Trailing from behind has been the Bucs downfall by Gil Arcia June 16, 2014
Depending on who you talk to or what outlet you visit, you will get different statistical views on how the Buccaneers defense fared during the 2013 season. But a lot of the issues have been an ongoing problem and those problems have been ongoing since 2009. Under two different head coaches, Tampa Bay had a 28-52 record the past five seasons. Within those five seasons the team had just one winning season and that was in 2010 when they went 10-6 under Raheem Morris. The blame fell on many things for their losing seasons but what stands out is their record when falling behind early or when their opponents scored first: 12-35. Placing them among the worst in the NFL and perhaps the most important stat of them all.This is more evidence on how the Buccaneers have struggled to get their offenses going. Never really able to muster a good offensive attack, the team’s misfortunes on offense resulted in them being unable to overcome deficits of 10, seven, and even three points at times.The current coaching staff could have seen this as one of the biggest problems which resulted in the complete overhaul of the offense — starting with the offensive line and leading into adding to the tight end and running back positions.Not all of it was the offense’s doing. Of course there were times where the Bucs may have cut the lead or mounted a comeback to where the defense was unable to keep them in the game. However, being down by just a field goal and unable to take the lead or at least tie the game fell on the offense.There is a lot of talk and optimism coming from the Buccaneers and several national pundits regarding how good the offense can now be under coordinator Jeff Tedford and quarterback Josh McCown. But it’s clear that Tampa Bay has to win football games by not only jumping out in front early and holding the lead, they have to be able to overcome any deficit — no matter how big or small that deficit may be.Follow Gil on Twitter: @GilArciaTBClink