The Buccaneers’ offense is averaging a paltry 19 1/2 points per game through two weeks of play.
It’s more than a field goal less per game than Josh Grizzard’s 2025 offense. And Grizzard was supposed to the primary problem, along with a banged up offensive line that’s now healthy.
Poor Grizz. Maybe he’s found a little solace.
Baker Mayfield knows the offense is struggling but he sees it as very close to succeeding. He explained some of what’s happening yesterday on the Buccaneers Radio Network. (Joe listens on the SiriusXM Buccaneers channel)
Mayfield lamented the lack of explosive plays and too many negative-yardage plays against the Browns. Still, he can feel and see how the Bucs are almost ready to click.
> “Really close on some of the stuff in the pass game, some of the run game stuff was coming together yesterday, but pass game, it’s frustrating,” Mayfield said. “You know, getting landmarks down with receivers, making sure that we’re on the same page when it comes down to it.
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> “And it’s never gonna be exactly how you draw it up when you install it in meetings and whatnot, but trying to make sure that if it is the perfect coverage for it, that I’m on time; those guys are on time and they’re in the right spots. Just giving them enough air to adjust to it. And we’re so close, so that’s the frustrating part about it. But it really comes down to negative plays and being more efficient in the red zone. And I think that’s the biggest difference, is being able to run the ball efficiently down there \[in the red zone.\] The pass game’s just gonna look different when you’re in the red zone, whether it’s fringe area or low red, bu just gotta continue to put all that together.
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> “But the frustrating part is when you watch it, it’s close.”
Yes, Ted Hurst had two drops Sunday, including what would have/could have been the winning touchdown. Kenny Gainwell also had a bad drop on a third-down throw beyond the sticks. But Mayfield’s deep ball wasn’t sharp, and he also got bailed about by a highlight-reel catch from Cade Otton. Well done, Cade!
It’s hard for Joe to say the Bucs offense is close. A lot of good stuff is happening but there is no rhythm to the offense. So many negative plays, and the Bucs’ final four drive nettted 3 points and only 112 total yards — against (all together now) the Browns.