Bills vs Buccaneers: Five questions with Buc 'Em

by Brian Galliford on Sep 17, 2009 10:30 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

Last week in our pre-game preparations, we spent an entire six days interviewing the folks at Pats Pulpit about the then-upcoming Monday Night Football game. For the rest of the season, we'll be doing interviews in this format - five questions on Thursdays, and predictions on Saturdays.

The Buffalo Bills have a massively important rebound game - it's also their home opener, by the way - coming up this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs opened their season with a 34-21 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys, and are making the trip to Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in franchise history this week. Here to help us understand a bit more about the Bucs are Buc Wild and Niko521bucs, big dogs at SB Nation's Buccaneers blog, Buc 'Em. Our conversation with these two Bucs bloggers are after the jump, and make sure you drop by Buc 'Em for the reciprocating Bills-centric interview/conversation.

The Bucs gave up three touchdown passes of 40+ yards to Tony Romo and the Cowboys this past Sunday. What happened on those plays?

Niko521bucs: It was a combination of inexperience in Jim Bates' new defense and inexperience on the part of safeties Sabby Piscitelli and Elbert Mack - two young guys in our secondary. Another major contributor to the problem is free safety Tanard Jackson, who is suspended for the first four weeks.

Buc Wild: He's right. Sabby Piscitelli got caught out of position on two of the big plays. It's a case of a young player not being disciplined enough in coverage. The other long TD came from a missed assignment by Elbert Mack, as he whiffed on the bump at the line of scrimmage.

Dallas did a great job of neutralizing DE Gaines Adams, who did not record a stat in Week 1. Beyond Adams, how does Tampa's pass rush look?

Niko521bucs: Not really that good. Honestly, neutralizing Gaines is not as hard as it sounds. Head Coach Raheem Morris has told him straight up that anything less than double digit sacks will label him a BUST. As for the rest, they did an adequate job against the run, but we have to improve against the pass.

Buc Wild: I hate to keep echoing Niko's thoughts here, but our pass rush is just not very strong right now. We have no premier pass rushers, and in Jim Bates' scheme, pressure comes from the DEs and LBs while the DTs clog the middle. This leaves it up to Adams, Jimmy Wilkerson and the linebacking crew. While they are young and talented, you just can't count on all the pressure coming from linebackers in a 4-3 scheme.

Byron Leftwich was efficient in Week 1, and the offense as a whole was excellent, picking up 450 total yards. How confident are you that that production will continue?

Niko521bucs: The biggest worry we have is losing Jeff Faine, center. But free agent pickup Jonathan Compas played in his absence pretty well. Left guard Jeremy Zuttah can play center, too. The trend should continue somewhat, especially once Faine returns in about four weeks.

Buc Wild: I'm confident that the offense can remain efficient; not so much in the 450 yards. I'm hoping our defense can cut some of the mistakes, thus allowing our offense to grind out some more yardage and clock. Leftwich shouldn't be throwing 40 times a game.

If you had to game plan against the Bucs, give us your brief strategies on offense and defense.

Niko521bucs: The Bucs like to run the ball, and will run with three if not four running backs, and then throw the ball on play action fakes.

Buc Wild: There are two ways to beat our offense - you either pressure Leftwich and force him off his spot, or you put eight in the box and stop the run. We're a pretty balanced offense, and throwing that balance off will kill us. On the defensive side, you beat the Bucs by throwing. I think we can stop the run fairly well, but with three young members of the secondary and Ronde Barber, there are holes to be had.

I'll admit that I was, and remain, a huge fan of Raheem Morris and his potential as an NFL head coach. But he's made some controversial moves early in his stint. How do you think Morris is coming along as a head man?

Niko521bucs: You will get different answers from different people, even probably within our site. I like Coach Morris, and do not feel he has really done anything all that crazy. Warrick Dunn, Derrick Brooks, Alex Smith, and Ike Hilliard are all still looking for work.

Buc Wild: My opinion is still being shaped, but as of now, I'm not sold. I think he's done some good and some bad, but he's making rookie mistakes. Problem is, we have no seniority to help him lead the team.

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key to beating a team like the Bucs with our no-huddle is to GET UP EARLY. I want the Bills to receive the Kickoff and go score a TD on the 1st drive in an uptempo no-huddle. The Bills Def Ithink has it’s work cut out for them. With no Poz and possibly no kelsay in that DE rotation, we have to find ways to pressure Leftwich. He may not dink and dunk us as well as NE, but still I can’t count on unforced errors by the Bucs on 3rd down to get our defense off the field. Those last two TD’s by NE, was our defense of last year. Brian’s article yesterday about not just winning this game but playing with the same energy as MNF is crucial

MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens

by MARVelous on Sep 17, 2009 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

also

the Bucs didn’t give up one sack to Demarcus Ware and the Cowboys. Penn, their LT is a stud. The big advantage we have is our season opener, so Schobel and Maybin should be able to get a headstart on the snap count with the crowd noise. I just wish Mitchell would find a way to be the well-timed blitzer he was with the Giants. He did it to start off last season, but I swear it’s been ages since he made a big play

MARVelous - "I went from America's team to North America's Team" Terrell Owens

by MARVelous on Sep 17, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Tampa’s O-Line is by FAR the strength of their team.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Sep 17, 2009 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I think that this game will be decided by the offense units. Since the systems of the D are pretty similar, both Offenses know them pretty well, as they faced it the entire training camp. So the question in my opinion is, which offense is suited better to beat the Tampa 2.

And I think, that the Bucs won’t win this one, because we were pretty good in defending the deep pass and the run, while our short-passing game can definitely produce against this type of D.

By the way, I went over to Buc’ Em. Boy they have a pretty quiet atmosphere, really few comments…

"What in the hell have I gotten myself into?" - Bruce Smith HOF

by Chriz on Sep 17, 2009 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Good Q and A

I had most of the same questions about this young Buc’s team. Im with Marv as well. Recieve the kickoff if the Bills win the toss. It would be nice to see them play with a lead of more than a touchdown.

by dragonwag0n on Sep 17, 2009 11:11 AM EDT via mobile reply actions

Anybody else hope we’re up by like 30 going into the fourth quarter, just to feel safe? :)

by jj24 on Sep 17, 2009 11:23 AM EDT reply actions

14 points would do it for me, that way we at least go to OT if they cough up 2 big TD plays in the last 5 minutes again

As my mother once said, common sense isn't as common as it should be, I'm looking at you Fewell, common sense says to play UP on the line against the slant.

by WABillsfan on Sep 17, 2009 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Can we PLEASE

move on – already? I hated what happened just as much as anyone, but ya have to move on to the next week’s opponent….. Tampa Bay.

Prepare for the Bucs and FINISH…. the damn game!!!

It’s our HOME opener, and a welcoming party for our young CB. Lets be LOUD & PROUD!!!

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Um… we are moving on. Hence the post. WA can’t tell a joke? :)

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Sep 17, 2009 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions

I think the joke went wide right…

by Zumone on Sep 17, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Rim shot.

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Sep 17, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions

I know -

hence the article, but some just can’t leave some things alone. I can’t wait to sit back in my seats for our home opener, welcome Leo back, and enjoy a great day of Bills football.

What’s the weather forecast for the game?

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

B-e-a-utiful

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Sep 17, 2009 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks 34

I just looked real quick and I see what you are saying. It does look like a beautiful day for some football. Looking so froward to it too!

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Absolutely. Perfect Sunday in September and an excellent day to tailgate all afternoon.

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Sep 17, 2009 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions

That my man

is the plan!!!! I just can’t get up to OP until around noon Sunday. That’s uncharacterisitc for me since I normally leave on Saturday for a Sunday Game. Unfortunatley, I have a prior commitment made by the wife for Saturday, so I can’t leave until early Sunday AM now. Thankfully it’s a 4:00 game or it would have really tough.

I WILL be there ealry enough to get some time in w/ the tailgating however, before heading in for the game…….

ENJOY!!!!!

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Same to you my friend. Same to you. Go Bills!

So easy Marshawn Lynch can do it.

by thatguy34 on Sep 17, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

HA!!!!!!!

I just now noticed your sig. Stupid me! I have a pic to fit your sig perfectly. Geico guy on one side along w/ 23 on the other. I have it on my cell if you’d like for me to share……….

Enjoy Sunday!!!

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

The D has got to get after Sandwich. With his windmill throwing motion, not allowing him to step into his throws and forcing him to move around is the easiest way to make him uncomfortable back there. He’s a pretty bad QB that could be without his best WR this week. Get after him and force him to beat us with mediocre receivers. If we can slow their run game and have the pass game try to win the game, we should be in good shape. Turnovers and sacks would be excellent!

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Sep 17, 2009 11:46 AM EDT reply actions

Leftwich has a tendency to overthrow his targets. I’m not sure if has to do with footwork or release point on his throws, but I personally am expecting a couple picks by our safeties this week. I’m hoping we play a lot of Cover-One on sure passing downs to keep that deep safety in position to catch the overthrows.

Leftwich does do a good job of working the middle of the field and can make a 3rd and 16 conversion look easy with his rocket arm. He only throws lasers and doesn’t have a lot of touch, though . Our linebackers are going to have to cover a lot of ground in the intermediate area and corners would probably be wise to play the inside shoulder of the receivers as long as it make sense in relation to the safety help.

by jj24 on Sep 17, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

about his release. I was just saying a little bit ago, I wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see several batted balls at the LOS too!!!

The middle of the field is what is worrying me right now w/ the LBers though.

Season Ticket Holder Sec: 312, Row: 15
"There's NO place like home when it's the Big Tree Inn"

by Pocono Bob on Sep 17, 2009 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions

This game is not a gimmie.

I am not saying that anyone in particular is saying that this game is an instant W. The bucks will come here to play. We need to take thier run game real serious. We need to keep the stops in front of the LB’s not the CB’s. The pressure on Byron will come from the CB’s or it should. Their run game is way above average and it kills the game clock.

Dallas beat them on the long ball. The best way for them to defend that is by keeping the ball on the ground and running it on 1st, 2nd and 3rd downs thus keeping our offense on the sidelines and out of rythm. This game is no gimmie we will have to work hard to stop them. Our front seven on defense is in for a long day. We need to keep them fresh from start to finish.

Excuses are a sign of weakness!!!!!!

by VanScottM on Sep 17, 2009 11:57 AM EDT reply actions

Should i play Ronnie brown against the cults or Ward against us?

right now i have Brown in, i like our run D

"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-

by billsoferie on Sep 17, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions

Wait till Friday and K’s FF post for this. (At least I think those are posted on Fridays…)

No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.

by sireric on Sep 17, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Ronie Brown and I don’t think it’s close.

by kaisertown on Sep 17, 2009 5:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I think it is

especially if it’s PPR.

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Sep 17, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Really? Ward has Buffalo on the road and Brown plays Indy at home. I like Brown’s matchup better, maybe by a lot. Ward is probably going to get 50% of TB’s carries, but Brown should get more than that. Ward had 41 catches last year, but that was his role on a Giants team that didn’t trust Jacobs to catch the ball. TB threw the ball 40 times and Ward only had two catches, is he really going to be a big time PPR guy this year? Brown had a respectable 33 catches last year and 3 last sunday.

by kaisertown on Sep 17, 2009 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions

I didn’t say he’d be the better choice, just that it’d be close…

~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."

by Kurupt on Sep 18, 2009 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I know that Gaines Adams has been a bit of a dissapointment, but I would still be pretty terrified about him if Langston Walker was our LT. The key for our OL is handling Bates’ blitzes. He’s more of a run blitz than pass blitz guy, so his goal is clogging run lanes more than having guys come in free.

I think the key to running on Tampa is getting a hat on Barrett Ruud. I think the smart way to attack them is right up the gut and we’re going to need our rookie guards and Hang to have their way with some mediocre DTs (Hovan, Sims and Miller), block Ruud and go right at them.

I’d like to see a lot of Scott and/or Whitner up in the box. Tampa’s OL is pretty good, but with Faine out, they’re a little vulnerable. Davin Joseph is a stud and both their OTs are great run blockers. LG, Jeremy Zuttah is a great athlete too. I think Leftwich stinks and would like to see Buffalo force him to beat them. Tampa’s weapons (Bryant, Winslow, Clayton) are pretty good, but I’d force them and Leftwich to beat Buffalo by stacking the box and mixing in some run blitzes. Get as many guys around the LOS and after Leftwich as possible.

by kaisertown on Sep 17, 2009 6:05 PM EDT reply actions