.the guy has had a defense that has regressed in each of the last 3 years.
Sure more talent can be added to the squad. Other than the 2020,2021 squads...could you argue this 2026 defense is the best in the Bowles era talent wise?
Well, the 2026 defense should be the most talented 2022 to 2026, yes, but not even close to 2020/21 and I think that is the disconnect between the "its Bowles" crowd and the Bucs leadership.
And here's a really simple way to see it.
In 2020/2021 the Bucs have one of the best VETERAN-LADEN run defenses in the league (2nd and 10th, I think). That is because the D line is Vea, Suh and Gholston and 2 great OLBs (JPP and Barrett) and TWO all Pro ILBs (29 Yrd old LVD and a just starting to slide White). Those players DOMINATE the LOS. DOMINATE. They have 39 sacks and 65 TFL. They are playing on the other side of the LOS so that why they are 2nd and 10th in run defense (YPC), respectively.
Behind them cleaning everything up is ALL WORLD 29 year old LVD 83.8 PFF coverage grade, 6th of among all LBs
In 2025, the same players in those front 7 roles create only 29 sacks (compared to 39) and 49 TFL (compared to 65 for 2020) and this time behind them to clean it all up they have FIFTH ROUND SVD (compared to 5th overall White ) and 36 yr old LVD, together arguably the WORST coverage LB group in the league. For example, 83.8 PFF LVD in 2020 is 45.1 in 2025.
So, even if 2026 talent is the best of 2022 to 2025 its still very young and worlds away from 2020/2021. Sort of tallest midget of the actual, post SB Bowles era. And even worse they may very well UNDERPERFORM their talent because Bowles may have lost some of them.
Bain isnt single-handedly changing the defensive culture as a rookie, even Sapp and Brooks could not do that.
Just to give this full context because I based it around RUN DEFENSE
In 2020 and 2021 the Bucs are #7 defense in scoring, 21.7 ppg and 20.9 ppg respectively.
In 2025 they are #20 with almost 25 PPG
This is why -- for better or worse - you should see this offseason the Bucs trying to make the RUN DEFENSE much bigger and stronger AND WHY they would draft a DOWNHILL LB orer a rangy green dotter. Its an attempt to get back to what they were, at least in style of play.
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
Just to give this full context because I based it around RUN DEFENSE
In 2020 and 2021 the Bucs are #7 defense in scoring, 21.7 ppg and 20.9 ppg respectively.
In 2025 they are #20 with almost 25 PPG
This is why -- for better or worse - you should see this offseason the Bucs trying to make the RUN DEFENSE much bigger and stronger AND WHY they would draft a DOWNHILL LB orer a rangy green dotter. Its an attempt to get back to what they were, at least in style of play.
The Bucs were top 5 in the NFL in run defense in each of the last three seasons.
The Bucs were bottom 6 in the NFL in pass defense in each of the last three seasons.
Please continue with the excellent and astute analysis.
Just to give this full context because I based it around RUN DEFENSE
In 2020 and 2021 the Bucs are #7 defense in scoring, 21.7 ppg and 20.9 ppg respectively.
In 2025 they are #20 with almost 25 PPG
This is why -- for better or worse - you should see this offseason the Bucs trying to make the RUN DEFENSE much bigger and stronger AND WHY they would draft a DOWNHILL LB orer a rangy green dotter. Its an attempt to get back to what they were, at least in style of play.
The Bucs were top 5 in the NFL in run defense in each of the last three seasons.
The Bucs were bottom 6 in the NFL in pass defense in each of the last three seasons.
Please continue with the excellent and astute analysis.
You should try watching the games
In 2025 the Bucs defense faced the second lowest RB RUSHING attempts in the league BUT the highest yards BY FAR given up in passing to RBs even though the targets were only middle of the table.
in 2025 the Buccaneers ranked 29th in the NFL in defending running backs in the passing game
In 2025 the Bucs defense gave up the 2nd highest TDs to TEs and were in the 10 WORST teams in both receptions and yards given to TEs
IN 2025, the Bucs were average or better than average against WRs even though near the top in targets
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league.
Like I said, you should watch the actual games. This new one is sort of like "RB1 week 14"
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
If you look at the last 2 years, the defense saw the 2nd and 3rd fewest rushing attempts (BUT, at a clip of 4.2 and 4.3ypc respectively).
Over that timespan, the same defense also saw the 10th and 2nd most passing attempts (giving up the 6th and 3rd most yards in the air, while also ranking in the bottom 3rd in allowed QB ratings).
So, our run defense hasn't really been all that great.
Teams just don't run as much, because it's simply THAT much easier to throw the ball against Bowles' extremely predictable scheme.
So, our run defense hasn't really been all that great.
Teams just don't run as much, because it's simply THAT much easier to throw the ball against Bowles' extremely predictable scheme.
Yeah, I’m not making the argument the run defense is great. I’m making the argument that the run defense isn’t the problem that needs to be fixed, despite the loon’s newest narrative.
Obviously, to anyone with a clue, the pass defense is the problem area for the team - not the run defense. Which is why most of us chortled at using a second rounder on a run-stuffing LB. Luckily, I have it on good authority that LB is secretly great in coverage - it’s just that he was never asked to cover anybody in college, so nobody really knows about his great coverage skills.
It is odd, that we strengthened the run defense, when many teams found it so easy to throw against us…
I hear what they’re saying, that they intend to run nickel corners and dime backers, but it still seems we’re light on starting corners…ok, maybe.
However, and as Fire points out, Anzalone’s going to need to stay healthy…who’s our 31 year old’s backup?
Is the plan to sign anither cover ‘backer after camp cuts? Cuz I’m really curious as to the plan at ILB myself.
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
Honestly I didn't believe you until I looked it up. We were really 5th? Eyeball test said different but stats are the stats.
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
Honestly I didn't believe you until I looked it up. We were really 5th? Eyeball test said different but stats are the stats.
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
Honestly I didn't believe you until I looked it up. We were really 5th? Eyeball test said different but stats are the stats.
Why the fuck did my post triplicate lol
Our run defense will improve because teams will simply choose to air it out against us.
Anzalone needs to stay healthy.
The run defense may improve marginally, but they were already 5th in the league. Not a whole lot of room for improvement there, despite’s the loon’s newest narrative.
But you are correct that teams will continue to pass the ball at will, until the HC/DC can prove his unit can stop the pass. I feel pretty good about it, since the HC/DC got his run stuffing LB who was “never asked to cover” in college in R2. Blue skies ahead.
Honestly I didn't believe you until I looked it up. We were really 5th? Eyeball test said different but stats are the stats.
its why stats are misleading without context.
You can be top 5 in rushing yards allowed because teams gave up running on you and became one dimensional
You can be top 5 in rushing yards allowed because you couldn't stop anyone passing so teams mostly ran on you late to ice leads
etc
Biggs you should stop trying so hard to be a dick and stick to football.
I’m making the argument that the run defense isn’t the problem that needs to be fixed, despite the loon’s newest narrative.
One person's "narrative" is another persons "accurately explaining what a team might be doing"
Accurately explaining what a team might be doing is not endorsing the plan.
Obviously, to anyone with a clue, the pass defense is the problem area for the team - not the run defense.
LOL, man . .
Every defense in the NFL would CHOOSE to make the opposing team one dimensional IF THEY COULD.
Every one.
Improving run defense improves overall defense by making teams one dimensional. When Devin White would turn another teams 1st and 10 into a 2nd and 14 . . it became EASIER to defend them. 3rd and 14 even easier. A couple series like that an teams almost gave up running.
So, its not about going from 5th to 4th in rushing yards allowed. LOL Its about getting to 3rd and 8 as opposed to 3rd and 4, about being able to get the ball back late, increasing turnovers and sacks on obvious passing downs, getting an extra OFFENSIVE possession by blowing up drives with a TFL (see original post comparing 20202 to 2025) etc.
The two things (running and passing) are RELATED. You should have watched Coen make this point over and over and over and over again. Rachaad White had 400 yds receiving and 6 receiving TDs under Coen. 200 yard in receptions and 0 receiving TDs under Grizz.