Different opponent, different defensive coordinator, same disastrous ending. For the second time in three weeks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watched their final offensive opportunity disappear after failing to account for a defensive back blitzing untouched off the edge. At this point, the problem goes beyond execution. It raises serious questions about Zac Robinson's protection schemes, offensive adjustments, and the coaching staff's inability to correct an issue that has already cost Tampa Bay multiple games.
Sunday's 26-19 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers ended with Jalen Ramsey coming completely free off the right edge on fourth-and-eight. With the Buccaneers desperately trying to extend the game, Ramsey had a clear path to Jalon Daniels, recording an 11-yard sack that officially ended Tampa Bay's comeback attempt. Against Green Bay in Week 4, safety Evan Williams came untouched off the edge on fourth-and-11, forcing Daniels into a desperation incompletion that sealed a 17-14 defeat. Williams had already generated a sack earlier in that same series, yet Tampa Bay still failed to adjust when Green Bay returned to the pressure.
Pittsburgh essentially followed the same blueprint. On the decisive play, the Steelers rushed five while dropping Nick Herbig and Cameron Heyward into coverage. Tampa Bay's offensive line slid away from Ramsey, leaving the running back late to recognize the outside threat. The result was another unblocked defender ending another football game. This is where Robinson deserves significant criticism. Defensive coordinators are recognizing Tampa Bay's vulnerabilities and exploiting them in the most important moments. Whether the answer is sliding protection toward the pressure, keeping additional blockers in protection, or building immediate hot routes into the play design, the offense needs an answer before the ball is snapped. Daniels certainly shares responsibility. Recognizing pressure and adjusting protections are essential responsibilities for an NFL quarterback. However, expecting an undrafted rookie making his third career start to consistently solve disguised pressure packages without adequate schematic support is unreasonable.
What makes this especially concerning is that Tampa Bay's offensive line has shown it can protect effectively in conventional situations. Yet when defenses introduce late movement, simulated pressures, and defensive backs attacking from the edge, the communication repeatedly breaks down. The Buccaneers have now lost two games in nearly identical fashion. That is no longer a coincidence or simply a rookie learning experience. It is a recurring failure in coaching and preparation. Until Robinson proves he can counter it, there is little reason to believe they will stop attacking it.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: The Buccaneers have a blitz pickup problem