A Game to Forget!

It just wasn't the Bucs day yesterday as they got embarrassed by the Cardinals with a final score of 40 to 7. The Bucs shot themselves in the foot with turnovers and could get nothing going offensively as it was a struggle to move the ball throughout the game. Defensively, lack of big plays made and unable to get off the field on third down hurt them as Arizona capitalized in the redzone with touchdowns. Here are some observations that I thought were the reason the Bucs got dominated like they did.

1- It's good to be aggressive, but can't force it

The Bucs hit the big plays in week 1 against the Falcons but they didn't force them. Against the Cardinals I thought they did it too early and it cost them. Coach Koetter likes to be aggressive and so is Qb Jameis Winston, but both must be better in knowing when to take the deep shots. Sometimes you just have to take what is there and keep the drive moving. This team has to be smart with the football.

2- Stay balanced on offense and defense

The Bucs many times last year were a little too quick in abandoning the run game and ended up being too pass happy. Now yesterday Bucs lost Doug Martin and Luke Stocker to injury, but still you got to stay balance on offense especially in the first half when the game was not out of reach. The defense needs to stay balance as well in mixing it up more with their looks. Bring the blitzes more and get after the Qb.

3-Tight ends and Backs need to be more involved

Bucs have a solid group of tight ends and running backs and so far in the first two games they haven't been utilized enough in both the running game and the passing game. Bucs need to get more creative and be diverse with their offense which will open up Mike Evans even more. More screens, more draws and counter runs are needed.

4- Pass rush needs to come alive

4 sacks through two games is just not good enough and overall pressure has been non-existent. This whole group needs to play better or the defense will continue to struggle. The pass rush has to be there in this league or your defense will get torch week in and week out.

5- Vincent Jackson needs to do something

I'm not sure if he is playing hurt, but Jackson just doesn't look like himself. He is 33 and maybe he just doesn't have it anymore. Jackson needs to step it up fast or he is going to find himself behind Cecil Shorts soon, who has burst and can stretch the field.

Overall, this is a game the Bucs need to forget, but learn from and use as motivation to make sure it never happens again. Next two games at home for the Bucs, they need to take care of business.