The Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked good on defense against the Eagles. Despite all of the injuries and the missing starters against one of the best offenses in the NFL, Tampa's defense rose to the occasion.

The same can't be said about the offense. 

While a few plays going different may have changed the final box score evaluation of the game (like a Mike Evans catch in the end zone), the overall product was not a good one on the more important side of the ball. A simple change is needed.

In reality, a change has been needed with the Buccaneer offense for a while now.

The Bucs have fielded one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL over the last five years, yet they continue to lean in to the archaic idea of establishing the run as a means to victory.

More often than not, establishing the run establishes a loss for Tampa.

Whether the offensive coordinator has been Byron Leftwich, Leftwich with Bruce Arians pulling the strings, or Dave Canales, this team looks downright bad when it commits to the run.

The playoffs have been a bit of a different story, but the game does differ there slightly, and even in those games the offenses looked worse. 

The Buccaneers have one of the better pass-catcher corps in the league and an offensive line that is filled with guys that are better pass-blockers than run-blockers.

Why not establish the pass?

The Bucs generate negative yards on the ground as often as they get down the field. Every Bucs fan in the world knew that rush in the end zone was going to end in a safety. Why commit to it anyway?

Hard-headedness is not a good trait in an evolving sport like football, so the Bucs need to make an adjustment fast if they want to be successful this year.

That Saints defense is as good as the one the Eagles just used against Tampa. The Bucs will need to adjust fast if they want to start the year 3-1.

The fastest way to do this is a pass-first, pass-often offense that uses heavy motion and play-action concepts.

Mayfield has the legs to improvise outside of the pocket and is smart enough to read a defense off motion. Plays like this will get Mayfield out in space with the opportunity to make quick reads to Evans and Godwin or let the play fall apart and make a big play with guys that are good at improvising.

Plays like this will also take pressure off Mayfield in the pocket, something he experienced constantly in the Eagles game.

These quick-hit passes will keep the offense moving, chew the clock, and accomplish exactly what Bowles wants from an offense-it just won't look the exact same as it did in the early 2000s. 

That's okay.

Leaving Mayfield in the pocket is going to lead to him getting hit against the Saints. Running the ball is going to lead to 1.8 yards per carry and no offense. There is only one other option: change the scheme and take advantage of Tampa's biggest strength.

It isn't hard. Adapt and win. Stay in the past and fail. There is no middle ground here.

Buccaneers struggle in tough Week 3 loss

It sure wasn’t pretty.