Grading the Buccaneers offense at the first quarter mark

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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 16: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers waves to the crowd after they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-21 at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks – B

The magic is over, but Ryan Fitzpatrick put together a historic start to the season, at least statistically. He became the first player in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in the first three games of a season.

Fitzpatrick led Tampa Bay to a pair of upset wins and brought some hope to a franchise desperate for success. He has fallen back to Earth, but it was a fun start for ‘Fitz.’

Just arrived in Canton: the jersey worn by @Buccaneers QB Ryan Fitzpatrick from Week 3 of this season when he became the 1st QB in @NFL history to throw for 400 YDs in 3 consecutive games. #GoBucs #Fitzmagic pic.twitter.com/HJb31yZEvz
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 2, 2018

Considering the expectations for him heading into the season, Fitzpatrick did more than enough. It’s Jameis Winston‘s turn to take the reigns and recreate the high-powered offensive attack that was on display to open up the season.

Running backs – D

It’s been a struggle for the Tampa Bay running backs. Peyton Barber is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. He hasn’t been able to carry the load on the ground, and second-round pick Ronald Jones was a healthy scratch for the first three games of the season.

The Bucs are 30th in the league in rushing yards, averaging just 69.5 per contest. Fitzpatrick sits with 69 yards on the season, the second-most on the team, that’s not ideal.

The passing attack has masked the running game so far, but when the Bucs are trying to chew clock, they’ve been unable to.

Hopefully, Jones can turn the rushing attack around because the woes from last season have carried over into 2018.

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