Scotty Miller Shares His Theory On Slow Starts
December 24th, 2020
Scotty Miller
From Lakeland to Largo, Buccaneers fans have been talking about their beloved team’s maddening slow starts.
It makes no sense and Joe’s tired of it. Over the past nine games, the star-studded Bucs are averaging less than two points in the first quarter.
Second-year receiver Scotty Miller seems to always be an eager interview and he got a call from CBS Sports Radio this week.
And whaddya know, he was asked about slow starts — and pointed to coaching.
“Can you explain it?” Miller was asked.
“Yeah, no, I think you’re exactly right. It’s kind of hard [to explain],” Miller replied about the slow starts. “If it was easy, it would be an easy fix and everything would be great. So I think it’s a lot of, you know, the coaches trying to figure out, you know, the right play calls that work well for Tom, that work well for the receivers, the right personnel to be out there on certain calls. It’s just a lot of different things.”
Miller went on to talk about the offense grinding through these next two regular-season weeks “trying to get on the same page.”
Joe will refrain from running head first into a wall, though Joe wants to. I
t’s Christmas! Fourteen games, and the required preparation for those games, represents a lot of time to figure out the best ways to get a dream team offense to score in the first quarter of a football game.
Hopefully (again) this gets rectified on Saturday.
It’s today’s Ira Kaufman Podcast!
December 24th, 2020 at 1:46 pm
Scotty Miller can’t exactly come out and say “Byron Leftwich is a garbage OC and playcaller” despite the fact that that is the case. Players will never give a negative assessment of the coaching staff when they still play for them.
The Byron Leftwich project should have ended weeks ago.
December 24th, 2020 at 1:48 pm
Cmon Joe they just need more time, obviously!
/s
December 24th, 2020 at 1:54 pm
1st down: run up the middle for one
2nd down: pass into short flat, guy not open, ball into dirt
3rd and 14 (illegal procedure, 5 yard penalty) pass into short middle amidst blitz, get 9 yards
4th: punt
December 24th, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Over thinking… just call basic football run or pass and everyone win their assignment!
$23,000 please
December 24th, 2020 at 1:59 pm
Either the OLine can’t block in the 1st half or the opponents’ D knows what’s coming- so which is it?
December 24th, 2020 at 2:08 pm
If we win the toss ..please don’t defer. Force Brady and Co. to have to score first.
Let’s play from the lead instead of from behind for a change.
December 24th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
Like I said. Leftwhich is over his head. This elite players in offense is too much for him. He probably comes up with 10 game plans and throws them away and writes up 10 more. Lol. He is still trying to “organically “ put it together.
it got big for him when Antonio brown was activated.
One thing is very concerning in offense is RB dropping balls. Offense is good just go thru Evans. After that it opens up in the secondary.
December 24th, 2020 at 2:09 pm
They should send Scotty on blitz’s
December 24th, 2020 at 2:12 pm
Beeej that summed it up perfectly although first possession last week was 3 passes in a row.
first out of bounds
second into the dirt
third short pass for 8
punt
December 24th, 2020 at 2:13 pm
I love having 4 all-pro wide receivers and then scheming the ball to go to Jaydon Mickens and Tyler Johnson. Byron Leftwich truly is amazing.
December 24th, 2020 at 2:26 pm
@Colorado Says:
“Scotty Miller can’t exactly come out and say “Byron Leftwich is a garbage OC and playcaller” ………………………..
The Byron Leftwich project should have ended weeks ago………”
—————————————
im been saying this since day one grumpy BA brought him here…..
he was terrible QB, and even worst OC……
don’t know how we going to get rid of him….
BA = Lovie S 2.0
December 24th, 2020 at 2:26 pm
They’ve had 14 weeks to figure out what works and what doesn’t. There is no excuse with this talent. What they need to do is go with a no huddle or at least a much faster pace. That may help with rhythm and surprise the defense. I’m tired of them looking flat and just plain unprepared.
December 24th, 2020 at 2:44 pm
@Scotty … “So I think it’s a lot of, you know, the coaches trying to figure out, you know, the right play calls that work well for Tom, that work well for the receivers, the right personnel to be out there on certain calls.”
Great quote Joe. So as soon as the coaches figure it out, everything will be OK according to Scotty. Whodathunkit?
December 24th, 2020 at 2:55 pm
Note Miller doesn’t credit BA’s bs excuse that it’s on the players’ execution {only the racist moron All Lives buys that)–he calls out the play calls and personnel
groupings. I agree with Wesley that Tom in the past has had great success starting with no huddle–I wish I could believe they’re saving it for the playoffs.
December 24th, 2020 at 3:07 pm
The “trying to get on the same page” excuse is about 10games past it’s logical expiration date.
If the OFF isn’t on the same page by now…It’s more a by-product of 2 opposing forces fighting for control or offensive philosophy. (Oil & water can co-exist in the same vessel, but do not mix!)
December 24th, 2020 at 3:24 pm
Just a quick thought. I’ve been watching for almost 60 yrs and have been a Tompa fan his entire career. Sometimes he seems like he truly has ice in his veins. When most teams fall behind by 17 pts, they are toast. Look at some things he’s overcame. That pic 6 in SB51. WOW! His very 1st pass in the SB against the Rams was an int. few QBs can recover from things like that. So PLEASE give Tompa the damn keys from the start and let him carve up their defense like a surgeon. It’s got to be exhausting playing from behind. ESPECIALLY when it’s not your faullt
December 24th, 2020 at 4:13 pm
The elephant in the room this season is that it’s a failure to have Leftwich calling plays. He’s not capable. The Bucs have played better than the coaching, but that’ll only go so far. It’s sad to see so much talent wasted because BA gave his buddy a job he isn’t qualified for.
December 24th, 2020 at 4:28 pm
“All I know is Tom and I were having a good connection and were winning more games early when I was getting snaps. They took me out, and it’s been down hill from there.” What i would’ve said if I was Scooty Miller.
December 24th, 2020 at 4:29 pm
Blitz him !
December 24th, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Old cars take a while to warm up.
December 24th, 2020 at 5:24 pm
If they were boxers with knock out power, I would say they were feeling each other out.
It would be easier if their corner was calling for a first round knock out.
I think that is what Leftwich wants, a knock out on the third play, which has, so far, failed, badly.
They need to start with some jabs and then a few body shots; slants and short posts, then get the play action working with a few runs up the gut. Then they can swing for the fences, hopefully not on third and medium, though.
December 24th, 2020 at 5:26 pm
Brady has at least some blame here…..not totally excusing BL…..but players are simply not executing well early…..there is ample evidence of that.
December 24th, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Well at least it isn’t an INT or 2 to start off the first half like last year. If Jameis was Mr. Entertainment for throwing all those pics and bringing back the team just to lose, what should Brady be called when you throw for 320 yards in the second half, no turnovers and brings the team back to win??? Maybe Mr. walk on water or Mr. walk on water to get his lost jet skis?
If the lions have no coach Saturday and get off to a fast start and the Bucs do their normal crappy 1st half start, does that day anything about our giant coaching staff???
December 24th, 2020 at 5:58 pm
Explain to me how the Eagles change quarterbacks mid season and look more functional than a ultra-talented Bucs team?
December 24th, 2020 at 6:08 pm
Blitz him…
December 24th, 2020 at 6:54 pm
Let’s face it. It’s lot easier to learn to prepare a Vodka on the rocks than a Moscow Mule. The more ingredients the greater the challenge.
But for those who love Moscow Mules they would say the experimentation and occasional failures are worth it to get the perfect drink.
December 24th, 2020 at 6:58 pm
I’m a little confused by the tenor of the comments this week.
Are we 9-5 or 5-9?
Do we still have an outside mathmathetical chance to win the NFC South with just two games left on the schedule?
Do we have a great shot at the playoffs?
Why all the gripping. First off all we’ve won more than we’re used to winning!!!
How is that freaking bad?
Secondly could we at least play the remaining two games and see how we do in the playoffs.
If the Bucs make a run…if they should happen to make it to the SB…there will be a LOT of folks here with a freaking omelet of egg on their faces.
December 24th, 2020 at 7:51 pm
@St Pete. I think everyone is just frusrated with how obvious the playscripting is. The opposing defense knows what will be called and adequately adjust, thus less than stellar numbers from the offense in the first quarter or even half. On the other hand the defense seems to go all in on a soft zone that prevents the long score but leads to these nickel and dime drives where the opponent eats clock and gets the lead. Its like the ghost of Mike Smith scripted the first 15 plays against the ATL. But back to offense, would it hurt the Bucs to have Brady open up with something that does not get you 2nd and 9?. However you are correct in that the doubters need to take a breath, tbe team is 9 and 5 not 7-7 like last year under Jameis or 5-9 without much to look forward to like Detroit or what will be a 4-11 Falcon team at RJS after New Years.
December 24th, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Well I just had to laugh! 😄
I’ve speculated “too many cooks” on offense. Oh, well!
Blame BA … no, blame BL … no, blame TB ….
Wait! The defense has been having slow starts also.
Blame BA … no, blame TB (“the other one”) … no, blame COVID-19 … no, blame …. …
Let’s see. The following teams have either a new QB or a new HC and still have 9 or more wins this season. … … 😎 … 😋
December 24th, 2020 at 8:07 pm
With the talk about Evans and the record they need to come out using him as a decoy early then hit him later.
December 24th, 2020 at 9:59 pm
It’s not just the offense coming out flat. The defense has been giving up big 3’rd down plays and consistently giving up 15-25 yard gains to opponents. Just like the offense though, they tighten up and turn the tide. Both are about 80% coaching IMO. Our CB’s can play well, we’ve seen them play well but for some reason they can’t play zone. It’s the linebackers too. Just very inconsistent and has to be cleaned up before they will beat a winning team again. You can’t spot great teams 10-14-21 points and comeback every time.
December 24th, 2020 at 10:27 pm
You guys know what I see I seen last week a team that has all the potential in the world I seen shinny parts of the Great New England Teams Brady Won a ton of Championships with this team last week was beat down in the first Quarter second Quarter but cam out like a shot in the dark second half they are getting better every week they will be a great team soon maybe they win SB this year if not next year they will come on give them time they are going places. Go Bucs You Got this!!!
December 25th, 2020 at 4:48 am
GO BUCS!!
December 25th, 2020 at 5:54 am
When you get banned from this site is it a lifetime ban or is that up to the owner ??
December 25th, 2020 at 8:01 am
Players win games coaches do not. That being said coaches can lose games, this is a perfect example of bad coaching 101. Scotty is in the locker room everyday with the elite offensive players, his sugar coated reply is obviously the consensus that BL isn’t doing his job.
December 25th, 2020 at 8:07 am
I know its not the PC answer but he should have said, “Because I’m the only one that Tom cant over throw and I’m not on the field any more.”
December 25th, 2020 at 8:40 am
Here’s a thought, Bucs have all these weapons on offense must be difficult to utilize them all and keep everyone happy? Evan’s needs to be fed for ego, Godwin won’t stay if he is shunned, Brown playing for a better contract, Gronk didn’t come out of retirement to be a pulling guard, not to mention the backs. If ur BA, BL or Brady how do u keep them all from being disgruntled? Scotty just has to wait his turn.
December 25th, 2020 at 8:44 am
There are a lot of good points about why the first halves have been so frustrating. But nobody seems to be talking about one obvious thing : at some point (usually), Brady figures out your D, and then you’re toast.
December 25th, 2020 at 2:31 pm
It’s random.
December 25th, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Ive said it a millions times……Leftwich sucks!!!
December 25th, 2020 at 10:15 pm
How can you fix your mouth to say the most ridiculous, when we st 9 wins and 5 losses and in control of our own path to the playoffs!!!
December 28th, 2020 at 7:36 pm
Atlanta starts fast and finishes badly. Every team has pros and cons. I’d rather finish strong, like our Tampa Bay Bucs do! Y’all that think you could coach an offense better than BL or a team better than BA are delusional. You have ZERO idea what you are talking about, because if you did, you’d be the one coaching and getting castigated for lack of perfection….which doesn’t exist in football, by the way. You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about, and your ignorance not only shows, its laughable. Y’all ever play or coach at ANY level? Didn’t think so. GO BUCS!