The Bucs plodded out 81 yards on 25 carries against the Chiefs. The Bucs sad rushing attack had no excuses today. The Chiefs had the worst run defense in the league.

Joe was OK making excuses for the Bucs’ running game entering today’s game against the Chiefs.

There was a reasonable list of excuses to throw out there:

1. The Bucs were on their third fullback of the season.
2. Earnest Graham was out of rhythm having played some fullback, too.
3. Chucky didn’t stick with the running game consistently.
4. Warrick Dunn was banged up in Dallas.
5. The running backs wanted to force Son of Bob to throw so he would toss picks and be removed as the starter. (OK. That’s just Joe having some fun.)

But against the Chiefs, there were no excuses. Kansas City was the worst team in the NFL against the run, and the Bucs were desperate to establish a running game after falling down 14-0 halfway through the first quarter.

The ugly reality is the Bucs couldn’t do it. They couldn’t run the football. 

They were not dominant at the line of scrimmage, and it really seemed like the Chiefs’ defense just wanted it more than Tampa Bay.

Maybe Chucky sees that our running game just isn’t there, and that’s why he has stayed away from it?

When Dunn returns healthy after the bye week, the Bucs will be out of excuses again. B. J. Askew probably will be back on the field then, too.

A real running game would be a nice addition to the offense.