Bucs 27, Bills 14
August 23rd, 2014
The Bucs’ first-teamers walked off the field with a 24-0 lead
The Tampa Bay defense continues to dominate. Who needs offense? Joe can only imagine the furious chants of DEE-FENCE coming back to the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway.
Lovie Smith said in January that nasty, turnover-forcing defense could win a team eight games without much of an offense. So perhaps the Bucs are at least an eight-win team?
In Buffalo this afternoon, the Bucs offense came out of the shoot like a horror show. Brutal. Their two heinous opening series generated no positive yardage and an interception. But they recovered, following up with a 39-yard touchdown drive on a short field, courtesy of a crushing Lavonte David forced fumble and a recovery by Mason Foster. And the first long drive of the season, 11-plays, 82 yards, capped by a sweet touchdown strike to Mike Evans.
Doug Martin and Josh McCown were solid, as was Evans, but the big offensive picture wasn’t pretty, though it might be good enough to win the Bucs ballgames behind this defense.
Still, the offense has much to prove when the mighty Panthers defense arrives in Tampa for opening day. The Tampa Bay guard play was awful tonight, and Joe must say new center Evan Dietrich-Smith didn’t look good, either.
But hey, raise a cold one to the Bucs defense. They deserve it. Sacks, picks, crushing hits and a touchdown by Clinton McDonald.
Stick with Joe through the night for so much out of this game. Yes, Joe’s in Buffalo.
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:31 pm
I agree we had our moments but wasn’t quit satisfied. And my standards are atlest winning a playoff game.
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:35 pm
On a plus side McCoy looks Luke a one man wreaking crew this preseason. I’m expecting his best year this season.
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Larry English is playing pretty darn good football. Could he end up getting a lot of playing time at LE?
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:43 pm
McDonald next to McCoy will be the ultimate McDuo!!!
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:48 pm
Another good assessment Joe. With this oline I do not see how we can survive. Can’t remember when it has looked this bad. So many playmakers on offense to not have a servicible oline with a mediocre QB.
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:51 pm
I didn’t think Larry English was that impressive, Tackleblock. The sack he got was a result of the tackle not being aware he had to block him so English literally came in untouched, and his next impact play occurred because the QB had nowhere to throw the ball and English was being blocked out wide where the QB ran.
I’d like to like him, but he gets blocked too easily (IMO).
August 23rd, 2014 at 8:03 pm
13-16 is not mediocre in the NFL. The team on the other side gets paid too. McCown hit two third down passes with opposing players draped over him and the pass to Demps should have been a touchdown. You can question the play of the offensive line, but let’s be fair McCown had a very decent game and was getting better as he played more. Aside from one pass to Evans–great catch–he was on target. The interception was as much on the tight end as on McCown. Speaking of Evans–WOW!
August 23rd, 2014 at 8:15 pm
DallasBuc Says:
August 23rd, 2014 at 7:48 pm
Another good assessment Joe. With this oline I do not see how we can survive. Can’t remember when it has looked this bad. So many playmakers on offense to not have a servicible oline with a mediocre QB.
Have you been in a coma all these years lol if not then think back to a time you’ve seen better than mediocre quarterbacks playing in Tampa bay unless for some insane reason your counting Glennon and in that case you should go back to sleep
August 23rd, 2014 at 8:57 pm
I’m worried about the pass rush. Manuel was Manuel but Brees will kill us with that much time. No need to write about the O line. We all keep seeing practice skilled players starting. Death and taxes ….beer and bucs
August 23rd, 2014 at 9:07 pm
“Still, the offense has much to prove when the mighty Panthers defense arrives in Tampa for opening day.”
Agreed, but I’d like to point out that the Bills had a pretty good Defense , last year, too, though far from Carolina’s league. This line, while far from perfect, ended up holding their own, and even improving, during the game. Seems there’s hope, after all
August 24th, 2014 at 12:57 am
Jeff demps looked good again.. Joe will somehow spin this