This game was absolutely terrible, and it seems that the Bucs have unraveled any sort of momentum they had built up in the first two weeks of the season. The offense couldn’t score. The defense couldn’t stop scores. And the coaching staff couldn’t coach well at all.
This game was absolutely horrific. Dirk Koetter agrees, saying, “We should fire everyone that was on that field today—starting with me. That was horrific.” (You can find the original quote HERE). Well, that sums it up very well indeed. While Tampa Bay clearly couldn’t get anything started on offense due in part to Ryan Fitzpatrick losing his “magic,” they weren’t the true cause of this bad game. The bulk of the blame lays squarely on the defense, which gave up 48 points.
There is no doubt that there is talent on this defense and there have been some inopportune injuries, but it has been mismanaged by a seemingly over-matched defensive coordinator in Mike Smith. His defense has had some “nice” games in the past, and just a couple seasons ago many were hoping he didn’t get scooped away for a head coaching gig. Fast forward to current day, and just about everyone wishes someone else had the reins on defense.
Mike Smith has had some success in the past, but today he seems to be over-matched and has a knack for making mediocre QB’s look elite. With the bye week now officially here, one must wonder if Koetter will make a move or two on his coaching staff.
