Game Analysis: Buccaneers 24, Cowboys 16

-
The Youngbuc almost forgot how sweet a primetime victory tastes. Four straight single-score losses to start the season made this one even sweeter. The Bucs ground and pounded their way to a crucial win over the Cowboys and their high-octane offense. Though, not before making it interested at the end of the game by letting the Cowboys mount a comeback attempt. 

Bucky’s Breaking Ball

Bucky Irving had a career game in this one. He had a career-high 165 rushing yards on 21 carries with two total touchdowns (one on the ground, one through the air).
That 72-yard scamper coming right out of the half completely broke Dallas's defense and gave this offense a pulse it hasn't had all year. The Bucs rushed for 241 total team yards and controlled the clock for nearly 40 minutes.

Controlling the Chaos

Jalon Daniels was masterful in his control of the offense, especially considering he is an undrafted rookie (19/25 for 189 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT). With the run game firing on all cylinders, the Bucs didn't ask him to do too much. But he made crucial plays with his legs and took shots when they were there with pinpoint accuracy.

Defensive Awakening 

Credit where credit is due: the defense finally got off the field when it mattered. They picked off Dak Prescott twice, including Alex Anzalone’s clutch fourth-quarter pick to slam the door. Still, the lack of sacks is a cause for concern. Especially considering how many times Dak dropped back to pass with their run game stymied. 

The Bottom Line

The Bucs are no longer winless. A big underdog win in Primetime should improve the perception of the Bucs as a potential playoff team as they head into the meat of the season and start facing division opponents.

The offense finally seemed to have an identity. When the run game is going the Bucs are tough to stop. Hopefully heading into the mini bye with a win will right the ship.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Game Analysis: Vikings 23, Buccaneers 16

-
Image
Looking back at Sunday's 23-16 loss to the Vikings, it’s hard not to feel drained. It wasn't a blowout. It was classic Bucs-beating-Bucs self-sabotage. At least Justin Jefferson leaving early prevented things from getting out of hand fast. Outside of that, Tampa Bay handed Minnesota every opening they needed. Up Front and on the Ground The trenches were a nightmare. Baker Mayfield was under constant duress with the pocket collapsing over and over. Because the pass protection leaked so badly, the running backs spent the afternoon getting neutralized. Bucky Irving was consistently running into brick walls. Kenny Gainwell was swallowed up behind the line of scrimmage multiple times when his number was called. The backs being forced into a max-protect blocking role instead of being an open-field threat has limited their pass game involvement.  To top it off, the offensive line discipline killed Tampa. Penalties in the trenches wiped out a potential touchdown deep in the Minnesota r...
Read more

Gerald McCoy Speaks on Bucs' Woes

-
Image
Gerald McCoy has spoken. During an interview with Kevin Clark, McCoy dropped a bomb and placed blame for the Bucs' slow start on the coaching staff.  "I don't know if it's schematic or what, but we've got to find a way to generate a pass rush. I know there are certain things that are being coached that I wouldn't coach," he said. "Rueben Bain . . . he's dropping a lot. You drafted him in the top 15 to generate a pass rush. A lot of people thought he was a steal, and you haven't established him at what he does best yet."  This is a damning accusation by a seemingly always optimistic former Buc. He is speaking not only based on what he sees on tape, but also, what current players are telling him.  We have heard this refrain before about Bucs outsider linebackers dropping into coverage far too often. With Bain having only played two games thus far, I think it's too early to make sweeping assumptions about the type of player h...
Read more