Third-Down Warriors Again
September 16th, 2025
Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Last year the Bucs led the NFL in third-down conversion rate at 51 percent.
Keep in mind 40 percent or better is quite good by league standards.
Last week at Atlanta, led by rookie playcaller Josh Grizzard, the Bucs offense moved the chains at a 50 percent clip on third downs.
Grizzard, the Bucs’ third-down play designer-in-chief last season, was back at it again last night in Houston against a good defense.
The Bucs finished 6-of-14 on third downs. That’s 42.8 percent if you’re scoring at home. The Bucs also converted their lone fourth down, a Baker Mayfield 15-yard scramble, a play in which Mayfield wasn’t touched before he passed the sticks on the game-winning drive. And don’t think it was a coincidence that Mayfield had room to run with receivers running deep routes on that play.
Grizzard is impressing Joe. It’s not perfect, but he’s had a very smooth landing as an offensive coordinator with a battered offensive line.
September 16th, 2025 at 1:48 am
I understand we’re very injured and playing with a patchwork offensive line but we’re still far too talented to be dropping low 20’s in scoring. We’ll get there though I’m confident.
September 16th, 2025 at 2:02 am
It was very impressive when the whole world knows you need to get rid of the ball fast and you have to run it. Only one starting offensive lineman in his correct position… Pretty impressive, especially against that defense because they are very good.
When the lineman and receivers start returning, this offense is going to be unstoppable
September 16th, 2025 at 2:04 am
See that’s the issue. Patchwork offensive line. Mayfield had like no time to work. Honestly the Jets have a good defense too. Yeah ik it’s the Jets, but it may be a struggle next game just like last night
September 16th, 2025 at 2:10 am
Time to lock down Rahaad now Jason.
September 16th, 2025 at 2:17 am
RACHAAD…. i usually dont proof first, stupid me, smdh
September 16th, 2025 at 2:21 am
What a gutsy last drive I’ll say it now baker is playing AGAIN like a league mvp and as of this moment there’s not a qb in this league id rather have than bake… he may not be the best BUT he is the most fearless SOB I’ve perhaps ever seen play
September 16th, 2025 at 2:44 am
I’m 80 years old. Baker so reminds me of Bobby Lane. He is a working class quarterback who will do anything to win. Love the guy. Team loves him. What a gutsy teen performance. If this game doesn’t make you want to be a Buccaneers fan, nothing will.
September 16th, 2025 at 4:07 am
Agreed. You could argue we’re down 4 starters on the OL last night.
September 16th, 2025 at 5:54 am
Glad to see Richaad gash the texans when he was given the chance. Bye, Bye
Cohen, you limited White’ touches last year and held him back,IMO. Most of the
RB’s in one back offenses get so much attention from defenses that they often struggle to perform as expected. You have to have a plan B in this league.
September 16th, 2025 at 6:20 am
Every team is dealing with injuries. Texans were missing their starting center. Looks like we lost Dennis during the game. I don’t think it was an injury though, it was for poor play again. How did the Bucs not know this guy can’t cover? Where’s the ball instints we were told he had? We are going to need DT, and ILB early next draft, and, or free agents. Bucs could look to trade for help this season. Kancey is out.
September 16th, 2025 at 7:39 am
Dennis is excellent against the run. Clearly lots to learn in pass coverage. Jones historically evens in pass coverage, that’s why he was signed late last year and came in near the end of the game
September 16th, 2025 at 8:15 am
MadMax Says:
September 16th, 2025 at 2:10 am
Time to lock down Rahaad now Jason.
As well as Baker! How many teams are still trying to find a franchise QB to build they’re team around?
September 16th, 2025 at 9:12 am
This team misses Liam Coen, badly. Offense feels like it’s good but has not rhythm
September 16th, 2025 at 9:38 am
Who’s Coen? I’m sure not missing him. Did you catch the disgusted hand flap the Jax QB gave him Sunday? Good riddance!
September 16th, 2025 at 9:43 am
“And don’t think it was a coincidence that Mayfield had room to run with receivers running deep routes on that play.“
Salute to the Texans for the 2-high look to keep tabs on Mike. Grizz said it in his most recent presser before the game, Mike just being on the field is a coverage manipulator and salute to the guys up front for not giving the inside rush space and opening up that running lane Baker exploited.
They owe us a blowout, ain’t not way I’m making it through the season with games like this 😅. Belt to ssa for this Jets this Sunday
September 16th, 2025 at 10:15 am
Smarter than Joe, Coen has a game coming up next week. He gets to play the Texans. The winless Texans. I’ll bet if you wait a week you won’t say this team misses Coen. Badly. And from that point on you won’t ever say that again.
September 16th, 2025 at 10:50 am
Last years team with Coen didn’t just start out the gates on fire. It was the whole year that everyone is looking back at. Shuffled offensive line to begin this year, didn’t have that all last year. 1 guy out at a time not 4 like this year. Grizz and the offense will be fine before long.
September 16th, 2025 at 11:20 am
I’ve seen enough in two weeks to know that Griz is the truth. Excellent hire at OC. He calls the right plays at the right times, and the sideline conversations between him and Baker and Mike look like they’re all on the same page. He’s also a demonstrated third down guru. There’s a clutch gene that creates that type of success, it’s not accidental.