Tracking The Third-Down Success

October 3rd, 2020

Our beloved Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense ranks 12th in the NFL in converting third downs into first downs.

But there’s more behind those numbers, says one future Hall of Fame receiver.

Former Stinkin’ Panthers receiver Steve Smith was barking on NFL Network this week about how good the Bucs are and how a key sign that Tom Brady and the Bucs offense are preparing to dominate is Tampa Bay’s steady improvement each week on third down, culminating in converting eight of 16 third-down tries last Sunday.

In total, the Bucs have converted 45 percent of their third-down tries. Last year, they finished the season with 41.47 percent success on the money down.

Yeah, it’s early and the sample size is small, but Joe thinks that number is something to watch.

On the flip side, the Bucs defense is allowing teams to convert on third down 40 percent of the time, a number that must improve before they can be considered an elite defense.

81 Responses to “Tracking The Third-Down Success”

  1. Casual Observer Says:

    Got to reduce the penalties. Then such stats will start looking better.

  2. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I’d like to see a comparison of 3rd & short…..It seems we are better this year…..and, I’m not seeing low percentage throws on 3rd down.

  3. Bobby M. Says:

    We are in a good place and trending well…Brady is looking more polished and comfortable each game. The only area that is widely inconsistent is the running game. We need someone to show up and be the hot hand. I feel like the OC is still guessing on who will get going. Rojo is what he is at this point. We are seeing his upside….its merely occasional flashes with the majority being mediocre results. Fournette clearly has more upside but for whatever reason didn’t get it going last week. If we can get the run game settled….this team will be extremely difficult to defend.

  4. tickrdr Says:

    Don’t forget how many series last year never got to a 3rd down due to turnovers!

    tickrdr

  5. 40TDs Says:

    Give me Ws every week. No drama!

    The past 5 years we saw tons yardage. I’m glad that chapter is over.

    Many still don’t see the drastic improvement TB12 has brought to the whole team.

    Arians has brought a new kind of era for our Bucs. To compare the new era to the last decade is a joke. Wake up people!

    The wolves know the difference we are experiencing. This next Super Bowl will have us howling to the moon. Lol

    Go Bucs!!!

  6. Sport Says:

    For those of clamoring for a running game that hails from a bygone era of imposing our will / ground and pound, just stop it. It is only needed in spurts as a compliment to our elite passing game.

    Geesh with the fantasy stats and YPC hand wringning. It’s abundantly clear Rojo and LF are capable of doing their job if it’s there.

    Rojo has had some very hard runs, if you can’t see that, it’s on you.

    Who cares who starts…just do your job. Period.

    In BA I Trust!

  7. BucEmUp Says:

    Bucs defense only allows 3rd down conversions when they play soft zone or prevent….which they dont do nearly as often as they did under mike smith but still go into it too early in the game for my taste. That should be a 4th quarter move pedal to the metal full gas until the fame is over both sides of the ball.This is why I dont se them beating good teams until they stop getting out coached.

  8. SB Says:

    Oh wow……….yet another offensive % up from our previous qb

    I am Loving this downgrade at QB!

  9. Defense Rules Says:

    BucEmUp … B-I-N-G-O on Bucs giving up too much when they play soft or prevent. I understand the concept, especially when using in the 2nd half with a substantial lead, but I’d much rather see them keep the pedal to the metal for 60 mins a game.

    Don’t understand the ‘stop getting out-coached’ thing though. Todd Bowles is a master at this type of defense IMO, and it’s hard to envision him getting out-coached by anyone. More likely IMO that BA told him to be more conservative when we get 2nd half leads just to burn the clock.

  10. Mitch Says:

    Anyone concerned we’ll make it through the season with the titan outbreak and now Cam getting the virus too?

  11. 1sparkybuc Says:

    Fig Newton out for the Patriots Sunday with the coronavirus

  12. gp Says:

    BucEmUp & Defense Rules beat me to the punch.
    Most of that third down production by our opposition has been in ‘garbage time’
    I’m just so happy that the garbage time moniker is on the other team so far this year!

  13. 1sparkybuc Says:

    Patriots QB out with the virus.

  14. Dewey Selmon Says:

    In a matter of 2 hours the NE/KC game is postponed. This could happen to Tampa or any other game at any moment.

  15. JimmyJack Says:

    Great comments on this thread. I love that somebody brought up 3rd and short……This ia a area we struggled with badly in prior years. We are converting those plays at a very high rate. We are stopping them on defense too.

    Another huge factor is Shady McCoy. He os a legit 3rd down weapon and os very skilled at getting those tough 3rd down yards. Even last week when he was a few feet short he set up an easy conversion on 4th&1 that ultimately led to a TD.

    The Bucs can beat you in so many ways right now. But two of the most important areas is 3rd down conversions and redzone %……We are excelling in both spots. I expect our offense to keep rolling in both areas.

    GO BUCS!!!

  16. Ndog Says:

    This year’s Bucs offense is averaging less points per game, less passing yards per game, less rushing yards per game.

    This year’s Bucs defense is allowing less yards passing, less yards rushing and less points per game.

    TOs through 3 games 5 in 2020
    TOs through 3 games 5 in 2019

    So where is the improvement again?

    Yep the defense is better that is it anyone saying different is lying to themselves.

  17. tickrdr Says:

    Very small sample size in 2020 to compare with 2019, but here is some improvement.
    All stats courtesy of ProFootballReference.

    2019
    When Trailing < 4 mins to go:
    JW3 = 26 of 54 (48.1%) with 1 TD and 6 INTs for NFL Rating of 40.4
    When Trailing < 2 mins to go:
    JW3 = 19 of 31 (61.3%) with 1 TD and 3 INTs for NFL Rating of 61.6

    2020
    When Trailing < 4 mins to go:
    TB12 = 3 of 3 (100%) with 1 TD and 0 INTs for NFL Rating of 125.7

    As SB points out above,
    I, too, am loving this downgrade at QB!

    tickrdr

  18. JimmyJack Says:

    Ndog you almost got to one of the huge differences but you had to dig a little deeper.

    One of the biggest differences is turnovers. We are winning the turnover battle by a big margin…………..Last year we didnt do that and we lost games we shoulda woulda won. This year we will win the tirnover battle and it will resulting in a winning season.

    So far this year we won the TO battle in 2 games. Lost it in 1……Our record is 2-1.

    There are other differences obvisously but the TO will be a huge one this year if we keep it up.

  19. Ndog Says:

    This guy’s ⬆️ is seriously comparing 58 throws vs 3. My goodness you people are desperate.

    BTW I thought stats didn’t matter as when Brady was 3-3 in that situation we LOST. Remember that is all that matters.

    You people talk out of both sides of your mouth constantly. Just keep showing how foolish you are.

  20. Bird Says:

    Ndog. What a moron

    The defense is the almost the exact same dum dum.
    Except a rookie starting at safety . And we are down Back up d end but have jpp since beginning.
    Are guys another year in system and comfortable
    Yup.

    So you said defense was garbage last year and reason bucs lost . And now its only reason brady is winning. 😂. You look horrible.

    Dont forget the defense got better at end of last year
    And what happened at end of year

    Bucs lost games they should of won. Remember the games that were the nail in the coffin for jameis and reason arians lost trust. And reason they got brady.

    Again. Hang in there little guy. So sad for you. Cry baby
    Sucks bucs are winning. 😂

  21. tickrdr Says:

    When needed most, i.e. TRAILING………..
    JW3 had 48.1% completion percentage, only 1 TD and 6 INTs.
    Perfect record for a “clutch” performer, right NDog?

    tickrdr

  22. SB Says:

    Ndog……you are an idiot
    Pass comp% up from .60.2 % to 65%
    Pass comp % of over 20 air yards up from 45% to 50%
    Redzone up from 27% LAST YR THROUGH THREE GAMES to 80%
    INTs are cut down by 40%
    Through 3 games last year we scored 61 points
    This year we have scored 84 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Do you wear a DUNCE CAP PERMANENTLY?????????

  23. SB Says:

    Ndog Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 12:59 pm
    This year’s Bucs offense is averaging less points per game, less passing yards per game, less rushing yards per game.

    ……………..
    LIES LIES LIES LIES LIES.
    IS THAT ALL YOU SPURT OUT OF THAT THING YOU CALL A MOUTH?
    84 POINTS THIS YR
    61 LAST YR!

    WTF ARE YOU THINKING OR ARE YOU?

  24. SB Says:

    My bad 68 points last yr and 7 were from VH3

  25. Defense Rules Says:

    Ndog … you’ve got a good point about the defense, but for all practical purposes this is pretty close to the same defense that we fielded in the 2nd half of last season. The difference IMO is … EXPERIENCE. We brought back everyone except Carl Nassib, and really only added Winfield as a starter (although that’s a huge add IMO).

    This whole defense has really embraced Todd Bowles defensive philosophy and their chemistry is incredible IMO for having so many young guys starting. For once our DLine is putting lots of pressure on opposing QBs from BOTH inside AND outside.

    If we can keep that up & keep guys healthy, there’s no reason why this Bucs’ D won’t end up being a Top-5 defense. And especially once the offense starts really clicking & starts owning the clock (it only averaged 27 mins TOP in the 1st 2 games, but really upped that a bunch to 33 mins TOP against Denver). Keeping our defense off the field for 6 mins a game is HUGE far as I’m concerned, especially in the hot weather (and especially since most of our defense is playing a LOT of snaps as it is). Best way to keep them healthy is to keep them on the bench.

  26. Defense Rules Says:

    As an aside, I can’t believe so many are wasting their time comparing Jameis Winston to Tom Brady, who’ll probably go down in history as the greatest QB ever to play the game.

  27. SB Says:

    I am just trolling npup DR. Sorry. Can’t help it. It is like a wide open layup

  28. SB Says:

    Averaging less points per game Npup??????????????/

    ‘Splain yourself Lucy!

  29. Ndog Says:

    No lies all absolute facts I was comparing the Bucs yearly average numbers versus the first 3 weeks That’s what Joe did in the article with the third down percentage, plan and simple those are facts so yet again you are WRONG.

    And I keep hearing the same excuse about the defense from people, if anyone seriously thinks having a second year player in Bunting a second year player in Dean, a second year player in White and having JPP and a second year player Edwards is the same as having four rookies start and no JPP, in a brand new defense by the way, then those folks need to seriously give up the game of football because they have no earthly idea what they are talking about which makes up apparently most of the people on this board.

    Schooling all of you is so much fun it’s almost as ridiculous as you.

    And who do I think I am, I KNOW I the one that’s RIGHT!!!!!

  30. SB Says:

    No lies all absolute facts I was comparing the Bucs yearly average numbers versus the first 3 weeks That’s what Joe did in the article with the third down percentage, plan and simple those are facts so yet again you are WRONG.

    …………

    Oh I am cherripicking again is all I see

    HOW ARE THE BUCS AVERAGING LESS POINTS THIS YEAR THAN LAST.????????

  31. Ndog Says:

    Well let’s see last year we averaged 28.6 points per game. This year we’re average in 27.6 I’m not a genius but I think 28 is more than 27 isn’t it SB?

    I no you like to make stuff up. So are you making up your own math now?

  32. SB Says:

    Jamies through the first games last yr 60%
    Bradu through the first three game this yr 65%
    FACT!!!!!!!!!!
    Jameis through the first three games last yr in 20+ yards in the air comp was 45%
    Brady this yr through the first three games in 20+ air yrds is 50%
    FACT!!!!!!!!!!
    Rezone completion % last yr with Jameis first three games was 27%
    This yr with Brady it is EIGHTY %
    FACT!!!!!!!!!!
    Last yr with Jameis through games he had turned over 6 times
    This yr with Brady he has turned it over 3 times
    FACT!!!!!!!!!!!

    OH an ALSO since you like to lie we are averaging as an offense 5 ppg more!

    Your cherry picking makes you such an easy target
    I almost feel like I am picking on a retarded kid.

  33. SB Says:

    Ndog Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 2:16 pm
    Well let’s see last year we averaged 28.6 points per game. This year we’re average in 27.6 I’m not a genius but I think 28 is more than 27 isn’t it SB?

    I no you like to make stuff up. So are you making up your own math now?

    Our offense scored 61 points last yr through 3 games. That averages out to 20.3 in MY MATH
    Do I need to supply you with a link that shows you how stupid you are?

  34. SB Says:

    Here you go npup
    https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2019.htm

  35. Ndog Says:

    Who said first 3 games? There you go making up stuff again. I clearly said I did the same as Joe did in the article.⬇️

    Ndog Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 2:11 pm
    No lies all absolute facts I was comparing the Bucs yearly average numbers versus the first 3 weeks That’s what Joe did in the article with the third down percentage, plan and simple those are facts so yet again you are WRONG.

    Reading is fundamental.

  36. SB Says:

    Npup you are by far the biggest JW2 Nutslurper!
    Quite an accomplishment !

  37. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Ndog-
    Correct- D is better and so is kicking. Talent is better as well. If they can average 100 yards or more rushing per game, Bucs will be tough to beat because Brady is not throwing more than 15 interceptions this year.
    Jameis with same talent may do as well, but that’s the difference when you have a leader that attracts talent and a leader who has yet to show he can.

  38. SB Says:

    Nstupid
    How many games has TB. played?

    THAT is what we have to compare to. That is all!

    Jeeesh! You take the cake. Just tell us all you want JW2 to take your bunghole.

  39. Ndog Says:

    Yet you are commenting on a stat that is comparing 3 games vs an entire year⬇️

    SB Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 10:33 am
    Oh wow……….yet another offensive % up from our previous qb

    I am Loving this downgrade at QB!

    SB Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 2:24 pm
    And A$$ we are only talking a 3 game comparison.
    STOP with your stupid comparison of All yr with Shameis.
    Brady has only played 3 games with THE BUCS and has completely outplayed JW2 without an offseason.

    Um again talk out of both sides of your mouth much?

    Wow you are getting roasted bro just stop now while you are well well behind.

  40. SB Says:

    Through the first 3 games this yr vs. first 3 games last yr
    The Offense has IMPROVED IN EVERY CATEGORY except ‘yards’
    Wins better too
    When we win tomorrow will you just promise to leave here forEVER and go be a Saints fan?????????.

  41. Ndog Says:

    SB getting roasted and proven wrong time and time again. It’s hilarious you literally rip me for doing something you did in this exact article. You can’t make this stuff up.

  42. Ndog Says:

    SB of course you want me to leave so I quit proving you wrong over and over again with your nonsensical jibberish.

  43. SB Says:

    LOL You can’t even admit you were wrong

    We have a better PPG through 3 games this yr than we did last yr.

  44. SB Says:

    Better comp%

  45. SB Says:

    More Tds
    Less INTs
    More Wins.
    What does it take for you to admit you are an idiot defending a guy who couldn’t even get a starting gig ANYWHERE

  46. Ndog Says:

    So you can read it AGAIN, and maybe this time understand it, below is exactly what was in the article in which you commented on.

    ⬇️

    In total, the Bucs have converted 45 percent of their third-down tries. Last year, they FINISHED the season with 41.47 percent success on the money down.

    You see that finished the season which does not mean 3 games in case you couldn’t figure that out.

    Wow you are getting destroyed.

  47. SB Says:

    I OWN you Nstupid.

    Go cherrypick some other obscure ish

  48. Ndog Says:

    When I’m wrong I will admit it but I’m not and i proved you wrong countless time with your own posts. So go take a nap and let the grownups talk sports um k.

  49. SB Says:

    I don’t give a RAT’S A$$ about the whole Year’s stats until the year is done.
    All we have is a 3 game window so far and TB is kicking JW2’s Arse!
    Bucs are relevant again while you and your boy are NOT!

  50. SB Says:

    Are you wrong that our comp% is up to 65% this yr from 60.2% last yr

    Oh yeah you don’t want to discuss a 3 game window right???

  51. Ndog Says:

    Ha ha ha ha own? Like how being proven undeniably wrong with your own words?

    The real issue is you actually believe your own garbage. Here’s a piece of advice don’t start talking trash if you can’t take being proven wrong.

  52. SB Says:

    Are you wrong that our redzone % has improved by 70% in the first three games with TB under center from JW’s first 3 games last yr?

    OH yeah you want to pick JW2s best ever to compare. LOL

  53. Ndog Says:

    SB Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 2:38 pm
    I don’t give a RAT’S A$$ about the whole Year’s stats until the year is done.

    Then why did you comment on it?⬇️

    SB Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 10:33 am
    Oh wow……….yet another offensive % up from our previous qb

    I am Loving this downgrade at QB!

  54. SB Says:

    DUDE you really are stupid I guess.
    EVERYONE here can see how I am owning you.

    You cherry pick

    I am comparing 3 games in 2020 to 3 games in 2019

    It is all we have for a fair comparison.

    YOU LOSE. TB12 is better in his first three games than JW2 was in his 5th year on the same team

  55. Ndog Says:

    How can I be wrong about something I never said?

  56. SB Says:

    All Bucs fans are enjoying the ‘downgrade’ at QB except you Nstupid.
    But then again you were never really a Bucs fan in the first place

  57. Ndog Says:

    Answer the question if it’s all we have for comparison then why did you comment on this article when Joe was clearly comparing three games versus entire year? Just simply answer the question Mr contradiction?

  58. SB Says:

    Because you are a Cherrypicker!!

    Compare the first three games of 2019 vs. the first 3 games of 2020
    I Dare You!

  59. SB Says:

    Ndog Says:
    October 3rd, 2020 at 2:44 pm
    Answer the question if it’s all we have for comparison then why did you comment on this article when Joe was clearly comparing three games versus entire year? Just simply answer the question Mr contradiction?

    Cherry picker and afraid to see the truth.

    I Dare you to compare just the first three games of last yr vs. this yr.
    You can disappear now because we all know you can’t do it.

  60. Ndog Says:

    Yeah like I care about what you think about me, I’ve been to more Bucs games, which I spent my hard earned money on, than you probably ever even thought about going to. So don’t start that crap with me, plus your doing what you always do change the subject cause your dead wrong like always and won’t answer my question Mr. Contradiction.

  61. SB Says:

    Now you have BOTH feet in your mouth.
    I was in the stands as a 10 yr old in 1976. Second row 40 yard line behind the Bucs Bench. I bought the Season tix from my dad when I was 20. I didn’t miss a home game from 1976 to 1998 when I moved out of Florida.

    Good luck trying to convince anyone here, least of all me, that you have been to over 150 Bucs games.

  62. SB Says:

    Compare the first three games of 2019 to the first three games of 2020 or forever be labeled a b!tch

  63. Ndog Says:

    I can compare the first 3 games but one team was learning a brand new offense, brand new defense, brand new special teams had four rookies playing on defense, a rookie kicker and played the NFC Champions in the first game, a team on the road on a short week with a defense that was lead by a HOF that had been together a long time in week 2 and a trash team in week 3.
    This year we have the same offensive coaching staff, same defensive coaching staff, same special teams coaching staff, a veteran kicker and only one rookie playing on defense along with having JPP. As far as the schedule goes yes we played the Saints in a week one but last time I checked they have exactly one win and that’s versus us, then we played the Panthers team with a brand new coaching staff brand and L. Kuechly retired and then of course we played the Broncos with no quarterback, no offensive line and no wide receivers, no von Miller and two rookies playing corner and the difference between the three weeks last year versus this year is last year we had no defense and no kicker or we would have had the exact same record we do this year at 2-1 so if you want to brag about that go ahead but again it’s pretty clear, I win you’re wrong good night.

  64. SB Says:

    LOL I didn’t think you could do it.

    Just another female dog defending the piss of her master.

  65. SB Says:

    You DO realize that EVERY poster here considers you a joke right?!?!?

    Why do you come here? You must be a masochist.

  66. Ndog Says:

    Ive been a season ticket holder since 1996 and missed one home game, so that would put me at 183 games not including preseason games which I always went to or the playoff games. Not to mention I went to games before I had season tickets. I don’t have to convince anyone of anything cause I know the truth.

  67. SB Says:

    You are being ownt so bad N that Joe is now mo d era ting my comments so as for you not to feel so bad.

  68. geno711 Says:

    Trolling – (verb), as it relates to internet, is the deliberate act, (by a Troll – noun or adjective), of making random unsolicited comment on a forum with the intent to provoke and engage in an argument.

    Troll – Someone who deliberately pisses people off online to get a reaction.

    Psychopath – a person having an egocentric and antisocial personality marked by a lack of remorse for one’s actions

  69. JimmyJack Says:

    Ndog lets wait til Game 6 and maybe youll see the difference. By that time Winston crapped his pants twice and had meltdowns.

    If Im gonna be fair Brady had a 2 pick game with a pick 6 that cost us. I wouldnt call it a meltdown but you could make a case it was.

    The difference is this year we arent waiting for the other shoe to drop like we did with 5 years of Winston…….Nobodys expecting Brady to give us a meltdown game. Brady is a consistent performer. Proven fact……Thats the difference Ndog. Consistency.

    So while you are jumping up and down screaming after 3 games its unfair and irrevelant if we are talking about consistency. Get back to me after 8 games. Then again after 16. Everybody already knows who is the more consistent QB………But hey its sports anything can happen. Go head and bet on Brady melting down………You already know deep down you will be proven wrong

  70. SB Says:

    if you think Anyone believes that other than you Npup then I feel sorry for you.
    Actually I already did so…………..

  71. SB Says:

    I am not allowed to post anymore.

  72. Ndog Says:

    accurate – (adjective)

    (of information, measurements, statistics, etc.) correct in all details; exact.

  73. El Buco Realisto Is a Dicko and NDog is a Crybaby and TheBucsAnus is a Troll Says:

    My my, NPup must have had too much sugar in his formula this morning. The constant ‘I want my #3 binkie back’ is just over the top, even for you NPup.
    You mentioned the Bucs had lost you. Any way we can do the same on here?

  74. El Buco Realisto Is a Dicko and NDog is a Crybaby and TheBucsAnus is a Troll Says:

    Oxymoron: NPup / accurate

  75. JimmyJack Says:

    That is a good point. Perfect way to describe his relationship with Jameis. He treats winston like its his binkie. And screams whenever you take it/him away….hahahaha

    Kudos!!

  76. buc15 Says:

    NDOG I may have to sell my authentic Winston Jerseys. You interested?

  77. Bucsfan951 Says:

    Here’s a fact…

    How many td throws did Mr 5k have last season? 33? Nope! 26 because he also had 7 pick 6’s.

    How many points did the opponent score off of JW turnovers? 121! 7.5 points per game gifted to the other team my JW.

    JW fan boys always bring up the 5k yards but fail to mention the entire picture. 5k is useless when you give the opponents 7.5 points per game off of your bonehead mistakes.

  78. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    When you give up 3rd and 26, and tds on 4th down as well as almost being a td turnstile inside the red zone they cannot be considered elite. Though they didn’t give up a lot of yards at Nawleans but couldn’t stop Kamaras tds from happening. Against the stinkin Panthers they knew McCaffery was getting the ball and still couldn’t stop him from scoring. Ripen came in cold and went 7 for 7 against them. Luckily Edward’s made a great heads up play because Winfield was beat for the score.

  79. DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:

    Jimmy Jack the most thought out and relevant remark on this here board. If the offense doesn’t start improving in the 2nd half there’s a problem. Compare apples to apples. Joe cherry picked some last year yearly stats and compared them to the first 3 games of this year so NDog is correct. Jameis haters are as bad as NDog, you cherry pick stats to prove Jameis was the sole reason we lost last year on a team sport when the defense sucked the first 10 games and ST sucked. He made a lot of absolutely great plays but you give him NO credit.
    He was the sole reason the OL didn’t give up 80 sacks. You can almost guarantee you same people will not blame Brady if we don’t make the playoffs, but say it’s a team sport.

  80. Bucsfanman Says:

    Had to scroll through a LOT of “interesting” commentary to simply state that, unlike last year, there’s a good deal of checking down.
    One of my pet peeves is hurling a 30 yard bomb on 3rd and 4. Move the sticks, take what the defense gives you. This comes from experience.
    There is ZERO comparison between the experience of Tom Brady and our previous QB.
    This offense is not yet in sync. Imagine when it does. In the immortal words of Mr. T…

    “I pity the fool!”

  81. Brandon Says:

    Ndog comparing this seasons 27.6 to last seasons 28.4…. we shut the offense down in the 2nd half in our last two games. We DON’T have to score 30 to have a shot to win because we aren’t turning the ball over at such an alarming rate and giving the other teams easy scores. Super old proven football wisdom, win the turnover battle, win the game.