What comes after plan A?
3 min read
[Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports]
Heading into week 6 is a good time to reflect. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have played five games so far, two against division rivals. All, but the New York Giants, have a winning record. Currently, the Buccaneers record stands at 2-3, putting the Bucs in 3rd place in the NFC South and two games behind the New Orleans Saints.
Wins against the Carolina Panthers and LA Rams were bright spots on this young season and give fans hope going into game 6 against the Panthers in London. A win over the pond will put the Buccaneers at 3-3 going into the bye week and will restore the NFC South record to 2-1 with a sweep over the Panthers. Many fans going into the season, and looking at the schedule, commented that .500 going into the bye would be a respectable mark and some more pessimistic fans suggested 1-5 or 2-4 was more likely. Many predicted that the wins would come against the 49ers and/or the Giants!
Whilst the overall record could be seen as respectable, the manner in which the team has achieved this; is not.
When plan A works, this team looks unbeatable. The offense is rolling, and the defense is oppressive. The biggest problem?
When the other team stops plan A, there is nothing behind it. There is no plan B!
Whilst this is a controversial comment, it is also a fact. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are suffering from a coaching issue that has plagued the team and has not changed. The list of coaches that got fired for not having a Plan B is frightening. It reads:
Raheem Morris
Greg Schiano
Lovie Smith
Dirk Koetter
The fact that the All-Star coaching team is suffering from the same issue is worrying. I find it incredible that all that coaching experience cannot make adjustments and come up with a way to stay on top of games.
The loss to the 49ers – No changes were made when the original game plan wasn’t working.
The victory over the Panthers – The game plan worked, and the Bucs looked good winning in Charlotte.
The loss to the Giants – The first half plan A was executed to perfection. The 2nd half the Giants made adjustments, and Bruce Arians did nothing. The Buccaneers were embarrassing in that loss.
The win against the Rams – Plan A again worked so well that the Rams adjustments didn’t have any effect on the game. The defense was exposed, but these faults were overlooked because it was a W.
The loss to the Saints – New Orleans game planned for the Bucs Plan A and dominated the game. The coaches stood by limp and took their beating without resistance.
Whilst these are only summarized versions, it is concerning that through five different coaching staffs, the Buccaneers do not have a plan B. Tape is out on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and teams will plan accordingly for games. Unless Bruce Arians and company can think of something else when plan A isn’t working, this will be a long and frustrating season.
Success in life and football is defined by how well you execute Plan B.
