Grading the Performace of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus the New England Patriots

Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Vincent Jackson (83) can

After the first two weeks, I thought it couldn’t get any worse.

I have tried my best to stay positive through out this ordeal, but I have had enough.

I think we have hit rock bottom, Buccaneer fans.

Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman (5) reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Buccaneers 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Offense: F

Going into week 3 versus the New England Patriots, I was expecting the Buccaneers offense to show me glimpses of last years offense. Boy was I wrong, 3 points on the afternoon is all they gave me. The first couple drives were promising. Josh Freeman looked poised, getting rid of the ball on time. Unfortunately, a few drop passes by Vincent Jackson really halted what rhythm we had going.

Doug Martin had some decent runs early, but those holes quickly disappeared as the game rolled on.

The play that really haunts me from week 3 is the drop pass from Tim Wright in the corner of the end zone.  A converted tight end, who played wide receiver at Rutgers needs to make that catch. People can blame Josh Freeman all they want, he has got ZERO help from his wide receivers/ tight ends.

It is unreal how many catchable balls are being dropped by N.F.L caliber receivers. (And you ask why his completion % is so low). When Josh Freeman is successful, he lets his receivers go get the ball and make plays. This year, they are not making the plays, and it may have led to Freeman being benched.

Defense: C-

The first couple drives on defense could not go any better. Pressure from the defensive line was excellent! Anytime you can force a 3 and out on Tom Brady, you must being doing something right.

I thought Adrian Clayborn and Gerald McCoy really stood out early creating pressure. The pressure disappeared as soon as Tom Brady and his young group of wide receivers got on the same page.

Akeem Spence showed some pass rushing skill, registering his first career sack on Tom Brady (which must have felt great).

I thought the secondary looked vulnerable throughout the entire game. It looked like we were running some type of zone scheme 85% of the time, which does not make sense, when you have the caliber of a corner back like Darrelle Revis who can shut down half of the field. The Buccaneers secondary left some receivers wide open, but Tom Brady uncharacteristically did not locate them.

Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Rian Lindell (4) reacts after missing a field goal against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Special Teams: D

I am starting to worry about our field goal situation. Ryan Lindell has missed two chip shots that an N.F.L kicker does not miss. There must be a reason why the Bills let him walk. Michael Koenen did fine during Week 3, and was not used as much as you would think looking at the score versus the New England Patriots.

Coaching: F

I think the coaching seat under Greg Schiano should start to burn.

Mike Sullivan has either lost his touch or opposing defensive coordinators are doing an excellent job preparing for the Buccaneers. I have never seen a quarterback struggle to find open receivers. Every throw has to be on the money or its an incompletion. The low % back shoulder throws are getting very annoying.

Something has to give, this team has way too much talent to be 0-3 and the laughing stock of the NFC.

You can definitely put blame on the players for not performing, but sometimes it just looks like we are being out coached week in and week out.

I know it is only Week 3 and people say it’s too early to panic, but there’s certainly reason to be concerned.