The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers: Grading the Bucs’ 2017 Week 8 loss to Carolina

By Philip Schwegler

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Buccaneers' 17-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way off the field following the Buccaneers' 17-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers at an NFL football game on October 29, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 8
Next
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 11: Mike Smith, defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stands on the field during pregame warmups prior to facing the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 11: Mike Smith, defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stands on the field during pregame warmups prior to facing the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on September 11, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The biggest statistic to see from the defensive line each week is quarterback hits and quarterback sacks. Surprisingly enough, the Buccaneers defensive line had a zero in each of those categories.

Call it scheme or whatever, the number one job of an edge rusher or even a defensive tackle should be getting to the quarterback and be disruptive. There was very little of that against the Panthers.

More from The Pewter Plank

One particular play that was good was when the Panthers were deep in the Buccaneers territory and Chris Baker was able to swat a pass from Cam Newton away keeping from the intended receiver.

Overall as whole this group needs to find some type of rhytm and become more productive up front.

The only way guys like McCoy and Baker can be productive is if there’s rushers coming off the edge creating havoc for the quarterback to play in.

Gap discipline seems to be a constant problem with the defensive line. On some plays, the line looked to be spreading to thin and allow the pocket to become bigger for Newton to move in.

There was no toughness to this group on Sunday. During one specific play, defensive end Robert Ayers was totally knocked over by running back Christain McCaffery.

The defensive line accounted for ten of the Buccaneer’s tackles. Will Ghoulston had a decent game against the run. He had a few tackles for loss with a couple of those being assists.

Grade: F

Home/Bucs News