The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are here to stay. Their offensive explosion to start the season makes them a threat in a loaded NFC South.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a statement with their win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Tampa offense proved the Bucs were no fluke. After Tampa Bay opened the season by stunning the New Orleans Saints, they followed up that performance with a 27-21 victory over the defending champions.
In two weeks, the Buccaneers have toppled two of the NFC’s most talented teams. Their offensive barrage has taken the NFL by storm.
The biggest storyline for Tampa Bay?
Well, look no further than Fitzpatrick. (Seriously, look at this wardrobe)
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s postgame look: pic.twitter.com/4qkRyu7l7X
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 16, 2018
In his pair of starts to open the season, Fitzpatrick has thrown for 819 yards and completed 78.7 percent of his passes. Add in his nine total touchdowns, and there’s no question he’s put up video game numbers.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken took over play-calling duties to open the season. The change has brought new life to the Tampa Bay offense. The Bucs have stretched the field and emphasized the passing attack.
Against the Eagles, both DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard caught 75-yard touchdowns passes. Throw in Mike Evans‘ 50-yard reception this season, and it’s easy to see why Tampa Bay has put up so many points. It takes just one play in Monken’s offense.
So far, it has worked wonders. A journeyman quarterback looks like an MVP, and the talented receiving corps has lived up to its potential. Already, three wideouts have multiple touchdowns.
Speaking of the Bucs pass catchers, is there a better group in the league?
Evans, Jackson and Chris Godwin have been fantastic to start the season, combining for seven touchdowns. Howard at tight end has also taken another step in year two.
Oh, the Bucs also have a pair of talented receivers in Adam Humphries and Cameron Brate that haven’t even been involved in the offense yet.
An area which never gets enough credit is the offensive line. The Buccaneers offensive line has started off the season on the right foot. Both Demar Dotson and Donovan Smith have handled opposing edge rushers. Ryan Jensen has also brought a mean streak in the middle of the trenches.
The amount of time Fitzpatrick has in the pocket is staggering. He has all day to let the deep routes develop before he lets one rip.
The only criticism of the offense early can be the running game. The Eagles stifled Peyton Barber, but that may say more about Philadelphia’s run defense than anything.
If Tampa Bay is going to contend in the NFC, it will be behind their talented offense. An improved offensive line and a veteran quarterback finds himself in the perfect situation surrounded by top-tier pass catchers.
Defensively, questions arise. Injuries have decimated the secondary. Nickel corner Vernon Hargreaves is out for the season and 35-year-old Brent Grimes is already dealing with a groin injury.
In the trenches, which at one point looked to be a strength of the Tampa Bay defense, is thin as well. Vita Vea hasn’t seen the field yet, Beau Allen had to leave Sunday’s contest and Mitch Unrein is out for at least eight weeks.
Despite the issues on defense, the Buccaneers managed to come out on top in the first two games. The defense took a step in Week Two, Gerald McCoy and Jason Pierre-Paul forced the issue, while young defensive backs continued to develop.
In all likelihood, the Bucs defense won’t stifle an offense. However, if they can keep teams under 25 points, head coach Dirk Koetter has to like his team’s chances.
The hot start has jumpstarted the Bucs. All of a sudden, Tampa Bay went from afterthought to the lead story in the NFL. Don’t sleep on Fitzpatrick and the Bucs.