Do the Buccaneers Have an Identity?

If someone asked you what the Buccaneers do best, what would you say? Personally, I have a hard time answering that.

They preached all during training camp that they wanted to be a tough physical team. Having finished last in rushing  two years in a row, they vowed that this year would be different. They overhauled their offensive line coaches, brought in a few FA’s lineman and drafted Center Graham Barton with their first pick.

While we have seen small improvements, can you honestly say that they run the ball well?  They have played their last 2 games without their physical RT and this has stunted their development.

Cody Mauch hasn’t made the improvement from year 1 that we hoped. Barton will eventually be a good Center but it’s gonna take time. Their LG (Ben Bredeson) is a stop gap player at best.

The Bucs pass protection has been sketchy. They don’t stop the run as well as they have in the past. Do they rush the passer very well? 2 sacks in 3 games suggest NO.

Most of the really good teams have an identity and stick to that formula.  When you play the Ravens you know you’re going to be in a physical battle from the start. They will attack you with their run game and dare you to  stop them.

If the Bucs want to create their own identity they must build a team that reinforces that philosophy. Until they get healthy I’m afraid we are going to see them continue to struggle.

After three weeks they get an incomplete grade from me.