Converting Third Downs Crucial For Bucs
On offense, the team has converted 3-of-10 third downs in the first half of its first two games. In the second half, Tampa Bay has converted 10-of-16 third downs.
On defense, the club has allowed teams to convert 7-of-14 third downs. In the second, the teams are 0-of-8 on third downs against the Bucs.
The results have Tampa Bay 1-1 entering Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs rallied from a two-touchdown deficit only to lose by seven in the season opener against Detroit. In their second game against Minnesota, the Bucs rallied from a 17-0 deficit to win 24-20.
With Josh Freeman at quarterback, the Bucs don’t feel they are out of any football game. Freeman has engineered eight come-from-behind fourth-quarter or overtime victories.
But it’s a tool the team doesn’t want to constantly rely on.
Freeman thinks the Bucs’ rally against the Vikings could kick start the offense.
“We prepare to go out and play complete games,” Freeman said. “I think getting out for the first time all year really rolling like we know we can, reminds you of late last year when we were getting LeGarrette Blount rolling, getting the ball to our playmakers and getting an overall effort from everybody.
“Looking back, we have to find a way of converting on third down to stay on the field,” he said. “In the second half, we just went out and executed our offense like it’s supposed to be run.”
Overall, Tampa Bay has converted 50 percent of its third downs, which is tied for sixth in the league.
But in the first half, the team has converted just 30 percent, which would be in the bottom third of the NFL.
This is why Bucs center Jeff Faine stressed the team has to execute every single play against Atlanta. The Falcons has won the last five games against Tampa Bay by an average of 5.2 points.
“We have to make plays and we have got to execute,” Faine said. “We have to take advantage of opportunities when we have them. We have to realize that every single play on both sides of ball offensive and defensive are meaningful. It’s all about execution.”
Notes:
Linebacker Quincy Black (ankle) did not practice. Coach Raheem Morris said he is hopeful Black can play Sunday. … Tackle James Lee (knee) did not practice.
<a href="http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110921/WIRE/110929891/-1/sports?Title=Converting-third-downs-crucial-for-Bucstag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20110921/WIRE/110929891/-1/sports?Title=Converting-third-downs-crucial-for-BucsWed, 21 Sep 2011 22:49:43 GMT 00:00″>Converting third downs crucial for Bucs
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