The Bucs secured a much-needed victory against the Cardinals, ending their three-game losing streak and keeping the surging Panthers at bay. While the game wasn’t a masterpiece, a win is a win. Here are my impressions and rants from this hard-fought victory.
Something Just Isn’t Right with the Offense
I’m genuinely concerned about our offense. Yes, injuries have been a factor, but we have four of our five starting offensive linemen back, and they still don’t look right in terms of pass protection. They’re allowing immediate pressure against every defense, and even All-Pro tackle, Tristan Wirfs can’t seem to escape a game without giving up a sack or two.
One question that’s been weighing on my mind is: why has Baker Mayfield been holding onto the ball for so long this season? This has become a recurring issue, especially on third down. Are we the only team that struggles to get someone open on those crucial plays? Does Baker lack faith in his receivers or his linemen? Is he afraid of throwing an interception? Earlier in the season, Baker was also tucking the ball and running instead of finding open receivers. Whatever the reason, this habit isn’t sustainable and hasn’t worked well for the last six games.
The offense has lacked consistency for most of the season, and that flow starts with the timing of plays… Baker needs to get to his drop back, make his read, and get the ball out quickly. It happens so rarely that I’m genuinely surprised when he manages to read and throw on time. This has to improve moving forward.
Something Just Isn’t Right – Part II
Despite some key takeaways, our defense continues to give up huge chunks of yardage week in and week out, including against the Cardinals.
Bucs safety Antoine Winfield, Jr. – Photo by buccaneers.com
I’ve always maintained that teams should throw the ball on first down whenever possible against a Bowles defense, given his tendency to overcommit to stopping the run. Teams have been successfully exploiting this for the last four weeks.
Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett threw for 301 yards, which isn’t surprising considering the Bucs’ defense has allowed 273 yards per game over the last 4 weeks, and ranks 29th in the NFL for the season.
On the bright side, the defense did manage their first three-and-out in a while, and holding a team to 17 points isn’t a bad achievement. However, without forcing turnovers, opposing offensive drives tend to last what seems like forever.
The Panthers Are Not Pretenders
The pesky Panthers took down the Rams, the same team that dominated us just a week prior, like a varsity team beating a JV squad. The Panthers have steadily improved throughout the year, while the Bucs have struggled. They’re poised to capitalize if the Bucs slip up.
But on the other hand, if the Bucs can win this week against the Saints, next week against the Falcons, and then at Carolina, they could wrap up the division in the next three weeks. That’s my hope!
this would be a good surpise
"Bucs have Calijah Kancey running on the side today with a trainer. Bowles has mentioned him as a potential return from what was once seen as a season ending pectoral injury."
One question that’s been weighing on my mind is: why has Baker Mayfield been holding onto the ball for so long this season? This has become a recurring issue, especially on third down.
same question.
If I were to pick one big difference between Coen and Grizz so far it would be the run game and the short passing as part of the run game. Maybe that changes with irving and Godwin back, but the success that came with those kind of plays on those early downs under Coen seem to have been missing under Grizz. Maybe we are often facing longer 3rd downs?
Not sure, but if we are and Mayfield has had less viable receiving options then that might explain it, in part.
why has Baker Mayfield been holding onto the ball for so long this season?
I haven't broken down any film, but I would imagine his receivers haven't been able to get open. Other than EE, the Bucs have been fielding 2nd string receivers most of the season, and they are 2nd string for a reason...
It also helps if said receivers catch Baker's throws that hit them right in their hands.
@bucsbits - it’s been on so many 3rd and 3 or 4 plays. It’s pretty crazy really.
@kermit56 - there’s scrubs all over this league getting open. The OC needs to get these guys open by scheming up man and zone beaters. 3rd and short has been bad this year.
