Three first-round draft picks.
Joe didn’t see a lot of designed runs for Falcons QB Michael Penix on Sunday, so it’s fair to say he dropped back to pass more than 45 times against Tampa Bay.
The Bucs tallied just one sack.
That’s a miserable sack percentage that would make even the worst defensive coordinator cringe.
At least the Bucs got one sack, a sweet victory on a double team by new edge rusher Haason Reddick. That third-down sack was a true drive-killer that forced a Falcons field goal.
So what will the Bucs’ pass rush do in Houston on Monday night?
Former Texans defensive tackle Seth Payne, a 10-year veteran of the NFL trenches, covers the team and talked about the Texans’ offensive line on [his YouTube show](https://www.youtube.com/@SethPayneShow). He didn’t sound impressed by their pass blocking against the Rams in Week 1. Payne praised Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud for many good throws under heavy pressure, and Payne talked about the offense’s combination of either poorly called protections or poorly excecuted protections.
Remember, the Texans have a first-time playcaller in Nick Caley. His offense didn’t find the end zone against the Rams and Stroud ate three sacks in a 14-9 loss.
Payne also talked about how Texans offensive linemen were beaten individually and how he believes running backs missed chip blocks, and he said Stroud “called the wrong protections” at times.
Damn, Payne sure painted a messy picture if you’re a Texans fan. So can the Bucs find a way to smack around a quarterback for a change?
And now Texans starting center Jake Andrews has a bad ankle after being carted off against Los Angeles. He hasn’t practiced this week.
It’s time for the three first-round picks on the Bucs’ defensive front to start feasting and beasting.
Payne went on to say he’s unimpressed by the Bucs’ individual pass rushers but is more impressed with the effectiveness of Todd Bowles’ blitzes.