Bucs at Steelers: Ledyard’s 5 Defensive Observations

The Bucs struggles continued on Sunday, as they lost to a depleted 1-4 Steelers team, 20-18. Tampa Bay was better on defense than offense, but still hilariously incapable on pivotal downs. A dismal Steelers offense completed 7-of-15 third down opportunities (46.7%), including a series of late-game conversions in long down-and-distance situations.

Here’s a snapshot of what went wrong with the defense on Sunday.

1. Unacceptable Mistakes

Early in the game, the Bucs defense forced an incompletion to bring up fourth-and-6 from their 35. But Devin White sloppily hit Steelers QB Kenny Pickett in the head, drawing a 15-yard penalty and a new set of downs. The Steelers went on to score a touchdown a few plays later, and it was White who blew the coverage to Najee Harris for the 6-yard TD in the flat.

In the fourth quarter, the Steelers faced a third-and-6 from their own 44. The Bucs defense had too many men on the field, so Lavonte David yelled and signaled for a timeout. But the call came too late for the officials to stop the play, and Steelers tight end Connor Heyward ran right by the defense for 45 yards. Thinking the officials would blow the play dead, several Bucs defenders stopped playing. The big pass play set up the Steelers’ second and final touchdown of the game.

On both Steelers touchdown drives, the Bucs beat themselves with major mistakes in key moments. The Steelers offense wasn’t much better on Sunday than they’ve been all season. But the Bucs consistently allowed them to stay on the field due to their own folly.

2. Third-And-Long Catastrophes

It has been almost impossible for the Steelers offense to convert third downs this season. The team entered Sunday’s game ranked 22nd in the league on third down. To make matters worse, the Steelers were forced to switch quarterbacks in the third quarter when Pickett left with a concussion.

However, it didn’t matter. The Bucs defense managed to give up an insane SEVEN third down conversions of six yards or more (one on a penalty). An eighth situation, a third-and-11 that became a fourth-and-inches the Steelers converted, further exemplified Tampa Bay’s struggles. Here are the ridiculous situations that the Bucs allowed one of the league’s worst offenses to convert.

Third-and-6 (penalty)
Third-and-11 to fourth-and-1 (converted)
Third-and-6
Third-and-15
Third-and-13
Third-and-6
Third-and-15
Third-and-11

Talk about the defense giving up just 20 points all day if you want, but I’m not praising a unit that allows conversions in those spots. Especially to an offense that has struggled like Pittsburgh’s has for almost two years now. The Bucs defense held the Steelers to -0.23 EPA (Expected Points Added) on first and second downs throughout the game. But on third down, the Steelers had a ridiculous 0.72 EPA per play. Insane numbers. Pittsburgh entered Week 6 averaging -0.078 EPA on third downs.

I didn’t have major issues with most of the calls in these situations, but players didn’t execute at all.

3. Devin White’s Struggles Continue

Bucs ILB Devin White – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

It’s been another disappointing season for White, who continues to struggle despite the national media’s praise of his game. On Sunday, White made several mistakes in coverage, including one that has plagued him for years now. On a few occasions, White was too eager to add on as a pass rusher, allowing the running back to check release wide open in the flat. The Steelers’ first touchdown looked like it occurred when White abandoned Harris to blitz.

Throughout the game, White continued to make the same mistake, but the Steelers didn’t catch it again. But that gaffe, combined with his blow to Pickett’s head moments earlier, gave the Steelers seven valuable points on Sunday’s opening possession for Pittsburgh.

4. Jamel Dean Continues To Ball Out

Through six weeks, Dean is playing at a Pro Bowl level. Even when he allowed catches on Sunday, he was in great position to make a quick tackle. He continues to be aggressive downhill, tackling the run and short-passing game with great consistency.

Opposite Dean, Carlton Davis III has also played well. He made a couple strong tackles and had a diving break up on third down. The vast majority of the Steelers offense came via Chase Claypool against linebackers, slot corners or open holes in the zone. Other than the blown coverage against Heyward, the Bucs buttoned up every other Steelers skill player.

5. Tougher Tests Coming For Bucs Defense

Through six weeks, the Bucs defense will rank near the top of the league in many categories. But those who have watched them closely understand there is reason to question their early season “success.” The Saints, Cowboys, Packers, Falcons and Steelers are far cries from high-powered offenses. All five units have struggled for all or most of the season. By far Tampa Bay’s toughest challenge came in Week 4, when they were drilled by the Chiefs in embarrassing fashion.

The Ravens, Seahawks and Browns offense loom in three of the Bucs’ next four games. In the middle of those contests will be a home date with the Rams, who have long-destroyed Todd Bowles’ defenses. Despite some good things through the first six weeks, better play is needed from the Bucs defense if they wish to make the playoffs this year.