How can Buccaneers fix run game? Todd Bowles reveals key

4 hours ago7 min read1 comments

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perched at a comfortable 6-2 record emerging from their bye week, face an offensive conundrum that could define their Super Bowl aspirations. The stark contrast in their ground attack is a tale of two seasons compressed into eight games.With the dynamic Bucky Irving in the backfield for the initial month, the Buccaneers' offense operated with a balanced, multi-dimensional threat, eclipsing 100 rushing yards in all four contests—a benchmark of offensive efficiency that often separates playoff hopefuls from genuine contenders. However, since Irving's unfortunate sideline stint began, that formidable rushing identity has evaporated, with the unit scraping past the century mark just once in their subsequent four outings.This statistical freefall isn't merely a minor hiccup; it's a foundational crack in an otherwise sturdy ship. The immediate concern is Irving's ongoing recovery, underscored by his absence from Wednesday's practice, casting a long shadow over his availability for the crucial Week 10 clash against the New England Patriots.In the face of this adversity, Head Coach Todd Bowles, a man known for his defensive acumen but now tasked with an offensive puzzle, has distilled the solution to its fundamental components. His diagnosis was blunt and revealing: 'We got to block it better,' Bowles stated, pinpointing the technical execution required in the trenches.Yet, he immediately followed with a layer of strategic nuance that speaks to a deeper understanding of modern NFL schematics, adding, 'At the same time, we got to understand that we're not going to hit our head up against a brick wall. If they got too many people up there, we got to throw it and loosen it up as well.So, we got to coach it and scheme it up, and at the same time, the guys got to block it, too. ' This statement is a masterclass in contemporary coaching philosophy, echoing the adaptive principles of legends like Bill Walsh, who always emphasized making the defense wrong.It’s not just about brute force; it’s about intellectual chess. Bowles is acknowledging that a stubborn commitment to the run against stacked boxes is a recipe for offensive stagnation.The solution lies in a symbiotic relationship between play-calling and execution—using the threat of Baker Mayfield's arm to create running lanes, thereby forcing defenses into compromising coverages. This strategic interplay is reminiscent of the great offensive systems, like the Kansas City Chiefs' use of Patrick Mahomes to open up their screen and outside zone game.The injury report adds another layer of complexity, with Bowles noting that both Irving and receiver Chris Godwin are 'progressing,' yet their status for the Patriots game remains doubtful. This places an immense burden on Baker Mayfield, who must once again elevate a depleted offensive roster against a Mike Vrabel-coached defense renowned for its discipline and physicality.Vrabel’s units, much like his playing style, are fundamentally sound and excel at exploiting weaknesses, making a one-dimensional offense easy prey. While the 6-2 record provides a valuable cushion in the NFC South, the Buccaneers' ambitions extend far beyond a divisional crown.Securing the No. 1 seed in the conference, and with it the coveted path to the Super Bowl that runs through Raymond James Stadium, is the ultimate prize.The upcoming gauntlet against the Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams represents the most telling stretch of their season. These are three franchises with distinct defensive identities, each capable of exposing a flawed run game.The Bills' aggressive front, the Rams' Aaron Donald-led havoc, and the Patriots' systematic approach will test Bowles' schematic adjustments to their absolute limit. The return of Godwin and Irving for this brutal sequence is not just hoped for; it is paramount.A competent, reliable run game does more than just accumulate yards; it controls the clock, protects leads, reduces the pass-rush pressure on Mayfield, and, most importantly, imposes the Buccaneers' will on their opponents. It is the heavy lifter that allows the flashier aspects of the offense to flourish.Without it, Tampa Bay risks becoming a predictable, pass-heavy team that can be neutralized in the cold, high-stakes games of January. The fix, as Bowles has astutely identified, is a dual mandate of improved physical execution on the offensive line and smarter, more flexible scheming from the coaching booth—a challenge that will ultimately determine whether this Buccaneers team is merely good or truly great.

#featured

#Tampa Bay Buccaneers

#Todd Bowles

#run game

#Bucky Irving

#Baker Mayfield

#NFL

#offense

#injuries

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