Bucs QB Josh Freeman threw four interceptions and was sacked five times in Sunday's loss to the Rams. (US Presswire) |
For the fifth consecutive week, Tampa Bay fell. For Bucs fans who were already frustrated with QB Josh Freeman, Sunday's 28-13 loss to the Rams did nothing to convince them that Freeman can lead this franchise to better things in the years to come.
Offense: D
Too many costly mistakes. Too little output. Far too late. It's almost difficult to finish with only one touchdown while gaining 429 total yards, but that's exactly what Tampa Bay did on Sunday. Yes, Freeman killed drives by throwing four interceptions, but he also took five sacks. The offensive line was just not good enough in either run blocking or pass protection.
Credit receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, who each finished with more than 100 yards receiving, for coming to play. But they didn't get enough help from their teammates on key plays, as the Bucs failed on all four of their fourth-down tries in the game, ending any thoughts of a comeback from a 28-6 deficit. Last game's grade: F
Defense: B
With the exception of a game-altering stretch of play spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third, the defense actually played as well as could be expected given the continuing issues with depth at the corner position. The Bucs gave up a 65-yard TD drive just before the half and allowed Rams TE Lance Kendricks to score on an 80-yard connection with Sam Bradford on the first play of the second half.
But St. Louis only had two other drives of more than 7 yards all day long, and neither of those even covered 35 yards. The defense forced five three-and-outs in the second half to give the offense a chance to fight back. It just never happened. Last game's grade: F
Special Teams: B-
Specialists didn't get much of a chance to make an impact on the game. K Connor Barth made both of his field goal tries. PR Roscoe Parrish never really had an opportunity to try a meaningful return. P Michael Koenen only came onto the field once. The kick coverage unit wasn't bad either. Last game's grade: B
Coaching: B-
It's tough to blame this one on coaching, as the Bucs were disciplined (only one penalty for five yards all day), did a reasonable job of moving the ball on offense and slowing down the Rams' attack. It's not the coach's fault when the quarterback throws four picks or the secondary blows a coverage. This loss falls squarely on the shoulders of the players. Last game's grade: F
For more from Tampa Bay Bucs blogger Patrick Southern, follow @CBSBucs on Twitter.