Each week after the Bucs game, we’ll take a closer look at the snap count distribution on Tampa Bay’s offense and defense. Assess what you can learn from the players who played the most and least in the game.
Let’s take a closer look at the Bucks players who played the most snaps and the Bucks players who played the least. A truly chaotic and thrilling 26-23 victory. They played against the Panthers in overtime on Sunday.
bucks offense
The Bucks have committed to making Bucky Irving the top rusher in the running back room. He had the best performance of his career, rushing 25 times for 152 yards and one touchdown. Rathard White also played well, gaining 76 yards on 11 attempts, but the big difference in rushing attempts is an indication of where Tampa Bay wants to go.
Bucks RB Bucky Irving – Photo courtesy of USA Today
However, despite the difference in touches, Irving played about the same number of snaps, 43 (54%), and White 42 (52%). Keep in mind that this could have been different, as a hip injury kept Irving out of the game at times, including overtime. Sean Tucker didn’t factor into the rotation at all. Maybe last week’s mistake got him in the kennel. But the Bucs ran for 236 yards, so there’s nothing to complain about.
In Tampa Bay, Mike Evans’ usage rate increased from 60% of the snaps last week to 84% on Sunday. He definitely needed more, considering the Bucks were down by three points with 30 seconds left. It was a good thing the extra load didn’t affect him throughout the game, as he led all receivers in snaps with eight catches for 118 yards and one touchdown. Among receivers, Jalen McMillan was second at 76%, followed by Sterling Shepard at 44%.
After Cade Otton posted a surprising 82% last week, he quickly returned to his normal 94%. Fellow tight end Payne Durham also played slightly more than the previous game, hitting 39%. The Bucs’ ground game efforts also saw two and possibly even three tight ends. Ko Kyivt had nine snaps, more than usual. Vita Vea went in for one on a goal-line snap, and backup quarterback Kyle Trask came in for two plays. baker mayfield The game has been temporarily closed.
backs defense
With Joe Tryon-Soyinka sidelined early in the week before Sunday, the Bucks relied heavily on starter Yahya Diaby and the hero of the game, Anthony Nelson. Diaby ended up playing 93% of the snaps, the most of his two-year career. Nelson shot 79 percent and made the season-saving play in overtime, forcing a Tuba Hubbard fumble while the Panthers were in field goal range. The fumble was recovered by all Diaby players, and the Bucks went on to win.
Bucs OLB Yaya Diaby – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Tampa Bay didn’t have much confidence in Chris Braswell or Jose Ramirez, with Braswell taking 21% of the snaps and Ramirez 7%. Todd Bowles usually likes to rotate his edge rushers, but considering Tryon Soyinka’s injury, he didn’t have many options left. It will be interesting to see if he reverts to being the starter upon his return or if they stick with Nelson because of the big plays and consistent pressure he provided.
Injuries during games caused him to move around defenders and take different snaps from other defenders. KJ Britt left the game early and played just 14 snaps for the entire game. In his place was JJ Russell, who played 43 snaps and 61% of the plays, recording five tackles. Safety Mike Edwards also left with a hamstring injury and did not return after playing 30 snaps and 43%, leaving Tavierre Thomas in that role.
The Bucks didn’t dress Tyreke Funderburk and only placed Josh Hayes on special teams, so Thomas was the first choice. Thomas is a great player on special teams, but we haven’t seen him play much on defense. He played 29 snaps, 41%, and recorded three tackles.
