David Walker wrecked Aaron Rodgers with two sacks against the Steelers, all while only playing 35% of the Buccaneers’ defensive snaps in their brutal 26-19 overtime loss. That’s a gut punch, especially when you consider his performance was one of the few bright spots on a team now sitting at a miserable 1-5. Seriously, how do you not get that guy on the field more?
Someone Tell Todd Bowles Who Their Best Defender Is
You’d think a guy who consistently pressured Aaron Rodgers and bagged two sacks would be a cornerstone of the defensive scheme. But no, David Walker was on the field for just over a third of the defensive snaps. The man was making plays, flashing every time he got an opportunity, and his limited playing time just screams that Todd Bowles’ defense is leaving production on the sideline. Rookies like Josiah Trotter, Keionte Scott, and Rueben Bain Jr. are all contributing in different defensive roles, which is cool, but when you have a veteran making that kind of impact, you find a way to get him out there. Josiah Trotter, Zyon McCollum, and Alex Anzalone all played 100% of the defensive snaps, which is leadership, but Walker’s efficiency demands more. This team led 16-3 in the fourth quarter, blew it, and somehow their coaching staff is still burying their most effective pass rusher. It makes no sense!
The Offense Was a Mess, But One Back Got ALL The Work
Offensively, the snap counts paint a picture of a team that kept hitting its head against a wall. Bucky Irving handled a massive 85% of the offensive workload, while Kenneth Gainwell got a measly 15%. Irving ran the ball 19 times for only 46 yards, averaging a dismal 2.4 yards per attempt. Gainwell, in his limited two carries, managed 17 yards. With Sean Tucker inactive, the Bucs leaned on Irving super heavily, but the results weren’t there against Pittsburgh’s defense. Irving was also stuck with substantially more receiving routes and pass protection duties than Gainwell, effectively boxing the veteran out.
And don’t even get me started on quarterback Jalon Daniels. He got sacked five times for 42 yards, including an 11-yard sack by Jalen Ramsey on fourth down in overtime that basically ended the game. Daniels’ inconsistent accuracy didn’t help his receivers either, limiting their chances for big gains. Chris Godwin led the receivers with 92% of snaps, catching four passes for 37 yards on eight targets. Emeka Egbuka played slightly less at 86%, but he hauled in seven passes for 48 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets. Ted Hurst III even had three catches for 40 yards on 50% of snaps, including two key catches during Tampa Bay’s final regulation possession. Cade Otton played every offensive snap, taking on heavy blocking responsibilities, but only caught one pass for four yards. The offensive line played 100% of the snaps, but they still couldn’t handle Pittsburgh’s pressure.
The Bucs are now 1-5, and you know this isn’t good enough. They led 16-3 in the fourth quarter and still choked it away in overtime. Moving forward, something has to change with how they’re deploying talent, especially if they want to turn this season around. Every snap count, every play call, it all matters now. You gotta hope they figure it out before this season completely spirals.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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