Gameday Tampa Bay!
December 18th, 2017
Game 14
Dixie Chicks (8-5) at Bucs (4-9)
Kickoff: 8:30 p.m.
TV: ESPN; DirecTV Ch. 712
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (WXTB-FM 97.9 in Tampa-St. Petersburg region); Buccaneers broadcast SiriusXM Channel 83, national broadcast SiriusXM NFL Radio Channel 88.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, it will be a pleasant jacket-weather night in Tampa Bay. Tailgaters will start with the temperature in the high-70s and at kickoff look for the temperature to be 67. Of course, it will gradually cool under mostly clear skies to 65 by the end of the game.
Odds: Per FootballLocks.com, Dixie Chicks -6.5.
Outlook: No matter what the outcome of the game, tonight will go down in Bucs lore. The greatest coach in franchise history will rightfully have his name inducted into the Ring of Honor. Yes, the Bucs defense does play better at home. But unless defensive coordinator Mike Smith bites the bullet and either puts Brett Grimes on Julio Jones as a spy or jams Jones at the line with a linebacker (or both), or even does something really novel like double-team Jones, does anyone expect the Bucs to figure out an answer to Jones? If Jones goes all out savage AF as he did against the Bucs last month, and Smith neither puts Grimes on him nor doubles him or tries to jam him at the line, don’t think that won’t go unnoticed in the owners suite at the Den of Depression. It’s not like the Bucs defense is anything close to the Steel Curtain. Add to that the absence of Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, and that likely will spell “doom.” Of course, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, is 3-1 facing the Dixie Chicks. It sure would go a long way to shut up the haters if Jameis can put the team on his back and carry the Bucs to a win. Problem is, this season Jameis has tried to do that too much and it has blown up in his face. The Bucs are a total mess right now and Joe cannot soberly foresee a win. A victory, however, is what Bucs coach Dirk Koetter needs in the worst way.
Trinkets: The Dixie Chicks are 8-0 when scoring 20 or more points in 2017. … Atlanta averages 6.03 yards a play on offense, third in the NFL. … The Dixie Chicks convert 46.4 percent of third downs, best in the league. … Atlanta’s defense has allowed only 38 plays of 20-yards or more, third-best in the NFL. … QB Matty Ice has 995 pass yards (331.7 per game) with seven touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three games against the Bucs. … RB Devonta Freeman (drafted after Charles Sims) is looking for this third straight game against the Bucs with 100 yards from scrimmage. In his past seven NFC South games, Freeman has 796 scrimmage yards (113.7 per game) and four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving). … WR Julio Jones is tied for NFC lead in receiving yards (1,161). … WR Mohamed Sanu has three touchdowns in his last four NFC South games. … LB Vic Beasley has 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles in his last 11 road games. … LB Deion Jones tied a career-high 13 tackles last week. He also had a pick. He is also one of four players with over 100 tackles (109) and two picks. In two career Monday night games, Jones has 16 tackles and a 90-yard house call. … The Bucs are second in the NFL in “big plays” known as 10-yards or more (197), trailing only the Eagles (204) — but of course, let’s get rid of the quarterback, right? The Dixie Chicks are sixth (185). … The Bucs are fourth in the NFL in first downs (282). … Tampa Bay needs 904 yards of offense in the next three games to finish with 5,500. The Bucs have had 5,500 yards of offense the past two seasons. If the Bucs meet that plateau this season, it will mark the first time in franchise history to have at least 5,500 yards from scrimmage three seasons in a row. … QB Jameis Winston has 542 passing yards (271 per game), seven touchdowns and one pick in his past two games against the Dixie Chicks. He has a career 3-1 record over Atlanta. … WR Mike Evans has three touchdowns in his past four home division games. In his last three home games against the Dixie Chicks, Evans has 23 catches for 336 yards (112 per game) and four touchdowns. … WR DeSean Jackson has 690 yards receiving (115 per game) and three touchdowns in his past six Monday night games. … TE O.J. Howard is third among NFL rookies with four touchdown catches. TE Cam Brate has 14 touchdowns since 2016, tied for second-most for tight ends. LB Kwon Alexander has 37 tackles, a pick and a forced fumble in his five career games against Atlanta. … CB Brent Grimes is looking for his third straight home game with a pick. Since 2013, he leads the NFL with 75 passes defended.
December 18th, 2017 at 2:46 pm
Let’s knock the Falcons into a 4 way tie for the #6 seed. Go Bucs!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 2:48 pm
I remember when I owned one of those SB hats back in the day… I was a freaking kid basically and now I’m 30 lol.
December 18th, 2017 at 2:55 pm
LC- I don’t know how this statement makes ME feel but at 30 years old, you’re still a kid in my eyes!!!
@Joe- I liked the little “get rid of the QB” jab! For everybody’s sake, he better start improving his play beginning year #4. The “he’s 23” argument will be nullified permanently.
And yes, for the love of everything football, FIX THE GOSH DARN DEFENSE!!!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 2:59 pm
I am dreading the the embarrassment.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:07 pm
The big question is:
How many points will the Falcons drop on them
December 18th, 2017 at 3:11 pm
@Lakeland- Take the over!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 3:14 pm
Most of the nation won’t even watch this game. You can count on that for stats.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:17 pm
Joe,
Why only give JW stats for 2 games when he’s played 4?
You gave all of JR’s stats.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:18 pm
Don’t disagree. Joe doesn’t think he is near the trainwreck many Bucs fans are convinced he is. Hardly. Fumbling is a key issue though, not going to pretend to lie.
Not Jameis’ fault the defense is a piece of sh!t and coughed up three games late in past five.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:19 pm
The Bucs for the better part of a decade have been consistent enough to write the beginning, middle, and end of the games they play. The beginning: slow start! 3 and out or a couple first downs then punt several times in the first and second quarter. Middle: come out of the first half with a long drive and hope to get back in the game. Holding then off sides sends in the field goal unit for 3. Funny thing though now only down by two scores. End: Defense holds Bucs drive down and score with plenty of time left in the fourth. Now only down by one score the D holds one more time. Tv’s start turning back on. Offense has four minutes and is actually able to tie the game with 1:30 left on the clock. S someone anyone going to step up? No the other team drives down field and scores. As usual 4th quarter high hopes turn into the predictable pattern of a loss.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:22 pm
I don’t want to look.
Waiting for jw first TO like watching ice cream melt. It’s gonna happen but how long will it take. Argh fml I hate being a Bucs “fan”.
December 18th, 2017 at 3:33 pm
Halftime will probably be a better show with more drama than the game. Too bad us tv watchers will miss most of it. If one of you stick carriers could stream that on Facebook, that would be great!!
December 18th, 2017 at 3:43 pm
sad to say, i’ll be there…..sect 228…if it gets ugly early, im outta there early….GO BUCS!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 3:49 pm
@REALIST
SHOW YOURSELF!!!!….WILL DIRK SH!T THE BED YET AGAIN?….he has embarrassed you and this team with his incompetence!!!….GO BUCS!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 3:53 pm
Damn scott reynolds has balls….im sure he is backed by the glazer boys
Koetter must be definately out because he is absolutely blasting the man. He knows whats up because he will look awfully dumb if koetter is staying….absolute riot lol
Last mnf for the yucs for the next 2 years….no sunday night but 1 thursday game…lol
Empty seats!!!!!
December 18th, 2017 at 3:57 pm
@Joe … “Not Jameis’ fault the defense is a piece of sh!t and coughed up three games late in past five.” Can’t believe you’d actually put that into print Joe. You obviously STILL believe that the last one (defense or offense) to surrender or make points is the one who wins or loses games.
1 – You win or lose as a T-E-A-M.
2 – ALL POINTS made or surrendered during the game count, not just the last ones.
3 – Points left on the field (when you consistently kick FG instead of scoring TDs) also count in whether you win or lose.
4 – If Bucs offense was down as many starters as the defense is they probably wouldn’t even bother showing up tonight.
5 – If the Bucs offense did its’ job and started putting up 30-35 points per game like other REAL high-powered offenses in the NFC South do instead of the putrid 20 points per game, you wouldn’t be making statements like that. Bucs would be winning 35-24 instead of losing 24-20.
December 18th, 2017 at 4:10 pm
Joe seems to recall twice in his last five starts Jameis gave the Bucs a lead in the fourth quarter, or was Joe in a drunken haze and imagined this?
Joe also seems to recall Jameis tied the game in the fourth quarter last week against the Lions, or was Joe under another drunken haze and it was someone else?
Right. So Jimmy G starting with the 49ers the past three games and all of a sudden a horrible team won three straight is a mere coincidence, right?
If what you suggest is true, then don’t b!tch about Jameis’ fumbles. You know, the Bucs win or lose as a team, right? smh
This is the NFL in 2017, not 1970s college football with a wishbone offense using a nondescript interchangeable quarterback.
December 18th, 2017 at 4:11 pm
with all the injuries in the present nfl
the depth of the team is as important than any time in the history of the game
starters can miss any amount of games just because of the concussion protocol and seriousness
the job of the GM and scouting dept is vital to winning in the long NFL season
we need a plan boys and girls
December 18th, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Kobe…I’d like to see the roster size expanded to 60
December 18th, 2017 at 4:20 pm
AE
Think it has to
…also 3 qbs every game
December 18th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Def rules
Bruh I think that’s your face on the floor. Joe done jacked you up like a rookie guard jacks up McIceCream. You might want to consider changing screen names. Lol.
December 18th, 2017 at 4:22 pm
Take the Falcons and lay the 6.5 all day! STEALING MONEY!
December 18th, 2017 at 4:30 pm
As much as i cant stand this team i bet they beat the Falcons tonight. Jameis is the equalizer. Jameis will protect the defense with a record breaking performance at home. Bucs still sh!t can the coaching staff and bring Gruden back. A lot of new faces next year, players and coaches.
December 18th, 2017 at 4:35 pm
The only record #3 need to break tonight is the losing streak
December 18th, 2017 at 4:40 pm
(OT) RIP Tom Stimus
December 18th, 2017 at 4:44 pm
http://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20171218/iconic-car-dealer-tom-stimus-dies-at-age-79
December 18th, 2017 at 4:51 pm
@Joe … “1 – You win or lose as a T-E-A-M.” “Right. So Jimmy G starting with the 49ers the past three games and all of a sudden a horrible team won three straight is a mere coincidence, right?”
Really glad that you brought up Jimmy G’s performances in the last 3 games Joe.
Against the (4-10) Bears (3 weeks ago), Garoppolo was 26-for-37 with 293 passing yards & 1 turnover. SF’s time-of-possession: 38:47 (yup, that’s right). Not bad … SF won 15-14.
Against the (4-10) Texans (2 weeks ago), Garoppolo was 20-for-33 with 334 passing yards & 1 turnover. SF’s TOP: 34:49 (yup, right again). Not bad at all … SF won 26-16.
Against the (8-6) Titans (last week), Garoppolo was 31-for-43 with 381 passing yards & ZERO turnovers. SF’s TOP: 32:35 (not too shabby). SF won 25-23.
So in those 3 games, Garoppolo passed for an average 336 yards/game, put up 22 points/game and averaged a whopping 35 mins 24 seconds time-of-possession per game with less than 1 turnover per game.
Please have America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston to put up those same average numbers tonight THEN BLAME THE BUCS’ DEFENSE FOR LOSING THE GAME.
December 18th, 2017 at 4:53 pm
Watch #3’s mechanics tonight…
December 18th, 2017 at 5:02 pm
Hahahah.. Just scored free tickets to tonight’s game. I will be chanting we want Gruden!
December 18th, 2017 at 5:08 pm
Def rules
You said 20 points was enough.
December 18th, 2017 at 5:09 pm
*not
December 18th, 2017 at 5:54 pm
Would be nice to win…but when all you have to play for is knocking another division team down or out of the playoff, or on the other side, picking near the top of the draft? Only one word comes to mind…PATHETIC !
December 18th, 2017 at 6:11 pm
@ defense rules
That’s a small sample size with some not-so-great teams; and SF gave up an average of 18 PPG. We’d be 9-4 if our defense only gave up 18 PPG based on what we’ve scored each week.
Before last week’s game WInston was averaging about 1 turnover per game – similar to Jimmy G and in-line with NFL average. So i don’t buy the “his turnovers are killing this team” argument in terms of Ws and Ls.
He has had 3 bad multi-turnover games – Vikings / Panthers / Lions. Of those 3 games; I’d say he definitely cost us the Panthers game. The Vikings game was a defensive collapse early / a blow out. He tied the game with the Lions before watching us lose it late; and didn’t get a chance to win it.
So his turnovers – by my count – have cost us 1 game this year – in terms of games in which the defense/special teams play was solid or adequate enough to win with just OK QB play.
On the other hand; the defense/special teams have cost us at least 3 games in obvious ways – Packers / Bills / Patriots.
You could also argue the defense cost us the Vikings / Cardinals games in terms of allowing a sh1t load of points early; to the point that the odds of winning the game go up in smoke by the 2nd quarter.
So imo – of the 8 games Winston fully played- defense / special teams single-handily cost us 3 games easily (and cost Winston 3 game winning drive’s to put on his belt) -and i’d argue 4 losses actually with the Vikings game; while Winston single handily cost us the 1 game; out of his 6 total losses.
December 18th, 2017 at 6:37 pm
“I wanna see some f@#!ing juiceeeeeeeeee out there” – Jon Gruden on tonight’s game
December 18th, 2017 at 6:44 pm
Why blame Winston, Defense, or anything else!! The Bucs are pathetic across the BOARD!! YES! It took a “TEAM” effort for my favorite team- BUCS to suck this bad. NO offensive line, non-existent
NO defensive line,non-existent
Defensive Coach: Smith : let’s play a vanilla tampa 2 zone coverage and have a predictable blitz every eighth snap. Please don’t use press coverage.
FIRE HIM NOW!!
Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator: Are you “frickin” kidding. Koetter you are history. One dimensional, confused, predictable, and careless coach.
GM: Licht: You have been miserable in acquiring any talent off the free agency market/practice squads throughout the league. Draft skills fair
It’s pretty hit or miss, but you have acquired some good young core players. Doesn’t do any good if their is NOBODY to coach our young talent. You let both defensive and offensive lines go from fair to pathetic, with little to no depth behind are weak fronts (OL & DL).
So I say stop cherry picking players and berating them personally. We have 25-35 core players who can contribute now. Draft smart and Rebuild the whole operations NOW!!!
1. New HC with a complete overhaul of staff
2. New OC, no dual HC/OC’s it doesn’t work.
3. New GM would consider keeping on short leash only if we had a President of football operations
4. Get a CEO/President of operations (to coordinate w/ GM
5. Ownership (stay away from day to day operations and trust the process and open your damn checkbooks. Takes money to make money.
Love my BUCS!! Go Bucs!!
I have faith ownership will get it right eventually.
December 18th, 2017 at 6:55 pm
Damn Lord C, that’s good ish right there brother. Shut his ars up.
December 18th, 2017 at 7:15 pm
Jameis record this year
2-8
His QB rating
42.8
42.8 . . . Are you F^*kng kdding me.
I hope we get the 4th pick in the draft
And draft a QB.
Then see if some sucker . . Err team will give us a 1st or second round pick for Jameis
Meybe Arizona. He just wont be able to travel via Uber!
Might as well trade McCoy to a contender for another First rounder.
He deserves it, and is too old to hang around for a complete defensive line rebuild
December 18th, 2017 at 7:41 pm
wish this game was flexed rather not give espn a view
December 18th, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Lord C, not blaming Jameis at all. I’ve said all along that I believe he can be a very solid QB in the NFL. Those 3 games were the only ones that Garoppolo played in, and he was the one Joe was focusing on: “So Jimmy G starting with the 49ers the past three games and all of a sudden a horrible team won three straight is a mere coincidence, right?”
Point was that Jimmy G’s stats for those 3 games were excellent. Not just his passing yardage & only 2 turnovers in 3 games, but especially the time-of-possession generated by the SF offense. The SF defense was on the field less than 25 minutes each game average. Keeping the other team’s offense off the field is a BIG factor in winning games IMO, and it makes your defense’s job that much more palatable.
December 18th, 2017 at 7:47 pm
Lol at the BRING BACK GRUDEN SIGN on ESPN
December 18th, 2017 at 7:52 pm
How exciting! A dreadful team with dreadful uniforms on MNF. Nothing exciting about it at all. 2002 seems like so long ago…Those uniforms and that oversize helmet logo have absolutely no relevance. So ridiculous.
December 18th, 2017 at 8:07 pm
LOL! You can tell the Joe’s knowledge of Bucs history is laughable when they think Gruden is the greatest coach in team history. It’s hilarious on the podcast when they make that claim and Ira basically laughs at them. Then again when you’ve only been a bandwagon rider who jumped onboard when they got the SB trophy, I guess I really wouldn’t expect you to understand what Dungy did and why there is a reason Dungy is in the HOF and Gruden isn’t.
December 19th, 2017 at 12:57 am
How clueless is this guy? ^ Dungy is retired. Gruden hasn’t retired yet. Dungy thanks Sam Wyche, Kiffin and Manning for his career. Coattail rider extraordinaire. The good guy card only buys so much.