Bucs Need to Set The Tone vs 49ers

Last game vs the Panthers, the Bucs started the game with 6 straight runs which sent a message that they were going to enforce their will all night. What it did was set the tone for the game and the Bucs were going to out physical their opponent which is what they did against Carolina. This week against the 49ers, they need to come out with the same mindset and pound the rock throughout the game. No Doug Martin again this week, but Jacquizz Rodgers and new addition Antone Smith should be able to get the job done.

49ers defense is coming off a game in which they gave up over 300 yards rushing, so stopping the run is their main issue and expect the Bucs to attack it. The 49ers are missing their leader in Navarro Bowman who is one of the best linebackers in the game as they have allowed 78 points over the last two games. The Bucs have a good run blocking offensive line and are getting their best blocking tight end in Luke Stocker back which is huge for their run offense. Hopefully with Stocker and the combo of Rodgers and Smith, the Bucs offense can set the tone by running the football down the throats of an wounded 49ers defense.

Who Is RB Antone Smith? Pro Stats And Draft Analysis

by Douglas O'Connor

follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt

     The Buccaneers made a change to their 53 man roster Monday when they signed free agent running back Antone Smith. His name might sound familiar to local fans having spent his college days at Florida State before spending his 1st 5 years in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Where he spent 3 years in Head Coach Dirk Koetter's offense.

     Antone hasn't had much of an opportunity to play during his 7 year NFL career, but when he does gets his chances he finds the end zone. With only 35 touches Smith has found pay dirt 7 times. That's an impressive percentage. Antone is averaging a touchdown every 6.4 times he touches the ball. 

     I've provided some links so you can learn more about the newest Buccaneer. First here is the predraft breakdown of Antone Smith on NFL.com. Next is his NFL stats per Pro Football Reference. 

     Finally I'm supplying a link of Head Coaches Dirk Koetter's press conference, held Monday October 17th. Koetter talks about reasons why Jason Licht signed Smith and the return of Louis Murphy.  

     Going into the meat of our schedule Jason Licht has completely overhauled the running back roster. Replacing UDFA with experienced veterans that are familiar with Koetters offense. If Doug Martin can't go this Sunday look for Antone Smith to get between 3-7 touches.

     You can also follow Real Bucs Talk staffers on Twitter @realbucstalk. As always thank you for reading and Go Bucs!

Fun fact: The picture at the top of the article with Antone Smith, Dirk Koetter, and Mike Smith is against the Buccaneers.