It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win! Anytime you can snag a division victory with a first-time offensive play caller, a slightly rusty quarterback who didn’t throw a single pass in the preseason, a usually automatic kicker missing two crucial kicks, and an offensive line shuffled into a lineup that they've never previously worked with before, you take it. Great win, Bucs!
Now for my rant. Despite some boneheaded penalties and missed assignments on defense, they held the Falcons to 20 points (thanks to a missed field goal at the end). I expect to win when the defense keeps the opponent under 20 points—last year, we were 8-0 in those situations. But here's where I start my rant.
Even with a jumbled offensive line and new faces at the receiver positions, this offense should be scoring more. We were a top 5 offense last year, yet we didn’t look like it yesterday. The offensive line wasn't the problem. They held up well. They pass-blocked effectively and opened running lanes when needed.
One thing I missed from last year was the success on our opening drives. Typically, these scripted opening drives are designed to capitalize on what we’ve scouted and to see how the defense responds. Former Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen was a bit of a master at this last year, leading us to one of the highest scoring first-quarter offenses and an impressive first-drive touchdown percentage. Yesterday, we opened with two three-and-outs, and it felt like we didn’t have the answers to the test. Baker Mayfield wasn’t on his game, but Coen made it look easier last year with quick passes, misdirection runs, play action on first down, and screens. It was about out-scheming the defense, not just dominating them physically.
I’d love to see a more creative running scheme. Coen's "Wing T background" used misdirection, counters, and even the occasional trap last year. Our offensive line isn’t built to overpower defenses all game, but they can move and excel in screens and getting to the next level on runs. We need to leverage those strengths.
Establishing a running game shouldn’t be the focus; it’s about taking what the defense gives you. If running lanes are open, go for it, but don’t force runs on first down and end up in 2nd and long, over and over again. Coen wasn’t afraid to have a three-and-out made up of three pass plays, and more often than not, it paid off.
Last year, we established the pass to set up the run game. Baker is better on first down, our pass pro is better on first down, and defenses aren't expecting it on first down. And I hope that Head Coach Todd Bowles isn't in the ear of any offensive coaches, pushing them to run the ball on first down. Allow the offensive coaches to do their job and let the defense focus on their own improvements.
Here’s to tightening things up as we move forward!