Tampa Bay Buccaneers Must Establish A Run Game To Win

By Tanner Bisbee @TannersGang on October 5, 2014

 

Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost 17-42 against the New Orleans Saints. However, that was a totally different Saints team and the same exact Buccaneers team. This year, the stakes are even higher, as both teams are 1-3. Both teams are desperately looking for a win as the try to put themselves on a winning direction. So, let’s look at the Buccaneers — what will be the key to them winning this game against the Saints?

First off, the Buccaneers need to establish some type of a run game. So far this year, star tailback Doug Martin has only managed 49 yards on 23 attempts in which he only found the end zone once. This is not a surprise, as Martin is merely a year removed from a torn labrum. Meanwhile, back up Bobby Rainey isn’t much better, as he has only scurried for 199 yards on 41 attempts. The biggest concern for the Buccaneers shouldn’t be about Jimmy Graham and Drew Brees ripping apart the Bucs’ defense. The Buccaneers should be worried about getting a run game going to supplement the young Mike Glennon, because he cannot do it all on his own. Martin still has a better upside than Rainey, but neither of them have shown any type of breakout potential this year.

The Buccaneers look to rack up another win, but without establishing run game to help Glennon, they can kiss the win goodbye. The importance of the run should not be underestimated. Other teams thrive on the run, and now it is time for the Bucs to do the same since they have a young QB now directing the offense.

This game will ultimately come down to the little things, and those little will be who ran the ball more effectively. Despite my wishes, I don’t see the Buccaneers getting a win today.