Bucs’ success rate of offensive plays almost total opposite of 2024.

The Bucs’ third-down percentage against the slimy Saints was atrocious on Sunday.

The Bucs, when they had a third down, may have been better off punting in some cases. The Bucs’ third-down conversion percentage was 23 percent — 3 of 13. You’re not going to win many games with that percentage.

Well, there is one way: avoid third downs.

Joe remembers former NFL suit Michael Lombardi saying the league’s best offenses play CFL ball; they avoid third downs. And if you dig deep into offenses that move the ball well (think the Bucs with Tom Brady and Bucco Bruce Arians), those teams convert on early downs more often than not.

However, to be able to pull this off, an offense has to be able to rattle off successful plays.

Successful plays are when teams gain at least 40 percent of the yards needed to convert on first down, 60 percent or more on second downs and 100 percent on third or fourth downs.

The Bucs are terrible with successful plays. Sumer Sports, a stats outfit once run by former Dixie Chicks shot-caller Thomas Dimitroff, has the Bucs with the fifth-worst percentage of offensive plays being successful, 41 percent.

(By comparison, the Bucs ranked No. 3 last year in successful plays percentage.)

Yesterday, Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was asked about repairing the third-down conversion rate.

“You don’t want to be in third-and-longs,” Grizzard said, correctly. “I know there are definitely some play calls I’d want back to put these guys in a better position on a scheme that might work better.”

Grizzard tried to cover for Baker Mayfield, who has not been effective outside of running the past six weeks. Grizzard suggested it would be unfair to single Mayfield out for third-down struggles as it is a team effort, good or bad.

Or in other words, an offensive #Fail.