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First-half hangover continues for Bucs' offense

 
Published Oct. 12, 2014

If there has been a trademark to this year's Bucs offense, it's been a consistent early hangover, struggling to score at all in the first half of games.

In 35 first-half possession this season, the Bucs have three touchdowns and two field goals, with only one first-half scoring drive all season going longer than 40 yards. The Ravens, as you may recall, five touchdowns in the first half alone Sunday.

"We're trying to figure out, but we still haven't, because this is another week where we've come out slow," quarterback Mike Glennon said. "We'll continue to try to figure out why, and what we need to do to play better coming out of the gates."

At one point Sunday, the Bucs offense went 12 consecutive plays without gaining positive yards — six incompletions, an interception, four running back carries for no gain or losses, and a sack. Within the same span, the Ravens scored 28 points, with 188 yards of offense.

"You have to stop the bleeding a little bit if you bleed early," coach Lovie Smith. "So yes, for whatever reason, we haven't been able to get off offensively."

In the last four games, the Bucs have averaged just 91 yards of offense in the first half. And for the season, Tampa Bay is averaging just 4.5 points in the first half, worst in the NFL.

"No one likes to lose. I mean, people don't like to come watch people lose. People don't like to play and lose," rookie tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins said. "It (stinks), especially when you know everyone is working hard."