More takes from JoeBucsFan.com Saturday columnist Gil Arcia (@PewterNerdGil).

By GIL ARCIA

The Buccaneers would have played Sunday to open the season and I’d be posting my preview for you all to enjoy, or hate.

Instead, I am writing this real life column from the cave.

The NFL made the right decision postponing the game. While many disagree, it is a fact. As of Friday, the Miami Dolphins players, coaches, staff, etc., began loading planes to evacuate Florida and head to California.

They were taking their families with them, too.

Hurricane Irma has already been labeled as one of the biggest recorded storms in history. Yet, some wanted this game to be played so badly, they took to social media and directed their rage to players and their wives.

This is bigger than football. This isn’t about your fantasy team. For many, it’s life or death.

And that’s reality.

Several Bucs this week spoke out about the decision to postpone the game. Many, if not the majority who spoke, were in favor of the decision. They were concerned about their families, their pets, and not the game.

The resolve of this Buccaneers football team will now be tested in 2017. After having their sights set on Miami for Week 1, their focus was shifted – involuntarily – and they’ll now play 16 straight weeks.

Earn The Bye

As someone pointed out on Twitter, the 2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers played 15 straight games before losing in the first round of the playoffs for 16 consecutive weeks of football. So 16 straight weeks can be dreadful, but there is also no reason to think they can not be winners.

Sure, it’ll undoubtedly be tough. But the more wins they record, the more players could be rested week in and week out to stay fresh. Not saying it will happen, but it certainly should be considered.

So Bucs fans, Stick Carriers, as Irma graces us with her unwelcomed presence here in the Bay area and throughout the state of Florida, remember to stay calm and be safe. Your priority should be the safety of yourself and your loved ones.

And if you are still bitter that the Bucs don’t play this week and don’t have a bye, don’t fret. Their bye week will come in the first round of the playoffs in preparation for the divisional round.

Fire up Gil’s Nerds In Pewter Podcast right here on iTunes.