The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Lions 24-21 in what was a really strange game. It took a nail-biting finish, but the Bucs showed they are for real, as they are now winners of three in a row. After starting 0-8, they have not only reversed the trend, but might be even considered as “thriving” amongst supporters. A team that once found every way they could to lose have been scrapping it out to find ways to win. It only took eight games, but it’s nice to have a professional football team back in Tampa.
Game Ball:
The Buccaneers Defense.
“Five takeaways and a blocked punt, and we needed every bit of it to win,” Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said. “My hat’s off to that group in the secondary.”
Quick Players Notes:
Matthew Stafford: Threw four interceptions, one interception was run back for a touchdown and the other three were picked off inside the Bucs 20-yard line.
Darrelle Revis: Sadly, Revis suffered a groin injury and was unable to return to the game. Without Revis, The Bucs defense could have easily fallen apart. Instead they stepped up.
Lavonte David: Interception, Forced Fumble
Leonard Johnson: Interception
Johnthan Banks: Interception
Keith Tandy: Interception
Danny Gorrer: Forced Fumble
Adrian Clayborn: Sack
Dekoda Watson: Sack
This wasn’t a pretty win by any means, but I’ll take it. All season the Bucs found a way to lose games, shooting themselves in the foot in the fourth quarter. And, after the Bucs missed two field goals, I was thinking Sunday would finish as it has much of the year. Another heart breaking last minute loss. But the team showed its resiliency, and the Defense in particularly never gave up.
Walking the plank:
The big question after this game, Should Greg Schiano “STILL” be fired?
This was easy when the the team was 0-8. It’s true what they say in sports,winning cures everything and after three straight wins, this has become a legitimate question. One thing I have said all season long, and still stand by it, is that Mike Sullivan needs to go. Sullivan, in my opinion is to blame for the Bucs slow start. Former QB Josh Freeman obviously deserves a lot of blame. Injuries to Carl Nicks, Davin Joseph, Doug Martin have clearly not helped things. But I shouldn’t be able to call better plays on Madden, then a NFL Offensive Coordinator. So I will say this a plainly as I can: Sullivan needs to go at the end of the season.
Greg Schiano, while I still don’t like him, I’m leaning towards giving him another chance. Much of my opinion will rest on how the Bucs finish the season. A win against The Panthers this week will be a great statement game. Greg Schiano reminds a lot of people of Tom Coughlin as far as their temperament and coaching styles. I don’t know if the hard-ass coaching style works in the NFL anymore, but after two Super Bowls for Coughlin, I’m curious to see if Schiano can become the coach the Bucs need.
In all it was a good game. Two touchdowns, no interceptions for the rookie quarterback, Mike Glennon. Tiquan Underwood had three receptions for 108 yards and 2 TD’s. This was also a very emotional game. Bucs fans watched and waited almost certain there team would find a way to lose. Maybe this is what the Bucs needed. They showed to themselves they can win close games. I have to hope a win like this brings teams closer together; It helps build trust and character. #ItsABucsLife #FireRianLindell
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