Last season, the Bucs defense was a mess from top to bottom which was unfortunate because the unit had plenty of talent. Main issue was poor communication and players not being utilized properly within the given scheme. Now with a new defensive coordinator in Mike Smith along with great staff under him plus more defensive talent added in Ayers, Grimes, Spence, Smith, and Hargreaves this defense has the tools to be a solid defense this season.
The question was how quickly could the players adjust to the new scheme so they could play fast and be more reactive than thinking too much. Well so far the defense has picked up the new scheme really well and are responding under the new defensive coaching staff. Players and coaches are communicating clearly, and both are learning what works and doesn't work on the field.
Today, the Bucs defense was dominant according to head coach Dirk Koetter in which they shut down the offense in redzone 9 straight times. This defense has plenty of speed and it is showing up so far in camp, here is more on the defense from Koetter per Greg Auman of Tampa Bay Times.
Now granted there is still a long way to go as this defense needs to play in games with this new scheme to gain chemistry with the new pieces and see how it works against an opposing offense. One thing is clear the coaching staff has done a great job to get the players to learn a new scheme that quickly and it is allowing the defense to play faster as each day goes by. Players are raving about playing for Mike Smith and his defensive staff as the scheme is allowing guys to play to their strengths which is how it should be.Video: Bucs' Dirk Koetter says "my impression is the defense kicked butt." Offense went 0-for-9 inside the 10 today. pic.twitter.com/BTVgPhg96n— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 9, 2016
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