Breaking Down the Buccaneers’ First Touchdown of 2016

Jameis Winston and the starting Buccaneers’ offense found their rhythm going no huddle in the middle of the first quarter against the Eagles.  Here, we review.

Thursday night, the Buccaneers opened their preseason schedule against the Philadelphia Eagles, and as we wrote immediately post game, they fell 17-9.  There were some good moments, and ones that they would like to have back, cough cough, two early turnovers, cough cough.  All in all, it was what you would expect in an opening preseason game.

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After those early turnovers, however, the Bucs’ starting offense looked quite good on a seven play, 79 yard scoring drive that only took three minutes to complete.  They went to the no-huddle, opened it up and Winston looked in complete command.  He looked like a guy that can lead this team for a long time, and the team followed, putting together a spirited drive for their opening touchdown of the new year.

This morning we are going to break down the successful drive, courtesy of Gamepass.

Screenshots embedded from tweets posted from the website’s account.  Descriptions are below the text describing them.

First and Ten, Bucs’ 21: Winston is under center, Mike Evans is split out wide to the far right.  Evans runs a slant route and Winston hits him in stride for a ten yard gain.  The throw might have been a shade far, but Evans made a nice catch to bring it in and keep driving for the first down.

First and Ten, Bucs’ 31: Doug Martin is lined up straight behind Winston, Evans motions into the slot close to the line.  At the snap, Martin tries the middle of the line, but Cameron Brate completely whiffs on his block, Evans tries to take the man on but he is no match.  The play is broken down quickly and Dougie only manages two yards.

Second and Eight, Bucs’ 33: Running the no huddle, Winston takes the team to the line and lines up in the gun.  He drops back and flips a screen pass to Dougie.  As pictured below, the setup is perfect.  With Joe Hawley and Ali Marpet leading the way, Martin picks up 11 and another Bucs’ first down.

First and Ten, Bucs’ 44: Still in the hurry up, Winston is under center.  Mike James is in at running back, straight behind the QB. He takes the handoff around right end for a modest four yard gain.

Second and Six, Bucs’ 48: Scurrying to the line, Winston lines up in the gun.  James comes open short to the right side of the line.  Again Marpet and Hawley are out front, Hawley makes a nice lead block, helping to spring James for a 26 yard gain, bringing the Bucs well into Eagles’ territory.

First and Ten, Eagles’ 26: Tampa huddles up this time, and they come out with Winston under center, two receivers to the left and one to the right.  Mike James is behind Winston.  He gets the ball for the third straight play and tries the middle of the line.  Unfortunately, the offensive line gets beaten badly this time, and James is stopped for no gain.

Second and Ten, Eagles’ 26: Winston brings the team to the line quickly and lines up in the gun.  Russell Shepard is lined up wide to the right.  At the snap, Shepard runs a “Post-Corner” route.  But then he shows excellent recognition.  He realizes that the Eagles are in a zone defense and stops his route in a soft spot around the ten yard line.  Winston hits Shepard there and he takes it to the house for the touchdown.

I’d say the drive was a rousing success, wouldn’t you?

Next: Who Were the Winners and Losers Against the Eagles?

Of course it is early and there were other problems, but that type of drive is an excellent sign no matter when it takes place.  Heck, maybe we will see the no-huddle as a weapon, not just a tool to make a comeback.