The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary has been struggling all year but in recent weeks they have been exposed in ways that hadn’t been yet. The worst of it is Kirk Cousins who passed for over 800 yards in two matchups combined in Week 5 and Week 8.
They now deal with the Chiefs led by Pat Mahomes and an offense that hasn’t played like an undefeated one. That may change if Mahomes can demonstrate dominance against them.
Todd Bowles recognizes that the pass rush has not been of much help to the secondary and discusses the changes they need to make to help each group out.
“I think our edge guys have to be better at getting chipped and still understanding how to pressure the quarterback other than letting the chips knock them off their game a little bit and getting a little frustrated trying to force things. We have to do a better job of gaining it, we have to better job of learning when to get off the chip blocks.”
Yaya Diaby, Logan Hall, and Vita Vea have had some mild success rushing the passer but they need more. C.J. Brewer had two sacks on Sunday against the Falcons but that isn’t a reliable source. Brewer getting two sacks should be accompanied by 3-4 from others on defense instead.