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The Tampa Tribune, published 27 October 2014
Tampa Bay’s bye week came and went without a change in the sluggish starts that have defined the club’s offense under interim coordinator Marcus Arroyo. The Bucs, outscored 126-27 in the opening half this season, generated only 100 yards of offense through their first nine possessions.
“Coach (Lovie) Smith put an emphasis on starting fast, but we didn’t do it again this week,’’ said rookie wide receiver Mike Evans, who caught four passes for 78 yards. “That’s why we chose to take the ball at the beginning of the game, to get momentum. Then I got Mike (Glennon) intercepted on our first drive. I blame myself because one of my main goals is not to get my quarterback picked off.’’
In a dispiriting span stretching from the opening quarter through the third quarter, the Bucs punted on seven consecutive possessions against a defense that had allowed 23 points per game. Five of those seven drives failed to include a first down.
“That’s what hurt us — we don’t start quick enough and put enough points on the board,’’ right tackle Demar Dotson said. “Thirteen points isn’t enough to win many football games. Our defense played tremendous, but all those three-and-outs hurt the team. Our defense kept hanging in there and fighting while we’re going three-and-out.’’
The Bucs converted on only one of 12 third-down situations, failing on their final 10 attempts.
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