But what could Bowles possibly learn from one of the architects of a defense that could easily rank in the Top 5 of all-time?
My guess is to coach it better and play it better?
Why is the scheme so complicated? I don't get it...
Ronde said it best last year.Â
Bowles doesn't have a "go to" package.Â
When nothing isn't working, things are getting out of hand...a "base" package that they can go to.
Ronde went into how they had that when he played with Monte.Â
Nothing complicated. Nothing elaborate. Just something instinctual/memorable/repeatable and that they could go to in order to reset.
His go to package is soft zone everywhere but the middle of the field.
It is, actually. lol. He's come full circle from older version of Flores to a living version of Monte's bend/dont break!
Not sure Barber is right though because the defense helped win the Super Bowl by going basic, Tampa 2ish.
Think about the similarities. The Bucs won in a pretty dominant fashion while the Chief's top receiver was the tight end (Kelce). Mahomes had about 300 yards passing, so they moved the ball, but only scored 9 points and had a couple turnovers. Bend/dont break. The Bucs countered with successful, time reducing RUNNING with both RBs averaging roughly what Irving is averaging so far. Together they had as many running plays as Brady had passes, roughly. Obviously, no Evans, Gronk and AB and Brady, but play action passing is Mayfield's skill set. Some of Brady's TDs and best throws in that game were PA passes
Bend dont break defense. Running/PA passing offense. The Bucs have that and the template is there.
The thing that is probably lacking though, especially at this point, is defensive player buy-in. The methodology might have to reverse, at least for a while. Simplicity and man cover, but either way though, not sure Bowles commands the troops at this point.
Bowles can adapt the scheme to do it, but it may be too late.
Bowles has shifted to more off/quarters zone coverage three years ago, and took forever for Licht to start to draft DBs that can do this with Morrison, Parrish and Scott within the last two seasons.
I think a good head coach would scheme to his players' strength instead of playing a defense his players can't do...
