Merry Christmas, Detroit
December 19th, 2010
Early in the season Raheem Morris used to openly fantasize to the media about his dream of pounding teams into submission in the fourth quarter with LeGarrette Blount.
That was his ultimate scenario, Raheem said, culminating with the Bucs taking a knee, which Raheem calls his favorite play in football.
You had your chance today, coach, and you abandoned your dream. Someone wearing a headset didn’t get the memo on your core beliefs.
Consider that on the Bucs’ scoring drive early in the fourth quarter that tied the game at 17, Blount powered his way 27 yards to get the Bucs to the Detroit 12 yard line. He wasn’t used again that drive, which ended in a field goal.
On their next drive, still tied at 17, the Bucs had first down on the Detroit 15 with a chance to run down the clock and get a touchdown or set up a game-winning field goal with little or no time for the Lions to return. Blount never got the ball again.
Two handoffs to Cadillac Williams and a quarterback keeper by Josh Freeman led to no first down and the Bucs kicked a field goal before Detroit closed out the game.
Alan Keyes isn’t that conservative.
Where the hell was Blount? Isn’t 15 carries for 110 punishing yards enough to realize the Lions couldn’t stop him?
Joe wonders who the Lions wanted to run the ball late in the game like that, Blount, Cadillac or Freeman? You can bet it wasn’t Blount.
Joe would bet anything that the Lions are grateful for the gift the Bucs gave them.
Merry Christmas, Detroit.
December 19th, 2010 at 8:34 pm
this is about the 3rd game this kind of stuff has happened the coaching here sucks
December 19th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
How can you say the coaching sucks when we have a wining season with a team many thought would win only 2-3 games?? I would say there is a lot of room for improvement.
Joe: I don’t know how you can keep writing about this game. Even thinking about it makes me ill.
December 19th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
I’ve been screaming this all year. Raheem’s “core beliefs” are crap. He’s all talk. I’m actually sick of Raheem and his hot air.
Yes, the Bucs are 8-6. But that’s more due to Freeman and his guys on offense.
December 19th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
we have a winning season because we beat crap teams name one team that is halfway good that we beat ya thats what i thought
December 19th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Just a note. The Playoffs are not out of reach.
We need help now, but not unrealistic help. The Packers need to lose to the Patriots tonight (very realistic). The Saints need to lose to the Falcons next week (not out of the question). Then we need to beat the Saints (of course, we need to beat the Seahawks next week first).
The only game that’s a little “out of our league” is the Saints game week 17. Seriously, we could still be in the playoff hunt in the final week of the season, even with this loss. Yep, and it doesn’t even matter what the Giants or Packers do (except the Packers losing to the Patriots).
December 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
i totally agree joe…blount should get 30 touches a game without question, i don’t give a rat’s a*# if he fumbles once, i think the massive chunks of yardage should make up for it. but he has shown the ability to hold onto the ball the last couple of games. like they say in golf, let the big dog eat!
December 19th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
We all have opinions but I am begining to realize from these articles and blogs, that there are a ton of people in the wrong professions. Everyone should send resumes to the Bucs for coaching positions since so many folks know so much more than the current staff. Too funny. Merry Christmas to all of you and try to get over this painful loss. Football is just a game and if you wake up tomorrow with your health, food, clothing and shelter then you have it better than millions of people in this world. The Bucs lost…get over it and find something to be thankful for and if you have no idea what to be thankful about, then how about being thankful that we are at worst an 8-8 team this season.
December 19th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
“We’re gonna score touchdowns.”
More empty talk from Raheem.
I HATE our coach.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Mylanta.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Raheem is not the problem, Olsen is. Olsen is the idiot who gave up on Blount in the redzone after he had a great drive.
Olsen’s playcalling alone has caused us a couple of games. I can’t say it was THE reason we lost today, because the refs also took away a K2 TD on a BS call and made a bunch of other BS calls, another being that catch that Calvin made where he only had 1 foot in.
The defense was just downright awful as well. So there’s a bunch of things you can look at.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Assuming the Packers lose tonight, they STILL control their own destiny in terms of getting a wild card spot in the NFC playoffs. That is because they finish the season vs. the Giants and Bears, both at Lambeau. If they win both of those games, the Packers are in. Here is why…
If the Packers win their final two games, the best the Giants (9-5) and Buccaneers (8-6) can do is finish 10-6.
At best, the Giants and Buccaneers can finish is 8-4 in the conference. With victories in their final two games, the Packers would also finish 8-4.
In order for there to be a three-way tie between the two teams, Tampa Bay would have to win at home against Seattle and on the road at New Orleans. The Saints could still be playing for the NFC South title, but chances are they will be out of it. The Giants would have to win at Washington on the final week.
In a three-way tie, the first couple of tiebreakers are head-to-head sweep of one team over the other two, best conference record, best record in common games (minimum of four), best strength of victory (combined victories of opponents who were beaten).
There is no head-to-head sweep with the Packers Giants and Bucs, and conference record would be 8-4. There are only three common games between the three teams so you’d go to strength of victory and the Packers are way ahead on that. If you played out the season with home teams winning except for TB at NO and NYG at Washington, the Packers’ strength of victory would be 74, compared to the Giants’ 59 and the Buccaneers’ 54.
If the wild card tiebreaker came down to just the Packers (10-6) vs. Giants (10-6), the Packers would win based on a head-to-head victory.
If the wild card tiebreaker came down to just the Packers (10-6) vs. Buccaneers, there would be no head-to-head, the conference record would be tied at 8-4 and common games record would be tied at 2-3. This became possible only after the Buccaneers lost to the Lions. Had they won, they would have had a better common games record.
Once again, the tiebreaker between the Packers and Buccaneers would go down to strength of victory and the Packers are way ahead on that.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
When Olson is replaced with someone who wants to win rather than show off, I will buy Bucs merchandise again.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Wow Bob Fox, this is really confusing. I have no idea who we should root for in the last 2 weeks of the season.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Olsen sucks!!!!!
December 19th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
hear hear, joe. hear, hear.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Demote Olsen to QB coach and hire someone that knows how to use a road grader and wants to score TD’s instead of field goals. Ridiculous. I’m so freakin pissed and will be in a bad mood for two days.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
I agree with Joe on this one and I don’t understand what these OC’s are doing. How you can bench the MVP of the game (LaGarrett Blount) in the critical moments is just inexcusable. I don’t give a sh*t about anything but production… and that kid was running all over them. Playing for field goals and ties is just bullsh#t when the D has lost 6 starters in the last 3 games and leaving holes so big my niece could run through them.
Again, Ra played not to lose………and we lost! just like ATL game. We have to be aggressive with the lead too. It’s a mentality shared by a few clubs in the league … Pats, Pit, Jets, even NO and ATL. You know, winners… It comes from the HC on down. I would rather lose being aggressive on offense then lose playing Dungy ball.
COACH HIM UP AND GIVE BLOUNT THE DAMN BALL AT THE END OF THE GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 19th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
thanks for this post joe as olsons criminal abandonment of the guy who got him there while in the red zone is the single biggest reason the bucs lost this game. maybe its time for hire greg olson to change that name back
December 19th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Olsen is the Sabby Piscitelli of Playcallers
December 19th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
poof, the moment has passed. Squandered.
Don’t get many in this game.
December 19th, 2010 at 9:50 pm
Let’s not get carried away. 🙂
December 19th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Not good decisions offensively, but the defense did not have to let the lions drive down and tie the game, running like a hot knife through butter. And then offer next to no resistance at all in the OT.
Something has GOT to be done about this, how many RB no names have looked like hall of famers? The freakin LIONS march down our throats? Cmon.
Surely priority number one before next year. Get your thinking cap on Rah.
December 19th, 2010 at 10:06 pm
I think the Sabby comparison is spot on. Let see:
1) Sabby Wiffs on tackles- Olsen Wiffs on his Playcalls.
2) Sabby plays Finesse Defense- Olsen calls Finesse Playcalls
3) Sabby all talk no substance-Olsen talks a good game but cals a different one on the field!
4) Sabby a showoff after a 10yrd tackle- Olsen a showoff as a playcaller (Too gimmicky and fancy instead of the simple play) End Result= Blount 15 carries 110s instead of 25-30 carries for 200yrds
5) Sabby Teammates cover his deficiencies- Olsen Freeman makes his calls look better than they are.
December 19th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
hey joe i know its early but do you think you can get some draft stuff up here
December 19th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Well well well – so the Kool-Aid drinkers have FINALLY woken up and realized that these Bucs are AVERAGE at best.
The coaches ‘lost their fire’ and wussed out
Finally the defense…what defense?
Sure this team has exceeded expectations right? Well what happened to this win? EVERYONE said the Bucs are gonna beat Washington, Detroit and Seattle right?
Well last week Washington gift wrapped the Bucs a victory.
This week the Bucs returned the favor to Detroit.
As for playoffs and situations – the Bucs DON’T DESERVE TO BE IN THE PLAYOFFS.
You all still wanna nominate Raheem for Coach of the Year?
December 19th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
Joe,
This one is really easy. The coaching staff simply doesn’t trust Blount to hold onto the football in critical situations.
December 19th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
“the coaching here sucks” R U all crazy? Sure you can question things here and there, a play call, a game management decision but to have this kind of improvement in just one year EXTREMELY overrides a few questionable in game calls. Raheem and Dominick are truly special and NO ONE could do better with our group of players. And if you think another coach would have this team better then 8-6 your completely clueless. It seems like almost half our starters have been on a NFL practice squad. Say that to yourself out loud again.
December 19th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Hey Joe one of your advertisers here, Dolman Law Group asks, “Are you injured?”
Does watching this game count as an injury?
December 19th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
Damn, all this negativity after one loss. You guys need to sit back and listen to how foolish you sound. Talk about being a bunch of ignorant, over emotional, unrealistic fans. When one of you complainers actually has a job running a team, let me know.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Sorry Lucky, but in your case Brain Damage is a pre-existing condition.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Right there with you Hawaiian Buc. Raheem haters get an inch and they take it a damn mile.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Fire Olson!!! Blount was killing them and he didn’t use him. We left 8 points on the field cause of his idiotic play calling.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
Hawaiian Buc
Part of the emotional responses is not just the loss – IT WAS HOW THEY LOST
Last week the Bucs should have lost – but got Lucky
this week the Bucs should have won – but gave the game away as a result of mental errors and not having the heart to close out.
Any people wonder why the Bucs don’t get any national love – because when it counts, when the game/season’s on the line the Bucs just can’t close it out.
That’s why it hurts…..
December 19th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
Sad:
Mr. Lucky Says:
December 19th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Well well well – so the Kool-Aid drinkers have FINALLY woken up and realized that these Bucs are AVERAGE at best.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:08 pm
All this game did was expose the Bucs Defense for what it really is….held together with duct tape and bubble gum.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Lucas why is that sad?
Everyone…EVERYONE said the Bucs would beat the Lions…
Heck even I bought into it. I put my belief that the Bucs defense wasn’t really as bad as I thought.
Let’s face it how many of the starters on today’s Bucs defense would be starters on Atlanta or Green Bay?
Barber….and who else?
December 19th, 2010 at 11:11 pm
Mr Lucky said
“All this game did was expose the Bucs Defense for what it really is….held together with duct tape and bubble gum”
You do realize this a PRO RAHEEM statement
December 19th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
The best part of today’s game – Mike Williams woke up and played like he was doing early in the season.
Winslow showed up as well – I personally don’t think that was a offensive pass interference.
Blount ran well – but he needs to be able to pick up the Blitz’s
The offense did enough to win – not a great game but acceptable.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Learn to control your emotions,because you sound like a fool.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Ash – I’m NOT blaming this loss on Raheem.
I believe they went too conservative in the 4th quarter – that happens to inexperienced coaches.
This defense today in the 4th quarter showed me one thing – no heart.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Hey Hawaiian – you’ve been around here for awhile. You should know that almost half of my posts have a ‘humorous’ slant to them – that what my Dolman comment was about.
As far as the others posts? I sound like a fool? Really?
December 19th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Lucky,
You admit were held together by duct tape and gum but say they have no heart because they let us down and couldnt get a stop? Dont see how you can have both views
December 19th, 2010 at 11:29 pm
Ash – the defense stoped the Lions in the 3rd quarter.
On the last drive they were stacking the box and all they had to do was hold their ground. They got manhandled, blown off the ball.
To me that implies (1) not properly conditioned
(2) improperly coached
(3) not wanting it enough
Now to be fair without GMC and mostly practice squad players on the front line I wasn’t expecting multiple sacks.
HOWEVER, I tried to focus on Ruud (supposidly our D-captain) and watched him getting shoved all over the field. I watched the most experienced DE, White, drop into coverage and do nothing – Stanton was tossing the ball around like White wasn’t even there.
Lewis and Biggers got schooled by Calvin Johnson – but hey Johnson is a Pro Bowl player and they aren’t.
If the Bucs had GMC and Talib in the game I believe the result would have been different.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Look at Ruud in the 1st quarter – he actually had two (2) TFL on the same drive.
After that where was he?
December 19th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
I agree with some of what your saying. Ruud blows and we had a 7th rounder trying to cover megatron who is more then just a pro bowler. We have practice squad guys all over our line and hayes doesnt really scare anyone. Cant put this on the DC/HC. And the fact that our best DE is White is laughable. Raheem should be celebrated that were even able to make some stops. Name one guy on our current defense that 100% would start walking in the door on most other teams? crickets…….crickets
December 19th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
MR LUCKY I WOULD SAY SOMETHING TO YOU BUT JOE ALWAYS HAS TO COME TO YOUR RESCUE…you tool….go bucs its not over yet, with that said we have a griity team that needs help on defense!!! hope you all had fun in ft myers, hats off to true bucs fans!!!
December 19th, 2010 at 11:47 pm
Ash with regard to the Defense – these guys are currently all back-up players.
Our starting DT’s – Price and GMC are on IR
Most would agree that we need new DE’s
The LB corps – some potential with Heyward and Black but Pro-Bowl players? Not so far
Biggers/Lewis – not as good as Talib
Barber – probably the best defensive player
Sean Jones/Cory Lynch – I’d much rather have Grimm back there but…
Yeah the Bucs’ defensive is shot and I knew that, but I bought into the hype that they could overcome the hapless 0-26 on the road Lions. So why am i so ‘angr/emotional?”
Fool me once – shame on you
Fool me twice – shame on me!
December 19th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Thanks Tommy for showing Hawaiian Buc what a REAL FOOL writes.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Lucky said
“Biggers/Lewis – not as good as Talib”
Biggest understatement of the year
December 19th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
I read an article (on another web site) where Raheem was quoted that they played it conservative on the final drive, because the “wanted the defense to win the game.” I’m not big on blaming the coach, but this was a bad coaching move. First down on the 15, Blount has been a man man n the drive and you take him out? Yep, blame this one on the coach, especially when it is painfully obvious that the defense can’t stop the other team. Who cares about making Detroit use up all their time outs, if you score a TD, a FG won’t help!
Blame the coaching, but Raheem does learn from his mistakes, so chalk this up to experience.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Mr. Lucky, love how you came in gloating (note your taunt of Morris supporters in the last sentence) and now have written 6 or 7 backpedaling posts. Too funny.
You’re quite a fan . . .
of what, I have no idea.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:53 pm
This is all part of the on the job training.
Can’t expect the guy to know what he is doing.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Eric says
“Can’t expect the guy to know what he is doing”
No one expected him to win 8 games this year but he has done that with 2 to play.
December 19th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Lucas where was I gloating? You think I like the Bucs losing? No freaking way – especially a game they should have won (on paper)
My last posts backpedaling? Backpedaling?
What upsets me more than watching the Bucs lose/give it away is the fact that I ignored the facts (past 6-7 posts) and bought into the “fans” who were talking about how good the Bucs are and that they’re going to the playoffs.
It’s like in the movies where the person has both legs blown off and surrounded by 100 of the enemy and the person next to them says, ‘don’t worry everything is gonna be allright’
December 20th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Eric – you’re correct. Raheem is still learning as is Olson…as is Blount…as is Benn…Williams….Freeman….the entire defense.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:05 am
Lucky, dude if you read all your posts on this story your clearing on both sides. U in politics?
December 20th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Lucky — so you’re venting your frustration with your own stupidity “buying into” the notion that the Bucs going to the playoffs? Really?
Well, that explains it. Maybe you have multiple personalities and you were calling each of your personalities out when you typed:
“You all still wanna nominate Raheem for Coach of the Year?”
“You” and “all” your personalities have a good night now.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Ash correctly notes the Lucky backpedaling
December 20th, 2010 at 12:11 am
People are talking about Morris for coach of the year?
Please.
Doing “better than people expected” when you totally sucked to begin with is hardly an accomplishment.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Lucky, I wasn’t calling you specifically a fool. It was directed at all the people who are over emotional from today’s loss. Yes, it was upsetting, but it’s not like we are a Super Bowl contender regardless. We are young, very banged up, and I think it has just caught up to us. We’ll be fine, the sky is not falling.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Eric, answer this one question without changing the subject: why do you only appear when we lose and do you understand the impression that gives off? If you are a Bucs fan, you are really bad at it.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Doing “better than people expected” isnt something we should say is an accomplishment? When its a 5 game improvement over 3 last year with still 2 to play. UR NUTS
December 20th, 2010 at 12:17 am
You are right. Blount needs at least 20 carries a game.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:19 am
Well 3 really sucks, so 8 looks better I suppose.
I guess its a matter of perspective.
Who did we beat again? Panthers? Bungals? Cards? Skins? etc.
Who is in charge of the ticker tape parade?
December 20th, 2010 at 12:23 am
building blocks my man, if you cant be impressed by what this regime has done, then its pointless to debate with you
December 20th, 2010 at 12:29 am
Could be building an outhouse!
December 20th, 2010 at 12:31 am
Eric — let me guess, you are a Gruden fan?
December 20th, 2010 at 12:54 am
Me? A Gruden fan?
Heavens no.
As for only posting after a loss, not true. Was posting earlier this week before the game, and after the Bucs beat the skins. Posted after lots of bucs wins all year.
Nah, I am a lawyer and even I cant lie about that, I am a Gruden fan.
December 20th, 2010 at 12:55 am
I think Tampa is winning more on Mark Dominick’s ability to find awesome talent.
December 20th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Eric, you are full of sh%#. You rarely, if ever post after a win. Unless you post under a different name, you are lying.
December 20th, 2010 at 1:58 am
Amazing how people are ready to vote for Ra for Coach of the year one week and now are ready to fire Ra because his team might not get to the playoffs…… it is complete nonsense. These are just bandwagon critics, not fans. We are in contention for the playoffs??? I’m happy to have this discussion.
I am not happy with the outcome of the game. I do not like playing not to lose on offense. The Offensive Line is banged up, but they are good to go at the skill positions. IMO We have play-makers and they are not being utilized properly – see LaGarrett Blount. Sitting LB and letting Caddie or Freeman run the rock when they need to move the sticks is ridiculous.
Goaline??? completely unorganized and shuffling players in and out at the goal line is …. well, the results speak for themselves. They have forgotten how to get 1 yard. The results = suspect personnel and play calling.
i do believe the defense is doing the best with what they got… and that ain’t much at this point… if we had some starters on D, even one, say…Talib, then Megatron would not have been open and there would have been a different outcome….
The Bucs are a very young team that the players are beat to sh*t…..Mr. Lucky made his own argument by saying if we had our starters, there would have been a different outcome. And you are right, Dominik deserves credit for finding players to give a youthful, inexperienced team depth. We are competitive when we shouldn’t be. Thank you #5
I think the Bucs are 4-5 players + IR players from being a perennial Playoff Caliber / Championship team. The Bucs will need BOTH FA + Draft for 2011
DE (FA), DE (Draft), ML, RB (Fast in space – LB compliment), OL(for depth)
I hold out hope for the playoffs, but I understand where we are right now. I love this team and I’m happy with the progress. I believe that Ra will evaluate himself just like he does his players…. I bet he will continue to improve. GO BUCS!
December 20th, 2010 at 2:00 am
Well I am full of that, but not about this particular thing.
Ive posted after wins, your just so happy you don’t notice!
December 20th, 2010 at 3:08 am
How some of you can call your selves fans I do not understand…
This site is full of some of the most irrational fans I have ever seen…
Seriously guys man up !!!
Its a damn game, you win some and you lose some….get over it !
We are still the youngest team in the NFL, we are still better then we are suppose to be and have a very bright future !
You Gruden apologists, please leave and go be a fan of what ever team is dumb enough to hire him !!!
Your whiny attitude is fit for a day care….get out !!!!!
December 20th, 2010 at 4:41 am
@NorCalBucFan,
Well said. Some of these “fans” make like we are the damn New England Patriots and expect perfection every week. They are “glass half empty” kind of people, and their negativity is pretty pathetic.
December 20th, 2010 at 4:55 am
@Eric,
Yeah, okay, you post so often after a win. If I was just a little more pathetically hooked on this site, I would actually go back and look up just how many more times you post after a loss, but I’m just not there yet. But you and I, as well as every one else who consistently comes on this site knows the truth. On second thought, maybe you do, you are downplaying the win and saying how we got lucky for beating a bad team. I don’t know if I have ever seen a completely positive post from you since I’ve been on this site. Even when you say something positive, you always have one last little negative jab to finish it of “Eric Style”.
You said after the Baltimore game that you would try to be more supportive, and then after the next loss you are back to your same old ways. What a commitment! I am starting to wonder if your name is really Erica, because you are emotionally bipolar like a female. We lost to a team we should have beat, okay. We all know that. It’s the NFL, it happens. In reality, we are probably not as good as I think we are, but we are DEFINITELY not as bad as you think we are. Our future is incredibly bright, I’m sure even you can admit that. We are done for this year, no doubt. Too many injuries, too much youth and inexperience all around. Not an excuse, just reality. It without a doubt happens to other teams besides us, but they don’t win either. Point is, we are not losing as a result of bad coaching, so stop continuously beating that drum. I know you won’t and I’m wasting my time, but one can only hope.
December 20th, 2010 at 10:33 am
While this loss to the Lions can’t be totally blamed on the coaches believe me they [coaches] are to blame.
Poor time management with time out
Piss poor play calling on the goal line
Defensive match-ups against Calvin Johnson – lack of double team was piss poor
Ineffective blitzing (mostly that goes to players)
This game showed that the Bucs aren’t as good as many people thought. In addition the coaching staff is still learning.
I still believe Raheem needs to come back but coach of the year? I’ve questioned that since the Bucs were 7-3. He’s in the running but right now if Oakland wins out and KC loses then Cable gets the nod. Same thing with the Rams…