The true test for Koetter is can he have this team focused the next four games?
Koetter has had to deal with a suspension of his starting QB based on mere allegations.
Koetter has had to deal with a defense depleted due to injuries.
Koetter has had to deal with a media that called for his firing for Gruden in the off season.
At this point Koetter has great opportunity to show as a head coach he is growing. The lack of consistency on defense is very concerning. The offense has room for improvement but with some simple scheme tweaks it can be turned around. Running game needs to be more N/S and the rotation at RG needs to be toned down or eliminated IMO. Defensively, the Bucs need to let their front seven loose. Too passive for my liking.
Koetter has shown he is willing to let go of play calling and it has shown great upside. Now, what if Koetter involves himself more on defensive side of the ball? As a HC he has the right to do so. It would not surprise me and frankly a fresh new set of ideas is needed. Maybe coming from Koetter, Smith is more open to communication and less defensive to feedback? Time will tell.
Also, what I like most about Koetter is that he doesn't give up on young players. He realizes that young players grow and learn at different speeds. And Koetter will only play players once they reach a standard he deems satisfactory. I like that about Koetter in that while he isn't forcing rookies to play over vets. But he is also willing to let rookies play ball to grow and become the next generation of young players. This is a concept Gruden was slowly coming around to in 2005 but then started to regress.
All in all, I am impressed that Koetter can keep this franchise afloat despite all the controversy the last few years. Everyone in OBP has his back including the owners. However, it is clear that Koetter must prove more to win over the Bucs fans.
I think he will rise to the challenge because he has made it farther than I ever anticipated IMVHO.
