“They Are A Horrible Football Team”
October 15th, 2017
CBS NFL insider.
It seems the two major voices of NFL coverage for CBSSports.com are split about the chances of the Bucs this afternoon.
Each week, prickly Pete Prisco, heavy metal-headbanging Jason La Canfora, Will Brinson and gambling addict Nick Kostos (he’s a good friend of Joe’s) break down each NFL game against the spread, but also offer who they think will win straight-up, and why. In this week’s edition of the “Pick Six” podcast, Prisco and La Canfora battle it out for the Bucs-Cardinals game. Prisco believes the Cardinals are circling the drain but have one more good game in them. La Canfora has no such faith in the Cardinals.
“Desperation is a funny thing in the NFL and right now the Cardinals are as desperate as you can get,” Prisco said. “Their season is on the line, they cannot afford another loss which is why they traded for an old broken down running back. The Bucs are healthy again. But I just think Arizona is going to find a way in this spot to win the game. They are a desperate, desperate football team.”
La Canfora thought Prisco was grasping at straws.
“When are people going come around to the fact Arizona is just not good?” La Canfora asked. “They don’t have any discernible strength. The defense isn’t anywhere near what it used to be. They can’t do anything offensively. They have the worst offensive line in the league. Home field, schmofield — they stink!
“Arizona is too old to be good now and too young to be like the Jags. They are in the middle. They are going to be stomped. They are a horrible team.”
For reasons unknown, this game scares Joe. The Cardinals have just enough weapons that they could pull off an upset. The way Vernon Hargreaves is in a rut right now, do you trust him to lock up Andre Ellington or J.J. Nelson or Jaron Brown?
Then again, to Prisco’s point, weren’t the Giants desperate when they invaded the Den of Depression?
October 15th, 2017 at 8:14 am
I hope the bucs aren’t reading the press clippings
This has “trap game” written all over it
October 15th, 2017 at 8:25 am
This game scares me, but I know the reasons (and I think Joe is just being polite in saying he doesn’t know). The Bucs turn struggling players, whole teams in fact, into winners. This includes last year in the same stadium as today, where all said the Cards were in “must win mode” on game freakin’ 2 because they lost their home opener the week before to the (eventual) Super Bowl champs, Patriots. The Bucs had just mangled the Falcons and rolled in there…and got killed 40-7. That year, the Bucs lost to Case Freakin’ Keenum and the laughable Rams, then had Paxton Lynch roll all over them when the Broncos came to town. The Raiders came in and used the Bucs to fuel a 6 game winning streak despite a record number of penalties and a terrible performance of their own. We had Keenum Part 3 a few weeks ago, and the lousy Pats D looked pretty good against the Bucs.
Struggling teams and players get well against the Bucs. I hope today the Bucs get some therapy of their own and win, but then I’m worrying about the Bills who are pretty darn stout on D next week…and the scary Panthers to follow. The Bucs need to turn in a heckuva season before we don’t get these scary feelings…for no good reason. Because deep down, we know why we get them.
October 15th, 2017 at 8:36 am
Yes the Giants were desperate and they stink too. However our Bucs just barely pulled that one out. A win is a win but that was way to close for comfort.
October 15th, 2017 at 8:38 am
I have this sinking feeling that the Card’s will get well again today 🙁
October 15th, 2017 at 8:50 am
Nope because we have to look no further then last year when we got trounced by Cardinals. If that isn’t reason for the Bucs to be ticked off then I don’t know what would. We were embarrassed and all fans got a let down. No excuses Bucs we need to go into their house and get our revenge! Never forget! Go Bucs! Just WIN baby!!
October 15th, 2017 at 8:51 am
Well we will see. I’m heading out to AZ now.
October 15th, 2017 at 8:55 am
I’m with you Joe … This game scares me. Cardinals aren’t nearly as bad as many make them out to be. Their rush defense is pretty stout; they’ve only given up 100 yds rushing to 1 team (Philly for 122 yds). Their deep pass defense has been poor in their losses (12-for-16 altogether in 3 losses is horrible) but their short pass defense has been better than ours across the board. Turnovers killed them in their Game 1 loss to Detroit (4), but they fixed that problem since then (3 turnovers in 4 games since).
Arizona’s problem has been their offense. Total of 81 pts in 5 games (16 per game average) on 6 passing TDs & 1 rushing TD won’t win many games. In their 2 wins though, Palmer was 11-for-20 on deep passes and that made a big difference in the outcomes. Detroit & Philly whooped them good, but their loss to Cowboys could’ve been a win with just a little luck. Hmmm, sounds all too familiar (our NE game?).
Bucs will need a balanced attack today to beat the Cards. Run the ball 25-30 times (middle & left side most vulnerable it looks like), go deep on 6-8 passes and then keep them spread out with the short passing game. If Bucs gameplan, play-calling & execution give us 33-35 mins TOP and 3-4 TDs Bucs should win.
October 15th, 2017 at 8:59 am
Cards are trash. They wont make playoffs. Bucs have to beat trash teams if they want to call themselves playoff bound. It’s pretty simple. We’ll find out today if bucs are condenders or pretenders.
October 15th, 2017 at 9:07 am
Cards weren’t great last year. They aren’t great this year. This is a very winnable game and one we should win, however, this is about the time every season we lose a couple in a row. Hopefully things are different this year and we win the games we should win. It would be awesome to see a dominant performance today by our Bucs. Coaching needs to be better, specifically play calling. Stick with the run game and give Jameis some easy throws to get him comfortable. Not sure why everything has to be a 10-15 yard slant or dig. I liked the screens and quick throws last week. Go Bucs!
October 15th, 2017 at 9:07 am
Sad predictions:
– Evans gets manhandled overall; again gets frustrated, says after the game he’s got to do better because he’s the team captain.
– Jackson becomes quiet and sulking after another long pass from Jameis to him ends up in the hands of the Cards.
– Sims get’s stuffed on a 3rd and 2 up the middle at the Cards 38. Murray comes in an clangs it off the post, but he makes his other three kicks inside the 30 today.
– Jameis throws for 350 yards, most of it in the 4th quarter; and has two picks.
– Godwin leads the team in receiving; not a tribute to him but an indicator that the short passes to the speedy receivers are easier for Jameis than the long ones where he just lacks accuracy.
– Martin rushes for 100 yards, which includes a first have 40 yard scamper; the drive ends in a field goal.
– GMC spends time on the sideline with a bum ankle, but stays in to lead an anemic Bucs pass rush. They knock Palmer down a few times, and sack him once.
– Carson Palmer has an average day for him, and AP turns in 70 yards on 15 carries.
– Patrick Murray tops the scoring, with 9 points on field goals, missing 1 of four.
– Godwin gets a TD on a short slant from Jameis and catch and run.
– Cardinals 20, Bucs 16.
Happy Predictions:
– Jameis takes care of the ball and has no picks; finally his DJax in stride for early 1st quarter TD.
– DJax has 120 yards on the day; Evans hauls in 7 for about 90 yards.
– The Bucs D line sacks Palmer times; Ayers, Spence, GMC.
– TJ Ward gets a pick six.
– Hargraves had a good game; his funk is over.
– D looks stout against the run and much improvment against the pass.
– Three TDs, two FGs for the Bucs.
Bucs 27, Cards 21
I dunno, which one seems more realistic?
October 15th, 2017 at 9:16 am
Hardgraves will either be protected or replaced
October 15th, 2017 at 9:23 am
“worst O Line in the League”
This I like!
October 15th, 2017 at 9:32 am
Stop worrying about last sheep!
October 15th, 2017 at 9:35 am
Bucs Win!
Jameis completes 19 of 24
Martin runs for 100+
D line dominates
That’s what this fan wants!!!
October 15th, 2017 at 9:35 am
“Issic Haggins Says:
October 15th, 2017 at 9:16 am
Hardgraves will either be protected or replaced”
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It’s sad now that our first round pick has now turned into a liability……like mark barron did.
I never did like the VHG3 pick……I thought the bucs overdrafted him…….watching his college tape, I thought he was a solid second round talent…..and not a high number 1 pick.
But the way he’s playing now, VHG3 looks like a late 4th or 5th round pick!!!!!!!!! His play was spotty last year and now it looks like he has really regressed. Oh well, I guess you can’t win ’em all…….VHG3 may go the way of Morris Clayborne or Dj Swearinger (i know mispelled those names). 🙁
October 15th, 2017 at 9:36 am
Just dont get blown out by the cardinals putrid offense, cardinals defense will keep bucs at bay but its why you have 5 #1 draft picks on the offense to score points
October 15th, 2017 at 9:45 am
FYI The cards have put up more passing yards than anyone in the league.
October 15th, 2017 at 9:57 am
Cards have a better coach and a better CB, for sure.
October 15th, 2017 at 9:57 am
Everyone acts like Hargreaves is the second coming of Tim Wansley. He is not.
October 15th, 2017 at 9:59 am
“They Are A Horrible Football Team”
Almost as horrible as too many of the Buccaneer “fans” that congregate here and spew their negativity – SMH.
October 15th, 2017 at 9:59 am
you guys ready for run run pass jacksonville Koetter?
arizona dc knows how to defend predictable koetter. load the box on 1st and 2nd and full blitz on 3rd.
hands of stone drugie going to drop 2 important screen passes
“this is koetters playcalling and the tampa bays offence. wont change until we get a new offensive coordinator”
Kobe”ready to shriek naked” Faker
October 15th, 2017 at 10:02 am
^^^^^
Thanks for exemplifying my point for me so well Kobe Liar. Perfect timing.
October 15th, 2017 at 10:06 am
SB, that’s the scary part. Bucs passing defense is giving up 70% completions, most with the short & intermediate stuff. Although we’re letting other teams march up & down the field using that approach, we’ve still only given up 7 TDs passing (and 2 TDs rushing). And almost half (3 TD pass & 1 TD rush) came in the Minnesota game where we got thoroughly beaten. Other than that game, our D has actually been pretty decent. Still 2-2 is all that counts. Time for our offense to get on-track & put up 30-35 pts.
October 15th, 2017 at 10:10 am
@ Kobe
Well unlike Koetter’s days in Jacksonville, the jags never had the weapons we have here……….never
I think for us bucs fans, we’re going to see some new wrinkles and play calling.
Why you ask??????
Because I really think after a win-a-able game we loss to NE, Koetter recognized that he was part of the loss, part of the problem along with Jameis.
Heck, I bet Koetter pulled Jamies aside this week and said “Jameis, I want you to let it RIP this week, don’t hold nothing back!!!”
I believe we are going to see an inspired Jameis QB playing today.
October 15th, 2017 at 10:12 am
…………and I’ve been saying since the days of Training Camp that our secondary is “suspect”…………but too many fans thought we were set.
I really, really hope Mike Smith coaches one-hellva game today
October 15th, 2017 at 10:24 am
LOL it must have been a loss last week, because Joe and the “sheep” are scared this week!!!!!! Is Joe “on the ledge and scared” or is he just “scared”??????? Calm down, Joe already is on record predicting a victory today by the Bucs. –Joe
No reason to be scared, and I don’t think the Bucs are either!!!!! They had last week game against the super bowl champs got away, And you don’t think that they are not mad!!!! That they are not focused this week!!!!!!! Watch the Bucs run out the clock in the 4th quarter for the win!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 15th, 2017 at 10:30 am
@bucsanthem
2016 offense= 2017 offense
exact same and no difference except miss used djax
weapons for jameis? where?
OJ Stocker and Godwin is nevèr used or targeted
these 2 players and their yac skillset is the answer to our needed short passing game but run run deep pass koetter doesnt know how to design and playcall the short, qb friendly, highly probable passing attack that most of the better OCs are implimiting in there schemes
#FREEOJSTOCKER
October 15th, 2017 at 10:33 am
@ The Buc Realist
Scared????????
All you have to do is point to the Atlanta game last year and then the following week they get blown out.
It’s like if you got beat-up in place and then re-visited that some place you got beat-up at, you don’t want that feeling again but it’s also in their heads too.
So Yeah, Joe and all other Bucs Fans should be concerned about the game.
October 15th, 2017 at 10:37 am
@ Kobe Faker
Oh no, this is where you’re wrong.
OJ, Godwin, and DJAX ………………..MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE in game preparation in the cards defense….because last year, they only needed to shut down Mike Evans.
So there is a huge difference between 2016 and this year……….open your eyes
October 15th, 2017 at 10:55 am
@SB…close. The Patriots put up more passing yards. The Cards are indeed second. Who is third? Our beloved Bucs. So sometimes that stat just gets you to mediocre.
October 15th, 2017 at 11:00 am
This game shouldn’t scare any bucs fan….we went out and spent money for play makers…there shouldnt have been any excuses since our first game against chicago…this whole off season bucs fans have been posting memes and saying who’s gonna cover who and putting our offense as the best to ever play….its time the bucs play like it….arozona is old and this should be a win
October 15th, 2017 at 11:19 am
This game scares you because the Bucs have not yet established a track record of beating teams they “should” beat.
October 15th, 2017 at 11:24 am
You guys forget the 2011 Eagles dream team. Assembled best players and lost. Forgot it takes time for players to gel. Cost Andy Reid his job! Bucs will learn!
October 15th, 2017 at 11:54 am
This game scares me to Joe. Arizona has not been good to the Bucs. And he’s right, the Cardinals are desperate. They are gonna play extra hard for Arians. I still think our defense will be the key. IF..we can get some pressure. And IF..Jamesi will start calm and slowly take a looksee at their defense. I want to say we win this one. But I’m thinkin its anybody’s game. No favorite. Just who wants this thing badly. Hope WE..want it.
October 15th, 2017 at 1:03 pm
You do know if we lose this game, the season may rapidly slip away, don’t you? The Panthers are no certain sweep, as are even the saints. We can’t afford to leave any of the games we should win get away from us, if we want to sniff the playoffs. It is just that straight forward.
October 15th, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Think about it guys…if we lose this one…that is three losses. The Packers…the Lions 50/50, Splits with ATL, Carolina, and the Saints…. six or seven losses. And any more, and the playoffs are a pipe dream. We have to win games like this.
October 15th, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Why do we as fans wait to “find a team on the schedule that we think the Bucs can beat”? The mentality should be that we have no equal, we will lay down for no one and if you play us we will beat you into submission. I am tired of this “ well maybe we can sneak up on this team”. Go forth, kick some people in their asses and TAKE the victory!
Rant over….whew.
October 15th, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Papa…easy to say…but we haven’t played like “we have no equal” to this point. This is a pivotal game. But you have a point….the Jet’s are putting it to NE so far today… so the rest of the AFC East, other than the Dolphins, may not be a cakewalk either.