“They Got No F***ing Run Game”
September 21st, 2024
Bucs opponent reacts on camera.
The Lions knew.
The Bucs are currently eighth-worst running the football. They have a total of 182 yards — some 55 yards of which have come from the legs of their quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
In yards per carry (3.4 yards), the Bucs are third-worst. They are 29th in the league in successful run rate.
In short, the Bucs’ running game, two games into the 2024 season, isn’t anything different than 2023 or 2022.
It sucks!
And the Lions knew it. Caught by NFL Films cameras, Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams appeared to openly mocked the Bucs’ run game to his players right after Mayfield ran in a quarterback draw from 11 yards out.
“They got no f***ing run game,” Williams said. He added the only way the Bucs can run the ball is when Mayfield scrambles.
He’s wasn’t wrong. But Joe thought it was interesting that opposing coaches are mocking the Bucs’ run game to players on their sidelines.
Is Joe peeved by this? When you have Rachaad White as your No. 1 running back, what do you expect? Doesn’t he have an ample body of work now stretching into three seasons that he cannot get the job done on the ground?
But no, Joe is not peeved at the lack of a run game. Yet. The passing game is working wonders as one may expect with the weapons Mayfield has (including White).
With a somewhat new offense, two new starters (one a rookie) on the offensive line and a new offensive coordinator, sometimes it takes a while for a run game to get rolling. Joe truly believes fans will see a different running game by Thanksgiving.
So no, Joe is not upset (yet) by the run game struggles.
Being tied with the Commandos and the Stinking Panthers for fewest sacks in the league (two)? Now that really frosts Joe!
Hat tip: @Sl33ping_Bear
"If I've gotta use my legs, I'll do it" 🤷♂️
Baker's at his best when he's a dual threat.
#NFLTurningPoint on ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/ANsZDAF4x1— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) September 20, 2024
September 21st, 2024 at 1:22 am
I know this article is about our Shït run game but I just rewatched the game and our secondary is elite. Tykee Smith with a tackle for loss in a big game as a rookie. Zion McCollumn as a 5 round draft pick is looking like a shut down corner. Izzien (undrafted FA) made some fantastic plays and saved the game with his tackle on Gibbs on the 4th and short. Jordan Whitehead (4th rounder) made play after play. And I know Sorvocea Dennis (5th rounder) isn’t the secondary but he had a hell of a strong game. Cheers to Bowles and this coaching staff and Licht and his front office for putting this defense together. Quite possibly elite. Watch the Fu*k out
September 21st, 2024 at 1:47 am
Can’t wait until we get our horses back. Vea, Kancey and Gholston! We will only have to score 10 points a game. We are going to be a dominant team. I’m still going with my prediction of an undefeated season
September 21st, 2024 at 1:53 am
It’s still ironic that Terrel Williams mocks our run game just before his D allows baker to score on the ground…
September 21st, 2024 at 2:07 am
Man. That is bad. Need to start using White like Deebo. More like a Slash/WR with just a handful of carries here and there, mostly to keep the Defense honest, & off-balance. He can’t be our feature back any longer, unless only in the 4th-Quarter to protect a lead against a tired Defense with gaping holes.
September 21st, 2024 at 2:43 am
Who cares with our passing game let it fly
September 21st, 2024 at 3:43 am
Joe … ‘sometimes it takes a while for a run game to get rolling. Joe truly believes fans will see a different running game by Thanksgiving.’
Thank you for that Joe. We’ve got a new LG & a rookie at C. Our TEs can’t block for sh*t. And I’m still convinced that ‘something’ is going on with both Wirfs and Mauch (neither is exactly dominant this year).
MAYBE it has something to do with what our new OC & new OLine coach is asking of these guys here at the start of the season. HOPEFULLY they just need more time to gel like you’re saying.
In the meantime, I think the running game is still accomplishing its MAIN purpose (or purposes). It’s keeping the defense honest, which theoretically at least helps the passing game. It’s also getting our OLinemen LOTS of game practice blocking for the running game (and HOPEFULLY practice makes perfect). And oh ya, we are 2-0.
September 21st, 2024 at 4:05 am
WHO COULD HAVE SEEN THIS CO
September 21st, 2024 at 4:37 am
It’s a fact until we prove it otherwise. So I’m not butthurt by it at all. Gotta take that one on the chin and start running the ball better.
September 21st, 2024 at 4:52 am
Agree 💯 about the run game. It’s going through a metamorphosis and will look completely different by mid-season.
September 21st, 2024 at 4:52 am
The only stat that counts for me is 2-0 couldn’t care less how they got there just keep it rolling.
September 21st, 2024 at 4:54 am
I guess the real question at this point is would you rather have an RB1 who can run or one who can catch?
I vote for both.
We have no run game with Rachaad. We don’t really know (yet) if we do with Irving or Tucker. Soo? I don’t see that either one has terrible hands BTW. Not Ronald Jones bad anyway…
They all need some blocking lessons. Standing in somone’s way is not blocking. Looking at you Coach Peete, Carberry?
Go Bucs!
September 21st, 2024 at 5:33 am
If Kancey was a horse he would’ve been put down by now. He’s a bum.
September 21st, 2024 at 6:01 am
I bet we have a big day on the ground tomorrow with Bucky getting his first rushing TD. We played a tough team, in a tough place to play. Our O line has played less then 60 game minutes together. We didn’t fix the run game in the preseason, hell the O line played one whole series. What you see now isn’t what you’ll see down the road. We’re still a work in progress. Expecting the 64 Packers rushing attack after 2 games is folly.
September 21st, 2024 at 6:03 am
We win or lose via the pass.
September 21st, 2024 at 6:30 am
Toss back a chill pill!
September 21st, 2024 at 6:45 am
“In Godwin we trust.”
Our run game is important because Godwin KILLS on 3rd down conversions. So, smart play calling states on page 43, section 14, “Don’t waste time with 1st and 2nd down conversions with the run game. Get a yard or two on each try so that you can quickly get to 3rd down to throw to your all-world slot receiver for the conversion.”
Or something.
September 21st, 2024 at 6:59 am
Not being able to get a 1st down and run out the clock at the end of the game was the worst series for the offense . If you want to be a contender, you have to close out games offensively when you have the opportunity.
September 21st, 2024 at 7:00 am
2 weeks into the season is sort of an extended preseason that counts…
also week 3 is extended preseason that counts…
by week 4 we are getting to the meat and potatoes of the season…
definitely by week 5…
early season and end of season power ranking are usually way way different…
so relax – the run game is gonna come…yes it will