Reality Check
September 14th, 2020
Prior to yesterday’s pants-soiling Bucs loss at the Superdome, Joe was determined not to have an overreaction Monday because Joe did not expect the Bucs to beat the Saints en route to a 10-win Tampa Bay season.
So today is a shred less painful.
Joe’s enjoying a miserable Monday without the use of anti-anxiety medicine.
Joe feels for the fans who did not expect a rough day against the well-oiled, well-coached machine the Saints have become. They’re powerful in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and they’re spectacular on special teams, and in their secondary. Throw in an All-Pro running back who can beat you when the passing game is sputtering, and they’re a brutally tough out after a bizarre offseason.
On defense, the Bucs held New Orleans to a 5-of-15 conversion rate on third down. That’s damn good. And the Bucs run defense was fantastic while defending its No. 1-rush-defense status. New Orleans averaged 2.4 yards per carry, and keep in mind the Saints were one of only two teams to run the ball rather well against the Bucs last year.
What killed the Bucs defense? ‘
]Screwups in the secondary and sloppy penalties there and elsewhere, a very familiar 2019 theme song.
Joe didn’t expect much more from a bunch of 23-year-olds and a rookie in the defensive backfield, or the team that led the NFL in penalties last year. Those aspects of the Bucs’ game remain a work in progress.
Still, Joe knows the Bucs will not face a complete team like the Saints again until the Packers come to Tampa in Week 6 — unless you think what Mitch Trubisky pulled off yesterday for the Bears (with Cairo Santos kicking) was the real deal.
The Bucs offense should get a lot better in a hurry on Sunday and the ship should be righted swiftly against Carolina. If the Bucs lose Sunday at home to the Panthers, well, then go ahead and pencil in Joe for an absolute mental breakdown on these here pages next Monday.
Keep your head up today, even if you have to deal with Bears fan or Packers fan or Jaguars fan at the office.
September 14th, 2020 at 5:29 am
when the above picture says a thousand words…
“i’m wrist deep in swamp azz because you’re my guy” said TB
September 14th, 2020 at 5:44 am
anyone see that video of what appears to be cam jordan straight up punching rojo with a closed fist while down on the ground…
of course he will get a pass when he says he was just trying to punch the ball lose…
i’m not so sure he was trying to punch the ball lose tho…
ask ryan jensen…
jensen backed up rojo like a good dude, and was all up in jordan’s grill and pushing him back
September 14th, 2020 at 5:48 am
What killed the Bucs:
Poor o line run blocking
LT with lead feet
Secondary
Special teams
Poor play calling
Bad coaching
QB
September 14th, 2020 at 6:06 am
Not to worried about Brady and the offense. I think they’ll start clicking after a few weeks. I’m more worried about Donovan Smith. Dude is a loaf. Huge liability. Secondary is young but has to grow up in a hurry. Penalties continue to hurt.
September 14th, 2020 at 6:06 am
Losing to the Saints in week 1 was the easiest prediction on the entire Bucs schedule. If I were a betting man I’d have put down $10k on that one without even blinking.
You have a new QB in Brady coming into a new system in a new state with entirely new teammates, without the benefit of a real training camp and zero preseason games going against another Hall of Fame QB in Brees who’s in a system and on a team that’s the very definition of continuity, playing in their own stadium and with a long-time head coach that’s considered the best play-caller in the NFL.
Anyone who thought the Bucs were going to win this one needs to take a step back and look at reality and stop buying the hype. This team is going to need half a season to jell so expecting consistent winning before then is unrealistic.
I expect this team to go 4-4 in the first half of the season and 6-2 in the second half, ending up with 10 wins and probably a wild card berth.
September 14th, 2020 at 6:11 am
I love the excuses from bucs fans.. “its only week 1” gronk looked broken down… I dont wanna hear that week 1 crap. Brady sucked yesterday. Stared down receivers, made bad throws, all the same crap yall blamed jameis for. Yes tom is a super bowl champion, but not with the Bucs…. I repeat, YES TOM IS A 6 TIME SUPERBOWL CHAMPION, BUT NOT WITH THE BUCS. Bucs fans that are getting high off of tom brady old success are idiots. He Stunk. Mike Evans and Godwin led the league in targets last year, get the ball in your playmakers hands. The big money guys. Not scotty miller and Justin watson.
September 14th, 2020 at 6:11 am
Secondary played pretty well outside of one play. Not sure why theyre getting called out. Problems were the penalties and turnovers. Oh and the left tackle
September 14th, 2020 at 6:13 am
^^^ well said ^^^
September 14th, 2020 at 6:15 am
Buc4ever- We all thought it would be Wirfs who struggles. Smith was awful yesterday.
I have to admit that I expected a “cleaner” game than that. It was a lot of “little things”, things that make you lose games against better opponents.
Do we even coach special teams?! It was so lopsided, I have to ask.
Lastly, you can tell that chemistry was an issue. That pick-6 was exhibit ‘A’. The one to Evans too. But the one to Watson looked like the receiver ran a flatter route than Brady expected or threw to. Either way, he was not sharp for most of the game.
September 14th, 2020 at 6:18 am
why did Jason “the Dumpest” Licht spend a 3rd Round pick for an overaged TE when the Team is nowhere good enough for a SuperBowl Run ?!
sacrificed the future, for some promo for this season
such a Suckaneer move… again and again and aigain
fireJasinLicht tonight!!!
September 14th, 2020 at 6:19 am
I knew it was going to be a tough game… But after our 1st drive, my expectations skyrocketed! My phone started flooding with text from friends and family. Everything was looking up! Then REALITY hit. Slop, penalty’s, mistakes, poor play, the damn wheels fell off. We were or own worst enemy as usual. Not shocked, but it still hurts, every time.
Donovan Smith, you need to donate a large chunk of your paycheck to a charity. Not cool! Sort it out! You’re protecting the goat! Smh
Week 1 is over! Let’s use this L as Fuel! Go BUCS, kill the Panthers! BA get after these guys this week! PLAY FOOTBALL!!!!!!
September 14th, 2020 at 6:24 am
76 is not focused. He wants to play/doesn’t wNt to play. He’s concerned about COVID 19/not concerned about COVID 19. He’s for protesting/ not for protesting. He has to have a single focus…excel at his job. Hmmm, wonder if other Bucs have the same focus problems…
September 14th, 2020 at 6:47 am
I thought they looked like a team that didnt have enough practice, and no preseason games. Its going to get better, hopefully sooner then later.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:02 am
Everybody talk’s about the bucs having no preseason, I don’t think NO had a preseason either. Some of you finally woke up and smelled the coffee. Brady and Gronk (2 yards) is not an instant fix for the Bucs. We just got bit*h slapped back to reality.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:03 am
This just in, the Panthers played pretty good yesterday. Not a given that we “RIGHT” the ship anytime soon.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:04 am
That LT is overrated.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:11 am
Send Donovan to Dancing with Stars. Or the Bolshoi. Maybe someone can teach him how to move.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:32 am
Wheres the risk it no biscuit offense?
September 14th, 2020 at 7:33 am
Any chance we can give Jameis a call and tell him we were just kidding and offer a 3rd rounder to the Saints to bring him back?
September 14th, 2020 at 7:43 am
It was a good loss to learn from. The Saints are the standard that we have to play at to compete for/in the playoffs. We you consider all the various ways we shot ourselves in the foot….and then look at the score, its easy to see we gave the game away. Multiple 3rd down penalties to sustain drives, two INTs, a botched kick off return, blocked FG…..we served up a victory on a silver platter. Brees and the Saints execute at too high of a level to give them anything…..especially over and over and over.
September 14th, 2020 at 7:48 am
Maybe thats why Belicheat didn’t twist Bradys arm to stay in New England because he knew he was about done.
September 14th, 2020 at 8:11 am
These fans needed this article they are about to jump off a ledge but it’s easier to jump off the bandwagon seriously. They needed that kind of beat down.
Here’s some thing that a reality check helped us realize
Donovan Smith wasn’t going to magically show effort on every snap, he is just a loader and gets caught every time
The running back doesn’t matter because the o line gets no push
Second year corners would be fine. Veteran would have never had a lapse like Dean in a game like this on a team like this
Leftwich calls a horrible game against teams with a great d line.
BA makes too many excuses
Special teams coach is an amateur
Rojo just might end up getting replaced by the time Green Bay gets here
Brady needs game reps, he looked mortal against one of the best teams in the league and that’s football
September 14th, 2020 at 8:18 am
Bucs had a disastrous 2nd quarter on offense – turnovers, poor play calling., poor execution. Other 3 quarters , game was pretty even.
Gotta think Evans not practicing all week was a factor.
Saints, to their credit, didn’t make any critical mistakes-
Once again, turnovers…
September 14th, 2020 at 8:31 am
There is a reason they call today OVERREACTION MONDAY!!
To the person who posted above blaming D and secondary. Really? held Brees to 160!! he gets more than that at halftime!! Thomas, a world class WR, 3 Rec 17 yards. Kamara, 12 carries 16 yards!! but.. they let him score two TDs, must be worked on.
Other than that, Bucs defense did a great job. This is the team were CHASING in the division. … who won the division by 6 games last year!!! TWO plays, Pick 6 and the fumble kickoff. otherwise its a different game.
I am THE OPTIMIST< and I approve this message!
September 14th, 2020 at 8:36 am
Who is calling the plays? New QB with the same old results!
September 14th, 2020 at 8:42 am
Special Teams – not special at all. Mickens sucks! Pure and simple! Get someone back there who’s not afraid to catch the ball and try to make some yards.
Kudos to Scotty Miller and Devin White, two young players who balled yesterday. That one tackle White made on Kamara in the backfield made me jump out of my seat. Not too many players in the NFL that could have done that.
Overall, I liked what the D put on the field. I didn’t like the penalties, and the secondary has got to play more disciplined. But like Joe said, it’s the first game of the season and the Saints are for real!
September 14th, 2020 at 8:45 am
A brand new offense with no preseason put in the same kind of performance that Winston’s offense did after 4 years together, against a genuine super bowl contender.
The offensive miscues don’t bother me in week 1. The sloppy ST and mental errors do.
The ceiling for this team was high before yesterday and it’s still high now. Everyone chillz
September 14th, 2020 at 9:01 am
Anybody blaming the secondary for this loss needs to stop watching football. They gave up one traditional completion of note in the game on Dean’s miscalculation of Jared Cook’s speed. That’s it. Everything else of note was a trick play or a screen. The secondary played the best game they’ve played in years.
September 14th, 2020 at 9:08 am
If we lose to Carolina next week, at home, there will be Panic in Tampa Bay.
September 14th, 2020 at 9:37 am
What’s killed the Bucs is after 7 Jason Licht drafts
We have a below average offensive line.
Secondary is still in disaray.
We have one draft pick vea, the rest free agents.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:01 am
I’m not freaking out at all. We’ll be fine, but Joe you can go ahead stop saying 76 is not a problem, he goes to sleep 4-6 plays every stinking game. I’m done with that clown, We’ll be drafting another Tackle in the Spring for sure.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:37 am
I want to believe the optimism. But here are my Monday morning negative thoughts:
Brady can’t do it all
The OL is porous
The running game is sub-average
Arians is not, will never be Belichick
Byron Leftwich will never be Josh McDaniels
This team is undisciplined. That falls on the coach
The special teams are a joke
Brady can’t do it all.
I feel bad for him. This team will be a stain on his legacy.
September 14th, 2020 at 10:41 am
I’m still calling game 1 as a ‘getting to know you game’. I will be very disappointed if we don’t start winning with what we now have. Starting next week.
September 14th, 2020 at 11:06 am
The people who are freaking out today are not overreacting. This team will look worse because it’s Brady. I see real fans on here saying Licht should go and I agree. The organization from top to bottom at the front office are his good ol boys like for real. How come it’s not being called out today. Licht lost me that draft where he traded a top 10 pick with a team that had two first round picks and didn’t get them. Worse you draft V. Vea and told the fans to f off. That was the worst draft trade of the decade. Buffalo got their man too a winner in Josh Allen and also got another good first round pick. The local media sold the fact that they loved the fact that Licht did that was dooming and later lead to the damage that is today. The reality check is for the fans but here’s the reality check fans need to leave the Bucs soon or pray new owners come in. This is a mrss and by December it will look colossal trust me. The owners have gotten all the Buccaneer Brady jersey money and are happy. Just like Djax, Vjax, currently M. Evans but he will decline with this too. Always giving up on talented players because they knew their worth. M. Bennett was one Talib Revis man it doesn’t stop. They should’ve cleaned house for Winston last year but instead they went with the money and bought Brady. After getting all the local fans money for Winston they were done with him never attempting to follow the plan that scouts said should surround him. They got the Defense all day and I feel Bowles may take over this mess with Leftwich and turn it around with an ideal. All of Licht buddies are here now Arians Brady and Gronk many others too. This ain’t about winning it’s about chilling for these villains. I think Winston was let go because he cared and still cares too much about that area and the people of that area. McCoy was obviously let go for it. I think it’s why Gruden was bought back on board. Arians doesn’t care for Tampa but Gruden who is from Tampa was forced out by this ownership group. The owners don’t like these fans and don’t care for this team to win. Just a check is what the Bucs have become. I remember when their Dad was in years as he said to that city ‘this one for you Tampa”. The writers of this site are very genuine I can see it clearly through the reporting but staying neutral has allowed this cancer grow.
September 14th, 2020 at 11:21 am
Saints out coached us yesterday…BA didn’t have this team focused and paying attention to detail resulting in penalties and lazy play…
D.smith has to be held accountable….plain and simple….by the coaches, the players….Dean as well….Cappa struggled….wirfs played good IMO….
Defense played very well
GO BUCS
September 14th, 2020 at 11:46 am
That was a hugely disappointing effort full of dumb mistakes and lazy play. Not acceptable BA.
September 14th, 2020 at 12:43 pm
No worries Joe, now that they’ve had their first real game with plenty of tape to review, theres’ no doubt they will be much improved Sunday.
In in a way, the loss might have been a good thing, all the national idiots who’ve been picking them to go all the way will quickly shut up now and have to wait and see like the real Bucs fans will too.
Bottom line, watch out Carolina….here come the real 2020 Bucs!
September 14th, 2020 at 12:46 pm
Since it was the first game and against a very good team this loss hurts less a day later.