Strong Third Down Offense

January 12th, 2018

Sets team mark.

Prior to Team Glazer (?) letting word out on the last Friday of the season that Bucs coach Dirk Koetter would be retained, Joe stated on several episodes of the “Ira Kaufman Podcast” that a compelling argument could be made to keep Koetter, as fan rage over the upside-down season swirled around Tampa.

Well, here is more evidence with which to argue. It seems Koetter knows what the hell he is doing on offense, at least on third downs.

In a release sent out by the team to the pen and mic club following the final game against the Saints was this little tidbit. The Bucs finished 2017 converting 43.4 percent of their third downs, the second-highest mark in team history.

Of their best five third-down conversation rates in an entire season, three came with Koetter driving the bus. In 2016, it was 43.9 percent of third downs. Last year was 43.4 percent. In 2015 as offensive coordinator, Koetter and the Bucs converted 41.6 percent, good enough for No. 5 in franchise history.

Now the only thing Koetter must do is find a way to start faster and locate a decent running back and the offense should be just fine.

20 Responses to “Strong Third Down Offense”

  1. WutdaBucisthis Says:

    Points man…me and my buddy always argue this. Wins = 1
    Points= 2
    Doesn’t matter with these silly stats Joe. Top 10 passing yada yada. So…only points matter as they lead to wins

  2. Buc believer Says:

    WOW Joe!! That “amazing” stat had us win our division and go to the playoffs!! Oh no wait it didn’t.

  3. tnew Says:

    Joe… Make it easy on yourself. Since you get so many complaints about looking and considering stats, just copy and post this everyday. This can be your only story.

    The Bucs were 5-11 for the 2017-18 season.

    Ok, you are done until the draft.

  4. BucEmUp Says:

    Fix the defesne….holy hell one top tier th and not letting the offense be wide open before the snap and this team is playoff bound

  5. Rob Says:

    The only stat that really matters is wins. Winston was 3-10 as the starter with a bum shoulder on a throw away season. Winston broke some records for yards and whatever and clearly has the physical tools to be the franchise based on his historical numbers in multiple categories… unless the turnovers continue to derail the offense. If you want to talk stats Joe, what is the red zone efficiency rating of the Bucs for each year under Koetter/Winston? That would be great to talk about. We all know our defense gives up the booty way too much and we need a stud defensive end for like the last 15 years who can actually sack the quarterback. Go Bucs!

  6. Bucsfanman Says:

    Now, about those first and second downs….

  7. AlteredEgo Says:

    Joe missed his calling….would have made a historic defense attorney….

  8. Ndog Says:

    Man you people are just lost. Why do you come to this site? I guess you just want to see a article each day about how horrible we are at everything. I am really glad I don’t have your outlook on life.

  9. Bird Says:

    Ndog

    Classic you. It’s negative everything except when it comes to Jameis
    No question about that. You criticize everything and everyone. But no Jameis.
    Give it up. Won’t you stop posting here.

  10. Bucsfanman Says:

    Ndog- Have you been a Buc fan long? I’m not being snarky either. How long? Before you ask me, I’ve been going to Bucs games since I was a kid back in the late 70’s.
    The reason I ask is that this team has not been very good for a looooong time. Fans like myself, you know, masochistic, have stood by year after year waiting. We’ve bought tickets, bought gear, and wasted many Sundays watching a very poor product. As a fanbase we are pretty beat down.
    So, if you pop in and see some negativity, keep in mind that there are long-time fans who just want to vent.

  11. AlteredEgo Says:

    Nole Canine is a Jamsi slupper

  12. James Walker Says:

    Remeber Gruden’s quote “I don’t have a play for 3rd and 22!”. Well, it seems Koetter does.

  13. Buc believer Says:

    Well said Bucsfanman well said!

  14. Mike Johnson Says:

    There is nothing strong about a 5-11 team. Perhaps strong in losing.

  15. Pickgrin Says:

    “Now the only thing Koetter must do is find a way to start faster and locate a decent running back and the offense should be just fine.”

    Yes – and Thank God because our Oline is “FINE” just the way it is – right Joe?

  16. Not there yet Says:

    No that’s not the only thing he must do. The guy apparently cares too much about stats except the ones that count. Ok second highest Mark in teams history sounds great since you neglected to include the seasons win loss record for context. Completely meaningless once again because the most important is points scored which is horrible. Team does nothing in the first half of games, get off your arse stat and figure out how to improve your redzone offense

  17. Broy34 Says:

    Will you guys stop whining about stats compared to wins. Do you think the Joes don’t know this!? My god. Same thing every time. Yes stats don’t win games but they give you a chance to win games. They put you a few plays away. Which this team was several times. Give the Joe’s a break. What else in January after 5-11 do you want them to talk about? Break down the five wins so you guys can say – oh wow five measly wins glad we’re in the playoffs…
    Anyways thanks Joe for providing constant entertainment and distractions. Even after 5-11 I’m still hooked and I read every article

  18. Mr. Ed Says:

    And score touchdowns in the red zone, Joes. Whether that be first quarter or fourth quarter.

  19. LakeLand Says:

    And that add up to 19.2 PTS/G

  20. LakeLand Says:

    If only they could convert 3rd and goal.