With the draft behind us and the new schedule released, my excitement for the upcoming season is building. I went back and watched some games from last year, particularly the early-season matchups against the Commanders and the Eagles, where we witnessed offensive performances that were a rarity in Buccaneers' history.
While some may argue that Coen wasn't a significant factor or even that he held the offense back, that couldn't be further from the truth. A closer look at many of last year's games reveals that he did a fantastic job of keeping defenses off-balance. His play calling—characterized by a willingness to throw the ball early and often, both on early downs and at the start of games—coupled with his diverse run schemes, resulted in impressive production from the QB, RBs, WRs, TEs, and the offensive line.
Coen's multi-faceted approach transformed an average offensive line into a top-five unit. Scheme plays a crucial role in the success of an offensive line, and he truly grasped the dynamics of modern football. It's no longer about just grinding out three yards; it's about stretching defenses sideline to sideline. When defenses are off-balance, he effectively utilized power running schemes like DUO and quick downhill runs, while also employing a varied screen game for RBs, WRs, and TEs—tapping into outside, tunnel, delayed, and quick screens. He didn’t just run power plays; he mixed in counters, traps, read options, and zone schemes for a comprehensive attack.
There were games that showcased what could only be described as play-calling masterpieces. So, can Grizzard match Coen's prowess? The fact that Grizzard played a significant role in our success on third downs last year is promising. However, the true test will be whether he can craft a game plan as effective as Coen's. This will be the key factor in determining if we can replicate last year's success.
Grizzard will have everyone returning, plus the addition of our new first-round draft pick. There will be no excuses—barring an injury to Baker. This team will continue to be driven by our offense, which will either lead us to another division title or fall short.
Excellent post. Grizzard is easily the biggest question mark for me going into the season.
While some may argue that Coen wasn't a significant factor or even that he held the offense back, that couldn't be further from the truth.
What are your thoughts on the Bucs being 10th in rush attempts despite being 3rd in ypc? Coming out throwing vs Dallas was a significant reason we lost. Empty on 3rd and 1 vs a terrible run defense on the 1st drive? Coming out throwing vs New Orleans put us in a hole. Panthers and Raiders couldnt stop our run game but he kept them in the game by calling so many passes that resulted in turnovers. There was direct negative corelation between White's usage and the efficiency of the offense. Bucky and Tucker have the backfield to themselves one game, they combine for 300 yards, 3 TDs, we score 51 points and it's scrapped?
He called the jet to McMillan Week 18 and it went for -6. The idiots at JBF said it would have worked if not for the fumble but that's not true. The reason it was fumbled is because it was about to be blown up and McMillan knew it and didn't think he was getting it.
Just run the ball with Bucky and Tucker, keep White for just 3rd and long. High run percentage and this team offense is going to be tough to stop.
Great post @ehinote
I feel like the passing attack will be just as good, if not better, from a scheme/sequencing perspective.
My only concern is the run scheme/philosophy.
Hope it’s the same schematics, blocking schemes, and as you previously mentioned…the diversity.
Coen came in and made this offense elite. Hope Grizz continues the upward trend.
Thanks for playing (to type) JC.
@jc5100 That ypc stat looks so good because we mixed in the running game so well. We aren’t the Eagles. We can’t come out in 12 personnel and pound the ball down your throat. We tried that early against the Broncos and we never got our offense going.
Go back and watch that Cowboys game. Our first drive was beautiful until Sterling Shepherd dropped a 3rd down pass at the 20 yard line. He gets inside the 10 or a TD with that play. The game takes shape differently with plays like that.
Also, that first Saints game was an anomaly. The Saints were truly horrific at run defense the first 5 games of the year. I remember watching the saints the following week and realizing it had more to do with their run defense than it had to do with our offense.
Don’t get me wrong, I love our running game. I love Bucky. But our passing game opens up our running game.
That ypc stat looks so good because we mixed in the running game so well
The offense was incredibly balanced, which is yet another credit to Coen. The Bucs were 10th in passing attempts (3rd in YPG & 6th YPA) and 10th in rushing attempts (4th in YPG & 3rd YPA) during the 2024 season, which led to the #3 overall offense and #4 scoring offense.
Grizzard needs to put on his big-boy pants this season.
@jc5100 That ypc stat looks so good because we mixed in the running game so well. We aren’t the Eagles. We can’t come out in 12 personnel and pound the ball down your throat. We tried that early against the Broncos and we never got our offense going.
Go back and watch that Cowboys game. Our first drive was beautiful until Sterling Shepherd dropped a 3rd down pass at the 20 yard line. He gets inside the 10 or a TD with that play. The game takes shape differently with plays like that.
Also, that first Saints game was an anomaly. The Saints were truly horrific at run defense the first 5 games of the year. I remember watching the saints the following week and realizing it had more to do with their run defense than it had to do with our offense.
Don’t get me wrong, I love our running game. I love Bucky. But our passing game opens up our running game.
You're saying things that are just wrong.
Coen was 64% pass in the 1st qtr vs Denver. 0 points, sack and a pick.
The first drive wasn't beatiful. It was a turnover on downs at midfield because of two failed passes on run downs.
The Saints game doesn't count. Unbelievable.
@jc5100 - not wrong at all. I said the cowboys (not the broncos game) game’s first drive stalled because of a wide open drop by Shepherd. Re-watch the opening saints game. You don’t see holes like that routinely in the NFL. A healthy R. White would have had a great day against the saints that day as well. And that 64% pass stat in the 1st quarter against the Broncos was pulled out of something real quick. I’m calling BS on that. Again, watch the game. Watch every play and scenario.
@jc5100 - not wrong at all. I said the cowboys (not the broncos game) game’s first drive stalled because of a wide open drop by Shepherd. Re-watch the opening saints game. You don’t see holes like that routinely in the NFL. A healthy R. White would have had a great day against the saints that day as well. And that 64% pass stat in the 1st quarter against the Broncos was pulled out of something real quick. I’m calling BS on that. Again, watch the game. Watch every play and scenario.
Now you’re not having a discussion in good faith. You said he came on running vs Denver but then you edited it out when you realized it wasn’t true and then are trying to say you never said it. 7 passes and 4 runs is 64% pass.
We’ve seen 3 years of a healthy White and he’s an awful runner.
Now you’re not having a discussion in good faith.
Yet again, the irony is rich with Captain Cosplay.
Great post but I don’t know anyone that was saying Coen wasn’t a significant factor. Bringing him back with out starting 11 would be been fantastic. We have a huge unknown in Grizzard but we have the horses back. I expect us to be a top 5 offense this year. Passing and rushing.
@jc5100 -
Alright JC100. I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here. First of all I haven’t changed one thing in my posts. Read them all again. If I make a mistake I’ll tell you.
Now for the Broncos game. Here is a breakdown of how the game started.
1st Bucs drive, we’re already down 7-0
- run on 1st down for zero yards. We end up going 3 and out.
2nd Bucs drive
- throw on 1st down for 7 yards. Gets us to 2nd and 3, which we convert.
- next we run on 1st down for 3 yards. Gets us to 2ndand 7. Baker ends up throwing deep to Evans on 3rdand 4 for an interception.
3rd Bucs drive, we’re down 14-0 because the defense is getting annihilated.
- run on 1st down for 3 yards. We go 3 and out.
4th Bucs drive, we’re down 17-0
- run for one yard on 1st down. Baker gets a first down on 2 passes.
- run for zero yards on 1st down. We go 4 and out.
Too many runs on first down, which we didn’t do in most of our games. We didn’t keep the Broncos off balance.
@jc5100 -
Alright JC100. I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt here. First of all I haven’t changed one thing in my posts. Read them all again. If I make a mistake I’ll tell you.
Now for the Broncos game. Here is a breakdown of how the game started.
1st Bucs drive, we’re already down 7-0
- run on 1st down for zero yards. We end up going 3 and out.
2nd Bucs drive
- throw on 1st down for 7 yards. Gets us to 2nd and 3, which we convert.
- next we run on 1st down for 3 yards. Gets us to 2ndand 7. Baker ends up throwing deep to Evans on 3rdand 4 for an interception.
3rd Bucs drive, we’re down 14-0 because the defense is getting annihilated.
- run on 1st down for 3 yards. We go 3 and out.
4th Bucs drive, we’re down 17-0
- run for one yard on 1st down. Baker gets a first down on 2 passes.
- run for zero yards on 1st down. We go 4 and out.
Too many runs on first down, which we didn’t do in most of our games. We didn’t keep the Broncos off balance.
to me the Broncos game was one we had zero interest in playing. They came out lethargic and didn’t give a shit. That’s on the coaches to put a foot in their asses and on the players to get up for each game. I’ve seen that effort before and left at halftime.
3rd Bucs drive, we’re down 14-0 because the defense is getting annihilated.
That always gets ignored by the Red Board GM when discussing the Denver game.
Great post but I don’t know anyone that was saying Coen wasn’t a significant factor.
There is definitely one poster saying that, and taking it even further by saying Coen was holding the offense (and team) back.
