(Photo: Travis Hand/Opening KickOff)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the against the Kansas City Chiefs for week 4 SNF. What was slated to be a competitive game of strong defense, and a dynamic offense, was just a one sided show! The Bucs for the first time since week one had a full complement of receivers at Brady’s disposal. Unfortunately seconds into the kickoff the tone for the rest of the game was set with a fumble from Bucs Rookie Rachaad White. Two offensive plays into they Chiefs recovery, Travis Kelce score across the middle.
Bucs managed to hold onto the ball long enough to score a field goal, but the balance attack of run/pass from the Chiefs scored again with their next possession. The pressure from the defense was evident, but the dynamic skill level of Mahomes continued to extend the plays. Going into the half the Bucs trailed the Chiefs 17-28. Adjustments were made as the defense stood strong on many plays holding the Chiefs to only 10 points into the 3 quarter but the offense continued to stutter. Ultimately the game finished Chiefs on top 41-31. Brady ended with 385 yds 39/52 and 3TDs, with Mike Evans being the top receiver hauling in 8 for 103 yds and 2 TDs. Bucs rushing attack was non existent with the lead rusher being Rachaad White for only 6 yds and 1 TD. Mahomes had 249 yds with 3 TDs 1 Int, and a one two punch with Edwards-Helaire/Pacheco combined for 153 Yds.
Key take away for the Bucs is we need more strength in the middle of that defensive line. Free Agent and former Bucs Ndamukong Suh is still floating around to be picked up. Adding him and keeping him when Hicks comes back is essential to the stability of that defensive line, and stopping the run. On the other side of the ball, the offensive line woes need to be adjusted. Lose of Jensen and Smith shows the weakness in depth, and Brady feels it with every hit. Also need to push the ball down the field and use our WRs (Evans, Godwin, Gage, and Jones) to the extent of their skills. Leftwich will have to stop abandoning the run and find a balance between White, and Fournette. The Bucs cannot have 3 total yds of rushing (Founette -3, White 6) as a rushing total every again. We look to hear more of those cannons into week 5.
Bucs at 2-2 face off against the 2-2 Falcons next Sunday. The 3-1 Chiefs look to improve against the 1-3 Raiders.
Written by: Jonathan Perez