/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/1505633/20120909_kdl_sv7_383.0.jpg)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed their offensive approach on Sunday, when the Bucs throttled the Kansas City Chiefs, 38-10.
Instead of having a run-first attack to try to set up the deep pass, the Buccaneers went right to the deep pass – and it worked, via the Tampa Bay Times:
The Bucs took a decidedly opposite approach in their win against the Chiefs, burying Kansas City with throws down the field that ultimately opened up opportunities in the running game.
"When they're throwing eight (defenders) in the box because they think their corners can cover, we have to make big plays so they can start taking people out the box and we can run the ball," receiver Mike Williams said. "That's basically what they did yesterday. They put eight in the box and put pressure on their corners. Then, in the second half, they went back to back to the 2-high (safeties) and the running game opened. We like that, too."
Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman completed 15-of-26 passes for 328 yards, while throwing three touchdown passes against just one interception. Tampa Bay had two completions for 62 yards – a 62-yard Mike Williams touchdown catch, and a 62-yard completion to Tiquan Underwood.
Williams finished the day with four receptions for 113 yards.
Whether or not the Buccaneers continue to use a pass-first approach remains to be seen, but nonetheless, it's encouraging that the Buccaneers can be successful with a pass-first approach. Tampa Bay currently ranks 25th in the NFL in passing yards, averaging just 211.6 yards per game through the air.
The Bucs will look to continue their offensive success in Week 7, when they play host to the Drew Brees-led New Orleans Saints.