Playing the best of any cornerback a week ago, Jamel Dean sees no snaps

Rookie cornerback Jamel Dean, after having his best game yet just a week ago, saw zero snaps in the Buccaneers loss to the New Orleans Saints.

In a baffling, head scratching decision, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not play rookie cornerback Jamel Dean for a single snap after he played the best game of any pewter and red defensive back just one week ago. Head coach Bruce Arians’ reasoning for not playing Dean is, well, not helpful to say the least.

What was his reasoning, you say? It was because the Buccaneers’ gameplan included a lot of zone coverage schemes, and Dean is more of a man coverage corner. Yes, Because everyone knows the best way to become a great coach is to scheme away from the strengths of your players.

Works every time.

"“Coach Arians said they were running more zone today in the secondary – put Mike Edwards in the slot instead of Jamel Dean, who had a great game last week. Says Dean’s strength is man but they’ll reevaluate their approach because Dean needs to be on the field” (Carmen Vitali via Twitter)."

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In last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals, Dean put together quite a performance, tallying an interception of first overall pick Kyler Murray, a massive four passes defended, and two tackles on the day. There is absolutely zero excuse for leaving Dean out of the gameplan this week in their loss to future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints; it showed on the field as well.

In the 34-17 loss to the divisional rival Saints, Brees managed to throw for 228 yards and three touchdowns, picking apart the pewter and red defense by completing 80 percent of his passes. The Saints big bodied target Michael Thomas, who Dean would have been matchup up with had he been on the field, finished the game with 114 yards and a touchdown on eight catches.

Next week the Buccaneers will take on Julio Jones and the Atlanta Falcons; it would be wise to have their biggest cornerback on the field in Jamel Dean. I guess we have a week until we truly find out.