“Relentless”
December 3rd, 2018
Bruise Bros. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
As Bucs Bit-O-Honey-snacking, Ozark-watching, yams-eating coach Dirk Koetter said after the Bucs beat the Stinking Panthers 24-17, it was a day for the defense.
And yes, as downright brutal as this defense was for the first half of the season, for them to get four picks and four sacks on Cam Newton and stifle Carolina after the Bucs offense had two three-and-outs in the fourth quarter was nothing less than amazing.
Koetter made sure the defense got its props.
“The ‘D’ was fantastic today — four turnovers, four interceptions and four sacks,” Koetter said. “The offense, we just couldn’t get that last score to put that game away in the second half, so the defense just had to keep going out there and keep getting it.
“Our D-line played so hard. I think when [safety] Justin Evans went out at halftime, we’re basically playing with none of our starting five defensive backs to start the season.”
Koetter added the guys off the bench (and off the street) were “stars.” Hard to argue.
Joe hates to admit thinking the Bucs were doomed when the Stinking Panthers needed a touchdown and the Bucs offense couldn’t muster a first down in two straight possessions. But it’s true.
However, the beat up Bucs defense rose up, and at least for one game showed that defense still matters in the NFL.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:00 am
act like you’ve been there before
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:03 am
We did win and I know it is conventional wisdom to run the ball and run the clock but I sure would have like to have seen a short pass or two to extend the series……..looks like we are trying very hard not to lose……again.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:11 am
So does Conte hit the streets with these new players looking so good
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:12 am
They seem to have turned the corner. Rhonde seems to think so
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:14 am
celebrate a good game by both sides of the ball. Play these young guys, they have heart
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:15 am
It seems as if they have turned the corner. Rhonde seems to think so
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:19 am
dam winning feels good!…
we prolly should have had at least 13 to 14 more points yesterday (barber goal line fumble and 4 ints)…we will most likely need those points vs the saints in order to win…
duf is starting to get this banged up defense rolling on all cylinders…go duf!…go bucs!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:20 am
jamesi has gotta get ready to sling it a bit more next week…risky business, but these saints can score
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:24 am
jameis***
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:25 am
also if cam brate didn’t have that penalty to negate barbers 31 yard run, barber would have been 17 carries for 76 yards…just sayin
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:33 am
Great pic
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:36 am
Just stay in Dress grill and it will screw him up. But Jameis needs to continue to play the way he has. Fast and smart.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:38 am
DREWS
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:40 am
We can beat the saints !!! Jameis needs to play turnover free and we got this
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:41 am
“Reactionary defenses ala tampa2/soft zones are defenses of the old
You cant wait for the new modern nfl offenses to miss. The completion rate from a competent QB is near 70%
You have to attack and play downhill
Duff is putting LVD back where he belongs attacking the offense instead of reacting and always a step behind”
Kobe Faker
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:42 am
these red color rush jerseys might really screw up other teams…that bright red is 2 illy…hope we go color rush again at home for the saints next week…
#BumRushDefenseWearsColorRush
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:43 am
hang nail (djax) is prolly like:
“dang godwin filled in for me real good…i’m so outta here”
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:48 am
“Brees and passing is not what we should be worried about. Containing Kamara and (Kobe’s top Bucs 2019 FA mark ingram) from running all over us and the screen game
Payton knows how to utilize the runningback both run and pass like no other coach)”
Kobe Faker
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:49 am
Oh what could have been with a decent defensive scheme this season. Thinking we would get anything different out of a Mike Smith led defense. Was a very poor decision from Koetter/Licht. That will cost one if not both their jobs….
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:59 am
GO BUCS!!!! I am so happy for this team. They deserve this victory and the happiness that comes with it. Now, GEAUX STOP the SAINTS
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:09 am
Pundits are saying Cam had a bad day.
No, he had a bad case of the Buccaneers D.
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:35 am
It was good to see the “d-line rotation” that was planned from this past offseason being finally implemented due to the healthy of the D-line!!!!! It just proves that fact of the “real fans” wanting the D-line fixed instead of the sheep wanting more CB!!!!!!!
While the defense line had just a good outing, it still needs upgrading!!!!! build the D-line then worry about the secondary!!!!!!!!!!!! And word on the street is cam has an injured shoulder much like jw3 did last year, that helped the secondary!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:44 am
I think what’s getting lost in the shuffle is the tremendous difference in this team between playing at home and on the road.
The team is now:
4-2 at home
1-5 on the road and losers of 5 straight
That’s everything right there.
I have zero doubt they will have a chance to win next week at home vs the Saints and that’s all that matters right now. But I will be very curious to see how they play in the final two road contests. If they play the same type of ball they are now, this team has indeed turned the corner.
It’s crazy to think that if they just played mediocre in their two sloppiest games of the year (Bengals/Giants) – they would be a 7-5 team.
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:45 am
I saw a lot of pressure on Newton. That was not what I expected. Newton’s accuracy and his reads were clearly affected by the front 4 and some timely blitzes. I like the aggressive DB play too. The young guys did not play timid. yesterday was refreshing.
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:58 am
These young guys don’t know the culture of losing because they really had to work to even get a look at in the league, Nassib was part of the losing culture at Cleveland, but he has a chip on his shoulder. JPP didn’t like how losing tasted last year with the G-men. Can we say they are youngry
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Sitting there watching this unfold, our entire section was in complete shock. All we could wonder is how this season would have looked had the D been turned over sooner…
It felt like the old days for one afternoon, you know, when you KNEW, NO MATTER WHAT, the D was going to hold and make a play
Have not had that feeling in over a decade, what a welcome change
Back to back wins, no excuse about an inferior opponent this time
If the HC can split the last 4 games, he and the entire staff might just save their jobs…
And lastly, JW sure does sound and look more mature the past two games – finally looks like he has learned the golden rule, whatever it takes to win!!!!!
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:39 pm
@JOE
I absolutely thought the Panthers would score and tie the game.
But I still had some good vibes. I thought that would just set up #3 and our new kicker to do their things. Jameis drives it…Cairo kicks it and we win by 3. Nice to know that we have that capability if we need it. Rather play defense and not need it.
December 3rd, 2018 at 4:46 pm
We have to score TDs on turnovers
December 3rd, 2018 at 6:59 pm
@Clw JB
Agreed…. Being at the game had an old school feel…
Cant remember the last time the TAMPA —> BAY chant felt so intimidating!!!!
That is so unique to football that when the #12thManRising sounds off… The other team pees a little in theyre pants!!!!
#LoveMyJob
See yall next Sunday