Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wes Welker goes off.(4-1) New Orleans Saints at
(3-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

As ugly has Tampa has seemed at various points throughout the season, they’re still right behind the Saints with a chance to take the division lead with a win today. While they’re going to put forth a better effort than they did in a 48-3 loss to the Niners, I’m not getting anywhere near predicting a victory for the Bucs. Saints should roll in this one. 

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 6, 2011"

they’ll face without Andre Johnson.

  

(4-1) San Francisco 49ers 48
(3-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3

The Bucs still bore me. San Francisco slightly less so. This win probably seals the NFC West title.(4-1) San Diego Chargers 29

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 5, 2011"

heir running game can keep Houston’s offense on the sidelines, they’ve got a shot.(3-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(3-1) San Francisco 49ers

One of these teams is going to be 4-1 at the end of week five. WTF. These two squads win ugly and love it. I still don’t trust Alex Smith at all, despite his apparent improvement this season. I can’t get behind any team with him as the starting quarterback. Does that make me a bad person?

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 5, 2011"

Mark Sanchez passed for 369 yards, broke his nose and STILL lost. Snap.

(2-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16
(1-2) Atlanta Falcons 13

Wow. The Bucs still bore me and the Falcons aren’t exactly lighting it up lately. The NFC South is wide open for business. This next Monday night I’ll finally get to watch Josh Freeman in action, so maybe I’ll get the chance to be impressed… or take a nap.

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 3, 2011"

quo;s dislocated elbow will keep him on the sidelines for a while.(1-0) Detroit Lions 27
(0-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20

Well Matthew Stafford played an entire game and the Lions won. Good for them. For Tampa… yeah they still bore me. (1-0) Baltimore Ravens 35

Continue reading "The Final Drive: Week 1, 2011"

nbsp;   Detroit Lions at
(0-0)          Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Two teams with heavy expectations and young quarterbacks meet in Tampa Bay. Detroit’s offense lit it up during the preseason, so let’s see if that momentum continues. Tampa’s secondary is ripe for the picking.(0-0)          Pittsburgh Steelers at

Continue reading "The Opening Drive: Week 1, 2011"

rsquo;ve got them right where they were last year.

2010 Record: 11-5
2011 Prediction: 11-5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

Does anyone else feel like the Bucs are just banking on Josh Freeman turning into an elite-level QB without giving him any help? They were so lazy in free agency that I can’t give them a winning record even if I wanted to. I like Josh Freeman, but probably not as much as everyone else seems to. He needs more weapons. The right side of the Tampa offensive line (Davin Joseph and Jeremy Trueblood) is vastly overrated. Arrelious Benn is set up to be a productive number two receiver, but he only caught 25 balls in 15 games last year behind Mike Williams. They drafted Adrian Clayborn to get after the quarterback, but their secondary is extremely shallow. Aqib Talib is one misstep away from a heavy suspension and Ronde Barber is old as old gets. Rookie Mason Foster will get the call at middle linebacker, setting up a learning curve in the middle of the defense. I see a major step backwards for Tampa after an awful offseason.

Continue reading "Joe's 2011 NFL Season Preview: The NFC South"

No Jimmy, no.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

My prediction: 4-12
What actually happened: 10-6
My result: *

As good as the Bucs’ record may look, they weren’t really a ten-win team. Josh Freeman on the other hand, is the real deal. And so is his 'fro.

Continue reading "How Much I Effed Up: The NFC Edition"

en someone says that? I mean, it’s FOOTBALL! Of course it’s going to be physical!)(9-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(11-4) New Orleans Saints

While getting to ten wins would be huge for Raheem Morris’ Bucs, there’s just not enough on the offensive front for Tampa to make this anything more than slightly interesting. I see the Saints jumping out early and doing their part in the fight for the NFC South.(4-11) Cincinnati Bengals at

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 17"

Epic fail.(4-10) Detroit Lions 23
(8-6) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20

Well, Tampa Bay finally lost to a team it should have defeated. Giving the Lions their second win in a row, the Bucs are on the outside looking in on the playoffs and need some help if they are going to make a run. Credit the Lions for holding down the fort with Drew Stanton at quarterback. Seriously. Drew Standton.(10-4) Baltimore Ravens 30

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Final Drive: Week 15"

For Cincy, losing ten straight is unacceptable. Blow this team up.

(8-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
(5-8) Washington Redskins 16

Can’t even get an extra point off! The ‘Skins deserved to lose this game. (At least the special teams anyway.) Don’t look now, but the Bucs could sneak into the playoffs… just don’t expect them to beat anybody.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Final Drive: Week 14"

>
Getty Images/ Where was this offense eight weeks ago?

(10-2) Atlanta Falcons 28
(7-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24

So close. So very close. You have to feel bad for these Bucs, who have come within minutes of sweeping Atlanta this season. It’s not their year, but the Bucs are vastly improved and are still learning how to win. Unfortunately for them the Falcons are done learning and are on their wait to home field in the playoffs. Look out NFC.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 Final Drive: Week 13"

That $25,000 fine was SO worth it. Raiders still suck.

(7-3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21
(3-7) San Francisco 49ers 0

Instead of discussing how obviously bad the Niners are (and they are), instead I’ll mention that at 7-3 these Bucs are semi-legitimate. I still don’t think their schedule has been all that tough, but their losses have been close ones. Staying competitive week to week is one of the hardest things to do in today’s NFL, and Raheem Morris has been getting the most out of this squad.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 11"

Here's the best and worst of week nine!

(6-2) Atlanta Falcons 27
(5-3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21

It's odd to say, but this loss puts the Buccaneers on the map for the 2010 NFL season. Losing to the Falcons at home is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you have a chance to win the game late. One of the best teams in the NFC, the Falcons are quietly asserting themselves in the NFC South.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Let's kick off the Opening Drive!

(5-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(5-2) Atlanta Falcons

Tampa Bay. For realsies or fakesies? Today's match-up with their division rivals will go a long way in establishing the Bucs as a legitimate NFC threat or a young team with a deceiving record. Atlanta's offense would appear to have the advantage over a soft defense that gave up all sorts of points in its two losses. Michael Turner and Roddy White should each have 100-yard games today. As good as Josh Freeman has looked this season, that offense just isn't good enough to hang with the Falcons yet.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 9"

Just wait for it.

(4-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(3-3) Arizona Cardinals

Blech I say. Tampa Bay is one of many NFC teams that are trying to lay claim to the title of "Best," but they're simply mediocre with a forgiving schedule. Arizona will likely start undrafted rookie Max Hall at QB again today, which might drastically improve the Tampa defensive statistics. I'd avoid watching this one. It might not be very good.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 8"

Good luck Colt. You'll need it.

(3-2) New Orleans Saints at
(3-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Don't look now, but the Bucs are ahead of the Saints in the NFC South. Odd to say the least. If they want to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, the Bus will never have a better opportunity than today. The Saints are underwhelming so far in 2010 and are last minute field goals away from a losing record. Drew Brees better act like Drew Brees if he's to lead his team to victory on the road.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 6"

Here are the top stories from week five in the NFL!

(3-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
(2-3) Cincinnati Bengals 21 

So what's going on in Cincinnati? Everyone's AFC "Dark Horse" pick for the Super Bowl has fallen off the map in the AFC North, losing to a young Tampa squad. The offense's struggles have been well documented, with Carson Palmer tossing a pick-six in the second quarter of this loss. If the offense gives up points, it doesn't matter how good the defense is. Raheem Morris has his Bucs in the NFC South race, a place no one expected them to be.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 5"

NFL week four is on!

(2-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers at
(2-2) Cincinnati Bengals

Getting their bye week after being dominated by the Steelers, the Bucs are back to take on a Bengals squad desperate for a win to keep up in their division. Carson Palmer and the passing game broke out last week in a loss, but was that a one-bullet gun or can they fire a few more? Tampa Bay's weak secondary will entice Cincy to throw on almost every down. If they can move around Tampa's smaller defensive front, Cedric Benson could have a big day, but don't count on it. This'll be a close one.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 5"

Eli Manning is the best QB they've faced so far.

(2-0) Pittsburgh Steelers at
(2-0) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

So I didn't quite expect either of these teams to be undefeated, much less the lowly Bucs. Pittsburgh proved they could still win in spite of a putrid offensive performance last week. Charlie Batch will be steady (if he lasts in the pocket) and move the ball well enough, but the Steeler defense will shut down Josh Freeman and the Buccaneer offense and drop them from the undefeateds.

Continue reading "Joe's NFL Opening Drive: Week 3"

(And fast, too.)

Reuters

(2-0) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
(0-2) Carolina Panthers 7

Congratulations to Tampa Bay for winning two-thirds as many games as they did last year. Congratulations to Carolina for deciding to end the Matt Moore experiment and to start Jimmy Clausen next week. Your season will still be disappointing. My 6-10 prediction is looking awfully optimistic right now.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 2"

h? Can the Saints repeat or are the Falcons ready to fly high? Here's my NFC South preview! 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Obviously, first-year head coach Raheem Morris was expecting better than 3-13 when the regular season started. Unfortunately what followed was a mess of a campaign, complete with three different starting quarterbacks. After Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson's failures, first-rounder Josh Freeman was finally tapped to fill the starting role. Throwing only 10 touchdowns and 18 interceptions wasn't what he had in mind either. This season, Freeman won't be in a much better situation. While his top target Kellen Winslow is back at tight end, the second leading receiver Antonio Bryant was let go. This leaves Maurice Stovall, Arrelious Benn and Reggie Brown as Freeman's top threats. Yikes. If the offensive line can improve at all, perhaps Cadillac Williams can build off his 823 yard, 4 TD 2009 season.

Continue reading "Joe's 2010 NFL Season Preview: NFC South"

the playoffs, they have a chance for the first winning record in franchise history. 

(3-12) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20
(13-2) New Orleans Saints 17

This game was the WTF? moment of the weekend. The formerly 13-0 Saints have dropped two straight, but losing on a last second field goal to the lowly Buccaneers is inexcusable. Cadillac Williams ran all over the Saints defense, but it was the New Orleans offense struggling to put up points that lost them the game. That defense isn't good enough to keep teams under 17.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 16"

Their last two games haven’t been pretty, but the Colts are still undefeated.

(1-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38
(4-4) Green Bay Packers 28

Oh Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers won’t be able to finish the season at this rate. Rodgers was sacked six times and tossed three interceptions against the Bucs, who had a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Josh Freeman only completed 14 of his 31 pass attempts, but he certainly made them when they counted, putting it in the endzone three times. Head coach Raheem Morris finally gets his first win of the season, ensuring no team will go winless in 2009.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Their last two games haven’t been pretty, but the Colts are still undefeated.

(1-7) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38
(4-4) Green Bay Packers 28

Oh Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers won’t be able to finish the season at this rate. Rodgers was sacked six times and tossed three interceptions against the Bucs, who had a rookie quarterback making his first NFL start. Josh Freeman only completed 14 of his 31 pass attempts, but he certainly made them when they counted, putting it in the endzone three times. Head coach Raheem Morris finally gets his first win of the season, ensuring no team will go winless in 2009.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 9"

Wes Welker needs to be healthy for Tom Brady to have success in this one. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) at Washington Redskins (1-2) 

You’re obviously wondering why I would even mention this game. It’s simple, there’s drama. Tampa Bay benched QB Byron Leftwich after their offense failed to put up points, switching to second-year Josh Johnson. For the Redskins, this is a game they could once mark down as an easy win, but not anymore. If they lose a second straight contest to a supposedly inferior foe, heads could roll in DC.  

Continue reading "Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4"

Now there’s no going back.

Dallas Cowboys 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21

T.O. leaves for Buffalo, and Tony Romo sets a career high in touchdowns (3) in his first game without him? Coincidence? I think not. Hopefully Romo’s ankle is fine, but as he found three different receivers on those scores, sharing is the key in Dallas.

Continue reading "Joe's Final Drive: Week 1"

The Final Drive of week 15 fills you in.

Atlanta Falcons 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10

If the Falcons are going to make it into the playoffs, this will be the win that propelled them. Matt Ryan played one of his worst games of the season, throwing two interceptions against a hard-nosed Tampa defense. Coming to his aid was running back Michael Turner, who posted 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Atlanta abused Tampa QB Brian Griese by sacking him four times, three of which came from defensive end John Abraham. Griese filled in for the injured Jeff Garcia, who sat out with a calf injury. If Garcia is out for any significant period of time, it could spell doom for the Bucs’ playoff chances after being in the driver’s seat only a few weeks ago.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 15"

Carolina Panthers 38, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

With a daunting task in the form of the Broncos, Giants, and Saints next on their schedule, beating a main division competitor gives Carolina

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 14"

Week thirteen is in the books and online in this Final Drive!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23, New Orleans Saints 20

The Bucs needed to fight off a fourth quarter rally with a late field goal and two interceptions in the final four minutes, but they managed to come out on top over Drew Brees and the Saints. Tampa’s secondary picked off the MVP candidate Brees three times in total and held the Saints to 44 rushing yards to prove their defense is still one of the best on football. Jeff Garcia had a sub-par outing, going 9 for 23 and one touchdown, but Jon Gruden’s squad found a way to win. The Saints would need to win out and get a lot of help in order to get into the playoffs, so they’ll need to start looking at ways to improve that defense… again.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 13"

layed fairly well, but the Packer defense hasn’t backed him up.

New Orleans Saints (6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-3)

Losing to a division opponent this weekend would almost certainly eliminate New Orleans from playoff contention. The NFC South is a much-improved landscape, and the Saints have suffered too many injuries to keep pace. Reggie Bush is listed as questionable, but has declared his intention to be on the field. Tampa Bay has fought off the returning Panthers and the rising Falcons to hold a share of the South lead after twelve weeks. Jon Gruden has done a solid coaching job, but keeping Jeff Garcia out of the starting line-up for so long may have cost his team a win. Even if the Bucs can’t hold onto the division, they should be in a prime spot to take a wildcard slot. Expect to see them come January.

Continue reading "Joey A's Opening Drive: Week 13"

of his draft day drama and has his team in a great position to repeat.

Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)

Instead of former starter Tavaris Jackson’s 150 yards, one interception outings, the Vikings have Gus Frerotte’s 300 yards, three interception days. I suppose that’s an upgrade. Quarterback is still the issue in Minnesota, as Frerotte is not the present or long-term solution. Adrian Peterson must stay healthy for his Vikings to secure the NFC North crown, which is the only way any North team will make it into the post-season.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eleven Preview"

A week filled with late game nervousness and dominant performances. The Texans were the ones doing the prowling as they tore apart the Bengals. 'America's Team' didn't look so sharp, but they found a way to win. The NFL brought a real shootout to London (hopefully no one was hurt!) and Brett Favre didn't look good for the second consecutive week, but thankfully for the Jets, they played the Chiefs. I'll cover those games in this week's Fallout report!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Fallout"

s go to a tough 0-8.

Winners - Houston Texans

UPSET SPECIAL
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys

My crystal ball is back! The upset special portion was scrapped from last week's predictions due to the crystal ball's suspension, but after a lengthy talk and a few laughs the crystal ball has promised not to act up and has promised to get this week's upset special pick correct. Dallas has tumbled the past couple weeks with its injuries and an embarrassing loss to the Rams last week. Brad Johnson didn't look good against St.Louis as he made his first start in quite some time. He'll get the start again as Romo is not expected to return until mid-November. Dallas will face a good Tampa Bay team. Some could say Tampa could be favored in this game after everything Dallas has been through the last couple of weeks. Tampa does have the better record. Their coming off a drumming of the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football last week. I looked into my crystal ball and I saw the score and I saw the future. "Pleasant" is not a word that describes Cowboy fans' mood next week. My crystal ball is back. My crystal ball picks Tampa Bay!

Continue reading "NFL Week 8 Predictions"

Louis to the Titans of Tennessee, what's not to love? I can't wait for week seven in the NFL!

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-2) at Dallas Cowboys (4-3)

Now that Dallas officially won’t have Tony Romo until after their bye week in November, let the drama begin. After losing two in a row, the ‘Boys can’t afford another loss. However, as far as I’m concerned, the show gets more entertaining if they lose. (I probably shouldn’t be so biased, but it’ll make for good television.) Brad Johnson will need to quickly rebound from his three interception showing against the Rams. For that happen though, Marion Barber must take even more of a central role to the Dallas offense. Roy Williams and Terrell Owens have to find ways to coexist as tight end Jason Witten will get the bulk of Johnson’s throws. Defensively, Dallas was a train wreck last week, getting abused on the ground. With Jon Gruden’s proclivity towards running the ball, I’ll have my eyes intently focused on this outcome.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Eight Preview"

th, that might be enough to sneak into the playoffs, given Pittsburgh’s difficult schedule.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37, Carolina Panthers 3

What a difference a Jeff Garcia makes. Hopefully this is the game that proves to Coach Jon Gruden that Garcia is the man for the starting job (everyone else knew). Warrick Dunn was able to put up 115 yards on the ground against the vaunted Carolina defense. The Tampa defense showed its mettle, picking off Jake Delhomme three times. Delhomme did hit Steve Smith for 112 yards, but the star receiver never made it into the end zone. The Panthers QB had his worst game of the season at probably the worst time possible. Now the Buccaneers have tied the Panthers’ record at 4-2, but in essence hold a one game lead thanks to the head-to-head win. In a scrappy division, this game could come back to haunt John Fox and the Panthers.

Continue reading "Joey A's Final Drive: Week 5"

offense to give their defense a much-needed break without Bob Sanders.

Carolina Panthers (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

The NFC South is surprisingly more competitive than anybody wanted to predict. Carolina has been the “sexy” pick for years, and now may be poised to finally claim that title. John Fox can rest easy, as his coaching seat is now only lukewarm. The Panthers’ plan of giving Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams 35-45 total carries a game to set up Jake Delhomme’s play action pass has worked to perfection this season. Don’t expect that to change on Sunday against Tampa Bay, who along with Atlanta, sits directly behind Carolina in the standings. The Bucs will have an ornery Jeff Garcia starting under center, who returns to the line-up after Brian Griese was knocked out of last week’s contest with a swollen right elbow. He’ll be looking to impress Jon Gruden in hopes of keeping the job, which will work if he wins and won’t if he loses. Or maybe not, who can really tell what Gruden thinks when it comes to his quarterbacks?

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Six Preview"

It was an interesting week in the National Football League. A few surprises, a big meltdown by one team and one bruised and battered team found a way to win a big prime-time game. Let's get right to it--game by game.

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Fallout"

First off, I want to introduce myself. My name is Jake, I live in Houston. I'm glad I found this place. I've read a lot of bloggers material today from predictions to their favorite teams' rants, it's great. I enjoyed it. Sports, baby sports!

Continue reading "NFL Week 5 Predictions"

ir chance to return to .500 and to start catching up to the division-leading Titans.  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (3-1)  

Brian Griese will try again this week to lead the Bucs to victory against a former team. If he’s still hung up on leaving Denver though, he holds a grudge really well. Still, holding down Denver’s high-powered offense will be an impressive feat if the Bucs defense can manage it. In fact, if they can it will make this match-up pretty even in terms of offense on defense. Going up against two tough defensive units the past two weeks in Chicago and Green Bay, Griese should welcome the chance to throw against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Denver needs to start playing up to their potential on both sides of the ball. With Dre’ Bly and Champ Bailey in their secondary, I expect more interceptions than the one they’ve nabbed so far. Jay Cutler and the offense should rebound after their showing against Kansas City, but they can’t be required to score 35 every week. Holding Tampa under 20 should be enough to get the Broncos to 4-1.  

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Five Preview"

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won two consecutive emotional games against the NFC North. Despite these ups and downs, both are tied for first place in their respective divisions after four weeks.

Continue reading "Buccaneers and Packers have Questions ..."

His wide receivers need to help out if they want to be a .500 club.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

If you’re a fantasy football player and are wondering if I think Brian Griese will pass for 400 yards again this week, let me fill you in: that won’t happen ever again. There’s no way Green Bay’s defense is that porous against the pass, even if Al Harris is out for an extended period of time. They still have Charles Woodson, who won’t have to chase around Terrell Owens like he did in their loss last week. Their other cover corner Al Harris may be out for the season, but nothing definitive has been announced yet. Recent reports suggest he may even be back by mid-season. Green Bay’s running game needs to find its rhythm with Ryan Grant; otherwise Aaron Rodger’s solid play won’t mean anything.

Continue reading "Joey A's NFL Week Four Preview"

Well, this game ended just how it started: ugly. That’s really the only way to describe yesterday’s return of Brian Griese. From the opening play when Tommie Harris got involved with Bucs offensive lineman Donald Penn, it was obvious Tampa Bay was playing dirtier than usual. After early penalties on both teams, the referees seemed to contain most of the emotion. Though it proved to not be enough as another fight broke out in overtime with the game on the line. After the defense halted Tampa on third down, one of the Bucs offensive lineman refused to get off of a Bears defender, even going so far as to forearm the Bear in the facemask. Obviously, this starts an old-fashioned scrum. Entering late, Bears cornerback Charles Tillman got involved with a Buccaneer trying to helmet him in the back. Tillman throws that player to the ground and gets flagged for unnecessary roughness, giving the Bucs new life in the form of a first down. Brian Griese then methodically leads his offense down the field and sets up the game winning field goal.

Continue reading "Griese Returns with a Vengeance in Bears Loss"

If you had told me six months ago that the Bears and Bucs would play in week 3 and Brian Griese was going to be involved in a quarterback controversy, I would’ve had no problem believing you. In fact, I would’ve had money on it. The weird part is Brian Griese is playing for Tampa Bay…again. I’m sure Brian’s pretty excited at the prospect of beating the team where he wasted two years of his career. Honestly, I might be more afraid of facing Brian Griese in this game than I would be if Jeff Garcia was starting. Now, before you stop reading because I’m an idiot, let me explain why.

Continue reading "Joe's Gameday Preview: Bucs at Bears"

I don’t consider a 9-7 team playoff worthy, but in the crazy industry that is the NFL, a division winner automatically makes the playoffs. Despite their lackluster win-loss record last year, the Tampa Bay Buccs did win their horrible division and made the playoffs. They rested their players in the last week of the season and were then defeated in the first round by the New York Giants, the eventual Super Bowl Champions. To me, they aren’t a great team at all. They play in a bad division and really any one team from the NFC South can win that division. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Atlanta Falcons win the NFC South this year. Ok, lets be real. The Buccs made the playoffs last year, so it wasn’t all bad. There were aspects of their team that were really good and some that were not so good.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #16: The ..."

a 7-9 record was not good enough to get the Panthers into the playoffs last year. Most of that can be blamed on their quarterback problems last season. Jake Delhomme was having a fantastic year until the injury bug hit him hard and ended his season. This forced the Panthers to play the under-achieving David Carr, a man I feel should not even be playing in the NFL, let alone starting for any franchise. Things got so bad in Carolina, that they even went out and got the older-then-God Vinny Testaverde. Testaverde played ok, but it wasn’t what this team needed to have success. Lets face it, the season was over when Delhomme went down. The offensive line played terribly last season. Delhomme may not have been able to avoid the injury, but Carr was getting killed back there when he played. The Panthers needed to fix that offensive line coming into this year. They did pick up a couple of good draft picks. Jeff Otah from Pittsburgh will be a great addition to the line. I don’t think its going to be enough, but lets hope for the Panther’s sake that the offensive line can come through.

Continue reading "32 Teams in 32 Days, Team #15: The ..."

Invariably, if you attend any Buccaneers home game, you’ll encounter pewter-clad fans donning jerseys of their favorite, hometown heroes, just as you would in any NFL stadium on any given Sunday around the county.  In Tampa, without question, the most common jersey you’ll run into is that of Mike Alstott, who for some reason appears to have become a sort of cult hero in the Bay Area.  In fact, at a game I attended earlier this season, the Bucs had the ball first-and-goal, about to score, and an ornery fan behind me shouted out “PUT IN ALSTOTT!!!”  Never mind that Alstott sat out the entire 2007 season with a neck injury.  Maybe he hadn’t gotten that memo.  The “Put In Alstott” line at Raymond James has become akin to someone requesting that a band play “Free Bird” at your local dive bar.

Continue reading "The Fascination with Mike Alstott"

*Editor's Note: This piece was written Tuesday night but, due to Internet problems, is being posted just now.

Only the NFL can make headlines with the release of its regular season schedule. Granted, there are only a handful of games for fans to absorb, so the attention given to each week is natural. However, this speaks increasingly to the booming popularity of the league.

Continue reading "Bears Schedule Analysis"

Brian Griese was traded back to his old team today for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick. We all knew this was coming, especially since he was due a $300,000 roster bonus tomorrow and wouldn’t have stayed on the roster even if he hadn’t been traded. This is comforting news for Angelo, who got something, anything, for Greesee rather than just giving him the ol’ das boot. I don’t really understand what the Bucs were thinking. Take a gander at their current QB roster for ‘08:

Continue reading "Griese traded to Bucs for '09 draft ..."

I mean, after all, he is the son of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive genius Monte Kiffin. I am not so sure that asking him to leave is the answer to the team’s problems. Maybe asking

Continue reading "The Los Angeles Raiders"

hen he ripped my heart out by not committing his then-signature turnovers when he played against my Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I was forced to take notice. I did not remember seeing him play so well before that.

Continue reading "I stand corrected!"

My Tampa Bay Buccaneers played an exceptional first quarter today and then decided to fall asleep on me. Too bad the game has four quarters! Argh! I really thought they could make something happen this year. My #1 team(s) the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders never even made it to the playoffs - so the time has come for auxiliary cheering methods – jump on the bandwagon! I have planned out who I will be rooting for next week for sure (remaining season afterward to be determined):

Continue reading "Bandwagon Season!"

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had their magical run to the Super Bowl the main reason they made it was on their defense. The offense really couldn't get out of their own way so without the number one defense at the time they wouldn't have made it.

Continue reading "Does Defense Really Win Championships?"

t that the area is rich in professional sports! The Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are relatively close to each other and easily accessible. The closest NBA was the Orlando Magic, but I got to catch a pre-season game at the Ice Palace one year. I felt really spoiled since I grew up in a place where everything was much more spread out and harder to get tickets for. To make things even better – there was plenty of golf and tennis around. I only wish the USF Bulls were as good as they are now when I was there. I didn’t complain though, I was able to go to the games free since my school didn’t have football. (They did at one time; John Matuszak is a U Tampa alum!)

Continue reading "Something's wrong with Tropicana Field?"

As I was watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Carolina Panthers today I saw a ray of hope. Actually, I saw several – the young defense and Luke McCown. Yeah, I know, they stunk up the place at the end of the game but at least they gave it a real try. You have to remember that many, if not all starters were out at that point. Plus I wonder if Monte Kiffin stops paying attention by the 4th but that’s a different story…

Continue reading "Shining Stars"

Yup - we were at Monster Park today to see the San Francisco 49ers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs didn’t really have to worry much about the game’s outcome. The team is playoff bound regardless but the 49ers wanted a win very badly. This game was QB Jeff Garcia’s “homecoming” and possibly Bryant Young’s last appearance.

Continue reading "It’s interesting how different ..."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers!

Well, today it finally happened! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally returned a kickoff for a touchdown! Woohoo! From a new face nonetheless! I looked outside and there are no donkeys flying but it has been a bit cold…

Continue reading "A streak-breaking day for Florida NFL teams!"

So, pray tell, what is my guilty pleasure? The Bucs! Ohmigosh! I loooove the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Why do I feel guilty? Well, being a Los Angeles native that comes from a pedigree of Raiders-Rams-Niners, I always feel I need to explain myself when I root for them. I get that feeling like I was caught listening to Michael Bolton or something (not that I would do that but you get my drift).

Continue reading "My Guilty Pleasure"