Five Things
December 28th, 2020
(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)
OK, the Bucs are peaking and the three- (four-?) day weekend is over. Grab some java and hop on the Bucs’ playoff train with Joe.
The arrow
Team Glazer has liked to use the phrase “arrow pointed.” If the arrow is pointed down, it means changes are in the air. If the arrow is pointed up, Team Glazer expects employees at One Buc Palace to make sure it stays that way.
Joe doesn’t know if the Bucs’ arrow has pointed up at this high of an angle since the Bucs won the Super Bowl in January 2003.
The Bucs on Saturday absolutely crushed the Lions in every way possible. Yeah, the Bucs gave up a punt return for a touchdown. Sorta sad in that it cost the Bucs a rare shutout, but that in no way should dim the brightness of just how well the Bucs played.
Going back to the second half against the Dixie Chicks, no team is hotter, maybe the Packers.
Even Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Leonard Fournette combined for 96 yards rushing on a day where Tom Brady went nuts.
It was so cool to see Brady spread the wealth. Antonio Brown got a touchdown. Mike Evans had two. Chris Godwin got a touchdown (on a sick one-handed catch). Rob Gronkowski had two TDs. Even Fournette got one on the ground.
Joe cannot remember the last time the Bucs had such a complete, dominant game. The win over the Packers or opening day of 2017? Maybe. Arrow pointing up? Hell, yeah!
Old man Brady
So a short time ago, people were wringing their hands wondering if Brady can finish the season well because he could no longer throw deep. Sometimes he couldn’t throw short.
But damn is he not shattering records for a 43-year old and Bucs quarterbacks? Prior to this season, the best numbers for a 43-year old quarterback was likely Vinny Testaverde. And those numbers were meager.
Brady now owns the Bucs’ single-season record for touchdowns thrown (36). Would it shock Bucs fans if Brady had 40 by, say, 5 p.m. next Sunday? He also owns the top two marks for most passing yards in a half in Bucs history, 348 (first half against Detroit) and 320 (second half against Atlanta).
Yes, it is fair to say Brady is on fire!
Just out of curiosity, Joe did a bit of research. Last year Brady’s game dramatically fell off with the Belicheats after a hot start. In his final 11 games (including a playoff loss to Tennessee) Brady only once threw for 300 yards in a game (at Houston).
This year? In his past nine games, Brady has thrown for 300 yards five times. Brady is hardly done.
Joe has a hunch the Florida weather has been good for Brady and his right wing.
Pass rushing surprise
If Joe had told you a year ago that in 2020, Bucs inside linebacker Devin White would have only a half-sack less sacks than Jason Pierre-Paul and one more sack than NFL sack king Shaq Barrett, you would have told Joe to tab out and take an Uber home.
And you’d likely be right about Joe’s sudden loss of sobriety.
But here we are. JPP leads the Bucs with 9.5 sacks, White has nine sacks and Shaq has eight.
Joe thinks we can all agree that White’s strength is stopping the run. He’s dynamite at that. In the past month, White has found his groove at blitzing quarterbacks. His weakness? Pass coverage.
So in Joe’s eyes, the Bucs should play White (or any player) to his strength. Blitz White more than in the past. What are you going to lose? One subpar linebacker in pass coverage? But you gain a pass rusher.
You just know Atlanta (and playoff opponents) will do their damndest to take out JPP and Shaq on passing downs. But going after White too? Unlikely.
Joe would just freaking love it if JPP, Shaq and White each had 10 (or more) sacks for the season. How crazy that is considering just three years ago the Bucs had 22 sacks — total!
Expectations
So when the Bucs broke training camp and prepared for the regular season, it’s like someone in a Hooters fantasy football league put this team together. Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Rob Gronkowski, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, Leonard Fournette, Cam Brate, holy smokes that could be something special.
Tearing up the Dixie Chicks last week and carrying that momentum into the Lions game, where they scored on seven of their first nine possessions, it sure seemed like a video game or fantasy football come to real life.
Is this what Team Glazer and Jason Licht envisioned when they approved and put the pieces of the offensive puzzle together?
And after the past two weeks, Joe doesn’t want to hear any more of how Brady needs more time to get on the same page as his receivers. It was a bunch of bunk a month ago and is total nonsense and lazy analysis now.
Joe’s looking at you, Moose Johnston, and you too, Sir TalkALot Tony Romo.
Respect
It seems to acquire full respect from national media types, the Bucs may have to play in the Super Bowl in the Den of Depression come February.
Notice how nationally, the Bucs were mocked for waiting until the second half to tear up the Dixie Chicks in their own cage? Or that mopping the floor with the Lions is an empty effort?
Well, the Rams lost to the jughead Jets who cannot even tank right. Did you read or hear much about how the Rams are a paper tiger or that Sean McVay doesn’t know what he is doing?
How about yesterday? The Super Bowl champion Chiefs narrowly escaped an upset to the Dixie Chicks in their beloved Arrowhead Stadium home. Anyone going after Andy Reid or crucifying Pat Mahomes for not being on the same pages as his receivers?
Sometimes Joe thinks McVay gets a pass because people want to drool over his hot Russian fiancée. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
[CORRECTION: McVay’s fiance is Ukrainian. Joe’s head sometimes is still stuck in the Ronald Reagan cold war days.]
December 28th, 2020 at 7:20 am
I thought it foolish to knock the Bucs lately also. You forgot to mention Joe how the Bungles destroyed Pitt, yet they gush about how Ben came from behind to beat Indy. Such is life as a Buc fan. Just keep winning baby!!
December 28th, 2020 at 7:27 am
i hope we get the cowboys first round…
we can rock that team…
sweat and their first rounder this year are turning into a scary end combo, and TB doesn’t need to be violated…
#KeepTomBouncingOnHisToes
December 28th, 2020 at 7:30 am
Not meaning to hijack your story Joe, but how the heck could McVay spend 12 hours ignoring THAT?!
December 28th, 2020 at 7:33 am
We lost respect when we were stomped by New Orleans…..lost to Chiefs & Rams…..we likely won’t get it back until we beat one of those teams again….this year…..I hope it’s the Chiefs…..you know what that would mean!!!
December 28th, 2020 at 7:35 am
also prefer dallas so we can fugg around in that nice warm dome…
no to new york and washington
December 28th, 2020 at 7:40 am
@adam, do we really want the Cowboys, of all the teams they have the best receivers and if the pass rush doesn’t get to Dalton our DBs will be on an island, but we could put up 40
December 28th, 2020 at 7:42 am
let’s say we roll and win the superbowl…
potentially if we get the cowboys and saints…
we will have only one cold weather game before getting back to tampa…
the bucs are like “the warriors”
anyone remember that movie…?
they were just trying to get back to coney island, brooklyn…
but every gang in new york was after them for killing cyrus…
same for the bucs…they’re just trying to get back to tampa…
but every team in the playoffs is trying to take ’em out…
Bucs = The Warriors
December 28th, 2020 at 7:48 am
@rrsrq:
warm dome, dalton not much more mobile than brady…yes pretty good receiver group to abuse our secondary…
but i’ll take this match up…we can win a shootout…or any type game vs the cowboys…(hopefully)
giants in cold weather rematch – might want to avoid…
washington – their d-line can alter brady’s game….and cold weather
December 28th, 2020 at 7:49 am
The Bucs lost to the Packers in December 2017?
December 28th, 2020 at 7:53 am
Arizona and “Pro Bowl” QB Murray sure laid an egg vs an SF decimated by injuries. Anbody crying about Murray being “on the same page” and that he’s a average QB that can run?
December 28th, 2020 at 8:00 am
Wa Wa Warriors, coming out to play? The fact that the Rams hang their hat on Goff prevents them from winning. He sucks! Every team is beatable, this is where Brady, JPP, Briown and Gronk step in to let the young players know not to take any team lightly. We as fans should do the same. One game at a time. A wild card game is a downgrade for Brady.
December 28th, 2020 at 8:29 am
Actually it was you hating on brady. Wringing your hands
Well the one schmoe anyway
Compared to gardner minshew
😂
If ya boy was here bucs arent even 8-8
But keep blaming brady for everything.
Cause you wouldnt with jameis
December 28th, 2020 at 8:35 am
@Joe … “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” Shaking my head Joe. You’ve been watching too many Seinfeld re-runs.
Lost in the euphoria from Saturday’s big win is (and from your ‘Five Things’) is that our defense pitched a shutout against a not great, but still fairly decent offense.
No Lions’ drive in the 1st half had over 5 plays or made it into Bucs’ territory. Five straight punts to end each Lions’ drive, plus the end-of-half series that ran out of time. Total of 82 yds offense from their total 25 plays (plus 5 punts), with only 4 first downs.
No lions’ drive in the 2nd half had over 7 plays and our defense forced 2 takeaways. Lions 6 drives ended in 3 punts, 2 TOs & 1 out-on-downs. Total of 99 yds offense from their total 25 plays (plus 3 punts), with only 8 first downs.
And impressively our defense held them to only 1-for-11 on 3rd & 4th down conversion attempts. Also limited them to 24 mins TOP (to our 36 mins). We not only won the T/O Differential 2-0, but also won the penalties differential … Lions had a whopping 11 penalties for 117 yds. That’ll probably lose you most games in the NFL.
THAT’S the type of offensive AND defensive performance we’ll need in the playoffs. And THAT’S the type of performance this offense AND defense is capable of delivering in every game. One more now against Atlanta this Sunday to get us primed for the playoffs, regardless of who we play or where we play.
December 28th, 2020 at 8:53 am
You are right Joe, the National Media gives the Bucs very little respect. It seems to me the Bucs are peaking at the right time of the year. TB and the receivers are the healthiest they have been all season. It’s showing!! The defense is playing tough! This team can beat anyone!
Next up the Falcons. GO BUCS!!!!
December 28th, 2020 at 9:10 am
“Joe has a hunch the Florida weather has been good for Brady and his right wing.”
Actually, having more than one banged up receiver (Edelman) to throw to is the biggest difference from last year. Brady is the the best in bad weather and snow, where the game slows down a bit and Brady has time to read and pick apart defenses.
December 28th, 2020 at 9:18 am
12 hours??? 12 minutes!
December 28th, 2020 at 9:23 am
It is in the third paragraph.
Not sure how you can call the Lions offense “decent” without Matt Stafford. Still a shutout is a shutout.
December 28th, 2020 at 9:46 am
Yeah McVay’s chick is hot and looks all natural too…….. unlike that ridiculous patch of “hair” he sports on that receding melon.
December 28th, 2020 at 10:14 am
McVay’s girl sure looks plastic and airbrushed in that pic. She some 18 year old? They start young over in Eastern Europe. 😂 When the Bucs won the SB back in 2003, Cris Collingsworth, a sports bloviating yahoo, crapped his pants. He could not stop insulting Tampa Bay. They didn’t deserve it; they cheated cos Chucky coached the Raiders right before he went to the Bucs, etc. The Bucs have always been a laughing stock with the craporate sports talking heads. Take it from someone who has followed them for over 40 years. Go Mighty Bucs, but do not overlook the Dixie Chicks!
December 28th, 2020 at 10:16 am
BTW, Joes, love that picture of my man, LVD! 😊🏈
December 28th, 2020 at 11:04 am
How about yesterday? The Super Bowl champion Chiefs narrowly escaped an upset to the Dixie Chicks in their beloved Arrowhead Stadium home. Anyone going after Andy Reid or crucifying Pat Mahomes for not being on the same pages as his receivers?
………………….
EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!
December 28th, 2020 at 11:09 am
Joe Says:
December 28th, 2020 at 9:18 am
how the heck could McVay spend 12 hours ignoring THAT?!
12 hours??? 12 minutes!
…………….
I have two broken ribs Joe. That wasn’t nice!
🙂 :). Still trying to laugh.
December 28th, 2020 at 11:14 am
A lot of back patting goinon. Bucs should have been 12/2. Couple games lost by 3 points.
Now IF Brady can stay on his feet, not hurried, protected Bucs can be 11/4. Records broken, Ariens can bragg. That’s IF.
I hope they can play and Win S B
December 28th, 2020 at 11:28 am
Alot of arm chair comments on they just knew Brady was the Messiah. Now I’ll add my “out house” comments. As long as he can stay on his feet, protected, and time to throw the ball. Great receiver’s.
IF all goes as planned, Super Bowel Champions
GO BUCS
December 28th, 2020 at 11:52 am
I completely forgot everything I read in that article once I clicked on the link to see McVay’s fiancé. DAMN!
December 28th, 2020 at 12:18 pm
I think Cowboys-Bucs would be the most nationally watched contest, especially since Dallas get so much media attention.
The Bucs havn’t beaten the Cowboys in Dallas before but I like the matchup, specifically because the Cowboys don’t have a secondary that can match up with our gang of targets.
The last time the Bucs won a game in Dallas was in 2001! That enough is plenty of motivation. They have lost 5 in a row there.
I just think its more of an accomplishment beating them in Dallas than Washington or Giants only because Dallas has a more impressive offense. We need a statement win in the playoffs and beating Dallas has more meaning to fans as so many root against the Cowboys.
December 28th, 2020 at 12:53 pm
Hey, Tampabaybucfan, “…..you know what that would mean!!! ” to me.
How about this scenario? The Bucs take out the Saints decisively in the NFC final. Then they not only take ownership of the Lombardi at RayJay in February, they do it by coming from behind and knocking off the reigning champions.
That’s my kind of “fantasy football, y’all!
Go Bucs!
December 28th, 2020 at 1:14 pm
My own son does it. My own flesh and blood. So how can I berate a bunch of displaced northeners who have decided to adopt the Bucs as their “new” team and then watch them ride the roller coaster of their fickleness weekly? DAMMIT.LETS GOOOOO!
WE HAVE THE G.O.A.T. We have a receiving corp every other team is jealous of. We have an offensive line who is learning to protect that NFL treasure who is Tom Brady and a defense who is finally finding its stride. Yet every other week its” dad look at that pass.Hes declining. Next play,” dad never count out Touchdown Tom”. I see it on here everywhere I go. Fickle fans. STOP THE CRAZINESS! My 5th generation , Sulpher Springs born and raised in the baddest part of town, longsuffering Buc loving butt is tired of it, tired of hearing it. It besickens me to my cockles.
Brady was a terrible atlete when he started. For reference watch his combine 40 run. Now compared to you and me he was a good athlete, but compared to other nfl qbs not so much. But every second,minute,hpur,day,month,year since he has dedicated, worked at,lived and breathed improving every facet of his game with a love for workouts and practice and games and team mates and locker room like no other before or since,even more than Jerry Rice the G.O.A.T. of receivers and stop it Randy Moss. He isnt declining you hammerheads, he is continuously improving. So stop the nonsense, bend yo damn knee and thank God that somehow we ended up woth this awesome man to lead our team. Do what you never do, quit bitching and let yourself enjoy this journey with the greatest QB ever….Tom Brady.Now’.LETS GOOOOO!