A step back: Offensive line allows season-high 7 sacks The Tampa Tribune, published 22 December 2014 If the Bucs offensive line had seemed to take a step forward last week in shifting Demar Dotson to left tackle, there was a pronounced step back Sunday, as the line gave up a season-high seven sacks in a 20-3 loss to Green Bay. "We didn't do our job today," said Evan Dietrich-Smith, who had played for the Packers until signing with Tampa Bay this spring. "We've got to give him time. We have to do whatever we can do ... We did some good things, and it might not have (always) been on us, but when it's us too many times, we've got to fix that trend." The Bucs have allowed 49 sacks this season, the fourth-highest total in the NFL and already ahead of the 47 allowed last year, a total that prompted the team's front office to trade or release four of the five starters on the line. The lack of pass protection went along with disappointing run blocking as the team totaled just 16 yards on 14 carries running the ball. "You start up front first," coach Lovie Smith said after the game. "We're not playing good enough football up front, pass blocking or running. ... Today didn't seem like we made a lot of progress ... we've played better than we played today. ... We picked the worst possible time to play our worst game, period." The Bucs continued to tweak their offensive line, rotating rookie Josh Allen in at right guard with starter Patrick Omameh. Allen recovered a fumble after one of Josh McCown's sacks, but said he needed to take better advantage of an opportunity to play. "I just wish I wouldn't have to fall on it," Allen said. "That's why it hurts so much, the fact that they are giving me a chance and I don't feel like I'm personally capitalizing on it as much as I could be." With one game left, the Bucs' record for sacks allowed is 56, something the line will try to avoid against the Saints next week. Facing the Bucs was a spark for the Packers defense, which had totaled seven sacks in the previous four games and had gotten more than four in a game just once all season. "Those are the types of games you enjoy as a pass-rusher," said linebacker Clay Matthews, who had 2.5 sacks. "Front seven did a great job today as far as disrupting the quarterback. It was clearly evident."