Pittsburgh Steelers vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What it’ll take to get the win

Defense

The Bucs front seven are big and talented lead by All-Pro Gerald McCoy, ex-Eagle Vinny Curry off the edge and powerful Jason Pierre-Paul up front, with Kwon Alexander and All-Pro LaVonte David at the second level of the defense. Their gifted veteran corner Brent Grimes is back from injury and will shadow AB all over the field, with help of course.

But Carlton Davis is their big press corner who is as physical as they come with lockdown man abilities. Last years first round pick Vernon Hargreaves and this year’s first-round pick, big Vita Vea are promising players looking to make a jump this year.

The Bucs have basically a rebuilt defense and have been cellar dwellers over the past few years. The 4-3 front is the base defense and they scheme off of that with a lot of double blitzes using the DE’s LB’s combinations. That front four is the key to their defense. DC Mike Smith the ex Atlanta head coach job is on the line much like head coach Dirk Koetter. Ownership is looking for a turnaround season.

The Steelers were decimated last week by a well-devised offensive scheme that was designed to attack their weaknesses. KC knew the Steelers didn’t have the inside backer talent to run the seams or post against TE or cover the underneath pattern with reverses against slot receivers.

They incorporated multiple spread sets in which we did not adjust and the linebackers/secondary are still having communication problems. After breaking down the tape of last weeks game, a lot of players were out of position (not counting missed tackles as a continuous problem) and according to the scheme, they could have been competitive on all of the touchdowns that were given up.

When there are six and seven DB’s on the field, if communication isn’t pointing out clear responsibility, then last weeks results may be like a broken record after this game as well. Pressure on Fitzpatrick to turn him back into a “pumpkin” will dictate the flow of the game.

The extra DB’s must be in the right position to make plays and get turnovers. If they are coming down into the “box”, they must tackle and cover the tight ends.

Terrell Edmunds and Mike Hilton didn’t have good games as safeties while Cameron Sutton is getting the wrong reputation around the league. Let’s hope Joe Haden and his hamstring can hold up through this game, but more importantly, through the entire season.

DC Keith Butler must do a better job disguising the blitz package because last week Andy Reid was in his playbook. Pressure and Coverage…enough said!