TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are blaming themselves for failing in four straight games despite a strong start to the NFL season.
Injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and other key players didn’t help. But the Bucks (4-6) didn’t play well enough in key situations to put themselves in a good position heading into the bye week.
Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers was the latest in a series of setbacks in which significant and sometimes uncharacteristic mistakes ruined the team’s chances of winning close games against tough opponents.
Coach Todd Bowles, quarterback Baker Mayfield and veteran defensive leader Lavonte David have all lamented the lack of execution on offense and defense in key moments.
Bowles continues to stress that there is no excuse for costly injuries, regardless of who is on the field.
For six consecutive weeks, the Bucks have allowed 31.3 points per game and lost five times. However, they were able to keep the games close for most of the game despite struggling to get their team close to the end zone. After losing twice in overtime, the defending NFC champion 49ers won on Sunday with a field goal as time expired.
Last week, the Bucs beat the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in OT, but lost. In both cases, Tampa Bay tied the score late in the fourth quarter, but was unable to stop the Chiefs or 49ers from winning on subsequent possessions.
“If you lose by 40 points, if you lose in overtime, it’s all bad. You want to win as many ballgames as possible. It’s disappointing not to do what you know you have to do,” Bowles said. he said.
Mayfield feels this week’s bye comes at a good time both physically and mentally.
“We need to walk away from that situation, but I hope we don’t forget what this game cost us and come back ready to fix it,” Mayfield said.
David, who played his entire 13-year career with the Bucks, agreed.
“As the defensive captain of this football team, I’m out there. I’m not trying hard enough,” David said. “We’ve got to dig deep and find out whatever it is because no one is doing enough. Whatever it is, we’ve got to fix it as soon as possible.”
what is working
Although the Bucks didn’t have their best offensive game against the 49ers, their improved running game showed they were capable of keeping the team in games. Rookies Bucky Irving, Rashard White, Mayfield and Sterling Shepard combined for 110 yards on 27 attempts. This is Tampa Bay’s seventh 100-yard rushing performance of the season, sixth in the past seven games, and the most since the Bucs finished with eight in 2021.
things that need help
The defense held San Francisco to a season-low 75 yards rushing on 22 carries, but the Bucs allowed five passing plays of 30 yards or more to five different players. The 49ers outgained Tampa Bay by 413 yards and gained 215 yards, despite running just three plays (61) more than the Bucs (58).
stock up
Irving, a fourth-round draft pick out of Oregon State, continues to impress. He had 73 yards rushing and a touchdown on Sunday, averaging 5.6 yards per carry. He also had three receptions for 14 yards, something fans believe is a strong case for replacing White as the starter.
Out of stock
The Bucks like White’s versatility. He scored on a 9-yard reception against the 49ers, making it his fourth straight game with a TD. However, he averaged just 3.8 yards on the ground, well below the team average of 5.0 yards. He averaged 3.1 yards per attempt on 10 carries Sunday, but Bowles reiterated that the team will continue to use both running backs.
injury
LT Tristan Wirfs left Sunday’s game with a right knee sprain and is being considered week-to-week. The Bucks will not practice this week, but Evans (hamstring), cornerback Jamel Dean (hamstring), and other players with various bruises and bruises will use the remaining practices to get healthy for the stretch run. I hope it can be done.
key number
2, 26: The Bucs had two sacks through the first three games of the season. Since Week 4, they have completed 26 games. This is the most in the NFL for seven consecutive games.
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