Five Issues to Watch in the Buccaneers’ Third Preseason Game
Consistent Pass Rush
The Bucs spent a lot of time and effort into rebuilding the pass rush. Gerald McCoy needed help and he has been given it in the form of Robert Ayers and Noah Spence, among others. To help bring the completion percentage allowed down from 70% last year, they needed to get to the quarterback more often.
It started out well, as the Bucs got to Eagles’ quarterbacks four times. All looked bright, but in game number two, the pass rush didn’t exist. They didn’t get to Jags’ quarterbacks at all, and Blake Bortles picked them apart. He went 8-11 for 85 yards and two touchdowns. It doesn’t matter who is playing defensive back, they can’t cover forever. If you can’t get to the passer, you can’t stop the passing game.
Let’s see the guys get to Browns’ quarterbacks and sustain it throughout the game.
Next: Improved Discipline