But Leftwich shows some creativity by calling for an end-around to Godwin, who goes in motion from the slot. Second-and-2 is an obvious run, and the Bucs do run the ball. Godwin is aided by a great block from Mike Evans on the perimeter. Brady throws a quick smoke pass to Chris Godwin, who is lined up off the line of scrimmage in the slot for a gain of eight yards. But Leftwich avoids being predictable on first down again. The Bucs come out in 12 personnel (one back, two tight ends), which usually signals a run on first down. Howard would be one of five different Bucs skill position players to touch the ball on this opening drive. Right off the bat, Brady uses play-action and starts the drive off with a 10-yard pass to tight end O.J. So, let’s take a look at Leftwich’s most creative opening drive of the 2021 season and see if the Bucs can be equally successful against the Cowboys on Sunday night. Tampa Bay is obviously looking for a better start to this year’s game in Dallas.
The Bucs opened the 2021 season with a three-and-out against the Cowboys last year. Brady was just as effective against the Giants, completing 30-of-46 passes for 307 yards with a pair of TDs and just one INT. Tom Brady completed 32-of-50 passes for 379 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions versus Dallas. The Bucs had success throwing the ball against the Cowboys’ secondary last year.
I liked several things that Leftwich did in attacking the Giants early on – mostly through the air. This approach, combined with the successful staple plays from Arians’ offense, could make Tampa Bay’s offense even more dynamic in 2022. But during the offseason, Bowles implored Leftwich and his staff to venture out and study what other teams are doing. That’s the only system Leftwich and most of the staff knows. New head coach Todd Bowles told me that the offensive coaching staff has come up in the Bruce Arians offensive system. Not just on the opening drive, but throughout the game. I’d like to see some of that creativity on Sunday night in Dallas. Leftwich, who can be predictable with his play calling at times, showed plenty of creativity on that opening drive.
Tampa Bay drove 73 yards in eight plays, picking up six first downs en route to scoring a touchdown to take an early 7-0 lead. In my opinion, the Bucs’ opening drive against the Giants on Monday Night Football was the team’s best drive of the year. Bucs QB Tom Brady and OC Byron Leftwich – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
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