Against the Jets last Sunday, Mike Smith’s defense came to life, particularly our pass rush, which has been a problem all year. The defensive line showed a variety of different 3 and 4 man fronts that seemed to throw off Josh McCown. Mike Smith finally turned his linebackers loose to blitz the quarterback. 6 different Buccaneers recorded a sack Sunday.
Daryll Tapp recorded his first sack in his first game as a Buccaneer, with Robert Ayers, Kendell Beckwith, Will Clarke, Gerald McCoy, and Clinton McDonald all chipping in with a sack each. In Beckwith’s case it was his first career NFL sack, putting another stamp on what has already been an excellent rookie season.
The pressure they put on McCown allowed the DBs to be much more effective. With Hargreaves playing a good game and Brent Grimes grabbing an interception. Also, Lavonte David was free to make splash plays recovering a fumble caused by a Kwon Alexander hit. His fourth fumble recovery this season.
If the Bucs are going to end this season with a somewhat respectable record we are going to need to see more of this. More aggressive play calling, More blitzing, and More sacks.
