Taking a look at the defense over the past four seasons under two different head coaches (two under Schiano, two under Smith), the numbers are remarkably similar as far as defensive production goes:2012 - Schiano24.6 PPG Allowed6,078 Yards Allowed2013 - Schiano24.3 PPG Allowed5,568 Yards Allowed2014 - Smith25.6 PPG Allowed5,903 Yards Allowed2015 - Smith25.3 PPG Allowed5,064 Yards AllowedSo yes, the Bucs defense under Lovie Smith has allowed 1,000 fewer yards this season versus Schiano's first year in Tampa... but the PPG in all four seasons are still within just ONE point of each other.So what sticks out? The opposing QB's completion percentage:2012 - 65.42013 - 64.42014 - 68.7 2015 - 69.5By comparison, the league average is 64.0 percent.So, putting aside the argument over the coaching and whether or not Coach Smith should or should not continue his tenure with this team, how do we fix this issue? It seems to me that, based on my experience, for the Buccaneers to show a marked improvement on defense they're going to have to get that completion percentage number down below the league average of 64 percent.There's only one really effective way to do that, in my humble opinion, and that's by getting more pressure on the quarterback from the front four. That's the only straightforward way I see improving the defense enough for it to better support the up-and-coming offense.This team has GOT to get more pass rush, and it has got to get that pass rush without sending extra bodies. Talent on the DL has got to get better. We need more production from our ends and we've got to get more push up the middle in order to make those opposing QB's a lot more uncomfortable.I certainly hope that this issue can be addressed in the off-season. It's perfectly fine to run a bend-but-don't-break defense... but right now the Buccaneers defense is bending too often.
