While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to get back in the win column on Sunday, it's going to take a bit before the team starts truly inspiring hope.
There was a lot to like about the 20-6 win over Tennessee, especially how the defense bounced back from one of its worst games in recent memory. Derrick Henry was held to just 24 yards on 11 carries and the Titans offense was completely shut out of the endzone.
The Bucs offense was better than it's been at other times this year, but it still left a lot to be desired. Off the heels of scoring a season-high 37 points in Houston, Tampa Bay cobbled together 20 points for just the fifth time this year.
One major source of frustration on that side of the ball has been the run game -- or the lack thereof. It's something that the team tried to upgrade this week, albeit unsuccessfully.
Buccaneers tried to claim Michael Carter on waivers
Earlier this week the New York Jets surprisingly released running back Michael Carter, who had been a rather productive member of the offense. Breece Hall is the future, but given how much New York's offense has struggled, the move raised some eyebrows.
It also spurred some action in the Buccaneers front office.
According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Bucs were among three teams who put in a waiver claim on Carter after he was cut by the Jets earlier this week.
In addition to the Cardinals, the Buccaneers and Commanders put a claim in on RB Michael Carter, per source.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 15, 2023
Meanwhile, the 49ers also put in a claim on OL Calvin Throckmorton, who was awarded to the Titans off of waivers.
Carter was ultimately rewarded to the Cardinals, who are way higher in the waiver order than either Tampa Bay or Washington.
It's interesting that the Commanders put in a claim on Carter, seeing as they're pretty much out of the playoff picture and already have a slew of decent running backs. Brian Robinson Jr is carving out his status as the team's lead back, but they also have the talented Antonio Gibson as RB2.
The same could be said for the Bucs, though, who on paper have a pretty decent tandem of Rachaad White and Chase Edmonds, with Sean Tucker sprinkled in on the side as well. Addin Carter would have given Tampa Bay's running back room a big boost and might have helped the team find a way to et the run game going.
What this confirms, though, is that the Bucs see what everyone else does on Sundays. Something needs to spark the run game, and Tampa Bay making a move for Michael Carter at least shows the team is trying all it can to make it happen.