One issue that has been a recurring one this year for the Buccaneers has been the play calling of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had their fair share of issues this season. One issue that has been a recurring one this year has been the play calling of offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. Again, on Sunday in the loss to the Saints, it was once again an issue.
The Bucs ran for a franchise-low eight times with two of them being scrambles by Jameis Winston. Ronald Jones and Dare Ogunbowale combined for six rushing attempts for 13 yards on the day. For some reason, the Bucs put in Dare over both Jones and Barber at the goal line on the final drive where he got stuffed on two goal-line carries.
The fact that the Bucs didn’t even attempt to establish the run is an issue. Yes, they were down 20-0 at one point, but that doesn’t mean you can’t run before it got to that point. With the run game literally nonexistent, the Saints were able to just sit on the pass and play in dime and nickel formations defensively. With the offensive line struggling to stop Cameron Jordan and company, it was not pretty.
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For the fifth game in a row, Winston threw over 40 passes. When the Bucs are throwing this much, you would assume that Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are racking up the targets, receptions, and yards. That was the furthest thing from the case against the Saints, as the duo combined for seven catches on 14 targets.
At the half Evans and Godwin had two targets each combing for one reception and six yards. The Saints again had the number of Evans even without star corner Marshon Lattimore to hold him down. For reference, Cameron Brate had more receptions and the same number of targets on his own.
For some reason, the staff continues to try to get Breshad Perriman the ball and in critical situations. He ended the game with one catch on three targets, but you have to wonder why he gets as many third-down looks as he does. Scotty Miller finally was able to make an impact catching 4 of 6 targets. He was finally able to come down with a deep ball a play this team has tried to hit on every game it seems.
This isn’t the first time fans have questioned the play-calling from offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. If the offensive line can’t block consistently on the edges, then why not roll Jameis out where he can throw on the run or even run on his own.
Next week and for the rest of the season, the Bucs need to try to establish the run with Jones as well as call some plays with shorter routes to cut back on the time Winston needs to look downfield. When you’re throwing the ball 40-50 times, a game, things are bound to go wrong at some point. At this point, the staff needs to try and make things easier for everyone involved.