The Patriots continued their historic dominance of the Buccaneers in a frustrating Week 10 matchup. The Buccaneers fell to 3-8 all-time against the Patriots and have lost five of their last six matchups. The blame for a loss typically never goes on one player, but these three certainly contributed to the Bucs' demise on Sunday.
The pass rush
The Bucs boast an above-average pass rush group who were wholly ineffective in Week 10. Fifth-round defensive end Elijah Roberts secured the only sack on the day, for one yard. The wide range of linebackers typically involved in sacks was silent in this bout
Outside linebacker YaYa Diaby, who leads the Bucs in sacks, tackles for loss, and QB hits, secured just three tackles, none behind the line of scrimmage. For the Bucs to improve next week, pass rush must be a point of emphasis. The linebacker core is too talented and experienced to post a goose egg like this. If a loss were to be pinned on one group this week, it would be the pass rushers.
Running Back Rachaad White
Rachaad White has been abysmal in Bucky Irving's absence, and Week 10 was no different. The fourth-year back gained just 38 yards on 10 carries today, and next to nothing through the air. Without Irving in the backfield, the Bucs are virtually one-dimensional.
Today, White split carries with Sean Tucker, an undrafted free agent from the 2023 draft class. The third year back out of Syracuse averaged 5.9 yards per carry, his 42 yards one of the most of his career.
Through the first four weeks, the Bucs averaged 124 rush yards per game. Now, Tampa Bay has dropped to 98 rush yards per game. If Irving doesn't heal quickly, the Bucs' rush game will continue to flail.
DT Vita Vea
The 30-year-old veteran defensive tackle, known for his run-stopping ability, did not stop the run on Sunday. The Patriots' rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson broke free a couple of times for long touchdown runs. The first one, a 55-yard scampering score, Henderson ran right by Vea.
Henderson finished with 147 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Vea only secured two tackles. The Bucs' rush defense is a strength of the unit, but it relies heavily on Vea. In the last two games, Vea has three tackles. In the previous three games, the Bucs have allowed 160+ rushing yards twice, in part due to Vea's ineffectiveness.