About The Bucs’ Short-Yardage Woes
October 26th, 2025
The Bucs have fixed many aspects of their team, especially special teams. But a new problem has arisen.
And it has a name.
It’s called 1st-and-goal from the 1 yard line.
The Bucs had four consecutive whiffs running up the gut from the 1 yard line midway through the second quarter.
This happened using multiple running backs: Rachaad White and Sean Tucker. And, Joe has to note, without even attempting a quarterback sneak.
Throwing? Well, it was on the Bucs’ mind.
“We thought about passes,” Todd Bowles said after the blowout Bucs win. “I mean, they stuffed us pretty good. They stuffed us pretty good up front. We gotta be able to get that ball in in less than eight tries. So, it cost us the first time. The second time we got it in. … We gotta have will to finish down there.”
Bowles referenced “eight tries” because the Bucs had 1st-and-goal at the 1 later in the game. In that sequencee, Baker Mayfield threw dangerous ill-advised passes to receivers that weren’t open, and the Bucs ran up the gut. On the final try, fourth down, Tucker squeaked it over the goal line.
The first failed series Joe could write off. Struggles soon after reveals a problem with want-to and playcalling and, possibly, skill.
Joe will look at the film and share later this week. Below, fans can watch Graham Barton get eaten up.
1st and goal? Nope
2nd and goal? Nope
3rd and goal? Nope
4th and goal? Nope
SAINTS BALL.
📺 FOX pic.twitter.com/nvJOrmfTon
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 26, 2025