OK, There Is Something Good About The Bucs’ Run Game
December 17th, 2023
Elite in one category.
Joe is pretty confident folks are fed up with Joe not jumping on the running-game-is-good bandwagon. Well, there is something to be proud of when it comes to the Bucs run game.
Joe always jokes (not so light-heartedly) that the Bucs are very confused. They think the way they run the ball and where they run the ball, that Mike Alstott is on the roster.
Sadly, Alstott is not coming out of the Bucs’ tunnel in full gear any time soon. But the Bucs run short-yardage as if Alstott is in the backfield.
Rich Hribar of Sharp Football Analysis dug up an interesting stat while researching the Bucs’ run game. Would you believe (said in a Maxwell Smart voice) that the Bucs lead the NFL in converting short-yardage third downs? That’s what Hribar found.
Tampa Bay has converted a league-high 73.3% (33-of-45) of their third and short plays, the highest rate in the league. The league average is 59.8%.
Unfortunately, Hribar did not specify what “short yardage” is.
The sad thing here is that the Bucs don’t get to use this advantage as often as you would think. Because the Bucs run a 1970s running offense, it’s hard for Joe to believe the goal of the offense is scoring points or converting first downs.
Rather, it seems as if the Bucs lust for third-and-long situations.
December 17th, 2023 at 12:16 am
Unfortunately, we’re not a running team! It’s better when Baker is out of the pocket and White finding an open space!
December 17th, 2023 at 2:51 am
Some more good thinkin right there!
Go Bucs!
December 17th, 2023 at 5:41 am
The Bucs have the best short yardage because I will bet they have the smallest amount of attempts on the 3rd and short in the league. Buc’s are more often in the 3rd and long category.
December 17th, 2023 at 5:54 am
Before we wish the Bucs were throwing the ball more lets look at who’s throwing it. The more Baker throws the ball the more he loses games. We’re not talking about Dan Marino here, popgun arm, Mr. Snurf is our QB. Godwin right now is a game time decision. Evans has to come out of the game after any catch he makes. Sure you want us to throw every down? We’re not a running team, we’re not really a throwing team either, just admit it. Baker had 49 yards throwing at the half. He only completed 50%. We are a team that can’t do either well. That’s why we’ll end the season at around.500. Baker, and Bowles ceiling.
December 17th, 2023 at 6:27 am
Why would you jump on a bandwagon with no wheels?
December 17th, 2023 at 7:24 am
Hard to believe the Eagles with the “tush push” and a QB that squats over 600 lbs isn’t the league leader in successful third and short plays.
December 17th, 2023 at 7:28 am
This stat was a happy surprise, I was positive it was going to be we lead the league “in attempts between the guards”.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:25 am
332 rush attempts; 440 pass attempts.
The Bucs offense is 43% run and 57% pass.
21 teams run more often than the Bucs. The problem is not too many runs.
Their 57% passing rate ranks 11th, yet the passing production only ranks 21st.
Imagine looking at the problem instead of getting googly-eyed over the QBs machismo.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:40 am
The big change for the Bucs running game was added a TE into the blocking. That added enough oomph to get the runner past that formerly fatal first step.
December 17th, 2023 at 9:52 am
The Bucs are 3-6 this season when the QB attempts 30+ passes.
The passing game can’t consistently put up yards, points, or wins.
December 17th, 2023 at 10:35 am
Canales doesn’t think Mayfield can consistently make a play on 1 and 2nd down. Why else keep beating your head on a brick wall with the same results.