Keys To Cannon Fire: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Tennessee Titans

In this weekly article, we break down what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to do to secure a victory on game day.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are sitting at 3-5 and are one and a half games back in the NFC South. They face a must-win against the Tennessee Titans after losing four straight to keep pace with the other teams in the division and turn their season around. Another loss could send this team spiraling in a direction they don't want to go, especially with a trip to the 49ers next week on schedule. 

Stop me if you've heard this before, this is a winnable game for the Bucs. While the Titans have found new life with Will Levis at the helm, this is a team devoid of talent on both sides of the ball. Outside of Derrick Henry, DeAndre Hopkins, Jeffrey Simmons, and Denico Autry there are not a ton of players you need to game plan around. If the Bucs can slow those players down and follow these "Keys to Cannon Fire" they should get their season back on track with a victory. 

READ MORE: BucsGameday Staff Score Predictions: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Tennessee Titans

Pass More, Run Less

The Bucs have been running more than they should over their four losses especially on early downs. last week the Bucs ran 75 percent of their plays on early downs in the first half. The average 2.5 yards per carry and a success rate of 13%. Contrast that to when they passed they averaged 12.7 yards per play, with a 67 percent success rate.

Moral of the story, run more, pass less. The early down runs consistently put the Bucs behind the 8-ball setting up second and third and longs. While I don't want the Bucs to abandon the run altogether, they need to make a more concentrated effort on passing earlier in the play sequence. Utilizing Rachaad White more in the passing game has worked as an extension of the run game and should be a focal point. 

If the Bucs are going to win this game and beyond they need to lean more on their passing attack. Especially on early downs. If they can do it that and pick and choose when they run the ball they will have success and position themselves for a playoff run. 

Stop Playing Soft Zone Coverage

The soft zone coverage has to stop. Plain and simple. there are plenty of reasons why this coverage isn't working so let's get into them.

1. It doesn't match your cornerback's strengths. Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis are two of the best press-man corners in the league. When able to play to their skill set they have consistently shut down opposing team's top receivers. Asking them to play in space and ten yards off the line of scrimmage has led to more problems than just coverage. 

2. Pass rush doesn't have time to get home. With the Bucs playing tens yards off their man the pass rush simply doesn't have time to get home as the quarterback knows he has a quick bailout to one of his open receivers. Get the ball to them in space and see what they can do. So far the results have been devastating for the Bucs. Coverage sacks are a real thing but don't exist in the defensive scheme. 

3. Too much miscommunication. How many times have we've seen defenders get wide open because someone doesn't pick up the receiver on the switch. I'll answer it for you, more than we should. Part of the reason is Bucs defenders are getting confused in the soft zone coverage scheme not knowing where their zone is and that's on coaching. Miscommunication happens to every team but it's been happening to the Buccaneers at an alarming rate.  

Stop Running Soft Zone Coverage!

Get Pressure On The Quarterback

The Bucs have not been able to generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks over the last four games. And when they do, See Above, the QB has a quick out to avoid a sack. However, the Buccaneers need to do a better job of getting off their man and getting home. through eight games they have just 21 sacks which is good for 17th in the NFL. 

The Bucs got off to a hot start this season and while a scheme shift is partially to blame their front four needs to do a better job plain and simple. Bowles has been blitzing at a near-league-high rate with little to show for it. When your safety has the second-best pass rush grade in the NFL and the best on your team there's a problem. 

They're simply not getting enough from Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey have provided good pass rush but are consistently facing double teams. The edge rushers need to get home more if the Bucs are going to have a chance to win not only this game but games going forward. 

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.

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