The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Grading the Buccaneers offense at the first quarter mark

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 24: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws a pass in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes past Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 30: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears rushes past Demar Dotson #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field on September 30, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Buccaneers 48-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line – C-

Regarding pass blocking, the Bucs have regressed over the past two weeks. The Pittsburgh Steelers 3-4 defensive front confused Tampa. The Chicago Bears and Khalil Mack dominated the Tampa Bay offensive line as well.

In the first two weeks, the pass protection was phenomenal. Fitzpatrick had all day to deliver the ball downfield.

The Bucs run blocking has been on a downward trend since Week 1. Pro Football Focus has the Bucs run blocking grade at a putrid 53.9, a bottom 10 mark.

The right side of the offensive line has faced the most significant struggle. Caleb Benenoch and Demar Dotson cannot open up holes on the right side.

Ali Marpet has been his usual self at left guard. Expect Tampa Bay to run behind him more in hopes to get Barber and company going.

Playcalling – A

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has done a great job as the new offensive play-caller.

The Bucs offense is averaging 28 points per game and ranks third in total yards. Tampa Bay entered the season full of offensive talent, but the explosion we witnessed to open the season was jaw-dropping.

Monken was able to create gameplans which put a mediocre quarterback like Fitzpatrick in a great situation. I’ll admit, I didn’t think Monken calling the plays wouldn’t make much of a difference. But he’s made a believer out of me.

Next. The Bucs need to make a change at defensive coordinator. dark

For more grades, advanced statistics and more at Pro Football Focus, subscribe
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Stay tuned for the defensive grades.

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