Worrying stat the Buccaneers need to address if they want to win
By John Paul
The NFL is defined by offense in the modern game. The Buccaneers might be 2-0 on the back of a stellar defense, but the offense needs to change.
Despite pulling out the win against their divisional rival in the New Orleans Saints, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were far closer to a loss than the final score may have indicated to someone just looking at the end result.
Until a second half collapse by Saints quarterback Jameis Winston, the game was locked at a 3-3 standstill until the 4th quarter. The reason for this was simply the offense’s inability to move the ball.
The stat that should absolutely worry Bucs fans the most is the fact that Scotty Miller was Brady’s most targeted wide receiver with a total of eight in the game.
Considering the fact that Miller only pulled in three of those balls, that should tell you everything you need to know about why this is an issue.
While Brady has been able to find success with small slot receivers in the past, namely Julian Edelman with the Patriots, Scotty Miller isn’t anywhere close to as talented as Edelman and plays a different role with the Bucs.
This isn’t to say that Miller doesn’t have usefulness on a deep route, but to act as if the Bucs offense can function with him as the primary receiver is to deny reality.
Hopefully for the Bucs, this can change as quickly as possible as their receiving corps slowly returns from injuries. It is a positive sign for the team and Brady’s sanity that the Bucs just signed wide receiver Cole Beasley, who should provide some solid production right away as he could play a role in Week 3.
Despite Brady’s lack of talent to throw to, Bucs fans should be encouraged by the performance of their QB in Week 2. He was consistently hitting the hands of Scotty Miller, Breshad Perriman, and all his other receivers, giving them every opportunity to make a play.
Brady’s passing is what allowed for the team to finally break through and score a few touchdowns in the 4th quarter, allowing the Bucs to secure the win.
Trending. Buccaneers bring back former player to bolster defense after key injury. light
Want to write about the Buccaneers? Apply below!
Want your voice heard? Join the The Pewter Plank team!