The Bucs didn’t have many bad plays in their 19-3 win over the Cowboys. Tampa Bay won the game with a dominant defensive performance and a strong ground game. The Bucs defense held the Cowboys to just 244 yards and registered four sacks and one interception.

For the bad plays that were made there were several other very good plays. This week’s Most Disappointing list feels a bit more like nitpicking, but there were certainly phases of the game that need improvement.

Red Zone Offense

The first five trips into the red zone in the first half resulted in just 12 points. Back-to-back sacks by Parsons had the Bucs settling for field goals early. One which included a missed attempt by Ryan Succop. The Bucs finally found the end zone in the third quarter with a back shoulder fade and one-handed grab by Mike Evans.

Third-And-Long Defense

The Cowboys converted just 17-of-95 third-and-long attempts in all of 2021. The Bucs let them convert three in their 19-3 win on Sunday night. The defense needed to do a better job covering and tackling. Outside of those three big plays, Tampa Bay’s defense was stellar. Dallas was held to just 3-of-15 (20 percent) on third downs for the game.

Bad Luck With Injuries

Bucs LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs lost two starters in left tackle Donovan Smith and wide receiver Chris Godwin in their win/loss to the Cowboys. Smith suffered an elbow injury in the middle of the second quarter and after being tabbed as questionable to return was ruled out after the half. Josh Well replaced in him for the rest of the game. Godwin came up limping after making a 5-yard catch late in the second quarter and was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

LG Luke Goedeke

Goedeke struggled against defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa at times. On one play he was responsible for a third down tackle for loss on a Fournette run. And he was beaten badly by Odighizuwa on Micah Parson’s second sack of the game. Goedeke also had a false start penalty to start the second half. Though the rookie guard rebounded well and was particularly good in pass protection. It wasn’t terrible for his first start in the NFL, but Goedeke will have to improve quickly as the season moves on.

LT Josh Wells

Wells came in for injured left tackle Donovan Smith and struggled in pass protection for a good portion of the game. He allowed a sack by Pro Bowl linebacker Micah Parsons to effectively stall a drive on third down in the red zone that resulted in a field goal. To his credit, Wells was efficient in the run game.

TE Cam Brate

Brate had a big drop on third-and-short on a catch that he needed to make. It could have allowed the Bucs to keep the clock rolling and finish the game out sooner. Instead it ended the drive and brought the punt team out. Brate was average as a blocker in the run game, but he played well in the preseason and in camp to land veteran newcomer Kyle Rudolph on the inactive list. The 31-year old tight end finished with one catch for seven yards.