It’s no secret the Bucs have had trouble running the ball this season. As it stands now, the team currently ranks dead last in the NFL averaging just 67.5 yards per game. With a onus on being more balanced on offense this year, the Bucs have attempted to get the ground game going early and often. Not just in games overall, but especially on first down.

The emphasis on balance has played a big part in the team’s struggles on offense early on, particularly with first down rushing plays. It has attributed to the offense being put into second- and third-and-long situations due to lack of success on first down.

When examining the struggles of the Bucs run game more closely, Tampa Bay has run on first down 54 times this year, averaging just 3.11 yards per play. This has consistently set them up in second and third-and-long situations where they’ve had trouble executing. On the year when needing six or more yards on third down the offense has converted just 28% of the time.

Absolutely drive-killing numbers.

Bucs OC Byron Leftwich and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

During Thursday’s press conference, offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich was asked about the team’s tendency to run on first down, the lack of success they’ve had, and if adjusting his play-calling is in order.

“I look [at] what I’m doing as a play caller every week – I look and see what I’m doing,” Leftwich said. “Obviously, everybody has their opinion, has had those opinions since I’ve been here – understandable, but we’re always doing the right thing that we feel as though for our ballclub. Obviously, we need to be better on first, second, and third down to be honest with you. We’re working to get that done. We’re working to get that done. We’re working to be better on first, second, and third down.”

Bucs Run Game Ranks Last In NFL

When pressed on the issue on why the team continues to run the ball on first down when passing the ball has yielded better results, Leftwich didn’t offer much of an answer.

“We do what we feel as though is the best thing for us to move the ball and to score points on every down,” Leftwich said.

That’s great in theory, but the statistics really tell the tale. When looking at the Bucs expected points added per play (EPA) on first down, the offense ranks dead last in the league when running the ball. In comparison, when passing the ball the team ranks sixth overall.

There is a clear discrepancy between the two rankings, yet in nearly every game this season the Bucs have chosen to run the ball on first down more often. There’s no guarantee the Bucs will generate more success by passing the ball more on first down, but they can’t do much worse than they are right now running the ball.