Tampa, FL – The rain stayed away from One Buc Place, the sun smiled down on the hometown team as priority was placed on tempo, erasing mental mistakes and creating “Chunck Plays.”
WHAT LOOKED REALLY GOOD TODAY
James Winton’s Progression – has been nothing short of remarkable. Not in the sense highlighting his physical abilities. Rather, his ability to manage, maneuver and create scoring drives with his football IQ.
Winston has embraced the challenge of having more patience in the pocket and not forcing plays that might lead to turnovers.
33 interceptions since entering the league two seasons ago, 18 last season. Decreasing the turnover count was a priority. Winston has been going through his reads/progressions and spreading the ball around to several of his offensive weapons.
With the first preseason game at the end of the week Head Coach Dirk Koetter on if he needs to give fewer preseason snaps to quarterback Jameis Winston in this third season..”I don’t think so, no, because you’re still installing. We’re doing 12 installs before we go to Cincinnati. Even though he’s getting a volume of plays they’re different plays every day. That’s the base, your training camp rep base. Some of that stuff we won’t repeat until it comes up in a certain game plan.”
Defensive Front Seven – Stout up front and speed behind would describe the Bucs defensive line and linebackers which make up the defensive front seven. In previous training camp practices the offense had adequate success on the ground versus the defense (which is a good thing if the offense does the same during the season versus game opponents). Not so much today.
With defensive leader Gerald McCoy not taking reps, Clinton McDonald, William Gholston, Robert Ayers Jr., Noah Spence alone with linebackers Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander and a mixture will backers pushed around the other dudes (the offense).The defense was strong against the run today. Closing gaps, squeezing run lanes and filling alleys. Bucs gave up and average of 4.4 yards per rush last season. Slowing down the run and reserving clock time for the offense is paramount.
Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith on the defense today compared to at this point last season…“Well, they are making it a lot easier for all of us on the defensive side. We’ve got a better understanding. Last year at this time there were lots of times there were uncovered guys, holes that were not taken by second level players. I think we have a much better understanding of what we are trying to get done and to me, in year two you should be, so these guys should have a better understanding.”