NFC South

Veteran quarterback Andy Dalton is far removed from his days as a three-time Pro Bowl selection, but the New Orleans Saints were hoping he'd be a stabilizing presence should he be thrust into the starting role.

Unfortunately, Dalton was anything but that in the Saints' 42-34 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football. The 34-year-old had a lackluster showing with three interceptions, including back-to-back pick-sixes in the first half. Dalton added 361 yards and four touchdowns on 30-of-47 passing.

Dalton's turnovers were momentum-killers for New Orleans. His first interception was thrown into the end zone after driving down to the Arizona 10-yard line. The first pick-six admittedly wasn't his fault, as it went off the hands of receiver Marquez Callaway, but it occurred when the game was tied 14-14. The next pick-six on the ensuing possession was an athletic play by Cardinals linebacker Isaiah Simmons.

While Dalton wasn't expected to come in and be a world-beater at this stage in his career, it was still disappointing to see an experienced signal-caller be a detriment to his team.

NFL Twitter didn't hold back in its criticism of Dalton while it watched him implode Thursday night:

Andy Dalton full on meltdown.

— Jared Stillman (@JaredStillman) October 21, 2022

Andy Dalton was like, you wanted touchdowns on TNF? Well, here you go.

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) October 21, 2022

You get a pick six and you get a pick six!

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 21, 2022

Get well soon Jameis Winston. You ain’t got nothing to worry about.

— Master (@MasterTes) October 21, 2022

A promising Saints drive ends with an end zone INT by Antonio Hamilton. Andy Dalton tried to stick that one in there to Callaway in the back of the end zone and paid the price. Cardinals ball.

— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) October 21, 2022

Bad decision by Saints QB Andy Dalton there. INT in the end zone. Didn't have a good opening and gave away the 3 points.

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) October 21, 2022

Matt Schaub: “Boy did I throw some picks 6s in my career!”

Andy Dalton: “Hold my beer” pic.twitter.com/urTMHFOdKU

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) October 21, 2022

NFL: With the game being on Amazon it’s not really a “prime time” game, is it?

Andy Dalton: Hold my beer.

— Matthew Berry (@MatthewBerryTMR) October 21, 2022

Big respect to Andy Dalton. He saw the last couple Thursday night games and he is giving us the points we all want and deserve now.

— Tom Crabtree (@itsCrab) October 21, 2022

That’s a hat trick for Andy Dalton, three interceptions now. And interceptions that couldn’t be more costly. One int. in the end zone and 2 pick-sixes.

— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) October 21, 2022

Andy Dalton throws his second pick-6 in as many possessions, although the first obviously Marquez Calloway’s fault. The second was athletic play by Isaiah Simmons. That was the 5th Andy 6th pick-six thrown by a #Saints QB since the start of last season, matching Rams for most.

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) October 21, 2022

Andy Dalton is the only player since at least 2000 with multiple pick-6s in the 2-minute drill in the same game. pic.twitter.com/jASuIAXKu5

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) October 21, 2022

The last QB to throw two Pick 6s in the last two minutes of a first half like Andy Dalton just did?

Dan Marino in 1997 vs. Pete Carroll’s New England Patriots.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) October 21, 2022

Andy Dalton is the 1st QB to throw a pick-6 on consecutive drives since Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 2 of 2019 against the Patriots. New England beat the Dolphins that day 43-0.

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) October 21, 2022

Tough first half for the Red Rifle. Andy Dalton has thrown three interceptions.

The Arizona Cardinals' defense only collected two turnovers on the season heading into tonight's matchup 😬 pic.twitter.com/BX3FfROCmQ

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 21, 2022

Sideline reporter asks Dennis Allen what he said to Andy Dalton at halftime, his reply was "Nothing, just keep doing what he's doing."

— WWL-TV (@WWLTV) October 21, 2022

Live look at Andy Dalton in primetime: pic.twitter.com/sNJxkpfm5d

— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) October 21, 2022

Most primetime interceptions since 2011.
Andy adds 3 more to his total in the first half tonight. pic.twitter.com/nXDWkZg7sq

— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) October 21, 2022

Saints starting quarterback Jameis Winston is still working his way back from back and ankle injuries, but it's unclear when exactly he'll return. After Dalton's performance against Arizona, New Orleans is surely hoping Winston will be back under center sooner rather than later.

The Saints will look to bounce back next Sunday when they host the Las Vegas Raiders.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady apologized Thursday for comments earlier this week comparing an NFL season to military deployment.

Tom Brady apologizes for a poor choice of words in comparing his commitment to football to military deployment. pic.twitter.com/kRpSEzBFzg

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) October 20, 2022

Brady's original remarks came Monday on his Let's Go! podcast (via CNN's Ben Morse and Matt Foster) during a discussion with NBA superstar Kevin Durant about the challenges elite athletes face to remain atop their respective sports.

"I almost look at a football season like I'm going away on deployment for the military. And it's like: 'Man, here I go again,'" the seven-time Super Bowl champion said.

The comparison led to widespread criticism prior to his apology, with military veterans pointing out the obvious differences between the life-and-death situations presented on deployment and playing football games.

I don't want to kill @TomBrady for what's hopefully a poorly considered metaphor. But an #NFL season is NOT like a deployment. I didn't get paid $15M over there. No vet Wednesdays off. Didn't see my family. No hall pass to hit a wedding. Be better, TB12. https://t.co/OX7tIfwFKk

— Nate Davis (@ByNateDavis) October 18, 2022

Brady previously expressed his appreciation for the military in a Veterans Day post on Instagram in November 2019, which included a picture of him alongside military personnel.

"Football can seem very important around here, which makes days like today, where we honor all the service men and women who selflessly defend our freedom and rights, even more important," Brady wrote. "At the end of the day we play a game, and it wouldn't be possible without the real heroes. Men and women who risk their lives in defense of others they've never met. To our nations Veterans, we are grateful for your discipline, your bravery, your sacrifice and your selflessness."

Since 2011, the NFL has held an annual "Salute to Service" event where the U.S. military branches are honored during a week of games.

This season's Salute to Service week hasn't been announced. It was held in early November last year.

Brady and the Bucs are back on the field Sunday when they visit Bank of America Stadium for a road game against the Carolina Panthers.

Rival NFL executives reportedly believe the Carolina Panthers won't find a trade partner for star running back Christian McCaffrey before the Nov. 1 deadline if they require an offer with multiple first-round draft picks.

Joseph Person of The Athletic reported Wednesday that "no one in league circles" thinks the Panthers can get that type of package for McCaffrey and will instead have to consider either a single first-rounder or a "passel of Day 2 and Day 3 picks."

The initial report about the Panthers seeking multiple firsts for CMC, which came from Fox Sports' Peter Schrager on Sunday, was taken a bit out of context. Schrager suggested Carolina wanted that level of return as part of a complete roster tear down, including the possible exit of several key defenders, not necessarily just for the Pro Bowl running back.

In today's NFL, getting one first-round pick for any running back, even one with the high-end playmaking ability of McCaffrey, represents strong value. The position simply doesn't carry as much weight in the passing-dominated league.

It's also important to consider the 26-year-old Stanford product was limited to 10 appearances over the past two seasons because of injuries, which creates some additional risk for interested teams.

That said, at the more modest price point—one first-rounder or a few later selections—McCaffrey deserves consideration from Super Bowl contenders.

The 2019 first-team All-Pro selection has played in all six of Carolina's games this season, averaging a healthy 4.6 yards on 85 carries. He's recorded 670 yards from scrimmage and three total touchdowns, and he's earned a strong 83.3 grade from Pro Football Focus.

Putting him in an high-powered offense like the ones run by the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs would create seemingly endless potential. The Athletic report also listed the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers as possible landing spots.

For his part, McCaffrey said Sunday he's trying to steer clear of the rumor mill.

"All that stuff's out of my control," he told reporters. "My job is to be the best Carolina Panther I can be and do everything I can for my teammates."

The Panthers have two games left before the trade deadline: Sunday at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and an Oct. 30 road trip to face the Atlanta Falcons.

It's possible one of those contests will mark McCaffrey's final appearance for Carolina, which selected him in the first round of the 2017 draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Tom Brady's frustration during Sunday's 20-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers caught the attention of another iconic quarterback.

On an episode of his Footbahlin podcast (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk), Ben Roethlisberger said Brady "didn’t look like he wanted to be out there."

Much has been made of the Bucs' struggles this season and how much involvement Brady has with the team. He had an 11-day excused absence during the preseason.

"I'm 45 years old, man. There's a lot of s--t going on, so you just have to try and figure out life the best you can. You know, it's a continuous process," Brady told reporters about his absence following Tampa's final preseason game on Aug. 27.

Brady skipped the Bucs' final walkthrough before the Steelers game to attend New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft's surprise wedding on Friday.

Head coach Todd Bowles told reporters after Sunday's game Brady "had a full week of practice" and "didn’t miss anything." He was also asked if the seven-time Super Bowl champion's absence had any impact on the offense going 1-of-4 in the red zone.

"Absolutely not," Bowles said.

Former NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth said Monday on The Herd with Colin Cowherd that Brady's absence on Friday "bothered me" because Brady "has always been known as, is the guy that's like 'you will never outwork me, you will never outprepare me, I will outwork anybody in this business.'"

Brady was also seen yelling at Tampa's offensive line on the sidelines during the game.

Everyone with the Buccaneers should be frustrated at this point. They have lost three of their last four games after a 2-0 start to the season. The offense ranks 16th in Football Outsiders' DVOA and 20th in points per game (20.2).

Brady's eight passing touchdowns are his fewest through Week 6 since 2016. That year, he didn't make his first appearance in 2016 until Week 5 while serving a four-game suspension because of the "Deflategate" scandal.

The Bucs have an opportunity to get right on Sunday. They will play a Carolina Panthers team that enters Week 7 with a 1-5 record, has already fired their head coach and could be down to their third-string quarterback if P.J. Walker can't go after suffering a neck injury in a 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The Carolina Panthers reportedly aren't expected to keep star running back Christian McCaffrey beyond the Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline.

Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post reported Wednesday that Carolina trading McCaffrey before the deadline is a "near certainty."

La Canfora noted that between McCaffrey's injury history and the struggles of the 1-5 Panthers, it might behoove them to move their greatest asset as soon as possible.

ESPN's Adam Schefter was among the first to report last week that the Panthers were officially listening to offers for McCaffrey, although he made it clear that it won't be cheap for interested teams to acquire him.

Schefter noted that the Panthers turned down at least two offers and are asking for "significant" compensation in the form of a first-round pick or multiple draft picks.

The 2022 season has been a miserable one for the Panthers amid the firing of head coach Matt Rhule and struggles from quarterback Baker Mayfield, but McCaffrey has been perhaps the lone bright spot.

After appearing in just 10 games combined during the 2020 and 2021 seasons because of injury, the 26-year-old McCaffrey is seemingly back in form and putting up numbers that rival the best running backs in the game.

Through six games, McCaffrey has rushed 85 times for 393 yards and two touchdowns, plus he has caught 33 passes for 277 yards and a score.

While not quite as dominant, McCaffrey's play has been somewhat reminiscent of his special 2019 season, which saw him finish with over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards. He also led the NFL with 403 touches, 2,392 yards from scrimmage and 19 touchdowns.

In a better offense, it isn't outside the realm of possibility that McCaffrey could get even closer to the player he was that season.

McCaffrey is under contract through 2025 and will make about $12 million in each of the 2023, 2024 and 2025 seasons, which would normally be a nonstarter when it comes to trading for an injury-prone running back.

He has a cap hit of only $1.035 million this season, however, meaning any team that wants him could easily fit him under the cap this season and worry about future ramifications later.

The Panthers have already traded wide receiver Robbie Anderson to the Arizona Cardinals and seem poised to enter what could be a lengthy rebuild. If they truly want to accelerate that rebuild, trading McCaffrey for draft picks would likely help.

Carolina clearly isn't going anywhere this season and may not be playoff contenders for at least a few years to come, meaning there isn't a ton of incentive to keep McCaffrey around.

Trading a former No. 8 overall draft pick and the face of the franchise may not be a popular move among fans, but it is likely best for the future of the Panthers at this point.

It would not appear as though a Christian McCaffrey trade is imminent, though the potential for a possible deal remains.

According to Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Carolina Panthers are in a "listening mode" when it comes to trade talks for the star running back, while the Buffalo Bills are in a "monitoring mode" regarding the situation:

2. The whole #Bills dalliance with McCaffrey stemmed back to when Buffalo called about him in the offseason. But that never went anywhere and it was totally dead until this point in the season. Even now, the Bills are in more of a monitoring mode than anything. A “call us” mode.

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) October 18, 2022

The Bills had reportedly reached out to the Panthers in the offseason about acquiring McCaffrey but were rebuffed in those efforts.

#Bills had shown strong interest in making a trade for McCaffrey (CAR doesn't want to move him, BTW), so this makes sense.

McKissic is a really good passing down RB. https://t.co/lG8OGZBAmK

— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) March 15, 2022

Once the Panthers chose to fire head coach Matt Rhule, teams reportedly began calling about their players to test the waters on whether the team was about to embark on a firesale, with "the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Bills are among the teams that have shown varying degrees of interest in McCaffrey," per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

The NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, however, reported last week that the Panthers hadn't engaged in trade talks to this point:

The #Panthers haven't had trade talks about Christian McCaffrey with the #Bills or any other team this season, per sources. Carolina already paid most of his $8.6M salary in a bonus. Every team will be working the phones the next few weeks, but nothing in the works with CMC.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2022

At 1-5, the Panthers already appear to be out of playoff contention, even in the weak NFC South. There is an argument to be made for collecting draft assets and looking toward the future.

But the Panthers would be eating a fair amount of dead cap to deal McCaffrey, for starters:

Acquiring RB Christian McCaffrey at the 11/1 #NFL Trade Deadline...

2022: $575k (guaranteed)
2023: $12M ($0 guaranteed)
2024: $12M ($0 guaranteed)
2025: $12.2M ($0 guaranteed)#Panthers Dead Cap Hits:
2022: $8.2M ($575k saved)
2023: $18.3M ($1.2M saved)https://t.co/f2wgwEDaJW

— Spotrac (@spotrac) October 10, 2022

They also likely would want a serious draft package in return that at least included a first-round pick, the type of price that many teams might not be willing to part with for a running back who has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

When he's been on the field, he's one of the most dynamic running and pass-catching threats in the NFL. He's been solid in 2022, registering 393 rushing yards and two scores to go along with 33 catches for 277 yards and another touchdown.

Without doubt, he would make an already dangerous Buffalo offense nearly impossible to defend and offer Josh Allen another dynamic weapon. For now, however, it would appear both sides are taking a patient approach to a potential deal that feels unlikely at this point.

Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey is focusing on what's in front of him as rumors swirl regarding his future with the team.

Following Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, McCaffrey told reporters all of the trade discourse and machinations are "out of my control."

I asked #Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey about his thoughts and feelings on the constant trade reports and rumors this week … as well as how the offense was basically him today: pic.twitter.com/lwEtZU3vyt

— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 16, 2022

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Saturday the Panthers "are listening to other teams" about a possible swap involving the 2019 All-Pro.

Carolina waved the white flag for this year when it fired head coach Matt Rhule. Now, many are left wondering to what extent general manager Scott Fitterer is willing to tear down the roster to lay the groundwork for the future.

That factor aside, the front office would be foolish not to at least explore what offers are on the table for McCaffrey. He's a 26-year-old running back who was limited to 10 games across 2020 and 2021. The days of him surpassing 2,000 yards from scrimmage might already be over.

For now, the 2017 first-round pick is looking a little more like his old self. Counting Sunday, he has run for 393 yards and two touchdowns while hauling in 33 receptions for 277 yards and one score.

That might only serve to raise his trade value, though. Fox Sports' Peter Schrager reported Sunday that multiple first-round picks might be the price tag for McCaffrey. If at least one first-rounder is the starting point, then it could discourage some of the most logical suitors.

The issue with the Rams being one of the teams interested in Panthers' running back Christian McCaffrey is they have no first-round pick in 2023 to deal. Neither do the 49ers. The Bills do, but it likely would be a low one.

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) October 16, 2022

This may not be a situation where the Panthers are desperate to move on and would accept less than expected to make it happen.

The trade deadline will pass at 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 1. Until then, McCaffrey might be stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Robbie Anderson may have played in his last game as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, Anderson had "multiple arguments with coaches on the sidelines" during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That led interim head coach Steve Wilks to send him back to the locker room.

Robbie Anderson appears to have been sent to the locker room by the Carolina coaches.

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/4a1N8MkV2K

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 16, 2022

Wilks addressed the situation after the game:

Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks on Robbie Anderson: No one is bigger than the team. I’m not putting the focus on one individual.

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 16, 2022

Steve Wilks on Robbie Anderson: Says it was a "sideline-type" situation, said it was best to get him in the locker room at that moment.

"We'll discuss as we get into the week," he says.

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) October 16, 2022

Anderson also spoke on the matter after the game, noting he thought he should've been on the field for a third down:

Panthers WR Robbie Anderson said he was frustrated because he was not in the game on a third down. The Panthers went into Week 6 with the worst third-down offense in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/6mDEWTtj9b

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 16, 2022

Anderson has been the subject of trade rumors in recent days, and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported it may take as little as a sixth-round pick to get him out of Carolina.

Firing head coach Matt Rhule may not be the only notable move the Panthers make this year, with a wider roster teardown possibly incoming.

The season didn't get off on a good note for Anderson.

The 29-year-old had to walk back a critical comment he made about Baker Mayfield since he and Mayfield would be sharing the same locker room. Mayfield's arrival then did little to lift the passing game as a whole.

As a result, Anderson is stuck putting up lackluster numbers (13 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown) on one of the NFL's worst teams.

Robbie Anderson's overall RTM score since the start of 2021 is a 13 on a 0-99 scale with 50 as average. Next-worst overall score by a qualifying WR/TE is a 30.

Anderson had an overall score of 42 in 2022 only entering Week 6, 11th-worst among qualifying WR/TEs.

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) October 16, 2022

It's not hard to see why he wants out, and the situation might be untenable after Sunday.

The 6'3" pass-catcher isn't a high-volume target, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards just once in his career. But he's averaging 15.8 yards per catch this year and 13.3 yards since entering the league in 2016.

The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams immediately jump out as playoff contenders that could use some help at wideout.

If the Panthers were hoping to drive a hard bargain, then that point might have passed, though.

Today's price is not yesterday's price.

No team is offering much for Robbie Anderson now. The #Panthers have lost any leverage they had today.

Take what you can get and move on.

— Cat Crave (@CatCraveBlog) October 16, 2022

Anderson is signed through 2023, and cutting him in the offseason will result in some financial consequences. Carolina would save $12 million but have $9.7 million count against the salary cap as dead money, per Spotrac.

Even if a late-round pick is all they can get pack, that's better than nothing for the Panthers and would allow all parties involved to make a clean break.

Tom Brady still believes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have another gear to hit following their 20-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

Brady told reporters after the game the Bucs "didn't earn it" and are "all playing less than we're capable of."

Video: “We didn’t earn it,” Tom Brady says, saying Bucs haven’t played to their potential for six weeks now and it cost them in loss to Steelers. pic.twitter.com/pKZvIm3YKP

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) October 16, 2022

One could argue the problems start with Brady and the offense.

Entering Week 6, Tampa Bay was third in defensive efficiency but 13th in offensive efficiency, per Football Outsiders. Once again, the Buccaneers were leaning on their defense to win the day as they allowed 270 total yards to the Steelers yet gained only 304 themselves.

Brady finished 25-of-40 for 243 yards and one touchdown. Through six starts, his 275.3 yards per game are on pace to be his lowest since 2019.

The 45-year-old's frustration has been evident at times this season, and on Sunday, he gave his offensive line an earful.

Tom Brady having a word with his O-line after a 9-point first half 👀

(via @NFLonFOX) pic.twitter.com/yTjtdFaLdp

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 16, 2022

The Buccaneers have been in this situation before.

In 2020, Tampa Bay headed into its bye at 7-5. The team didn't look like a true title contender, and the Brady experiment wasn't yielding its expected returns. Then the Bucs won eight straight games, a run that ended in a Super Bowl triumph.

Though they fell short in the divisional round while attempting to defend their championship in 2021, they had a similar hot streak to end the regular season with seven wins in their final eight games.

You would've gone broke long ago if you bet against Brady whenever his back was perceived to be up against the wall.

Tampa Bay has four more games before it's off in Week 11. If the team is continuing to hover around .500 by mid-November, then it might be time to start panicking.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 20-18 on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium and fell to 3-3 on the season after their offense struggled for much of the afternoon.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady had a rough outing, completing just 25 of 40 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown, which came late in the fourth quarter on a throw to running back Leonard Fournette.

Chris Godwin was Tampa's leading receiver with six catches for 95 yards. Mike Evans caught four passes for 42 yards.

Brady, who finished with an 87.8 passer rating, was mocked and ripped on Twitter by NFL fans following the loss:

https://twitter.com/alex_kirshner/status/1581738382064918529

did tom brady break a tablet today?

— 🐩 (@SophiaKnowsBttr) October 16, 2022

We are all witnessing the downfall of Tom Brady

— Russell (@LRHarris202) October 16, 2022

Hey @TomBrady pic.twitter.com/9NVALzr5Md

— Maxx (@Bearsmaxx) October 16, 2022

Tom Brady just lost to a Steelers team without their 3 starting cbs, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Tj Watt, and their starting qb gets injured halfway through. He’s washed .

— Balls To The Walls Sports (@wuxxyluxxy) October 16, 2022

Tom Brady should have just retired if he gonna play like this.

— The Prince of DC (@TeejSmoothDude) October 16, 2022

Tom Brady should’ve stayed retired

— Trent Elmore (@trentroger8) October 16, 2022

Tom Brady came back to the Bucs to *checks notes* SUCK?

— .ɴɪɴᴇᴛʏ𝟤 (@n_inety2) October 16, 2022

Someone tell Tom Brady to retire

— Jake (@wyckipedia_) October 16, 2022

Tom Brady is truly horrible. Should have stayed retired

— Prachee Avasthi (@PracheeAC) October 16, 2022

The Buccaneers are now tied with the Atlanta Falcons for first in the NFC South, which is something no one saw coming entering the season.

Brady and the Bucs offense have a lot to figure out. If they don't sort things out quickly, they could end up with a low playoff seed or miss the postseason entirely.