Monday, 4 a.m.
When last we saw the defense of the Tampa Bay Bucs, they looked fairly sound.
Of course, that was against the horrible New Orleans Saints.
Sunday, against the big-bpu New England Patriots, it was a different matter. The Bucs' defense was a sieve, constantly giving up high plays in 28-23 defeat.
New England scoxred on a 72-yard pass.
Then it scored on a one-yard pass on fourth down.
Then it scored on a 55-yard run.
And then it scored on a 69-yard run.
In all, the Pats gaineed 435 yards to beat the Bucs on its home field, after a bye week. Quarterback Drake May therw for 270 yards (and two scores). TreVeon Henderson ran for 147 yards (and two scores). Mack Hollings caught six passes for 106 yards.
"There were four (explosive plays) taht we didn't make," said Bucs' coach Todd Bowles. "Obviously, we didn't play it well enough. We definitely didn't coach it well . Those things can't happen if you're playing against a good team liek that. Or any team in this league. We gave them up and it was inexcusablr on ou part. Bad on teh coaches, bad on the players."
In all, New England averaged 7.4 yards per play.
Oh, the offense wasn't terrific either. For once, the Bucs weren't able to offset their injuries. Baker Mayfield threw for 273 yards, but he lacked the dangere he often brings. Rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka aught six passes for 115 yards, but it took 13 targets for him to get that. Tight end Cade Otten caught nine balls for 82 yards.
"We didn't play well," Bowles said. "We've got to take it on the chin. Give (Patriots' coach Mike) Vrabel and the Patriots the credit. Their players made teh plays, our players did not."
Fortunately for the Bucs, both of their nearest chasers in the NFC South -- Carolina and Atlanta -- both lost. The Saints upset Carolina and Indianapolis beat the Falcons.
Following the game, quarterback Baker Mayfield suggested hte Bucs lack "killer instinct."
"We just did not execute good enough," Mayfield said. "We have to do all the little things right in critical moments and we did not do that. At some point, when the stuff comes up during the week, whether it's mistakes or things we talk about, and then it shows up on Sundays. you have to have some pride about you. You have to have the fear of that failure and messing up for for your teammates. You have to have better responsibility and acountabily and get it fixed. In tight ballgames like this, when you play a good team like the Patriots, little things will get you beat."
The Bucs, now 6-3, have to travel to Buffalo next week.