Bucs ranked 24th in dropped passes

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have plenty to clean up following a 0-2 start, but one issue in the passing game has become particularly frustrating: the Bucs simply have to do a better job catching the football. Pro Football Reference has credited the Buccaneers with three drops in the first two games, giving the team a 5% drop rate.

Three drops might not sound like a major problem at first, especially with several teams across the league recording more. The issue for Tampa Bay has been when some of those missed opportunities have happened, as it was on display in the Bucs' 23 to 19 loss against the Cleveland Browns. Tampa Bay had an opportunity to win the game late after returning from a lengthy weather delay. On second down near the goal line, Mayfield gave rookie Ted Hurst III an opportunity in the corner of the end zone, but Hurst could not come down with the football while working through tight coverage and heavy rain. A holding penalty followed, and Tampa Bay eventually turned the ball over on downs, falling to 0-2.