Red Zone Struggles Clear
November 16th, 2015
Too much running for Jameis? (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
It is no secret the Bucs struggle offensively in the red zone. Until or unless Vincent Jackson and/or Austin Seferian-Jenkins return, Joe has a hunch the red zone troubles won’t vanish.
Now we all know Joe isn’t much of a stats guy, but despite the fact Doug Martin is having a helluva good season, best since his rookie year, Martin does not lead the Bucs in rushing touchdowns.
No, Charles Sims doesn’t, either.
Who lead the Bucs in touchdowns? That would be America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston. He has four rushing TDs to Martin’s three.
If your quarterback is leading the team in rushing touchdowns and his name isn’t Michael Vick circa 2004, then there is a problem on offense.
Besides, the last thing you want is your franchise meal ticket getting lit up at the goal line by some linebacker.
November 16th, 2015 at 9:26 am
they lack weapons…move on from fatboy ASJ and Stocker who obviously has something on this organization because he’s even a bigger p***y….go find some MEN to close the deal
November 16th, 2015 at 9:51 am
I’ve been screaming for bootlegs. The naked boot that scored was just a great play call…but now that #3 is developing a reputation for running in the red zone near the goal line what is wrong with a protected bootleg which puts all the pressure on the D?
It give #3 more time to scan the end zone for an open receiver, more time for a receiver to get open, the option still remains for #3 to run it in or OB near the Goal line or worst case scenario…throw it over the end zone and line up for the next play.
One thing this offense is still lacking is a “beast mode” running back. We don’t have an Alstott or Marshawn Lynch type to move the pile a yard. I love Martin at RB but inside the ten he’s just not big enough to move piles on teams lined up to stop the run.
I know Koetter and Lovie are watching practice but I wonder if Javorskie Lane or Mike James can run the ball at all?
November 16th, 2015 at 9:55 am
If we only had a pass catching TE, or Two for the red zone!
November 16th, 2015 at 9:56 am
Jameis needs to make more plays once he’s there. Missing an open Humphries in OT. Open VJax earlier this year.
November 16th, 2015 at 9:59 am
We can’t get short yardage on the ground no matter where we are on the field…..we need a FB that can run….or a big running back. Mike James was that guy….but we cut him.
Also, some of the playcalling in the red zone has been suspect…..too many runs on 1st & 10/goal…..part of that is not having the weapons.
Drops and inaccurate throws contribute.
November 16th, 2015 at 10:36 am
Always thought Sims was big enough to get goal-line carries. Didn’t see enough of him yesterday.
November 16th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Now this isn’t a stat, Koetter can use his eyes on this one, but what about the DUNKANEERS. I haven’t seen a single post to Evans… are they saving that play for the Super Bowl?
November 16th, 2015 at 2:06 pm
We need faster receivers that can run routes; it was clear our guys we’re struggling to get open. Our QB needs to get better with his timing; his throws are often late and behind the receivers – how many points have been left on the board this year because poorly thrown balls? Drops don’t help, but better thrown balls will definitely put us in better position to win – I mean, it took the final minute and a penalty on Dallas for us to win… 7 points against a 2-6 team with a backup QB and hurt main defenders? Putting the cart before the horse aren’t we a tad bit? It must be the non stop losing over the past 8 years, and the horrific past 2 years. I hear an SNL skit. “Lowered Expectaaaaations…”
November 16th, 2015 at 3:08 pm
Ufour20 I would bet big money that what you see as ‘Jameis timing issues’ are often issues on the part of his receivers. Remember, the Bucs receiving corps, with the exception of ME (who certainly hasn’t been at his best) are guys from the practice squad and/or special teams. I seriously doubt any of those guys have been able memorize the playbook the way Jameis has or that their route running is going to be as precise as it should be.
A little research on your part would tell you that more times than not Jameis throws a very precise ball. Of course he’s not perfect all the time, outside forces can intrude but everyone who has evaluated Jameis will tell you that he has terrific accuracy. Jameis may take the blame for all the offensive troubles the Bucs have been having but in truth, most are NOT his fault – no matter how much you want them to be.