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Bucs OL has figured out early season run block woes
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- Bucs OL has figured out early season run block woes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent the first month of the season searching for answers in the running game. What was expected to be one of the team's biggest strengths instead became inconsistent, with the offensive line struggling to create the running lanes Bucky Irving and the backfield needed. That has changed considerably since the Dallas Cowboys game, and the last three performances have shown just how dominant this group can be when everything comes together.
The turnaround has been particularly noticeable in the run game. Tampa Bay rushed for 241 yards against Dallas, 258 against Carolina, and a franchise-record 324 against Atlanta. Those aren't isolated productive afternoons. They're three of the Buccaneers' top-10 single-game rushing performances in franchise history, all within a four-week stretch. The Atlanta performance was especially impressive because the Buccaneers weren't hiding their intentions. Baker Mayfield completed zero passes in the rain, leaving the offense almost entirely dependent on the run. Atlanta knew what was coming, loaded the box, and still couldn't consistently stop Tampa Bay from moving the chains. Irving finished with 170 yards on 27 carries, while Kenneth Gainwell added 140 yards on 25 attempts. Both running backs established career highs, but the offensive line deserves much of the credit for creating the opportunities. The backs got downhill, reached the second level, and turned favorable blocking into explosive gains.
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What's changed is the consistency at the point of attack. Earlier in the season, Tampa Bay struggled to move the chains and create dependable running lanes. Now, the offensive line is winning assignments, sustaining blocks, and giving its running backs chances to make defenders miss instead of constantly having to manufacture yards on their own. Cade Otton and Bauer Sharp have helped establish a stronger blocking presence at tight end, while the wide receivers have done their part in extending runs downfield. This has become a collective effort rather than something Irving is expected to solve by himself. The Buccaneers still have work to do to become a complete offense, but the offensive line has answered one of its biggest early-season questions. What looked like a weakness through the opening stretch has become a major advantage.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs OL has figured out early season run block woes
