“We Can’t Stall In Drives”
October 19th, 2024
“I’m going to need you — and your best, Mike.”
For three freakin’ games in a row, the Buccaneers have scored 24 first-half points. That’s got to be near a league record.
In three games in row, the Bucs also have scored a touchdown on their opening drive — something they couldn’t accomplish last season.
So Joe is confident that perhaps the Bucs’ best chance of winning Monday against the Ravens (winners of four in a row) rests in their explosive offense and the Bucs’ newly-discovered ability to start fast.
“We can’t stall in drives,” pleaded former Bucs great Gerald McCoy on The Offensive Line podcast. That’s McCoy’s key victory Monday.
Joe agrees. Four Chase McLaughlin field goals and two touchdowns probably won’t be enough to knock off Baltimore unless the Bucs can force turnovers.
The Bucs must find the end zone and, thankfully, they have the horses to get that done against what’s been a weak Ravens secondary.
McCoy thinks the Monday Night Football stage will benefit the guy in charge of that Bucs offense. “Baker thrives in big games,” McCoy said.
Mayfield isn’t in charge of the whole team, obviously, but Joe wants to see Mayfield have a big night. Build more consistency and keep the offense at the very high level it’s on.
McCoy went on to laud Mayfield for being the right quarterback at the right time for Tampa Bay.
“Baker was everything necessary Tampa needed,” McCoy said. “What Jason Licht has done is understood that a certain personality has to be in that locker room. And you need a strong, strong personality. There’s different versions of leaders, different versions of strong personalities. And he knew Tom [Brady] was one end of the spectrum and Baker was the other end. But they’re both up here (McCoy points to the sky).”
October 19th, 2024 at 9:13 am
Just KEEP aggressive play calling. If they play NOT to lose, they will.
October 19th, 2024 at 9:20 am
So McCoy does not hate Baker anymore?
October 19th, 2024 at 9:27 am
We can outscore Baltimore, Liam and your unpredictable offense finally have 2 good ball carriers. I was a huge supporter of white but the evidence is clear. Unpredictable plays with great pass AND now run are a great recipe
October 19th, 2024 at 9:32 am
Ravens defense is vulnerable this year. They are an offensive team this year and compared to previous years their defense has taken a step back
October 19th, 2024 at 9:38 am
McCoy is 100% correct, different versions of leadership. Baker was the perfect QB fit after Brady.
October 19th, 2024 at 9:43 am
Marky Mark you’re thinking of Shady. Not Gerald.
October 19th, 2024 at 10:22 am
Let’s not forget that Mayfield playing in Cleveland is familiar with facing the Ravens twice a year. He’s 3-6 vs. them on some pretty dysfunctional Cleveland teams. His being familiar with them should help the team prepare for Baltimore’s style of play and tendencies. The Bucs are going to have to play a smart, disciplined, physical game to beat the Ravens. The Ravens don’t beat themselves like we sometimes do. Our defense has to fly around and swarm to the ball and gang tackle. Every blade of grass mentality. Offensively, we can’t have drive stalling dumb penalties. If we do that, we can definitely win this game.
October 19th, 2024 at 10:25 am
Win the turnover battle and win in the red zone – on both sides of the ball.
October 19th, 2024 at 10:35 am
While the run game against a crappy N.O. defense was fun to watch, Baltimore’s defense is a whole different animal. I think the Bucs will still be successful, but I doubt it will be the miracle we just witnessed . A controlling passing attack will open things up for both. Go Bucs!!
October 19th, 2024 at 10:42 am
Although I think the matchup against the Ravens’ secondary is our best advantage, we are going to have to run the ball effectively. Eating up clock at the end of the game and keeping Jackson and Henry off the field will be key. We need to have possession at the end of the game. If it’s a tight game and the Ravens have the ball with under 2:00 to go, they’ll probably win. Just keep it tight boys!
October 19th, 2024 at 11:18 am
The Bucs need to get up early, and stay up on the Ravens.
Derrick Henry is generally a slow start and does his most damage mid 3rd quarter to the end of the game. Gotta have the ravens throwing the ball at the end or Henry will just jam it down your throat.
October 19th, 2024 at 11:24 am
Yep, gr8 posts yall, Go Bucs
Joe, for our last 6 games-all so far- we have scored on opening drive, went from fjeld goal scores 2 td the last 3, sooo, at least we Have got That barrier broken yay yay yay yay
Just Know Baker n Bucs r gnna Win win win monday nite!!
Wld luv 2 c that n them pound the falcons n then on another abc mon nite game hand the vhiefs their 1st or 2nd loss if smeone gets em ths week
Keep rolling Bucs,!!
October 19th, 2024 at 11:25 am
Lol chiefs
October 19th, 2024 at 11:59 am
Bucsandthem, that’s a good point. I hadn’t thought about that. I REALLY hope it is a competitive and fun game to watch!
October 19th, 2024 at 12:30 pm
This could be a classic shootout but with an emphasis on running and possession of time. Lamar Jackson is 22-1 against NFC teams?! That’s impressive. All of the wins by the Ravens this year have been within a TD or less (except for the Bills game). The blowout win over the Bills has generated more hype for the Ravens, and I hope that the Bucs are able to humble them. The trenches on both sides of the ball will be tested.
October 19th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Buccs have still been pretty effective at stopping the run up the middle. I see too many quarterback scrambles where they have gave up the most yards on the ground.
Hope Bowles has a gameplan for containment. Cause I can’t see too many linemen or linebackers catching Lamar.
October 19th, 2024 at 2:27 pm
Not too concerned about the offense as Baker will find a way to stay competitive; but a big game from Lavonte David is probably the key to winning, imo; McCollum again, too: best chance at a turnover.
October 19th, 2024 at 3:25 pm
I hope we don’t have a repeat of the Denver game
October 19th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Bucs Offense and Coen play their best gameplan. Harbaugh has been voicing concern about it. His team’s weakness is pass defense. This is not what Ravens are used to, a potentially strong Bucs Offense. Plus, Bucs have to watch out for the refs. Go Mighty Bucs!!
October 19th, 2024 at 10:50 pm
Do y’all thang Bucs are having a wonderful year Go Bucs
October 19th, 2024 at 10:52 pm
My birthday the 26 of October beat the Falcons that a nice birthday present
October 19th, 2024 at 11:29 pm
And go Seahawks!