Most consistent part of the Bucs offense vs. Falcons? The penalties Ugly is bad enough. When you add sloppy, it's even worse. The Bucs compounded their usual offensive problems Sunday with a rash of penalties that thwarted drives and left them in poor field position. Tampa Bay finished with nine penalties for 66 yards. "We had more penalties than the law allowed," coach Todd Bowles said. "All three phases had a hand in it." Bowles was being diplomatic by including the defense and special teams in his criticism. The truth is, most of the penalties were committed by the offense, particularly the line. Guard Matt Feiler was called for two false starts, center Robert Hainsey had a false start and a holding penalty, and guard Cody Mauch had a holding penalty. Rookie receiver Trey Palmer also had a false start and a holding penalty, including one that wiped out a 17-yard run by Rachaad White, which would have been his longest of the season. The offense also had an illegal formation penalty that was declined. "A lot of penalties we shouldn't have, a lot of penalties we can't have. Hard to win games that way," Hainsey said. "A lot to address, a lot to clean up, a lot to improve on, which we will. Every time you guys talk to me, it's always the main focus: Learn what you can from the previous (game) and improve upon it." The Tampa Bay Times, published 23 October 2023