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Offense Shows Signs Of Life |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie quarterback Josh Freeman threw two TD passes in Seattle (Getty Images) |
The Bucs benefited from an all-around impressive effort in Seattle en route to their 24-7 win over the Seahawks Sunday. Bucs head coach Raheem Morris said Monday that QB Josh Freeman, the running backs and the offensive line responded well after an embarrassing outing vs. the N.Y. Jets one week earlier.
Tampa Bay's offense currently ranks 29th overall in the NFL, but it showed signs of life during the Bucs' 24-7 road win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
The Bucs produced 339 yards of offense in the contest. The key to Tampa Bay's offensive success was the ground game, which featured 34 rushes for 134 yards (3.9 avg.).
Before the season started, Bucs head coach Raheem Morris wanted his offense to be a dominant running team. That hasn't happened in 2009, but Morris hopes the running game in Seattle is a sign of things to come in Tampa Bay.
"It just takes time," said Morris. "It didn't happen as fast as any of us would have liked. Hopefully that's who we are. Hopefully we can go out there and continue those types of performances with the run and the play-action pass. Yesterday was really a team effort. You're talking about two running backs that had over 60 yards apiece. The ball went all over the place. That's what we were yesterday and that's what we have to be."
The Bucs haven't produced a 100-yard rusher through 14 games this season. However, both Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams proved to be quite productive on the ground in Seattle. Ward turned in his best game as a Buc, carrying the ball 19 times for 67 yards (3.5 avg.). Williams had 12 carries for 66 yards (5.5 avg.).
While Ward and Williams have received a lot of credit for Tampa Bay's successful outing in Seattle, Morris, who insisted Monday that he never lost faith in offensive coordinator Greg Olson's game plan, said the Bucs offensive line stepped up after watching Tampa Bay's offense be limited to 124 yards of offense in the team's 26-3 loss to the New York Jets one week earlier.
"I have to thank [the media] for that. [The media] hit them up pretty hard and they responded," Morris said of the Bucs offensive line. "They were looking forward to your articles this morning. That was the main topic of discussion amongst [center] Jeff Faine and those guys. Those guys don't like to be embarrassed, and they were [against the Jets]. They responded yesterday. I'm proud of them."
The other Bucs player that rebounded Sunday was rookie quarterback Josh Freeman. Heading into Sunday's game, the first-round pick had thrown eight interceptions in his last two outings.
On Sunday, Freeman benefited from Tampa Bay's commitment to the running game, completing 16-of-26 (61 percent) passes for 205 yards while tossing two touchdowns to Ward and Williams and throwing just one interception. He also scored a 2-point conversion on a quarterback draw.
"You never really know what you want him to throw," Morris said of Freeman's 26 pass attempts. "You want him to go out and be his best self everyday. Yesterday that was the range you wanted him to throw. We felt like we had the ability to run the ball and we did it well. We were able to do some timely passes and throw some nice ones down the field. But if you look at the game at Carolina a few weeks ago, outside of those red zone plays Freeman threw it 40-something times and had over 300 yards passing. We don't want to stop him from doing that, either. We just need better decisions in the red zone. Same as yesterday's game. It's the progression of our young quarterback."
The Bucs went into halftime trailing the Seahawks 7-3, but turned in a strong third quarter, which was a pleasant surprise seeing as how Tampa Bay had been outscored 20-74 in the third quarter heading into Sunday's game.
The Bucs scored 18 of their 24 points in the third quarter. Tampa Bay's defense dominated Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 20 yards of offense in the third quarter. That effort, along with the Bucs ending their drought of 11 straight quarters without an offensive touchdown with Freeman's two TD passes and a field goal by kicker Connor Barth allowed Tampa Bay to outscore Seattle 18-0 in the third quarter.
Morris said his team accepted to the challenge he issued them at halftime in Seattle. The result was Tampa Bay's second win of the season.
"We've struggled as a team in the third quarter of games for the most part, but yesterday was completely the opposite," said Morris. "What we did yesterday was how it should be and how you want to come out of the half. I told these guys [at halftime] that there's no reason for us to wait around until the end to try and win games. There's no rule saying we can't go out and absolutely dominate the football game. That's what they went out and did yesterday."
Quote of the Day
Bucs head coach Raheem Morris on coaching and player jobs being on the line this time of year.
"Job security is not an issue for coaches. We don't have any. You just go out there and present your best self every day. That's all I can do. We make decisions based on how we can go about beating the Saints or our next opponent. There will be no decisions made based on saving Raheem Morris or saving [general manager] Mark Dominik or saving any player. The decisions are made to determine what gives us the best chance to beat the New Orleans Saints, period."
The Bucs produced 339 yards of offense in the contest. The key to Tampa Bay's offensive success was the ground game, which featured 34 rushes for 134 yards (3.9 avg.).
Before the season started, Bucs head coach Raheem Morris wanted his offense to be a dominant running team. That hasn't happened in 2009, but Morris hopes the running game in Seattle is a sign of things to come in Tampa Bay.
"It just takes time," said Morris. "It didn't happen as fast as any of us would have liked. Hopefully that's who we are. Hopefully we can go out there and continue those types of performances with the run and the play-action pass. Yesterday was really a team effort. You're talking about two running backs that had over 60 yards apiece. The ball went all over the place. That's what we were yesterday and that's what we have to be."
The Bucs haven't produced a 100-yard rusher through 14 games this season. However, both Derrick Ward and Cadillac Williams proved to be quite productive on the ground in Seattle. Ward turned in his best game as a Buc, carrying the ball 19 times for 67 yards (3.5 avg.). Williams had 12 carries for 66 yards (5.5 avg.).
While Ward and Williams have received a lot of credit for Tampa Bay's successful outing in Seattle, Morris, who insisted Monday that he never lost faith in offensive coordinator Greg Olson's game plan, said the Bucs offensive line stepped up after watching Tampa Bay's offense be limited to 124 yards of offense in the team's 26-3 loss to the New York Jets one week earlier.
"I have to thank [the media] for that. [The media] hit them up pretty hard and they responded," Morris said of the Bucs offensive line. "They were looking forward to your articles this morning. That was the main topic of discussion amongst [center] Jeff Faine and those guys. Those guys don't like to be embarrassed, and they were [against the Jets]. They responded yesterday. I'm proud of them."
The other Bucs player that rebounded Sunday was rookie quarterback Josh Freeman. Heading into Sunday's game, the first-round pick had thrown eight interceptions in his last two outings.
On Sunday, Freeman benefited from Tampa Bay's commitment to the running game, completing 16-of-26 (61 percent) passes for 205 yards while tossing two touchdowns to Ward and Williams and throwing just one interception. He also scored a 2-point conversion on a quarterback draw.
"You never really know what you want him to throw," Morris said of Freeman's 26 pass attempts. "You want him to go out and be his best self everyday. Yesterday that was the range you wanted him to throw. We felt like we had the ability to run the ball and we did it well. We were able to do some timely passes and throw some nice ones down the field. But if you look at the game at Carolina a few weeks ago, outside of those red zone plays Freeman threw it 40-something times and had over 300 yards passing. We don't want to stop him from doing that, either. We just need better decisions in the red zone. Same as yesterday's game. It's the progression of our young quarterback."
The Bucs went into halftime trailing the Seahawks 7-3, but turned in a strong third quarter, which was a pleasant surprise seeing as how Tampa Bay had been outscored 20-74 in the third quarter heading into Sunday's game.
The Bucs scored 18 of their 24 points in the third quarter. Tampa Bay's defense dominated Seattle, holding the Seahawks to just 20 yards of offense in the third quarter. That effort, along with the Bucs ending their drought of 11 straight quarters without an offensive touchdown with Freeman's two TD passes and a field goal by kicker Connor Barth allowed Tampa Bay to outscore Seattle 18-0 in the third quarter.
Morris said his team accepted to the challenge he issued them at halftime in Seattle. The result was Tampa Bay's second win of the season.
"We've struggled as a team in the third quarter of games for the most part, but yesterday was completely the opposite," said Morris. "What we did yesterday was how it should be and how you want to come out of the half. I told these guys [at halftime] that there's no reason for us to wait around until the end to try and win games. There's no rule saying we can't go out and absolutely dominate the football game. That's what they went out and did yesterday."
Quote of the Day
Bucs head coach Raheem Morris on coaching and player jobs being on the line this time of year.
"Job security is not an issue for coaches. We don't have any. You just go out there and present your best self every day. That's all I can do. We make decisions based on how we can go about beating the Saints or our next opponent. There will be no decisions made based on saving Raheem Morris or saving [general manager] Mark Dominik or saving any player. The decisions are made to determine what gives us the best chance to beat the New Orleans Saints, period."
Comments
pinkstob
Well let me be the first to say congratulations to the entire O-line. They really did an incredible job yesterday, except for the penalties. It all starts up front with those guys and their physical play. That's what I want our offense to be known for down the road.
3:06pm, December 21, 2009
1bucfanjeff
Good job, now let's see consistency. I want to see if you can carry this game over to the Saints.
"Show me the money."
"Show me the money."
3:53pm, December 21, 2009
bucfan47
The Saints game will be a good measuring barometer. The Saints are coming off a loss, and should want to look to rebound with an impressive win this week. I think they get it, but the question is by how much?
The Dline just cannot get any pressure, and that's going to be the difference in this one.
The Dline just cannot get any pressure, and that's going to be the difference in this one.
4:27pm, December 21, 2009
JDouble
What's the word on TJax? If he is out we will really get our asses handed to us next week. If we are healthy we could make it interesting. I won't go so far as to say we will win, but having nothing to lose and playing spoiler has it's advantages. We can be super aggressive and take chances we wouldn't normally take in the attempt to play spoiler to a hated division rival.
If we show up and play the Saints hard on both sides of the ball, I will lay off Rheem and Olsen. This week's win doesn't really do much to change my feelings though. The Seahawks are a bad team that played horrible. I'm glad we won, but I don't think that win alone shows improvement. I think we played about the same as we have for the last 5-6 weeks...we just played a really bad team. A good showing in the dome next week would silence me and most other doubters. We don't have to win, just make it close and play hard.
If we show up and play the Saints hard on both sides of the ball, I will lay off Rheem and Olsen. This week's win doesn't really do much to change my feelings though. The Seahawks are a bad team that played horrible. I'm glad we won, but I don't think that win alone shows improvement. I think we played about the same as we have for the last 5-6 weeks...we just played a really bad team. A good showing in the dome next week would silence me and most other doubters. We don't have to win, just make it close and play hard.
4:54pm, December 21, 2009
JDouble
On the flip side, if we get embarassed next week...I'll be screaming louder than ever for Cowher or some other experienced coach. Just sayin'
4:55pm, December 21, 2009
1bucfanjeff
True 47, agreed. I think if we can stand toe-to-toe with them, regardless of outcome, it should be considered a success.
This is Freeman's first repeat of a divisional game. I'm curious to see what he's learned from the first game, what adjustments he makes.
This is Freeman's first repeat of a divisional game. I'm curious to see what he's learned from the first game, what adjustments he makes.
4:57pm, December 21, 2009
1bucfanjeff
JDouble, if I'm the Bucs, I sit TJax. He's very good, why risk it with 2 games left. Unless it's just a bruise, but it didn't look that way.
4:59pm, December 21, 2009
JDouble
Rheem is playing for his job these last two games...I doubt he sits any starters if they can go.
Just saw Stroughter is on IR. If think he is a much bigger part than folks realize. I now expect Freeman to struggle the last two games. How could he not with Clayton and Stovall out there?
Just saw Stroughter is on IR. If think he is a much bigger part than folks realize. I now expect Freeman to struggle the last two games. How could he not with Clayton and Stovall out there?
5:27pm, December 21, 2009
vtrantb
I have never understood when I have heard for years now how good this OL is and it is the strength of the team. Have those people been watching the same team? They have one good week followed by a series of bad ones. They don't get any push and can't protect the QB. TrueBlood is a stiff and a hothead that leads the NFL in false start.
5:53pm, December 21, 2009
APOPKA
GO' GIRL' GO'
6:08pm, December 21, 2009
JDouble
If anyone is interested, Ryan Mathews is playing in a bowl game right now on ESPN-U. He is the Fresno State RB and is ranked as a 2nd-3rd round pick. People such as myself think he's the best all around NFL ready running back in the draft. Games just starting if anyone wants to see the kid in action.
9:42pm, December 21, 2009
onebucfan
on a completely separate note i saw this on espn.com today about lovie smith and gerry angelo's hot seats....
"We're still of the opinion that whoever green-lighted the Gaines Adams trade (giving up a 2nd round draft pick for a colossal bust) should be the first one evaluated ... for residency in the psych ward."
"We're still of the opinion that whoever green-lighted the Gaines Adams trade (giving up a 2nd round draft pick for a colossal bust) should be the first one evaluated ... for residency in the psych ward."
11:30pm, December 21, 2009
JDouble
Wonder if John Lynch is interested in coaching. I like him as an announcer on Sundays, but I'd love him as our secondary coach. Might be a bit early for Lynch or even Brooks to come back as coaches, but I'd sure love to see it.
1:02am, December 22, 2009
scubog
Jdouble: Do I detect a hint of "If you can't beat em, join em" in your more recent posts? You even referred to one of your posts as an "article". Hmmmmmm, it made me think you were aligning yourself more closely with BF47 and Jongruden. Say it isn't so Dub-man.
I thought the turning point of the game was when Penn got a little fired up. I know people don't like it when Trueblood loses his cool. But when a team has been beat down this season as much as it has, at some point they need that old "you ain't kicking my ass anymore" attitude. The same one Brooks, Sapp and Lynch got to in the 1996 Chargers game.
I thought the turning point of the game was when Penn got a little fired up. I know people don't like it when Trueblood loses his cool. But when a team has been beat down this season as much as it has, at some point they need that old "you ain't kicking my ass anymore" attitude. The same one Brooks, Sapp and Lynch got to in the 1996 Chargers game.
6:11am, December 22, 2009
twodog
Much more fun to watch. Freeman makes some pretty impressive throws on the run. Should be planned to buy time for the deep ball. The 3rd quarter was great. I was kicked back expecting nothing. Almost made me feel guilty for my negative "Sound Offs." Almost.....Maybe Olsen will maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. What a novel idea. Please send the bigs guys on short yardage plays. i.e. Freeman, Roy Miller, Dotson, and where is your fullback. I still want a running play for Josh Johnson. Merry Christmas to all. The win most have made it better for a lot of Bucs.
6:13am, December 22, 2009
JDouble
Scubog, I wasn't refering to my post as an article. What I meant was a post that I made in response to a different article. I never know what to refer to these as...forums? blogs? Whatever they are....that's all I was refering too. C'mon dude, you know I'm not anything like those two jokers. That's just hurtful. :p
9:18am, December 22, 2009
jongruden
yes, don't compare me to that idiot JDouble, my god, I actually know something about football. JDouble knows what prospect is coming out of Dartmouth and that we should draft him blah, blah , blah
9:26am, December 22, 2009
lprock22
LOL jongruden.
Sometimes I heart you.
Sometimes I heart you.
11:16am, December 22, 2009
vtrantb
How we got a 2nd round draft for Gaines Adams, I'll never know. I understand it is hard to evaluate college talent but there is three years of tape of him in the NFL.
Just to think these GMs get paid a lot of money for these types of decisions. OK, how do I apply for one of these cushion jobs?
Just to think these GMs get paid a lot of money for these types of decisions. OK, how do I apply for one of these cushion jobs?
11:49am, December 22, 2009
vtrantb
scubog, playing aggressive is one thing but Trueblood can't control himself on the field. You take it out on the other guy within the whistle. You don't take your helmet off and fling it across the field, hit the other players when the play is over, not to mention the repeated false starts. This shows me a lack of discipline. This has been a repeated pattern with this guy since he has been in the league.
12:00pm, December 22, 2009
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