Let your pewter heart not be troubled…
So here we are , in a familiar spot -on the outside looking in.
It’s that time of the year when NFL teams around the league are making play-off plans, a few are scoreboard watching and wishing upon a star, and some are making vacation plans.
AROUND COVER32
QB Rankings: Who’s rising as the temperatures are falling?
NFL Mailbag: Out goes Osweiler, in comes Savage
Power Rankings:: The playoff picture is still hazy with two picks left
For the last six to seven years we have been firmly in the latter, our team was eliminated and looking forward to next year. This year we are in that “scoreboard watching” category looking at multiple “Rube Goldberg” scenarios where we need to win and others need to lose or tie, etc.
It all hinges upon beating New Orleans Saturday in their house (dome?). No win Saturday and it’s time to break out the vacation brochures; as the 2016 Buccaneers will almost assuredly be missing the play-offs again.
Few people including your not so humble author thought we had a snowballs chance in St. Petersburg of making the show this year. Another new Head Coach (again), a batch of un-proven high draft picks and a cast of returning players who played less than inspired football last year-with a few exceptions.
One of those who had a wonderful year in 2015 was our beloved “Muscle Hamster“ Doug Martin. This year? Not so much. Another injury and he has been, well, less than exciting is a fair description. I lamented this in a previous column.
Our young Quarterback Jameis Winston has been his usual self-he keeps us guessing and is far from predictable. One game he is Peyton Manning accurate and careful, next game he is more Eli with picks-a-plenty and harried.
The Defense had been flat abysmal early on-but of late they are playing the Buc Ball we all grew up with; gang tackling, interceptions and sacks. Special Teams, our Punter Bryan Anger is having a Pro Bowl caliber year. Our Place Kicker has been at times horrible, and at times-money.
Money is a good word here as he is a secnd round pick and getting enough of it-about time he start being more worthy his salary. Roberto needs to ask Santa for some consistency this year.
So here we are. 8-6, seventh in the rankings looking in. Yes I’d rather be locked down and preparing for the “show”, but that just wouldn’t be Tampa would it?
I say to my fellow Tampa fanatics, let your pewter heart not be troubled, have faith. We are much improved in many areas. We are getting there. We are in the conversation again. We aren’t losing ugly, and we aren’t a push-over anymore.
We are now familiar with names who, unless we had the roster memorized at seasons kick-off- are now familiar to us. Adam Humphries. Cameron Brate. Freddie Martino!!!
Have we turned the corner? Saturday. Ask me Saturday around 9 PM. After the New Orleans game.
The Saints and our old adversary Drew Brees can score at will and in big numbers. This game won’t be played in the rain at Ray Jay like it was two weeks ago. No this time we are in their house and they would love nothing better to end our season and keep their snow-balls alive. We must have the same Defensive showing we had against “The Birthmarked One” as we did last time.
And secondly we must must must have a Running Game established and cranking.
We win the “turn over” battle and Tampa’s chances of making the show are almost tripled.
So who is with me?
Don your cutlass, and un-sheath your dagger, the Buccaneers still have some pillaging to do!
Prediction Bucs 29 Saints 27.
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