Playoffs? Playoffs!
September 4th, 2014
The Bucs haven’t seen the playoffs since 2007. And we all know how Tampa Bay has been mired in a playoff winless streak since Chucky hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. An ugly rut.
There, however, is a line of thinking out there that the Bucs could snap that streak this year. Fresh with a proven head coach and a totally revamped lineup, Bucs fans are on their edges of their seats, like experiencing an unexpected appearance by Rachel Watson.
One such person who believes the Bucs may be playing meaningful games in January is Elliot Harrison of NFL Now at NFL.com. He thinks the Bucs are on the cusp and the player who may just get them over the hump is tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
“For the Tampa Bay Bucs, we hear about Vincent Jackson. We hear about Mike Evans, because he was a first round pick. Doug Martin, everyone is waiting for him to come back from injury,” Harrison said. “But [ASJ] is a guy who is a huge target for Josh McCown both over the middle and in the red zone.
“I love these matchups. It is like rolling three trees out there. I think this guy [ASJ] can be a big, big bonus to their offense.”
At times during training camp Joe’s jaw dropped at the plays ASJ was making. It was just unfair for him to go against a linebacker. Going against a cornerback? Please.
Joe won’t repeat the story about one of his first encounters with ASJ, but let’s just say it’s been a long time since any player, much less a rookie, left such an impression about what kind of heart he has.
Joe has a feeling Bucs fans are going to fall in love with the guy.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:21 am
Sing along with Joe kids…..””love, exciting and new….”
September 4th, 2014 at 9:23 am
Lets just get this 1st win under our belts…Sunday
September 4th, 2014 at 9:27 am
I think the season is going to come down to 3 things. If all 3 fall in place, we could be playing in January.
1. The offensive line needs to be competent. Not Hall of Fame, just competent.
2. McCown needs to have a good year.
3. The defensive ends have to generate some heat.
It is going to be hard to have all 3 happen together, but we have a chance.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:32 am
I could see a wildcard possibly, but the only thing going against us is that we are in the NFC. So many stacked teams currently in the NFC. I predict that a NFC team will win the SuperBowl this year again. AFC just isn’t impressing me this year or over the past couple of years. Honestly, Denver is about the only AFC team that scares me.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:37 am
Looks like the bandwagon is filling up. Of course it’ll empty out by Sunday at 7pm if they get their asses kicked. Hope not, would be nice to see them get out of the gate with a W.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:41 am
I can see greatness on him but the trick is how will he be used and the attempts.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:48 am
McCown’s play will be far more significant than anybody else on offense. No surprises here.
He’ll be going to VJax early and often against a stout Carolina front.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:49 am
Joe,
Is Rachel Watson single and if not doesn’t her husband or boyfriend get jealous of you pining for her? Just wondering because a scorned lover can be a dangerous thing to tango with. I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened in Gainesville and that trio.
September 4th, 2014 at 9:53 am
I believe we have what it takes to make the playoffs this year. Newton is coming of an ankle injury and fractured ribs. If I was the DLine and I knew this that is exactly where I would be gunning for. I have been a die hard bucs fan for as long as I can remember and I’m 29 years old now. I got to witness the golden years when we as bucs fans use to be pissed when we didn’t win the playoffs against the eagles each year; to almost losing every game last year. A true fan would still believe that those playoff contenders are still in there and that there is a glimmer of hope when all else has done wrong.
BUCS LIFE TILL I DIE!
September 4th, 2014 at 10:08 am
JonBucsFan,
I’ve been a fan since my family moved here from Cincinnati in ’84, I’m 38 now. Those were some bad Bucs teams back then. So bad people used to leave tickets on their car windshields and my dad and I went for free. There were fights in the stands every game because the other teams fans (Chicago & Green Bay mostly) always talked trash. Those were some of my fondest memories growing up, but once we turned the corner it was ever better. This season is another corner for us to turn and I can see us getting back to that level of winning again where we once were.
Go Bucs!
September 4th, 2014 at 10:20 am
Playoffs is pretty unrealistic. If the Bucs were in the AFC sure, but 10-6 might not be good enough in the NFC. Ideally we simply see a more competent football team out there as a start.
September 4th, 2014 at 10:30 am
biff barker Says
“McCown’s play will be far more significant than anybody else on offense. No surprises here.”
I think its more about the offensive line. McCown has proven that he can play well enough with a decent line. Probably 7 of 10 of his passes are fast releases and fairly accurate. Fans tend to focus on those 3 and miss the rest.
In comparison, I think Glennon has 4 of 10 quick releases that are accurate. When he is hurried, he makes bad throws and gets picked off. Mike needs time to process in order to play well.
That’s why McCown is the best QB on the team right now. He thinks faster. He knows the amount of zip to add to a pass. I’m sure we’ll see him throw a couple picks this Sunday though.
The Panthers hold the best defense title for our division. The bucs may take it away this year, but it doesn’t reduce how good they are. They will apply a lot of pressure at the line, because they know our offensive line is our weak spot.
If they stop the run, it will be a long, long day Sunday. Because the Bucs will be running the ball a lot in order to keep the QB from getting hit as much.
September 4th, 2014 at 11:36 am
Fuzzy. Thanks for that story. I sure wish people would still leave their tickets to the bucs games on their windshields now. I’m a disabled veteran and have yet to experience a game at Raymond James. I also recently moved to a small town outside of fort myers so it makes it that much more difficult. I love this team through its ups and downs and will always be a bucs fan no matter what.
September 4th, 2014 at 12:19 pm
Seriously, Joe, it’s time for you to get a girlfriend and stop writing about your obsessive fascination with Rachel Watson. Isn’t she married with a toddler daughter? That (Bucs cheerleader) ship has sailed. It’s your site & you can write what you want, but to many of your readers, your incessant references to her really come across as kind of creepy.
September 4th, 2014 at 2:21 pm
The Bay Area is going to run out of parachutes with all the “die hard” bucs fans falling off the bandwagon if we loose. That’s the MO of most fans. Regardless of what L&L preach my gut feeling is this is going to take time. Yes, positive strides were taken this season but this is the NFL. There’s not much difference in the talent level across the board. Yes, a few “elite” talents like GMC. I hope for the best though this season. I know we will see improvement on the field. btw, Joe. I have no problem with you writing about Watson, just keep posting the links!
September 4th, 2014 at 2:38 pm
🙂