C3 Scouting Report: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
/Panther fans know their Panthers, but sometimes it’s knowing the skinny about our opponents. The C3 Scouting Report gives you the lowdown on this week’s opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Overall:
Division: NFC South
Record: 1-2
Division Standing: 3rd
Streak: 1 loss
Last Meeting: 19-17,home Panthers win (12/14/14)
Offense
Key Players: Jameis Winston (QB), Vincent Jackson (WR), Mike Evans (WR), Doug Martin (RB), Logan Mankins (LG)
Hot Players: Dough Martin (176 yds, 3.8 y/a, 0 TDs) Vincent Jackson (145 rec., 16.1 y/r)
Tendencies: Bucs have been looking to soften zone defense with short passes. They bring in extra blockers when trying to take shots downfield. Rushing attack has trouble between the tackles, causing the Bucs to run primarily outside zone plays.
Execution Last Week:
The Bucs went to Houston to try and wrangle a win from the Texans. The offensive line played well in pass protection, not allowing any sacks, but the Bucs struggled to establish any rushing attack. Tampa simply couldn’t score, losing 9-19.
Passing: Poor - Winston - (17/36 261 yds, 1 TDs, 1 INTs)
Rushing: Dismal- Martin (14 carries for 46 yds, o TD)
Defense
Key Players: Lavonte David (OLB), Kwon Alexander (MLB), Gerald McCoy (DT), Chris Conte (S)
Hot Players: Lavonte David (OLB) 27 combined tackles (7th in NFL), Kwon Alexander 23 combined tackles, 4 pd, Jacquies Smith 4 sacks (leads NFL)
Execution Last Week: Below average - Tampa had a case of the Alfred Blues, who rushed for 138 yds; DeAndrew Hopkins dismantled the Bucs secondary, hauling in 8 catches, 101 yds, 1 TD. Houston converted 44% of 3rd downs.
Coaching:
Head Coach: Lovie Smith (84-79) 3-16 with Bucs
Offensive Coordinator: Dirk Koetter
Offensive Scheme: Four Verticals
Defensive Coordinator: Leslie Frazier
Defensive Alignment: 4-3
Smith is typically classified as a conservative defense mind coach that likes to run the ball and work the deep ball in off of play action. It’s hard to stick to this style when the offensive line can’t run, and the Muscle Hamster turns out to be more like a hamster banging into walls in one of those clear balls.
Tampa’s offensive line isn’t good enough for Koetter downfield Four Verticals offense without a viable ruching attack.
Standing: The seat is cold. Lovie’s standing isn’t in jeopardy.