Uphill Battle For Bucs In The First Quarter
November 21st, 2025
Need points early.
Joe has heard the “start fast” line so often the past few years, it goes in one ear and out the other.
Of course you want to start fast. This is fundamental football. It’s so obvious it really shouldn’t be spoken. It’s like saying an offense wants to convert first downs. You don’t say?
But Sunday night, the starting-fast line may be no truer than it will be all season.
Per Rich Hribar of Sharp Football Analysis. The Rams really pound teams in the first quarter. The Bucs? They’re one of the worst teams to get in gear right away.
*The Rams have outscored opponents 69-26 (+43) in the first quarter, the largest margin in the league.
*The Bucs have been outscored 33-58 (-25) in the first quarter, 28th in the league.
And the Bucs aren’t the greatest team in coming from behind, especially without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
So Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard better be on point with his scripted plays. And please, guys, don’t go chasing points early in the game by being cute with two-point attempts. Save the Harry High School plays until you really need them.