The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Week Two: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

By Jerry Stalheim

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers catches a touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Ronald Darby #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Peyton Barber #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is tackled by Ronald Darby #21 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

The Ugly

The Buccaneers Rushing Offense

Last season the Buccaneers finished with the 27th ranked rushing attack in the NFL, averaging just 90.7 yards per carry. At least Tamba Bay has been consistent; it currently ranks 27th in rushing yards in 2018.

It all started in the week one victory against the Saints where they had 112 yards rushing and one touchdown with starting backer Peyton Barber leading the way with 19 carries for just 69 yards.

Unfortunately second-round draft pick Ronald Jones II was a healthy scratch because the team did not feel that he was ready.

Related Story. Three Bold Predictions for Week three. light

Could that rushing number get worse against Eagles? Why yes, yes it could.

The Buccaneers rushed 24 times for just 43 yards (1.8 yards per carry) and starting back Peyton Barber rushed for only 24 yards on 16 carries (1.5 yards per carry) and again Ronald Jones II was a healthy scratch.

An ineffective rushing game in the second half against the Eagles almost cost the Buccaneers the game as they attempted several times to run out the clock, but could not gain any yards thus giving the ball back to the Eagles offense. Which allowed them to score 14 unanswered points and draw within six points but luckily time ran out on them.

In the first two weeks, the Buccaneers have rushed for a pathetic 155 yards.

Even though the Buccaneers currently have the number one passing offense, they will not be a playoff team with a one-sided offense. As they will need to be able to run out the clock in the second half of games when they have a lead, so they must be able to establish an effective rushing attack to have a more balanced offense.

Next. Buccaneers passing offense can mask lackluster rushing attack. dark

Give me your thoughts in the comments section, on Twitter, or directly to me on Twitter on if the Buccaneers will continue their Good passing offense, or if they will improve their Bad pass defense, and if they can totally fix their run game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night. As always … GO BUCS!

Home/Bucs News