Third Down Struggles
August 16th, 2014
Josh McCown and the Bucs offense struggled on third downs in the first half. Again.
No, the Bucs offense didn’t look good tonight, for the second straight preseason game. Granted, the first game was a complete and utter disaster largely because the offensive line was a complete and utter disaster.
At least tonight, the Bucs’ offensive line seemed to have a pulse. It was better than last week, but that’s not saying much at all. Baby steps, Joe supposes, baby steps.
Still, with improved line play, the third down conversion rate of the Bucs in the first half was downright miserable. (Joe is only counting the first half because for the most part in the second half, the game tonight was largely comprised of future bellhops, technical support reps, bouncers and insurance claims adjusters).
The Bucs converted one of five third downs — one! That simply is not going to win many games in the pass-happy NFL.
“It was better,” Bucs quarterback Josh McCown said of the first-half offense. “It was more of what we need to start looking like. We’re still not there yet.”
No they are not. Yes, the Bucs scored a touchdown in the second quarter and should have had another when wide receiver Mike Evans fumbled the ball just as he was scoring, resulting in a Miami touchback.
If the Bucs hope to turn around the direction of the franchise this season, then converting just one third down in the first half is borderline unacceptable.
August 16th, 2014 at 11:21 pm
Again….for about 38 years running…….we run too much on 1st down…..and without a great deal of success…..Didn’t Miami’s recievers always seem open over the middle even on obvious passing downs?…….except for GMC….no pressure on their QBs….
I think the problems on third down are a result of poor playcalling….I am hopeful that will change as we move into the season.
August 16th, 2014 at 11:22 pm
Technical support reps? Not unless these 5th stringer’s are moving to India after cutdown day.
August 16th, 2014 at 11:38 pm
Bucs only have ONE preseason game left to make a dramatic improvement to have a little momentum going into to regular season game 1 against the panthers. I don’t see anything that leads me to believe Bucs will be able to contain the Panthers defense and nothing to suggest they will be sack happy on Newton. I hate to be a pessimist but I’ve been a Bucs fan since 76′ and I just don’t see the the huge improvement on either side of the ball to make me feel encouraged. No pass rush besides McCoy and no Oline does not bode well for a good season.
August 16th, 2014 at 11:49 pm
trade demps, glennon, rainey, and clay
August 17th, 2014 at 8:05 am
The turnover followed by a TD was a good sequence.
Defense is looking good, just missing too many turnover opportunities. If that gets fixed, the defense will be something special this year.
August 17th, 2014 at 8:48 am
The game did’nt inspire me with much confidence either. This Bucs team looked far from a playoff contender. I’ll have to revise my previous thinking downward.