Bucs' defense failing under Morris

Problems on both sides of the ball have led the Buccaneers to this low point in their season. Losers of five straight games, the Bucs, who were once 4-2 and contending for the lead in the NFC South, are on the brink of falling into last place in the division heading into a Week 13 game against the Panthers.

The glory days of the franchise were fueled by a great defense, and GM Mark Dominik has spent the past two drafts trying to rebuild up front on that side of the ball, spending each of his first two picks on defensive linemen. Tampa Bay's defense is ranked among the league's worst, however, and is being gashed vs. the run each week. We hear the team is confident its issues on offense — largely penalties, turnovers and dropped passes — are correctable. Injuries have played a role in the defensive problems, but these problems are more fundamental and a greater concern for the team, we hear.

Head coach Raheem Morris was asked about his job security this week with the Bucs spiraling downward, and, considering that he also serves as the team's defensive coordinator, he can't avoid blame for his team's poor performance on that side of the ball.

We hear Morris relishes his dual role. He enjoys managing the defense and wouldn't be eager to give up coordinator duties if the Bucs determine after the season that such a change should be considered.

Team observers say the Bucs won't have to look far for a candidate to step up and handle the responsibility of coordinating the defense if they decide to go in that direction. Bucs DB coach Jimmy Lake is being groomed to take on a greater role and could be in line for a promotion. Lake spent two seasons as the Bucs' assistant DB coach — including the 2007 season, when he directly assisted Morris, who was then the team's DB coach. Lake returned to the Bucs before the 2010 season after spending 2008 as the Lions' secondary coach.

There won't be much improvement from the Tampa Bay defense unless the young talent it has invested heavily in develops and shows significant improvement. Dominik hasn't spent much on free agents since he became the general manager, but there are needs he could be tempted to fill by going that route this offseason.

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Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/12/02/bucs-defense-failing-under-morris

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