite of him look competent as well as MJ Stewart.
Conte is a fine reserve safety but he has no business being a starting safety. EVans has improved dramatically his tackling. Whitehead has great upside. I hope Isaiah Johnson will be okay moving forward.
Bucs coming out 2-1 during a tough stretch is very, very good.
I think people underestimate how much Winston means to this team. I also think people overestimate how much McCOy means to this team. However, both Winston and McCoy are still vital cogs for this team moving forward for this season.
Overall, Koetter has done enough to navigate through a tough period. But his biggest challenge is to sit down with Smith and change their approach on defense.
What I would do to fix the defense:
1. Play more cover 3 and let the Bucs defenders play downhill.
David and Alexander were flying around last night. Just have to see more consistent effort from the front four.
2. More double A gap blitzes to make up for the lack of push of the middle during third and long situations.
David and Alexander are above average blitzing LBS so using them would be wise
3. More nickel formations as MJ Stewart is better in coverage than having a third LB on the field.
