The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, showed up Sunday, beating down the Dirty Birds, the Atlanta Falcons, 42-28. The Bucs finally put together four quarters of real NFL Football. The question is, can they become the team they’re capable of being?
I think so, truly. The great thing about being at the bottom is there’s only one direction to go – up. I have joked before, saying the Bucs will never have a Cinderella story. But I must admit, however, that the last three games versus Seattle, Miami and Atlanta have felt like a dream. I know it’s just two wins, but everything starts somewhere. The Bucs are making a statement, forcing Seattle into overtime, while beating Miami and Atlanta. (I know the two wins aren’t against the greatest teams) but a win is a win. The statement it clear: they will not go down easily. They will fight, and by the time the is game over they will have a win – or at the very least your respect.
Worth Noting
Mike Glennon – 20/23 231 YDS 2 TD’s
Bobby Rainey – 30CAR 163 YDS 2 TD’s
Vincent Jackson – 10REC 165 YDS 1 TD
Mason Foster – 1 Interception 1 TD
Gerald McCoy – 3 Sacks
Dashon Goldson – 1 Interception
I told you. I told you all! If the Bucs stepped up, if the players came together and the coaches did their jobs they could dominate this game. The Bucs put together nothing short of a masterpiece (by their standards). The game wasn’t as close as the 41-28 score would make you think. By the fourth quarter the game was over. The Falcons were able to pad the score with 15 points in the 4th, but it was much too little, much too late.
Game Ball
Bobby Rainey – wow, just wow. I love this kid. The 26-year old undrafted RB was awe-inspiring. He literally ran the ball down the Falcons throat. It’s particularly encouraging when you stop to think about the fact he was number four on the depth chart behind Doug Martin, Mike James, and Brian Leonard. He took the team, placed it on his back and ran, finding holes, breaking tackles, pushing forward. I loved every second of it. Just the thought of Rainey, James, and Martin next year – sorry, I had to wipe the drool from my mouth – working together makes me excited looking forward to next season.
I know I singled out Bobby Rainey, and in my defense he had a hell of a game. But it wasn’t just him. Mike Glennon was nothing short of impressive. Mike had a career-high 89.2 Total QBR while completing 20-of-23 (87.0 percent). That’s impressive by any standards especially for a rookie quarterback. The Glenn (as Bucs fan’s like to call him) is showing composure and leadership qualities week in and week out. It was nice to see Vincent Jackson have great game. Jackson who is either missing in action or taking games over, showed up big this week. Gerald McCoy set the pace for the defense racking up three sacks. McCoy has become the leader of the defense, and I look forward to see just how dominant he can become.
Mason Foster’s pick-6, funny story
So I was sitting here watching the game, yelling and screaming like all obnoxious sports fans do. Then I see the big man that is Mason Foster get the ball and run it in for a TD. I’m sure you can imagine for a fan of a now 2-8 team, any big play is something to get excited about. Me in my sports-induced joy slammed my hand of the coffee table. Not once, but many times. Now I have an extremely sprained wrist. But as I’m sure most sports fans will agree, it was worth it.
Schiano
Now to Coach Schiano, a man who I have never liked and all of BucNation hates. Is it true that winning cures everything? It might. At this moment I am still saying #FireSchiano. However, if the man can continue to win games… maybe not. If he can bring the team together and keep it together I might change my mind. This is becoming a divided issue for Bucs fans. Right now there is no right or wrong answer. If Schiano can become the coach they need for the future, I think it’s only right to forgive the past, as ambiguous as that sounds. It’s not forget but forgive, and the best way for that to happen is to win football games.
In all Bucs fans are smiling ear to ear today. Not to long ago they were there worst team in the NFL. Now there’s hope they won’t be the worst team in their division by year’s end. #FireSchiano #ItsABucsLife #JustWin
On a personal note, we here at Last Word On Sports send our thoughts to those affected by the Intense thunderstorms and tornadoes that swept through parts of 12 states Sunday. We like to think the worst thing that can happen on Sunday’s is our teams losing. But sports become irrelevant. Stay safe everyone.
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