Week 12 Key Match-UP To Watch vs Kansas City
Arians/leftwich vs Steve spagnuolo
For as much as most fans and media will focus on the “how do you stop the Chiefs offense” headlineS, Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo should be fearing the BUCS’ offense. But that’s probably not the case.
And it’s a damn shame too. Because from a talent standpoint, the BUCS are every bit as talented, maybe even more so than the Chiefs. But the difference is that there’s no identity for the offense in Tampa. And therefore, there’s no consistency.
It's the offense that puts the BUCS at a disadvantage.
The Defense can mix up zone and coverage all day. It wouldn't make a bit of difference if the offense comes and plays like it has for 9 of the 11 games. Only looking impressive or even competent for half the game.
The Chiefs don’t go long without scoring. If there’s a lull, it only goes for 3 drives. They’ve been stopped on 4 consecutive drives just once all season. And that was against the Raiders in Week 5. Funny enough, the BUCS didn’t get stopped on back-to-back drives once in the 45-20 blowout against them.
The BUCS have been stopped on 4 or more consecutive drives in five different games.
This lack of consistency is what makes it easier for an opposing defensive coordinator like Spagnuolo. He really doesn’t have to fear the BUCS offense because it’s not something that shows up regularly. Even in the wins, the offense does enough damage to itself to allow a team to hang around.
Against, Kansas City, Arians and Leftwich need to break down every wall of criticism fans have built against their approach to games. Collectively, they have to have their best game in their coaching careers. And that’s not hyperbole.
Arians hasn’t had a long history of beating the top teams. There was that Wild Card 26-20 OT victory against Green Bay from the 2015 season. But that was followed by a 49-15 beating at the hands of Carolina. And there was a pretty solid 2014 campaign as well his being able to a thorn in the side of the Seattle Seahawks. But, the history just isn’t long enough to make it as though he’s been ahead of the game or he’s the architect of a fearsome offense.
The Buccaneers offense is still in the “potential” stage. It’s potentially as dangerous and scary as the Kansas City offense. But it’s not come to fruition yet. And those mainly due to a lack of identity which leads to a lack of consistency as stated before.
Bruce Arians needs to actually game plan for the Kansas City Chiefs. He needs to make sure his offense can get on and off the field feeling good about its work. Even if the drives don’t lead to TDs. Those drives need to strike a bit of fear into the heart and mind of Spagnuolo on the other side of the field.
There needs to be a Focal Point A and Focal Point B where the Spagnuolo can’t just wait out until the BUCS fizz out and sputter for a while like in previous games. The offense needs to take advantage of their weak run defense which has given up over 100 yards in all but 3 games so far. Feed the capable RB(s) and give their defense something to be jumpy about. And don’t stop attacking with the run. Even if it’s not breaking for 6 or 7 yards every time. The goal should be to give the Chiefs more than one thing to focus on.
And while they’re focusing on two RBs that can, at the very least, get 50 yards a game, make sure they have to account for the FOUR receiving threats that are likely to have mismatches and/or double teams throughout the game. Somebody HAS to be in a favorable position! There’s just too many guys to stop all at once.
But it has to be done methodically. There needs to be some kind of a plan.
Maybe that plan is to start heavy on the shorter routes in the middle of the field so LBs get hesitant to rush Brady and the safeties get antsy enough to start sitting on routes they think are heading that way.
Maybe Godwin, Brown or Miller get some screens passes to one side of the field early to get the Chiefs looking to that side of the field and then there’s a bait ‘n switch tactic utilized that allows Evans 1-on-1 down field?
Whatever the case may be, there absolutely needs to be something in place BEFORE the game that could put Steve Spagnuolo in tough positions throughout the game. This apparent freestyle method of play calling has hindered the BUCS offense. All because there’s seemingly no game plan first and foremost.
Kansas City Defensive X-Factor
DT Chris Jones
-18 QB Hits
-5.5 QB Sacks
With the uncertainty of the interior line for the BUCS offense, Jones could have a helluva day. This where good game planning comes into play. While he’s a mean pass rusher, he’s only got 1 tackle for loss this season. Run the ball to right side behind Cappa and Wirfs to slow down his pursuit of Brady.
Tampa Bay offensive x-factor
RB Ronald Jones
-754 yards
-4.9 yards per touch
-468 yards after contact(3rd highest in the League)
Against Kansas City, Ronald could be(SHOULD BE) the guy that touches the ball on every drive. The offense should definitely prioritize his abilities to keep the Spaguolo and company honest. There’s no reason Jones shouldn’t get 20 carries or more against the Chiefs defense. Even though he’s imperfect in the passing game, he should be given the opportunity in this game. If nothing else, it’s something else Kanas City would have to account for. This isn’t basketball where if a guy misses a few shots, the defense can sag off of him and maybe not even cover him.
Give Jones the damn ball and let it open up the passing possibilities for Gronkowski and Brate in the middle of the field.
