The aftermath – Week 8: Tampa Bay/Baltimore

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 22, Baltimore Ravens 27 (Oct. 27)

Let’s just dive in on the Tampa Bay Bucs’ defense. I understand there have been injuries, which, to be fair, is a part of football. I understand that the defense has not been playing well. I get that too. I understand that players get tired on the defensive side of the ball.

Now, what I don’t understand, is the effort that Devin White put in Thursday night. He was a high draft pick and a pro bowler multiple times. So, the play I saw from him was unacceptable. They didn’t lose the game because of him – I will tell you that – but he damn sure didn’t help the Bucs win, either.

Back in the day, we had something called a “loaf.” A loaf is when one doesn’t run to the ball, gives up on the play or lets another team member pass you on the way to the tackle or attempted tackle. You will get called out, either in skill or sometimes, in team meetings.

They say “the eye in the sky doesn’t lie.” This is the film showing you in the act of hustling or loafing. It could mean someone is blocking you and you stayed blocked. It could mean you’re laying on the ground and no popping up after you were knocked down, but getting up slowly. They would grade these as loafs.

Basically, a loaf is an ego or pride deal. I saw guys argue against their loaf. Oh, it was glorious, fun and funny when their excuses were ridiculous. Now, I had my fair share of loafs that I protested – but this isn’t about me (thank goodness).

We had something called angle drills in practice where we specifically ran at an angle to a cone at full speed, and if you were passed up by a player or the coaches felt like you weren’t running hard enough, the whole defense had to do it again. It sucked, but if one loafed we all loafed so we had to run it back.

This mindset I don’t see when I watch the Bucs’ defense. I don’t see excitement, I don’t see them having fun. I see tired, inconsistent play. The most consistent thing is the defense not being filling their gaps (the place they are supposed to be so it won’t create holes for running backs to run). I see the players getting pushed around, and with each game, it seems to be getting worse.

What I saw from Devin White may have been the worst game he has played. I don’t expect him to play like that ever again. I am sure that was a wake-up call. Hell, I hope the defense doesn’t play like they played in the second half, giving up over 200 yards rushing in the second half alone. Their pride, and effort, were on display for everyone to watch – and the next day to dissect. I hope they rebound quickly.

Just so we’re clear, I DO NOT blame the defense for losing this game. I give the defense 40 percent. They held onto the game as close as they could with Lamar Jackson and company.

I still saw Tom Brady throw for 325 yards with over 40 attempts, and the team only rushed 15 times the whole game. Fifteen times rushing! I saw dropped balls, poorly thrown footballs and sacks! The funny thing is, in the first half they used the game plan I referenced in last week’s article to run the ball, then throw play-action. Man, I felt like they were listening to me! I was excited! It kept the game interesting. The defense looked rested and a little energized.

Then in the second half, they went off script. That’s when I knew they didn’t read my article. Oh well.

Both defense and offense need to get it together, moreso to the offense for obvious reasons. Brady is a great QB – and with being great you have to deal with and meet these expectations. I know he can’t do it alone. Then, maybe with some of the money that the team has tied up with him, he can restructure to help the team sign someone on the offense or defense that can help the team fill some gaps.

Maybe? On to next week!

Former defensive end Stylez White played for the Houston Texans, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears and Orlando Predators. He was on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense from 2007 to 2010.