The Pewter Plank
FanSided

ComPewter Analysis: Buccaneers defense not as bad as it looks

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants is hit by Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a game at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Jared Goff’s #16 of the Los Angeles Rams pass is blocked by free safety Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Quarterback Jared Goff’s #16 of the Los Angeles Rams pass is blocked by free safety Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images) /

Looking at the black and white numbers

When referring to the box score, be wary not to put too much stake into them as basic numbers can be misleading. According to NFL.com, the Buccaneers have given up the 12th most total yards per game, putting them just below the league average. The pewter and red defense is giving up the second most passing yards per game this season, which would lead to believe they are struggling to defend the pass; however this too will be dispelled later on.

More from The Pewter Plank

Against the run, are giving up the least amount of yards per game on the year, sitting atop the league in rush defense. This actually is not misleading, as the Bucs have stifled star running backs Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley (in one half of play), and Todd Gurley in three straight weeks; combined, these three Pro Bowl backs tallied just 63 rushing yards combined.

Opposing running backs are averaging just under three yards per carry against the Buccaneers’ front, and the longest run they have surrendered is just 19 yards. Their defensive front has been stout this season, but just how stout may be a bit shocking and will be revealed later on.

Overall, the Buccaneers have surrendered the fifth most points in the league out of 32 teams, but again, the black and white numbers can be misleading as analytics have allowed numbers to add some color and come to life. Here is a deep dive at the performance of the Buccaneers’ defense this year.

Home/Bucs News