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The Film Don't Lie: Buccaneers

A weekly look at what the Buccaneers must fix:

Even after the first win of the season, there’s plenty of room for improvement.

No area stands out more than covering the tight end. That’s hugely significant because on Sunday, the Bucs have to face New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham, who might be the best receiving tight end in the NFL.

If recent history is any indication, the Bucs will have their hands full with Graham. In Sunday’s victory at Pittsburgh, the Bucs allowed Steelers tight end Heath Miller to catch a career-high 10 passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.

The Bucs played a soft zone on Miller, and he did a nice job of finding the weak spots. They were lucky Miller is not much of a threat after the catch, or his numbers would have been even bigger.

Graham has the athleticism to make things happen after the catch, however. The Bucs can’t use soft coverage on him or else they’ll pay a steep price. Against Pittsburgh, it seemed like every Miller reception was capped by a first down with safety Dashon Goldson making the tackle.

Goldson left the game with an ankle injury, and replacement Major Wright didn’t fare much better. Whether it’s Goldson or Wright playing against the Saints, the Bucs need to let their safeties be more aggressive.