Welcome, Todd Monken
Todd Monken is a genius!
Alright, let’s not get too crazy. The season opener was a fantastic debut for the Bucs new play-caller. In his first game, he matched the team’s single-game scoring record, can it get any better than that?
Monken stuck with what worked. The running game was solid, but Fitzpatrick was on fire. He kept entrusting the veteran field general to deliver the ball accurately down the field. He went after mismatches and was aggressive throughout the game.
The aggressive nature of his playcalling was vital. The Buccaneers needed all the points possible to fend off the Saints.
On every dropback, receivers were running wide open. Monken had New Orleans’ defensive coordinator Dennis Allen grasping for straws by the final whistle.
Offensive line brings a new attitude to the Bucs
Fitzpatrick and the receivers will receive all the credit, but the improved Buccaneers offensive line dominated up front.
Tampa Bay averaged just shy of four yards per carry and Fitzpatrick wasn’t sacked. With Cameron Jordan and top draft pick Marcus Davenport on the edge, keeping ‘Fitz’ upright was a tall task. Luckily, tackles Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson were up to it.
As the Saints displayed their frustration, center Ryan Jensen fought back, and although he received a penalty, he let New Orleans know the Bucs aren’t to be messed with.