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The Bucs struggles continued on Sunday, as they misplaced to a depleted 1-4 Steelers group, 20-18. Tampa Bay was higher on protection than offense, however nonetheless hilariously incapable on pivotal downs. A dismal Steelers offense accomplished 7-of-15 third down alternatives (46.7%), together with a sequence of late-game conversions in lengthy down-and-distance conditions.
Right here’s a snapshot of what went mistaken with the protection on Sunday.
1. Unacceptable Errors
Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Picture by: USA At the moment
Early within the sport, the Bucs protection pressured an incompletion to carry up fourth-and-6 from their 35. However Devin White sloppily hit Steelers QB Kenny Pickett within the head, drawing a 15-yard penalty and a brand new set of downs. The Steelers went on to attain a landing just a few performs later, and it was White who blew the protection to Najee Harris for the 6-yard TD within the flat.
Within the fourth quarter, the Steelers confronted a third-and-6 from their very own 44. The Bucs protection had too many males on the sphere, so Lavonte David yelled and signaled for a timeout. However the name got here too late for the officers to cease the play, and Steelers tight finish Connor Heyward ran proper by the protection for 45 yards. Pondering the officers would blow the play lifeless, a number of Bucs defenders stopped enjoying. The massive go play arrange the Steelers’ second and closing landing of the sport.
On each Steelers landing drives, the Bucs beat themselves with main errors in key moments. The Steelers offense wasn’t a lot better on Sunday than they’ve been all season. However the Bucs persistently allowed them to remain on the sphere because of their very own folly.
2. Third-And-Lengthy Catastrophes
It has been nearly unimaginable for the Steelers offense to transform third downs this season. The group entered Sunday’s sport ranked twenty second within the league on third down. To make issues worse, the Steelers have been pressured to change quarterbacks within the third quarter when Pickett left with a concussion.
Nonetheless, it didn’t matter. The Bucs protection managed to surrender an insane SEVEN third down conversions of six yards or extra (one on a penalty). An eighth state of affairs, a third-and-11 that grew to become a fourth-and-inches the Steelers transformed, additional exemplified Tampa Bay’s struggles. Listed here are the ridiculous conditions that the Bucs allowed one of many league’s worst offenses to transform.
Third-and-6 (penalty)
Third-and-11 to fourth-and-1 (transformed)
Third-and-6
Third-and-15
Third-and-13
Third-and-6
Third-and-15
Third-and-11
Discuss concerning the protection giving up simply 20 factors all day in order for you, however I’m not praising a unit that enables conversions in these spots. Particularly to an offense that has struggled like Pittsburgh’s has for nearly two years now. The Bucs protection held the Steelers to -0.23 EPA (Anticipated Factors Added) on first and second downs all through the sport. However on third down, the Steelers had a ridiculous 0.72 EPA per play. Insane numbers. Pittsburgh entered Week 6 averaging -0.078 EPA on third downs.
I didn’t have main points with many of the calls in these conditions, however gamers didn’t execute in any respect.
3. Devin White’s Struggles Proceed
Bucs ILB Devin White – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
It’s been one other disappointing season for White, who continues to battle regardless of the nationwide media’s reward of his sport. On Sunday, White made a number of errors in protection, together with one which has plagued him for years now. On just a few events, White was too keen so as to add on as a go rusher, permitting the working again to test launch extensive open within the flat. The Steelers’ first landing regarded prefer it occurred when White deserted Harris to blitz.
All through the sport, White continued to make the identical mistake, however the Steelers didn’t catch it once more. However that gaffe, mixed together with his blow to Pickett’s head moments earlier, gave the Steelers seven useful factors on Sunday’s opening possession for Pittsburgh.
4. Jamel Dean Continues To Ball Out
By means of six weeks, Dean is enjoying at a Professional Bowl stage. Even when he allowed catches on Sunday, he was in nice place to make a fast deal with. He continues to be aggressive downhill, tackling the run and short-passing sport with nice consistency.
Reverse Dean, Carlton Davis III has additionally performed properly. He made a pair robust tackles and had a diving break up on third down. The overwhelming majority of the Steelers offense got here by way of Chase Claypool in opposition to linebackers, slot corners or open holes within the zone. Aside from the blown protection in opposition to Heyward, the Bucs buttoned up each different Steelers ability participant.
5. Harder Checks Coming For Bucs Protection
By means of six weeks, the Bucs protection will rank close to the highest of the league in lots of classes. However those that have watched them carefully perceive there’s cause to query their early season “success.” The Saints, Cowboys, Packers, Falcons and Steelers are far cries from high-powered offenses. All 5 models have struggled for all or many of the season. By far Tampa Bay’s hardest problem got here in Week 4, after they have been drilled by the Chiefs in embarrassing style.
The Ravens, Seahawks and Browns offense loom in three of the Bucs’ subsequent 4 video games. In the course of these contests shall be a house date with the Rams, who’ve long-destroyed Todd Bowles’ defenses. Regardless of some good issues by the primary six weeks, higher play is required from the Bucs protection in the event that they want to make the playoffs this yr.
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