Buccaneers: How Do You Stop a Problem Like Justin Houston?

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) reacts on his sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) reacts on his sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) makes a catch against Chicago Bears free safety Adrian Amos (38) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cameron Brate (84) makes a catch against Chicago Bears free safety Adrian Amos (38) in the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

The Chip Strategy

In order to stop Chiefs defenders like Justin Houston I believe the Bucs are going to need to employ the old chip strategy.

I’d look for Luke Stocker to get on the field a bit more than normal to try and help in blocking to keep Jameis Winston upright and give Doug Martin lanes to run through.

Beyond that, having guys like Martin and tight end Cameron Brate throw some chip blocks on Houston and leading sack-man Dee Ford will give Winston an extra tenth of a second or so to read the coverage and hopefully move the ball downfield.

Another useful tactic to look for is the screen pass. There’s been some success using quick screens to Adam Humphries on the outside and even Martin was on his way to career high receiving production before suffering the hamstring injury which has held him out all this time.

Those quick passes and screens will help negate the pass rush, and the use of tight ends as in-line blockers will also give the Bucs a bit more time to try and knock of the AFC West leading Chiefs on the road.

David Harrison

Next: Lynch Must Go to Canton

You have heard from us, now it’s your turn. How do they stop Justin Houston? Tell us below.