Buccaneers need simple strategy to beat Saints and win out
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers don’t need a win against the Saints to stay in playoff contention, but they do need this win to build momentum for the playoffs.
The Buccaneers are one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL right now. Most of that comes down to their offense; a stark contrast to their very, very scary defense.
If the Bucs really want to beat the Saints and string together some wins to build momentum for the playoffs, the recipe for success is actually so simple;
Throw the damn ball.
First down?
Throw the damn ball.
Second and long?
Throw the damn ball.
Want to eat the clock?
Throw the damn ball.
This is a pass-first league that will always place value on scoring points above possessing the ball. The Buccaneers have killed themselves by forgetting this and trying to play the ball-control game, but they have done so bad that now they aren’t scoring points and they aren’t chewing clock.
The Bucs need to get this offense back on track if they want to be ready for the rigor of the playoffs, and that means fixing the issues on third down.
Want to convert more third downs?
Throw the damn ball.
Teams that never get to third down never have to worry about a problem with converting on these critical downs.
A pass-heavy attack is going to spread out any team in this modern game and then open up opportunities for the Bucs to do their precious running.
That opportunity will come, but it never happens if the Buccaneers aren’t able to keep opponents on their toes by valuing the numbers and the analytics and keeping the defense on its heels from the opening whistle.
Byron Leftwich has to be better. This is a great place to start.
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