Read-Option: Formation of the Future

There was a lot of good that came from the defensive side of the football on Sunday against the Jets. The Bucs finally got more definitive with their safeties, which allowed their corners to be more focused on certain singular assignments, and that, in turn, allowed the defensive line to be more aggressive in how they attacked the pocket, and that showed with their six sacks.

It was a boost in performance and in preparation this week, but will it continue?

My guess is that since this is the second time the team has tried to go to a 3-3-5 with great regularity that it will, in fact, continue as a staple in the gameplan.

So, this then raises the question from me to you: if the Bucs are better suited with at least three linebackers in the nickel formation, should this team move to a 3-4 next season and draft players accordingly?

Bucs DC Mike Smith and MLB Kwon Alexander – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

First of all, do you think Mike Smith should be the coach of such a defense? He may have been the one to orchestrate the game we saw on Sunday, but he was also the leader of one of the worst defenses in the NFL in the eight weeks prior.

Does the idea of a 3-4 and getting the most out of the three linebackers make possibly moving Gerald McCoy out of that three-tech defensive tackle spot worth it? And what about Noah Spence? Next year, do you think it would be wise just to train him as a linebacker instead of an undersized 4-3 defensive end? He clearly had his struggles this year before he go hurt. Would all this 3-4 movement get the most out of him, too?

The offense is what it is, and it might not get better this season, or at least until Winston gets back. But, on this side of the ball, do you like the direction the defense is going, do you keep the leader of it knowing he had early season baggage and do you think the days of the two-high safety coverage from a 4-3 defense in Tampa Bay should be over? I want to hear your thoughts, so fire away.