Buccaneers: How Do You Stop a Problem Like Justin Houston?
Keep Him Honest
Justin Houston is as dangerous as they come. In order to keep him at bay, they have to keep him honest. How? The way to keep a pass rush honest is to slow it down. That means a strong running attack and an effective screen game.
Paging Doug Martin anyone?
The Bucs must stay out of long down and distances (3rd and 10, 2nd and 15, ..etc.) Martin had a rough go last week (16 carries, 33 yards) in his first game back after injury, though he did reach the end zone late. His hamstring should be that much stronger and therefore he should look more like the Dougie we know and love.
Screen passes slow the rush down as they float over their heads. The rush comes in, the pass goes over them, and the back picks up big yards with no defenders at the next level. Dirk is going to need a few of those to keep Houston honest, and keep him aware of other things besides Winston.