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The Tampa Tribune, published 30 September 2013
While Tampa Bay's defense has played well during an 0-4 getaway, the Bucs are averaging 11 points per game and the offense has been limited to four touchdowns. “For whatever reason, we're not doing enough to help our defense out,'' right tackle Demar Dotson said after the Bucs averaged only 3.3 yards in their 76 snaps. “At the end of the day, we're a team, but we've got to put points on the board. I'll be the first to say it starts with our five guys up front.''
Tampa Bay's seven second-half possessions ended with four punts and three turnovers. “We have to finish better,'' said left tackle Donald Penn, who was beaten by linebacker Dontay Moch for a third-down sack at the Tampa Bay 1-yard line that set up Arizona's short field on the go-ahead march. “We have to finish drives — it's been the same story for the whole season. Once we have them on their heels, we have to finish them.''
Bye-week blues
The Bucs head into their early bye week with 23 losses in their past 30 games — the worst mark in the NFC during that span. “I don't know if the timing's good or not,'' guard Carl Nicks said. “It's one thing if you're getting blown out every week. Then you could try to rebuild. But when you lose every game that's close in the fourth quarter, that's a lot different.''
Greg Schiano dropped to 0-6 in games decided by three points or less, and Tampa Bay gave up a late lead in three of its four September setbacks. “Getting away and being able to regroup should help,'' said second-year cornerback Leonard Johnson, who forced a first-quarter fumble. “We have to stick together as a team and find a way to turn this around. We've got the players and we've got the coaches to be a good team. It'll come.''
Extra points
Rian Lindell's 50-yard field goal late in the second quarter was his 20th career kick from 50 yards or more. ... Running back Jeff Demps made his Tampa Bay debut and gained 14 yards on his first NFL carry, adding an 8-yard reception. ... Arizona had dropped its previous nine road games. ... Schiano's father, Barry, who fell ill after last week's matchup and remained in New England for tests, attended Sunday's game.
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