Each week, after each Bucs game, we’ll take a closer look at the distribution of snaps on Tampa Bay’s offense and defense. Assess what you can learn from this game from the players who played the most and the players who played the least.
Here’s a closer look at the players who played the most and least snaps in the Bucks’ 26-9 road win over the Saints in Week 4 to take first place in the division.
bucks offense
The Bucs used their running back rotation well. It went pretty well. Ke’Shawn Vaughn completed 30% of his offensive snaps for the first time this season as Tampa Bay’s running back. Previously, rookie Sean Tucker had filled that role, but he wasn’t very effective and struggled with pass blocking. He was not used offensively and only played on special teams. Vaughn gained 16 yards on nine rushes, averaging a low 1.8 yards per attempt, but commensurate with Rashard White’s record time on 70 percent of the snaps. White played 91% last week, but Sunday’s numbers were good for everyone involved.
Bucks TE Cade Otton – Photo courtesy of USA Today
“When it comes to the backfield, is there anyone who’s been playing against the Saints longer than ‘Sneak’?” offensive coordinator Dave Canales said of his thought process when playing against Bourne. “He has experience. This is a really good defense. They’re doing a lot of great things, whether it’s packaging first down, second down, third down. ‘Sneak’ has the best chance. I felt that you gave me [where] If they did something exotic, he would have an eye for it. I thought if they did something in the run game, he would be able to work through those things and find his way, and he did a great job in the role that he played. ”
Everyone had to move around as wide receiver as well, as Mike Evans left in the second quarter with a hamstring injury. He appeared in only 26 games. Chris Godwin had his best game of the season, playing 75% of the snaps, and Trey Palmer also played here. Deven Tompkins was utilized throughout on 45 snaps (63%), and both of those aforementioned receivers ended up scoring touchdowns.
We need to once again give a shout out to Cade Otton, who played 100%. He appeared on all 71 snaps along with the offensive line and quarterback Baker Mayfield. He scored his first touchdown of the season.
bucks defense
Vita Vea’s pecs must have been feeling pretty good as his snap count increased again to 68%. That shows how important he is to the defense. With the group often going his way, it’s no wonder the defense didn’t allow a touchdown in the games he was sacked twice.
Bucks DT Logan Hall – Photo Credit: USA Today
Logan Hall saw similar minutes, while Greg Gaines, Mike Green and Will Golston all saw their minutes reduced. Gaines and Goulston were particularly notable, with Gaines going from 52% to 38% in his last game, while Goulston dropped from 45% to just 22%.
Bucs cornerback Zion McCollum joins Devin White, Lavonte David, Antwon Winfield Jr. and Carlton Davis in the century mark of playing 100% of snaps. It was also big for Davis, who is recovering from a toe injury. Dee Delaney took Ryan Neal’s place and came in a close second at 97%. He has played a very important role in a variety of roles, winning the ball twice in the past two games.
The Bucs’ outside linebackers had their usual snap numbers. Yaya Diaby had the biggest play of the group early in the game, losing a big tackle on Albin Kamara. After that, supporters were relatively quiet again for the second week in a row. They improved on a combination of eight tackles and one lost tackle, but recorded just one quarterback hit. Todd Bowles said it was because the Saints were getting the ball right away.
“I think they did a good job for what we got,” Bowles said. “The ball came out pretty fast. The ball came out so fast that we didn’t try to rush the passer, but I thought they were solid the whole time.”
