There are so many positive developments happening in this season’s Training Camp. We’re witnessing the growth of rookies and second- or third-year players, and we’re winning preseason games. Knock on wood—despite a few significant injuries to some young talent, we’re in decent shape. But let’s remember, it’s still training camp, and that doesn’t always translate to success during the regular season.
Despite the preseason wins and early development, I have some concerns. First, I’m a bit worried about the offensive flow and play calling. Having been around football forever, I recognize that the team may be focused on what they want to accomplish rather than solely on the outcomes. For instance, we came out looking to run the ball against one of the league’s best run defenses. This was likely twofold: to give Bucky Irving some early carries and to see how well the offensive line could execute their schemes against a formidable defense. I understand the reasoning, and we saw mixed results, which will probably lead to some valuable film review.
What concerns me more is the overall flow of the offense. Last year, during preseason, the first and second units often looked in sync, executing scripted opening plays to perfection. This led to early drive success throughout the 2024 season, making our offense one of the best in the league for first drives. Liam Cohen demonstrated his ability to script 10 to 15 plays effectively, and while there were certainly off games, we enjoyed considerable success overall.
I hope new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard can achieve similar results. Throughout training camp and preseason, we’ve seen more of a vertical passing attack. This approach can be beneficial, as it signals to defenses that we’re willing to stretch the field with our talented receivers. However, in today’s NFL, you don’t see that style often, as the longer the ball stays in the air, the more time talented defensive backs have to make a play.
This shift in the game is one reason interceptions have decreased over the years. The days of Dan Marino and Dan Fouts launching 30+ yard streaks, posts, and corner passes multiple times a game doesn't happen anymore. The most effective offenses often rely on quick routes and passes, similar to how a point guard operates in basketball. The quarterback distributes the ball to playmakers and lets them create. That’s what Cohen’s offense did last year—hitting Godwin, McMillan, and Otten on quick outs, slants, and screens, allowing them to make plays, while utilizing Evans to stretch the field and keep defenses honest. Much of it served as an extension of the running game, setting up both the pass and run.
My hope is that Grizzard is using this high-percentage vertical passing game to keep defenses on their toes and give defenses something else to get ready for, but then settles into a flow similar to Cohen’s. I don’t mind the vertical concepts, as long as they’re strategically used when we need to showcase the deep threat.
We have everything we need on offense, especially once Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin return from their injuries. Here’s to hoping Grizzard is adding wrinkles to the playbook, not completely re-writing it.
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Nice. Thx for the write up.
not going to delve much into how the Qbs played. Teddy had a better day, no real reason to get more into it than that since it was just a PS game.
i thought it was interesting that Teddy sent someone in motion nearly every play, but Trask didn't. He had multiple plays in a row where no one went into motion, which makes me wonder why? And was that Grizzard's call? you'd think it would have to be, but to what end exactly?
@feelindangerous06 - Trask didn’t look real comfortable Saturday night. The line didn’t hold up at all for him. He also held on to the ball too long, but is starting to become a problem of his.
I didn’t notice the use of motion by Teddy or Kyle. But I would agree that most of those would come from Grizzard. I will add, there’s definitely a huge difference between the velocity of Baker’s passes to what Teddy and Kyle throw. Huge drop off.
@feelindangerous06 - Trask didn’t look real comfortable Saturday night. The line didn’t hold up at all for him. He also held on to the ball too long, but is starting to become a problem of his.
I didn’t notice the use of motion by Teddy or Kyle. But I would agree that most of those would come from Grizzard. I will add, there’s definitely a huge difference between the velocity of Baker’s passes to what Teddy and Kyle throw. Huge drop off.
Eh, I rewatched the a-22 last night and yeah, there were times that the OL didn't hold up well, but there were also times when it held up well enough to get through 2, even at times 3 reads, before things collapsed. What concerned me was how many times Trask threw into what amounted to double coverage, even when the OL held up okay. I mean, I get it, if the OL doesn't hold up you're going to get iffy decision-making and some off-target throws, and even early/late throws. But even when it did hold up, we still saw Trask throwing into too-tight windows. but it's PS; maybe Trask will have a better day next weekend.
And yeah, Teddy doesn't have a lot of velocity to work with. Never did. he's basically a little stronger than purdy and that's it. Trask, per his scouting reports, should have significantly more drive than teddy, but not as much as Baker.
Feels like Trask may be a weee bit slow for the pro game. Teddy is the backup officially.
I don’t think Grizz is as comfortable with Trask, as he is with Teddy B., history and all…
Trask could fit McVay type offenses, he just wasn’t sharp with the 2nd team. He also didn’t seem to handle the surprise of not starting very well, either. Could have been a head game to see how Kyle would react, could be to light a fire under Trask, or it could be a sign of the times. The guy who drafted Trask, and his assistants, are pretty much gone now.
I heard JP Petersen today ask the question, if both were exposed on the practice squad, which would have the better chance be signed by another team? I immediately thought Teddy B.
We’ll see what happens in the final preseason game, but it’s an interesting question.
If we need to cover multiple games for Baker, Teddy would be the safer choice. However, he does come with his own drawbacks. But don’t all the backups? That’s why they aren’t starters.
So after thinking about the second pre season game here are my quick thoughts:
Trask looked more tentative out there and didn't trust his reads. Not sure why because he was playing with a group of players he is very, very familiar with.
OL while up and down wasn't as bad as they seemed.
Miller and Greene continue to do work and due to injuries both are making the final roster at this pace along with Shepard. K. Johnson and T. Palmer 'injuries" concern me because it seems to me they are loafing more so than resting injuries. Just a gut feeling.
Peeples is the only reserve edge rusher that is consistently showing something. I don't care if he can't play the run because the Bucs need a dime rusher from the edge badly.
Walker Jr is being outplayed by two UDFA LBs and Grier. Enough said. D. Jones isn't anything special but he is depth I guess.
Despite the injuries just like at WR, DB depth is still more than satisfactory. You have Hall, Vildor, Wisdom and Merriweather rounding up as reserves. Then you have promising rookies in Parodie, Sanders and Farr.
If Palmer or Tez can't go don't be surprised if Greene wins the return job by default. SR says he is raw running routes but that doesn't matter. You need a WR that can return punts and also be used on some plays here and there and Greene is good enough in my book.
I don’t think Grizz is as comfortable with Trask, as he is with Teddy B., history and all…
Trask could fit McVay type offenses, he just wasn’t sharp with the 2nd team. He also didn’t seem to handle the surprise of not starting very well, either. Could have been a head game to see how Kyle would react, could be to light a fire under Trask, or it could be a sign of the times. The guy who drafted Trask, and his assistants, are pretty much gone now.
I heard JP Petersen today ask the question, if both were exposed on the practice squad, which would have the better chance be signed by another team? I immediately thought Teddy B.
We’ll see what happens in the final preseason game, but it’s an interesting question.
I thought of two teams the moment I read this. IND and NYJ. Just read earlier today that IND plans to sit AR and start Danny Dimes for Week 1. Which is another thread topic. But if they thought they could get TB just by signing off our PS I think they'd jump at the chance at this point, unless their plan is to tank for the draft next year. otherwise, TB would be the best option for being able to produce a functional offense in 2025.
And the Jets, well, they're starting Justin, so literally any functional QB would be better.
Anthony Richardson. Guaranteed bust. Just like I said.
Anthony Richardson. Guaranteed bust. Just like I said.
Richardson needed time to sit. Keep in mind though he has a winning record as a starter in only 15 pro games started (8-7). This pre season he looked better looking at his progressions and his footwork is cleaned up.
The poor footwork is what lead to a lot of his inaccuracies tossing the pigskin in my opinion.
Great breakdown and some interesting insights about the flow of the offense. I too like the idea of high-percentage long balls, but have been wondering since hearing about this if that’s something you can consistently count on with a 6 foot (maybe) QB, even if the QB is a tough as nails/get-r-dun type?There are so many positive developments happening in this season’s Training Camp. We’re witnessing the growth of rookies and second- or third-year players, and we’re winning preseason games. Knock on wood—despite a few significant injuries to some young talent, we’re in decent shape. But let’s remember, it’s still training camp, and that doesn’t always translate to success during the regular season.
Despite the preseason wins and early development, I have some concerns. First, I’m a bit worried about the offensive flow and play calling. Having been around football forever, I recognize that the team may be focused on what they want to accomplish rather than solely on the outcomes. For instance, we came out looking to run the ball against one of the league’s best run defenses. This was likely twofold: to give Bucky Irving some early carries and to see how well the offensive line could execute their schemes against a formidable defense. I understand the reasoning, and we saw mixed results, which will probably lead to some valuable film review.
What concerns me more is the overall flow of the offense. Last year, during preseason, the first and second units often looked in sync, executing scripted opening plays to perfection. This led to early drive success throughout the 2024 season, making our offense one of the best in the league for first drives. Liam Cohen demonstrated his ability to script 10 to 15 plays effectively, and while there were certainly off games, we enjoyed considerable success overall.
I hope new Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard can achieve similar results. Throughout training camp and preseason, we’ve seen more of a vertical passing attack. This approach can be beneficial, as it signals to defenses that we’re willing to stretch the field with our talented receivers. However, in today’s NFL, you don’t see that style often, as the longer the ball stays in the air, the more time talented defensive backs have to make a play.
This shift in the game is one reason interceptions have decreased over the years. The days of Dan Marino and Dan Fouts launching 30+ yard streaks, posts, and corner passes multiple times a game doesn't happen anymore. The most effective offenses often rely on quick routes and passes, similar to how a point guard operates in basketball. The quarterback distributes the ball to playmakers and lets them create. That’s what Cohen’s offense did last year—hitting Godwin, McMillan, and Otten on quick outs, slants, and screens, allowing them to make plays, while utilizing Evans to stretch the field and keep defenses honest. Much of it served as an extension of the running game, setting up both the pass and run.
My hope is that Grizzard is using this high-percentage vertical passing game to keep defenses on their toes and give defenses something else to get ready for, but then settles into a flow similar to Cohen’s. I don’t mind the vertical concepts, as long as they’re strategically used when we need to showcase the deep threat.
We have everything we need on offense, especially once Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin return from their injuries. Here’s to hoping Grizzard is adding wrinkles to the playbook, not completely re-writing it.
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Coen kept everything in front of Baker and focused on the middle (like McVay) and focused on quick short to medium passes, which seemed to fit Baker’s wheelhouse. Depends on how they deploy it. And too, we haven’t seen Baker in the offense, nor have we really seen the offense, just some concepts/plays.
Plenty, still, to ponder and watch.
Heard Grizz will be in the booth, rather than the sideline, in the next preseason game. That should be interesting as well.
As usual, nicely done!
Thanks White Tiger. Very much appreciated. Yes, I think as long as Griz can keep defenses off balance like Coen was able to last year, we’ve got the players to get it done.
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I’m familiar with Buccaneer Blitz, but I dropped off Facebook.Thanks White Tiger. Very much appreciated. Yes, I think as long as Griz can keep defenses off balance like Coen was able to last year, we’ve got the players to get it done.
FYi - please visit my Facebook page… Buccaneer Blitz. Website coming soon. Thanks!
Good stuff!