Pewter Report’s Matt Mattera joins WFLA sportscaster Dan Lucas For segments WFLA New Channel 8 breaks down the Bucks on vacation during their bye week.
At 4-6 on the season, the Bucks have an uphill battle to make the postseason, but given the opponents remaining on their schedule, they’re in a good position to make a run. If the Bucks want to continue playing football after the regular season ends, they may need to go 6-1 or lead the way with a win.
Bucks offense continues to score at a high level
Matera and Lucas discussed the Bucs’ offense, and given the absence of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, offensive coordinator Liam Cohen deserves credit for what he has accomplished. The offense averaged 30 points with two of its best receivers, but dropped to just 24 points in the next two games without them.
Bucks QB Baker Mayfield – Photo courtesy of USA Today
Although Tampa Bay’s recent games weren’t their best, scoring just 20 points, Cohen did enough to ensure stability within the group and turn tight end Cade Otton into a top receiving target. , offense remains the team’s strength. Don’t forget about the running game or the fact that Evans will be back soon.
But the main reason the Bucs have been successful is because of quarterback Baker Mayfield. What Mayfield has shown is that he is the leader of the group and deserves the contract Tampa Bay gave him in the offseason. Mayfield has grit as a quarterback. It’s not always perfect, but it’s exactly what Tampa Bay needs. One game he might be throwing for four touchdowns, the next he’s scrambling, taking a hit, getting a first down and continuing the drive. Thanks to him, this team is still in contention.
How will the Bucs fix their defense?
When it came to talking about defense, there were several topics that came up in the conversation. What every Bucs fan wants to know is what’s wrong with Tampa Bay’s defense considering they’re second to last in yards allowed per game. A lot of times it’s just looking at overall assignments and whether players are hitting the right spots.
Bucks FS Antwon Winfield Jr. – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
Inside linebacker KJ Britt looked lost playing in zone coverage. Young cornerbacks Josh Hayes and Tyreke Funderburk are playing too far from the line of scrimmage, making it easy for opponents to make throws and completions. Even veteran safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead have had some miscommunication, but all of that can be fixed.
The pass rush is another story. They benefit a lot from nose tackle Vita Vea, as well as Kariya Kanshi returning from injury. However, they were completely lacking in edge rusher, especially Yaya Diaby, who had a lot of expectations. Can they turn things around after winning by default? What is the belief behind doing so? We take a look at what will make the Bucks soar and whether Todd Bowles can do it for the team.
See Pewter’s report on WFLA
Be sure to watch Matera and Dan Lucas perform together on WFLA’s YouTube channel. The Pewter Report can also be seen on WFLA after each Bucks game on News Channel 8 on “Bucs Bonus,” a Sunday night recap of the most recent Bucks games.
Please also subscribe Pewter Report YouTube Channel, There are over 16,000 subscribers. In addition to the four podcasts each week, there are several other shows and videos that include all things Bucs coverage that week and throughout the year.
