Buccaneers Defense Feeling The Effects Of Offense’s Issues

Things are simply getting worse for a team that won Super Bowl LV in 2020 and captured their first division title since 2007 just a season ago. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers now sit with a 3-5 record after dropping their fifth game in six weeks. On Thursday night at home, the club fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 27-22.

A year ago, the club was tied with the Green Bay Packers for the best record in the NFL (13-4). Now Todd Bowles’ squad is scrambling after a 2-0 start.

Veteran quarterback Tom Brady has been erratic throughout the year. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich guides an unbalanced attack that is running for just 61.9 yards per game in eight outings. The Buccaneers’ offensive unit has scored only 12 touchdowns in 2022. And the issues on the side of the ball have taken its toll on a defense that began the year strong.

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Second Half Worries

Over the past three games, Tampa defenders have faded in the second half – especially when it comes to slowing down the run. Against Pittsburgh in Week 6, the Bucs gave up 10 points, 54 yards rushing and 104 total yards in the first half. At Carolina one Sunday later, the Panthers scored seven points and gained only 152 total yards (34 rushing) in the first two quarters. And on Thursday night at home against the Ravens, Todd Bowles’ club limited Lamar Jackson and company to a field goal and 156 total yards – including only 27 yards rushing – in the first half.

After intermission, the Steelers would total 10 points and just 23 yards on the ground but gained 166 total yards. In the 21-3 loss at Carolina, Steve Wilks’ club added two more touchdowns and 139 yards rushing (191 total) in the final two quarters. And Baltimore could not be slowed down after halftime. The Ravens ran for an incredible 204 yards – part of 297 yards of total offense – and scored 24 points in the game’s final 30 minutes and held on for the five-point victory.

Brady and the Buccaneers are reeling. And a defense that is on its heels these days has now lost Shaq Barrett for the rest of the season. Tough times in Tampa indeed. However, they are also in a division led by the 4-4 Atlanta Falcons. Meanwhile, the Bucs and Saints are 3-5 and the Panthers are last in the NFC South with a 2-6 mark. And there’s a lot of football to be played.