Field goals aren’t going to cut it for Tampa Bay

By Jeff Dickinson  |   Thursday, October 30, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a good football team. You don’t get to be 5-3 and in the thick of the playoff hunt at the midway point of the season unless you're better than average.

The problem with the Bucs, however, is that they are relying too much on their tough defense and not enough on their offense. Case in point is last week’s 13-9 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Tampa Bay continually had opportunities to score and put the Cowboys away, but it was only able to come away with three field goals instead of touchdowns.

Commentary: The Bucs are 21st in the NFL in points scored with 170. They are going to have to do more than convert Matt Bryant field goals if they are going to reach the playoffs and the ultimate goal of the Super Bowl.

Good news for the Bucs comes this week: They play in Kansas City. The Chiefs are fodder for opposing offenses, standing second last in the league in yards allowed per game (404.7) and last in rushing yards surrendered per contest (196.9).

Earnest Graham, come on down! You’re the next contestant on “Run All Over the Chiefs.” Graham should have a field day against the Kansas City defense. He leads Tampa Bay with 498 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

Fan Pulse: Although the Chiefs have been working on a new spread offense, Tampa Bay fans don't seem too concerned about leaving Kansas City without a victory. The Chiefs have struggled on offense all season and have played musical chairs at quarterback.

Fantasy Football Impact: Graham is a must-start fantasy option against Kansas City. Warrick Dunn will not play because of a neck injury, so Graham will be the go-to back for the Bucs. Wideout Antonio Bryant is also a necessary fantasy starter this week

Injury Watch: Dunn is out. Wide receiver Michael Clayton is nursing a sore knee and has been limited in practice this week, but he should play.

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About Jeff Dickinson

I have been writing and editing professionally for 18 years. I spent the first three years of my career as a sportswriter for a daily newspaper in Alabama and got to cover sports and get paid for it! It was great until I got married and then it wasn't too much fun being away from my wife every ...
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