Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Raiders
October 26th, 2020
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
By one key metric, you could make a credible argument that the Bucs have been the most dominant team in the NFL this season.
No, they’re not unbeaten, but the Bucs have outscored opponents 222-142 in fashioning a 5-2 record. That plus-80 mark in point differential is tops in the league.
Quite a rebound from that bitter setback at Soldier Field two weeks ago. Tampa Bay followed up a majestic final three quarters against Green Bay with a very solid win on the road against a Raiders team coming off a bye week and a confidence-boosting victory at Kansas City.
Jon Gruden wanted this win in the worst way and the Raiders hung in until a turnover and the relentless pressure exerted by Tom Brady proved decisive.
Since that shaky opening quarter vs. Green Bay, the Bucs own an 83-20 scoring advantage. The Packers are very good, the Raiders aren’t bad and the Bucs just might be outstanding.
It’s all coming together for this woebegone franchise. Antonio Brown is on his way, but at this point, the Bucs don’t need much outside help in ending that 12-year playoff drought. They’ve been the talk of the league since Brady arrived and they still generate more than their share of national attention.
Here’s how an all-in franchise cashed out in Las Vegas:
* Brady was simply spectacular in shredding a defense that had an extra week to prepare. When he wasn’t firing darts to Chris Godwin and Tyler Johnson for scores, he was feathering gorgeous arching TD passes to Rob Gronkowski and Scotty Miller. That 127.0 passer rating was a testament to his accuracy and decision-making. NBC analyst Chris Simms was bowled over. “Is he 43? The way he runs and throws still, he’s better now than he was 10 years ago.”
* Brady couldn’t have enjoyed all that success without stout protection. For the second consecutive week, he wasn’t sacked and the Raiders registered only one hit against Brady. This offensive line has bounced back very well from that Thursday night loss in Chicago.
* On a day Mike Evans wasn’t a major factor, Brady found nine different receivers. Gronkowski’s sluggish September is behind him and his physicality is rubbing off on teammates. When the Raiders foolishly matched up against him with a much smaller defender, they paid a 7-point price.
* The NROTB show came out in full force. You know the story:. Nobody runs on the Bucs. A week ago, Aaron Jones carried 10 times for 15 yards. On Sunday, Josh Jacobs carried 10 times for 17 yards. Those are two of the better backs in the league. That’s 15 consecutive games opponents have failed to rush for 100 yards against Tampa Bay. NROTB.
* This young secondary continues to make plays. A week after Jamel Dean turned the game around with a pick-6 against Aaron Rodgers, safeties Mike Edwards and Antoine Winfield combined for an interception against Derek Carr that set up a critical score in the fourth quarter. Buc coaches have done a nice job developing Edwards, who suffered through a difficult rookie year in 2019.
* Bruce Arians can’t say enough about Chris Godwin, who caught all nine passes sent in his direction. Let’s just say he’s a special player.
* Devin White had a feeling he was going to play well against the Raiders, who bypassed him with the No. 4 pick of the 2019 draft. His instincts were on target as he posted all three of Tampa Bay’s sacks and led all players with 11 tackles. White wants to be great. He’s not there yet, but he ain’t far off.
* While Ronald Jones saw his streak of three consecutive 100-yard rushing games come to an end, Leonard Fournette made his presence felt as a runner and receiver. Yes, it’s nice to have quality depth in the backfield.
* When the game ended, Gruden knew he had lost to a better football team. Without an effective pass rush, the Raiders don’t have the defensive talent to contain Tampa Bay’s array of weapons — and it showed.
* The Giants aren’t a good football team, but look out … this could be a trap game coming up. The Bucs can’t afford to look ahead to the Nov. 8 rematch against the Saints, a prime-time matchup at home that could mark Brown’s debut in a Tampa Bay uniform. This is where Brady’s experience and competitive fire should keep the Bucs focused on the task at hand.
Ira’s friend Sean Sullivan, the Bill Currie Ford, will give you a special Ira Kaufman/JoeBucsFan discount, in addition to truly exemplary service.
Ira drives a 2020 Ford Escape from Bill Currie Ford. It really is a sweet, luxurious ride.
October 26th, 2020 at 1:12 am
Nice summary. I few things I’d add:
1. Give our new DT some love. He’s been in Tampa less than a week and led all DL in tackles.
2. Licht and Arians embarrassed Belichick and Gruden on the same day.
3. MNF Blessing. The Bucs won’t overlook NYG because it’s a prime time game AND they should be able to rest some players (Evans).
October 26th, 2020 at 1:15 am
Can we take back that contract from Brown??? I think we are ok without him
October 26th, 2020 at 1:27 am
It’s never too early to talk about the draft, no matter the record.
Next year we should target 6’6 giant of a wide receiver Warren Jackson out of the Mountain West’s finest, Colorado State. He can catch anything thrown his way, taller and faster than Mike Evans with longer arms and the ability to win 1-on-1s every time at the next level. We need to get him!
October 26th, 2020 at 1:49 am
How great has Brady been. Damn near perfect.
I just realized today that I had PTSD as a Bucs fan.
I was nervous the Bucs would lose against the Packers despite holding the lead and cheering them on from Ray Jay.
I also felt nervous when the Raiders closed to within 4 points. Just too scared in the moment to realize how great they are playing all while waiting for them to shot themselves in the foot.
Going to Brady from Winston has proven how good this team can be without the turnover machine.
The first time in I can’t remember I’m not talking about who we can draft before Halloween. Damn it Brady has fixed me.
This may take some time to get used to
GO Bucs
October 26th, 2020 at 1:53 am
@Lamarcus
I was thinking that too. I don’t really see where Brown fits in. I like the development that I’m seeing from Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson. Brown is obviously better than the two of them from a talent standpoint at this point in time but based on his history of being a disruptive me first player I wouldn’t want to deal with him. However the one positive that I see of having AB is he won’t land in New Orleans.
October 26th, 2020 at 2:05 am
Ira, the Giants game is on freakin Monday Night Football!! How many times does this franchise get to play on Monday Night Football? That alone should keep them from the look ahead.
October 26th, 2020 at 2:21 am
Bucs fans, enjoy 2020. Really relish every minute of having Brady under center. This man is the GOAT. No matter what happens, we could be watching some of the best Bucs QB play we’ll see in our lifetimes. Even if the Bucs find other good or great QBs after Brady hangs it up, the likelihood is we’ll never see one quite as good as TB12 wearing Pewter. Enjoy it! We’ve suffered for many years and now it’s our time.
October 26th, 2020 at 3:32 am
Good points. I would’ve preferred this team be led by Jameis Winston. The number would be even better, plus Famous Jameis would’ve won against Chicago. If Brady wasn’t so bad, the Bucs would be undefeated. Brady has ruined the viewing experience for the true Bucs fans. What happens in two years when Brady isn’t able to play!? Brutal Brady is ruining the franchise
October 26th, 2020 at 3:58 am
Shut up bro
October 26th, 2020 at 4:07 am
With AB Justin Watson doesn’t need to see the field
October 26th, 2020 at 5:09 am
Brady has the Bucs in first place- and for the first time in years we aren’t talking draft by Halloween.
Go Bucs! Go GOAT!
October 26th, 2020 at 5:17 am
Excellent recap Sage. Especially nice to see you mention our OLine’s role in the victory. Allowing no sacks & only 1 hit on Brady is exceptional IMO. They’re playing better & better as a unit it looks like. It was also great to see Chris Godwin & Leonard Fournette back in there. Re-signing both of them next year will be tough, but we’ve gotta find a way.
October 26th, 2020 at 6:17 am
jameis allmighty, shut your stinking pie hole and give your key board a rest, were not buying what your selling dumbass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 26th, 2020 at 6:21 am
Jameis is THE reason Brady is here, and the GOAT has not disappointed.
McClendon filled in nicely, though I’d like to see more sacks from the DL/OLB.
Take away a couple of SMB penalties and the Raiders aren’t even close at ANY point in the game.
Does anyone question the importance of an EFFECTIVE run-game now? You have to at least have the ‘threat’.
How fun is it to be on the other side of a beat-down for a change?!
October 26th, 2020 at 7:37 am
Jameisallwhiny, all evidence to the contrary. Your take is complete drivel. Not even a good try.
October 26th, 2020 at 7:45 am
You. Its good to know there is a person under the JoeBucsFan banner who not only gives thoughtful analysis, but ENJOYS the moment. The Bucs are winning… dont have the sky is falling, this guy sucks attitude. REJOICE
Joe is in Bucs-fan ecstasy like every other fan. Comical to suggest otherwise. Joe got into this as as fan and will be a Bucs fan forever. Always remember that most of the players, staff and front office would be happy to put on another team’s colors one day.–Joe
October 26th, 2020 at 8:17 am
The Bucs are the BEST team in the NFC and possibly the NFL… HELLO Tom Brady
October 26th, 2020 at 8:53 am
wow…
not a peep about the amazing job our OC(future HC) is doing….
we put up 30+ last week and folks praised bowles….defense didnt play as good as they did last week yet we still put up 40+ and we hear about every offensive component except for the person calling the plays….
amazing sad…lol….
BL IS WORKING MAGIC!!!!!!
BL will show you why getting AB makes sense….
GO BUCS!!!!!!
October 26th, 2020 at 9:49 am
This is Jameis Winston’s team… this his year to shine. She’d your tears now before you have to cry in your beer when your false icon, “Terrible Tom Brady” disappoints you and the Bucs have nothing to show for the team that the Almighty Famous Jameis Winston has stolen from him.
October 26th, 2020 at 10:23 am
” feathering gorgeous arching TD passes ” – Ira this has to be one of the most beautiful pass describing phrases I have ever read. Pure art my man.
October 26th, 2020 at 10:24 am
And 813, I would say it’s more of Brady working magic than BL imo.
October 26th, 2020 at 10:34 am
buc15
BL calls the plays….
brady missed gronk wide open 1st play of the game in addition to other throws…and some how we still put up 40+…lol….
BL calls the plays…players execute….
GO BUCS!!!!!!
October 26th, 2020 at 11:24 am
Everybody slams Donovan as a horrible Left tackle when they lose. But not a mention when there’s a clean pocket and no sacks
October 26th, 2020 at 11:35 am
No one predicted the Bucs would have zero penalties assessed against them for two weeks in a row, but the Raiders game showed just how disruptive even a minor penalty can be. When Shaq Barrett jumped offside it negated a pick deep in Raiders territory. The Raiders went on to drive down the field and score a TD. As it turns out, it didn’t matter. Brady and the offense were just too much for them. However, had it been a close game that offside represented a shift of 7, 10, or 14 points in the Raiders favor, depending on the outcome of the pick.
October 26th, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Hey Jameis – shouldn’t you be holding a clipboard instead of posting? Learn and apply what you have learned, then perhaps you’ll get another shot.
October 26th, 2020 at 4:05 pm
Hey Jameis. Want to make another of your stupid statements like last week. Oh the Raiders LET the Bucs win. GTFOH troll.