The Bucs offense has been absolutely putrid on third down this year, converting just 28.6% of the team’s 42 opportunities. Only four teams – the Giants (28.2%), Cardinals (27.9%), Panthers (27%) and the Texans (25%) – are worse through Week 3.

On a Zoom call with reporters on Thursday, Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich put the blame for the third down woes on the lack of production on first and second downs following Sunday’s 14-12 loss to Green Bay.

“Just not good enough really for first and second down,” Leftwich said. “You look at last week, we’re starting off on third-and-12. So it’s tough to execute on third-and-12, especially when you are a banged up football team. When you’re a banged up football team and you put yourself in all these third-and-long situations you are going to punt the ball most of the time. It’s hard to score and punt at the same time. That’s really been our issue – being better on first and second down, giving us an opportunity to score points.”

Bucs RB Leonard Fournette – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Even though the offense is wide receiver-driven, the Bucs have tried to find balance on offense with more runs this year. But Tampa Bay’s 3.4-yard average ranks tied for the fourth-worst in the NFL.

Tampa Bay is tied with Tennessee with just 50 first downs this year. That’s the fourth-fewest first downs in the league – just ahead of Pittsburgh (49), Carolina (45) and Chicago (43). Simply put, the Bucs are not getting enough first downs on first and second day with chunk plays – either in the passing game or the running game.

After rushing for 152 yards at Dallas, the Bucs’ ground game has ground to a halt. Tampa Bay ran for 72 yards at New Orleans and just 34 yards against Green Bay last week. Throw in the fact that the Bucs were playing with almost an entirely new lineup last week compared to Week 3 from a year ago, and it’s been a real struggle to succeed on third downs – and find the end zone.

“It’s different because when you are unhealthy and you are playing some new guys – some youthful guys … you know, you looked in the huddle and eight of our 11 was different,” Leftwich said. “Eight of the 11 guys that’s used to being in the huddle was different. So that always takes time as a group.

“Like I was telling the group, this group has got to learn how to play and win football games together. Each year is different. It’s not an automatic thing. They understand we’ve got to be better across the board. But it’s work, and we’re putting the work in. We’re trying to get to the point and the level that we’ve always been at. But we’re working our tail off and we’ll be fine I believe. It is good to start getting some guys back.”

With the loss of two Pro Bowlers up front in left guard Ali Marpet and center Ryan Jensen to retirement and injury, respectively, and being without three more Pro Bowl-caliber players in receivers Mike Evans (suspended for Packers game), Chris Godwin (hamstring) and Julio Jones (knee), it’s been tough sledding for the Bucs offense. Throw in the retirement of future Hall of Famer Rob Gronkowski this offseason and it has also left a void at the tight end position.

Bucs QB Tom Brady and OC Byron Leftwich – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Through three weeks the offense has scored just three touchdowns and is averaging only 14.6 points per game. That’s a far cry from scoring close to 30 points per game in each of the past two seasons.

“Personnel makes those decisions really,” Leftwich said. “You look in 2020 – I talk about it – we were a more attacking offense down the field a lot. And then in 2021 we weren’t because teams played us differently. All we want to do is put our team in the best position to score and play well. … It’s different this year. It’s different from 2020. It’s different from 2021. It’s a whole new team that is learning to play together. I love the things that we’re doing that nobody sees, but I can. I’m excited for the rest of the season for us to get going and just see how this thing goes.

“What we’ve always done around here is give ourselves an opportunity to score at a high level. I think that’s something that we will get corrected. I’m excited, but that’s what is really going on right now.”

Leftwich is also excited about the fact that Godwin and Jones have returned to practice and have a chance of playing against the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football this week at Raymond-James Stadium.

Leftwich Addresses Bucs’ Failed Two-Point Conversion

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

On Thursday, Leftwich also addressed the team’s failed two-point conversion at the conclusion of the 14-12 loss to Green Bay. Leftwich took the blame for the failed execution of the play. The Bucs couldn’t get the snap off in time and were penalized five yards for a delay of game.

Then on the second attempt at the two-point conversion, Tom Brady’s pass from the seven-yard line was batted down.

“Either way or whoever, whatever the problem was, it’s all my responsibility,” Leftwich said. “So that’s really how I view it. It’s my responsibility. We all got to do a better job in that situation. It wasn’t surprising to no one, but we’ll do a better job in that situation but that ultimately falls on me. We’ve got to do a better job right there. We didn’t do that. We’re excited to have the next opportunity to do that.”