“Darkhorse”
September 10th, 2018
Man, how perceptions change in just four hours.
Before the Bucs-Saints game kicked off the season yesterday, only a drunkard believed the Bucs could go into the Superdome and knock off the defending NFC South champions with a backup quarterback. (Yes, one “Joe” predicted a 30-28 Bucs win in the Ira Kaufman Podcast and he was not drunk.)
In fact, some believed last week that the Bucs would be in the running for the top overall pick in the draft.
Then yesterday happened. The Bucs, behind backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, couldn’t be stopped.
Gary Grambling of theMMQB.com believes that when America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, returns after his three-game suspension, watch out NFL!
We’ve gotten a little carried away with Ryan Fitzpatrick in the past, so let’s not get fooled again, but he just lit that Saints defense on fire. The Bucs were at risk of falling off the face of the Earth early on, with no Jameis Winston and a tough early slate. Considering the upgraded defensive line (which was better on Sunday), and now a divisional road win under their belts, you can slide Tampa back into “darkhorse” status in the NFC.
Damn, this just makes Joe’s day. Just two day ago, the Bucs, in the minds of many across the country, were worth slightly more than the puke lining the gutters of Bourbon Street at 4 a.m. on a Friday night. Now they are talked about as a darkhorse playoff contender.
Yesterday, the Bucs made football fun again.
Who are these guys?
September 10th, 2018 at 12:07 pm
Ya gotta allow this one Joe – its perfect –
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjmjqlOPd6A
September 10th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
I’m not convinced that Winston could ever top Fitz’s performance last night. That was an absolute clinic on what was considered a top ten defense.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:13 pm
#TheAmishRifleIsFree
Who else had the most fun watching the Bucs yesterday than they have had in 15 years??
From trading jabs for a half, to going up by 24, it was pure elation. Even got a little bit of nailbiter butterflies at the end. Then Fitz scrambling to win the game on 3rd and long… you kidding me??
I’ll go ahead and say it: best football game (to watch as a fan) the Bucs have had since thrashing the Raiders in San Diego in Jan 2003.
#FreeTheAmishRifle
September 10th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
correction: I said last night, I meant yesterday. Too bad there’s no edit ability.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Trench- That dude was en fuego! Watching passes get dropped into the bucket was a thing of beauty!
September 10th, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Has Jameis ever thrown a deep ball as accurately as the ones we saw yesterday from Fitz?
September 10th, 2018 at 12:16 pm
Another Buc thriller was with Steve DeBerg’s 1985 Bucs vs. Miami in a shootout.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Football Night in America blathering heads Mike Tirico and Rodney “How Did I Blow that Super Bowl?” Harrison spit on the Bucs and said “they ain’t for real.” We shall see, and one game a season does not make. But, if we can somehow find a Defense that gives up, say, only 30 points, perhaps we can win a few more games?
September 10th, 2018 at 12:19 pm
I’m not sure if Fitz can top Fitz performance, but I’m not drunk, Joes. I know that every year the Bucs play the Saints at least one game really tough, I also believed that they have the most talented receiving corp in the league, so I believed they would put up at least 24 points, maybe 30. I also believe this team knew everyone nationally had buried them – that alone should’ve had them so ready as men, as professionals to say “not today”. They beat the same team last year when they had something to play for. This is also the first game of the year, so nobody is clicking on all cylinders, so yes I believed and I will believe for next Sunday as well. #weaponsforwinston was the cry, now you got them. The Philly offense is not Brees, Thomas and Kamara.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Winston would’ve never have executed the game like Fitz did
…..it’s called being a smart QB….which winston isn’t
Winston would’ve sailed passes over receivers heads, fumble, and threw a couple of picks
people need to stop saying he is a franchise QB…..cause he is not
Winston better not see the field this year unless Fitz gets hurt
September 10th, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Crack3rK Says:
September 10th, 2018 at 12:17 pm
Football Night in America blathering heads Mike Tirico and Rodney “How Did I Blow that Super Bowl?” Harrison spit on the Bucs and said “they ain’t for real.”
——————————————-
I pointed out in an earlier comment that Tirico nearly choked to death just saying that the Bucs O stomped NOLA. That craporate sports talking butthole surfer head ain’t seen nuthin’ yet if this O fully flowers! GO MIGHTY BUCS SUNDAY!!!!!!
September 10th, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Everyone is talking about Fitzpatrick’s performance & rightfully so. But to me the OLINE stood out and protected Fitz really well by not allowing a single sack!
September 10th, 2018 at 12:32 pm
jameis threw for 5 td’s against philly not too long ago in the past if i remember correctly, loved the performance from the team and fitz personally and hope he get’s at least one more if not two more victories, but then i’m good ya wanna play him against chicago because of the short week ok, but i will feel alot more at ease with jameis behind center we are night quite out of the woods yet, we can see the opening but we are not there yet,
September 10th, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Don’t forget the Bucs laid the wood on the Falcons in 2016, then laid a couple of eggs the next games.
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.
One at a time.
Fact is the Saints may not be that good on D this year.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:39 pm
TrenchWar,
Winston trashed the eagles his rookie season, I think he threw for 5 td’s, 240 yards. Not sure if that d was considered to be in the top 10 tho.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Trench War Says:
September 10th, 2018 at 12:11 pm
I’m not convinced that Winston could ever top Fitz’s performance last night. That was an absolute clinic on what was considered a top ten defense.
———————
Let’s not limit ourselves, here. His day was nearly perfect. At least for yesterday, I would trust nobody else to have the day Fitzpatrick did yesterday… except maybe Drew Brees or Rodgers. Between being accurate and smart, as well as being aggresive with the ball and mobile when he had to, this was a top notch Drew Brees-like performance, except it was Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Yes, I would not have trusted Winston to have the same or better game… but that goes for at least 30 other starting QBs in the NFL…
September 10th, 2018 at 12:41 pm
Kurt Warner 2.0? Greatest show in turf 2.0? Minus the turf. We have the weapons to be that good
September 10th, 2018 at 12:43 pm
We passed our first test in exciting fashion. I have to agree that this is the first time in many years that I enjoyed the football we were playing, it was really great to just see the team execute. Also, we had so few penalties, we played one of the cleanest games that I’ve seen is play in awhile. I think when the D eat healthy, it’ll improve. Still, they made enough plays yesterday for us to win and we had our best DB out and lost our #2 for half the game. I expect that side to improve over the first half of the season. What I’m really waiting to see is if this team can stay focused and not let the week one praise go to their heads as we’ve done the past couple of years when we get overconfident after a big win. Let’s see if they can keep the chip on their shoulder all year. I’d really like to watch our team continue to play football that’s enjoyable to watch, regardless of results. Go Bucs!
September 10th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
Slow down going either way, Fitz is just as likely to get his head bashed in next week by the Eagles, Winston is our QB, he will take the reins and light the NFL on fire
September 10th, 2018 at 12:47 pm
Lol lol
September 10th, 2018 at 12:51 pm
“Considering the upgraded defensive line (which was better on Sunday)”
@Joe
I think Gray G. had a mini stroke when he typed that line. Every level of this defense was pure trash yesterday with the exception of maybe 3 plays, (the sack, and the two FF.’s) I mean their WR’s were wide freaking open on just about every other play and the DL barely got any pressure! How is that better!? I’m stoked about the W though, still cramping from yelling so loud, but lets just pump the brakes on the Jameis losing his job talk, its only one week into the season. And yes I believe in both Fitzmagic and Famous Jameis with the latter being the true star. Just wait until Jaboo gets back!
September 10th, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Saints Fans: We got the best defense in the league and strong Home record #Whodat
Fitzpatrick: Hold my Beer.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:54 pm
Pump the brakes, folks. You may recall that Fitz had a strong first game of the year against the Bills back in 2016 and then promptly turned in a 6 interception “worst passing performance of the season” against the Chiefs back in 2016. I am optimistic that the weapons on this team can continue to thrive but you saw what the Eagles D did to the Falcons on Thursday. There is a reason Fitz is a journeyman. I love him as a backup to JW, but there is no reason to think that he can all of a sudden sustain this kind of production.
September 10th, 2018 at 12:57 pm
That was the most weapons fitz ever had at his disposal and he has been taking first reps for weeks, which he had not done prior on our team. He is a smarter QB than Winston and is more accurate. He spreads the ball around and winston just fires it to Evans in traffic and Evans has to make ridiculous grabs. Going forward, i have more confidence in Fitz than Winston.
I was as bearish as anyone going into the game yesterday; i was at the debacle in NO last November, it is a tough place to play, the crowd is super loud and NO has a solid team all around.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
“How well did Fritz play last year under Koetter as playcaller? Most here wouldnt have cared if Fritz ever came back this season. Some with Griffens preseason performances this year, that he should be the #2 behind JW3”
“Be happy Bucs fan. Fritz has given us a baseline. We will all know if JW is our franchise QB or not. There will be no hiding nor question. Under Monkens playcalling, we will see if JW performs or not”
#Kobe&MonkBFF
September 10th, 2018 at 1:00 pm
It’s funny to me how people forget that Fitzpatrick is what on his seventh or eighth team in the NFl… he’s not better then Winston. Winston would have dropped 60 points on the saints yesterday. He’s not going to replace Winston ever.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:02 pm
It was great to watch SMART quarterbacking for the first time since Jeff Garcia and Brad Johnson graced our presence. How many of those passes would have Jaboo either 1) forced into 2x coverage instead of running or 2) overthrown by 6 feet.
I am not arguing as to what to do with Winston when he comes back, I think after the bye, he is still the guy but if Fitz keeps this up there is an argument to be made to consider keeping him in.
Next week we play a top 5 defense outside and the level of competition steps up big time. If Fitz plays half as well as he played yesterday, we stand a puncher’s chance especially if Miko’s husband can get on the field.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:03 pm
I agree this was one of the best games I’ve watched the Bucs play since the Super Bowl and for me I rank this one yesterdsy just behind the San Diego Chargers game that started the change of culture…so fun to watch.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:06 pm
You have some nerve to bring facts and reason to the table! 🙂
September 10th, 2018 at 1:09 pm
For the last two seasons I have believed that we potentially have one of the best offenses in the NFL. That was proven yesterday. With an actual coordinator calling plays from above and a quarterback that is accurate and doesn’t panic we should continue to do well. Now we just need a few guys on the defensive side to get healthy. we also need Licht/Koetter to see that Mike Smith isn’t the guy and to get a new Def coordinator in before the bye week.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:12 pm
Imagine what the national sports media would be saying if we beat the eagles his Sunday. OMG
September 10th, 2018 at 1:17 pm
@SKBucs – “we also need Licht/Koetter to see that Mike Smith isn’t the guy and to get a new Def coordinator in before the bye week.”
There is no way to get a new Defensive installed in a few short weeks. It would be suicide. Smith just needs to tweak the defense. This soft zone defense just ain’t working. He needs to bring his CB closer to the line.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:23 pm
I think we can say that Fitz at his very best is better than JW when he plays poorly. But as much as I love Fitz who really expects him to play his very best
every week and perhaps more importantly who expects JW to play poorly? Not me.
I see no reason for JW to play poorly when he returns. After watching Mack and the Bears D take down Rodgers and GB in Lambeau if JW plays against Chicago he’ll face a mighty challenge…worse IMHO than playing N.O. in the Dome.
The Bear’s fans have also been starved for success and with Mack leading the way and a young QB giving them some hope….Soldier Field will be rockin’.
Right now I fear the Bears at Soldier with Mack as much as I fear the Eagles or Steelers. The REAL game will be that fifth game at home against a division rival Atlanta. Win one of the next three and then beat Atlanta and we’re poised to make a real run at the playoffs. 3-3 with two wins against division rivals.
Undefeated against the NFC South would be truly sweet.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:26 pm
I never thought Ryan would play that good, but he damn sure did.
It rivals any regular season performance by a buccaneer QB that I can remember.
Set the defensive issues aside and savor that victory bucs fans.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:31 pm
I am expecting the Game # 2 letdown that we have delivered the past 2 years:
2016, beat Atlanta in the dome, then lost 40-7 @ Arizona.
2017, beat Chicago at home, then lost 34-17 @ Minnesota.
Regardless, had a blast yesterday trash talking my 13 year old Drew Brees fanatic all game long.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:38 pm
Everyone needs to hold on to their whiskers a little bit… there is a reason Fitzpatrick has been on 7 teams that’s right 7 teams in the last 13 years and it isn’t because all those Gms and coaches are just dumb asses. Nice performance??? HELL YEAH!! Is it his normal game??? HELL NO!
September 10th, 2018 at 1:45 pm
It was refreshing to see how the game is played by an intelligent, disciplined quarterback. I think if Jameis was playing the same game yesterday, we would have lost. He has tremendous upside with his athleticism and desire to win but it is his lack of maturity that worries me most (It’s no knock on JW; he’s still very young). Fitz came to New Orleans PREPARED and he has earned the respect and admiration of Buc fans. It would be great to have a Philly-style QB debate here in Tampa Bay.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:45 pm
it’s such a beautiful #Fitzmonday across the bay!
September 10th, 2018 at 1:47 pm
@ Alabama
I realize that it is too late. It should have been done during the offseason. I am just hoping something is done.
I get the impression that Smith will not change the coverage. He seems stubborn and will likely go down swinging on that one. He has said that the soft coverage will lead to more turnovers. He truly believed it is the best option. A good coordinator would realize his mistakes and adjust his schemes to help win games. A stubborn man of principle will die by his beliefs. I think we have the latter.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:51 pm
It was such a thrill to finally see this team do what they were built to do. We were built to go toe-to-toe in a shootout with the top quarterbacks in the league.
Yes I’m of the blowouts over the past couple years have been bad but I always ask myself what our offense was doing in those games. We were built to be able to play in high scoring games but we never showed any ability to do that.
Yesterday’s game changed everything. We finally seen with this offense is capable of…………Now next week will be a be a huge test for Fitzpatrick. That game is not going to get anywhere near 80 points and Ryan will have to show us he can win in others ways.
Winning in a shootout is all fine and dandy but not every game is going to be like that in this league. I’m already excited to see how we play on Sunday!!!!
GOO BUCS!!!!
September 10th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
Happy FitzMonday Frank!!
September 10th, 2018 at 1:57 pm
You people are funny. Nowhere did I claim that Winston wasn’t our franchise but I feel yesterdays game was the perfect storm and FitzMagic performed with perfection. I think Winston would have had to post the same numbers but it took him 2 games last season on 19 PPG average to score what FitzMagic scored in one game. Don’t try to make this about me hating on Winston. I’m stating fact. Like someone had already mentioned I doubt FitzMagic could ever top that game again. Some of you just try to go out of your way to hate on somebody
September 10th, 2018 at 1:58 pm
Great to see Fitz get ridof the ball quick and hit the wr in stride. So many time the wr has to stop and wait or jump for the ball.
September 10th, 2018 at 1:58 pm
And kudos to the commenter who pointed out our lack of penalties yesterday. It was so refreshing to see that. To me, seeing us take so few pentalties is a big factor in determining if we have any playoff potential.
And I will take that Jensen pentalty each and every game. It was a cheap shot but it was a good one. That dude knows the game situation. He knows it’s a field goal try either way. And it happened just after they put some late hits on our quarterback.Jensen is not going to allow you to push us around. And if you try something on his quarterback he’s got your number and is just waiting for the right time!!!!!!!
Great game Jensen
September 10th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
I’m just impressed that Number 11 can catch a deep ball. I guess all it took was someone who could throw it.
#FitzMagic #NeverJamies
September 10th, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Fitz played outstanding. That said it was without question the best OL production we have had in several years. We ran the ball efficiently and the pass protection was unreal.
September 10th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Joe, one thing that had me concerned yesterday was Fitz running as much as he did. Don’t get me wrong as the production was great, but he can’t take hits. We will need him m throughout the year.
September 10th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
We went from 7 point dogs on the futures line to 3 point dogs against Philly. I couldn’t find a futures line for week 3, but assuming an equal bump against Pittsburgh, here are the probabilities based on Vegas’ perceptions.
Win both: 18.5%
Lose both: 32.4%
Split: 49.1%
If 2/3 gets Fitz a permanent promotion, he’s better than 2/1 to get there.
September 10th, 2018 at 2:34 pm
#FitzFever is here !
September 10th, 2018 at 2:38 pm
we now have officially have a qb controversy…if the amish rifle plays well and the bucs split the next 2 games, going 2-1, your really can’t pull fitzie for jaboo…
if we are 3-0 you have to leave him in…don’t upset the applecart…
and if we drop the next 2, going 1-2, you simply go back to jameis
September 10th, 2018 at 2:43 pm
if brad johnson can do it, then fitzie logically has a run in him…if this storyline continues it’s good for the nfl, the bucs then become the darlings of the league…and then goodell makes the call, then you have the refs on your side giving you the bulk of the calls…then say hello to the playoffs…
#EveryYearThereIsAyeStorylineTeam
September 10th, 2018 at 2:44 pm
Fitz had a career day, celebrate that as it will never happen again. That’s not a knock on Fitz but it was most likely the best QB performance in team history, and guess what dopes, that’s not sustainable. I hope he does great the next two games, but anyone who thinks he’s gonna have 1400 yards and 15 TDs at the end of week 3, well you should go back to your Glee marathon because you don’t know how football works.
September 10th, 2018 at 2:46 pm
I don’t see anyone talking about the key reason the Bucs were able to put 48 points on a pretty decent (last year at least) Saints defense.
Well – the primary reason was Fitzy having a career day – Hail Harvard! And yes Monk did a good job with the playcalling
But a key reason the Bucs offense looks world class all of a sudden – is because the Oline played – um – dare I say it? – Really Well all game yesterday.
We had all this same receiving talent last year. Best in the league I dare say.
But we also had 2 of the worst run blocking Guards in the league starting up front the majority of last year.
Addition by subtraction was a real thing in this particular case.
EZ money Sweezy, “Stop reminding me its a contract year” Pamphile, Tree humping – minimum effort giving Swaggy Baker, Beastling Ayers, Disgruntled Ward, “Lemme milk this for 1 more year” Drug Martin – all GONE. POOF Vanished.
Replaced by real FOOTBALL players who LOVE the game.
Benenoch, Marpet, Allen, Pierre-Paul, Whitehead, Barber
We saw shades of what this offense was capable of end of last year when Winston came back from his injury and the OLine was shuffled and Barber got touches.
But now its all coming together.
This 2018 Bucs offense has the potential to outscore any team in the league on a given Sunday. Every week the OLine plays well is a week we put up at least 24 points.
But until this incarnation of the Bucs Defense gets a more solid footing and some confidence under its belt – especially the rookies in the backfield – its not going to be easy winning week to week in this league.
Having Grimes out and getting Davis and Stewart the amount of experience they got yesterday – while still getting the WIN – turned out to be a blessing. Not sure, however, how many more of those “blessings” we can handle without the wheels coming off… Much better those guys be used in spot duty the 1st few games of their career – than be thrown into the fire play after play against the likes of Thomas, Jeffery and Brown.
C’Mon Miko work your magic – “Fix” that groin pull…
September 10th, 2018 at 2:48 pm
This may be the only snippet I’ve seen that actually gives the bucs offense any credit at all. It’s all about how bad the saints defense is. I mean Christ Almighty, can we get a little love? Now I don’t expect us to hang 48 on a weekly basis, but you better damn well believe this team IS capable of it. This offense is absolutely loaded, and the league should probably take notice. Sure, our defense will probably cough up a few wins, but I definitely don’t think anyone wants to be in a shootout with the bucs this year……never thought I would say that lol
September 10th, 2018 at 2:48 pm
Follow the process, Bucs. Next up: Eagles. At first glance, stout run defense and some pretty good CBs. Use that diverse offense and be sharp. Still need to run…off tackle and wide may work (gonna be tough up the middle unless you run some good/timely traps). On offense they will likely try to use their RBs out of the backfield and try some tricks and the RPO to the slot. Solid press with the threat of some blitz action should shake up their offense a bit. Most of all…tackle. BL: the process calls for schemes and adjustments. Get it done. We can beat the Eagles. Go Bucs!
September 10th, 2018 at 2:54 pm
Fitz played well probably best game of his career. I think a lot of the play calling by Monken made the difference. You can tell in preseason the offense was legit and it got even better when JW came in. I like JW and hope he is the guy. But I think if Fitz keeps playing like he did yesterday, you got to keep him in. Also, I know the bucs had a 24 point lead. but in my mind it is not an excuse to play a prevent defense. The game really wasnt close in the 3rd quarter. I dont think it sets a good example to the defense. We need to ok with stepping on teams throats to win.
September 10th, 2018 at 3:01 pm
Fitz… I’m not America’s Quarterback, but I am the Bucs’ quarterback… Just Do It Fitz!
September 10th, 2018 at 3:06 pm
Here is what the media thinks of the Bucs:
Walterfootball.com
If the Buccaneers finish with the worst record in the NFL next season – I have this happening in my NFL Season Previews – then there will be some question as to whether they’ll take a new quarterback and move on from Jameis Winston. I don’t think they will. I believe they’ll give Winston one more chance with a new coaching staff.
Sporting News:
32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback Jameis Winston’s four-game suspension to begin a critical year for him and the offense under coach Dirk Koetter does not bode well. The Bucs, with a brutal schedule, are in a tough spot as the rest of the NFC South continues to separate from them.
Sports Illustrated:
Bucs 2-13-1
Tampa Bay has finished last in the division in seven of the last nine seasons and it looks to happen again in 2018.
CBS Sports:
Predicted Bucs record 4-12
September 10th, 2018 at 3:07 pm
fitz fever is way better than justin beber
September 10th, 2018 at 3:20 pm
Two things the o line was made to look good by Fitz, who got the ball out quickly usually on his first read, out quickly he tucked it and ran for positive gains. Winston has a bad habit of holding the ball trying to extend plays, it leads to his issue with fumbles and forced passes.
Secondly, the team had better be prepared to hang 48 in every game. I would wager we lose any game we don’t score 35 this year.
September 10th, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Before everyone gets too excited about the unbelievably outstanding performance
by Ryan Fitzpatrick, did anyone else notice how many times he stared down his receiver, and then threw into double or triple coverage???
Yeah, ………………… me neither.
tickrdr
September 10th, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Love the win by Fitz and the game plan by Monken. Saints clearly thought Fitz was going to keep the passes underneath and game planned for that. Their secondary was squatting on the short routes. They clearly were daring Fitz to beat them and… sure enough he did. Next week will be a tougher test.
September 10th, 2018 at 3:33 pm
I’m amazed at the game Fitz had yesterday. In fact, it was a career game for him at the age of 35. With that said, I’m not going to buy into the Fitz “Magic” or Fitz “Fever”. Jets fans had all bought in too and we see how that worked out. I see Giz as probably the best backup in the NFL but he’s still a backup. I will reserve the right to change my mind. If he plays remotely close in the next 2 games as he did on Sunday, then I might have to re-think whether Fitz should retain the starting role when Winston returns. The first 3 games seemed brutal to start our season. I thought the Saints were by far the toughest of the 3. I understand that the Eagles are the defending Champs but Foles has looked boo boo without Alshon and the defense is still very good but not as scary as last year. The Steelers didn’t look good at all against the Browns. That game against the Browns was very sloppy as was the Falcons – Eagles game.
September 10th, 2018 at 3:45 pm
Fitz is doing his job perfectly. Mentoring Winston and holding down the fort until Winston returns. Great job Fitz! So much WINNING!!!!Fitz is the new/old Don Strock.
#Get After It!
September 10th, 2018 at 4:09 pm
@Dapostman
bravo! ..that is why he’s here
September 10th, 2018 at 4:22 pm
JBoo Who
September 10th, 2018 at 4:34 pm
tickrdr Says:
September 10th, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Before everyone gets too excited about the unbelievably outstanding performance
by Ryan Fitzpatrick, did anyone else notice how many times he stared down his receiver, and then threw into double or triple coverage???
Yeah, ………………… me neither.
or overthrow his receiver by 4 feet…..
September 10th, 2018 at 5:12 pm
Reminds me of the 1972 Dolphins where Earl Morrall stepped in to replace an injured Bob Griese.
Then Griese came back to win the Super Bowl and complete the perfect undefeated season.
My 15-1 prediction is right on the money, so far.
Wish we had Larry Csonka though.
September 10th, 2018 at 5:23 pm
Damn that dude has ice running through his veins
September 10th, 2018 at 6:38 pm
Ya’ll crazy for thinking playoffs.
Save your sanity and think of this as a building year.
But deep down in my Bucs homer, koolaid drinking mind. I’m seeing flashes on 1997 all over again.
Just need that defense to step up FAST!
September 10th, 2018 at 6:41 pm
tickrdr Says:
September 10th, 2018 at 3:21 pm
Before everyone gets too excited about the unbelievably outstanding performance
by Ryan Fitzpatrick, did anyone else notice how many times he stared down his receiver, and then threw into double or triple coverage???
Yeah, ………………… me neither.
tickrdr
^^^LMAO!!!
September 10th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
I have to say I saw the Who in Tampa when they first came out, second billed to Hermans Hermits. Third billed was Blues Magoos. Great show. Yeah I remember I said it before.
September 10th, 2018 at 8:02 pm
JBoo Whodat. Free the criminole and trade him
September 11th, 2018 at 9:18 am
I love how people on here are calling for us to fire Smith before the bye week so that our defense will get better. LMAO
Do you not understand how long it takes for a team to gel with a new defense?
It would be a disaster.
Best to just hope this defense turns a corner and plays harder knowing they can win every game.
September 11th, 2018 at 10:32 am
Getting rid of the ball quickly is something all the great QBs in the NFL do, Brees, Rogers, Brady to name a few. Fitz isn’t one of those guys but compared to JW he certainly quicker to get the ball out and his deep passes are more catchable than JW’s. Knowing when to run is also a bonus.
I give JW the edge in throwing the ball into tight windows but when you have Jackson, Evans, Brate, Howard and Godwin all running crisp patterns there is going to be open guys, that’s where JW hasn’t gotten it down yet, he doesn’t see the field like a top QB and he hangs on to the ball a millisecond longer than the great ones.
My question is that can those habits be coached out of him. Yes if you have a 3rd and 12 Winston will get that first down easier than Fitz but on 1st and 2nd downs I see Fitz making more positive plays, if he scrambles for 5 or 6 yards that’s better than JW throwing risky into the short covered flats.
I don’t know, there is something about Winston that isn’t right, is it his ability to read defenses and scan the field quickly and make quick decisions? Perhaps.
September 11th, 2018 at 11:50 am
Trench War Says
“I’m not convinced that Winston could ever top Fitz’s performance last night. That was an absolute clinic on what was considered a top ten defense.”
You may be right. For that matter, I’m not sure Fitz could ever come close to a performance like that again. He deserves his props.
But let’s not make the mistake of thinking it was all Fitz. An untested Offensive Line proved they should be considered one of the best. They allowed no sacks, few legal hits, and Ryan Jenson was all over the place.
In contrast, each year Winston has played, the offensive line allowed more sacks and his fumbles went up as a result. Last year, he was injured in game two and that didn’t help him hold onto the ball any better.
Give Winston the line that Fitz had yesterday, and he’d have the best game of his career too.
That said, if the impossible happens and Fitx wins the next two games, then I have no issue with starting Fitz in game 4…except that Winston is more elusive and Fitz will get hit a lot in the game now that the Bears have Mack.
September 11th, 2018 at 11:54 am
The trolls cannot hate on the Bucs this week, so they are targeting Smith.
September 11th, 2018 at 11:56 am
AmericasEnabler Says:
“Ya’ll crazy for thinking playoffs”
You are crazy for not thinking playoffs.
Look, in order to make the playoffs, we needed at least one win in the first three games. We got it. The next two weeks are icing, and if the Bucs win, all the better.
September 11th, 2018 at 12:54 pm
If JW played: a LOSS