Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Lions
December 27th, 2020
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Everyone in the Buc organization hated to hear those damning words.
Writing it was no great thrill, either.
On a relatively frigid afternoon in Tampa, the Bucs warmed the hearts of their supporters with a record-shattering victory in Detroit. Following a 47-7 walkover, this organization no longer has to deal with the phrase that is etched into my computer screen: The NFC’s longest playoff drought.
The drought is over and this team’s real agenda is about to start.
“It’s just the beginning,” Bruce Arians said after the Bucs registered the most lopsided road win in franchise history. And yes, Arians was correct — it was all about the beginning.
With Buc Nation aghast at Tampa Bay’s pattern of slow starts, Tom Brady took charge from the opening snap. Perhaps Arians set a new tone by winning the coin toss and electing to receive rather than deferring the game’s first possession.
Arians was intent on changing the tune in Motown and Buc fans seconded that emotion. This passing game was so prolific in the opening half, it’s conceivable Brady might have set the all-time mark for most passing yards by an NFL quarterback in a single game.
He had 348 yards at the break and the hapless Lions offered little resistance. Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin’s record of 554 passing yards, set in 1951, appeared in serious jeopardy until Arians made the smart move and told Brady to take a seat.
There are bigger goals dead ahead.
“When we play the way we’re capable of playing,” Brady said, “we’re tough to beat.”
The Lions were a bad team with Matt Stafford and they were helpless once he limped off. Add in a half-dozen coaches who missed the game because of COVID concerns and the Lions were outmanned from start to finish.
But that shouldn’t take away from the efficiency and ruthlessness the Bucs displayed on both sides of the ball in improving to 10-5. While the NFC’s No. 5 playoff seed is now within their grasp, hitting the road doesn’t seem particularly daunting with Mr. Brady under center.
Here’s how the Bucs treated the Lions like roadkill during a rollicking Saturday in the Park.
* The last 90 minutes played by the Bucs should scare the daylights out of any potential playoff opponent. In the past six quarters, they outscored the Falcons and Lions by a combined margin of 78-17. They are peaking at the right time and a sweep of the Falcons would give Tampa Bay a 4-game winning streak entering the postseason.
* The offensive line gave Brady ample time to go to his second and third reads. If he gets that kind of protection going forward, Brady will light up defensive backs. The Lions posted only two QB hits all day, which was one less than Devin White by himself.
* Mike Evans is on a serious roll — which spells trouble for Atlanta and all future opponents. He was targeted 12 times and caught 10 passes for 181 yards, leaving him well within range of another 1,000-yard season. Arians and Brady want Evans to keep the streak going, so good luck stopping him, Falcons.
* The only blemish on the day was poor special teams play. Ryan Succop missed a FG try and two extra-point attempts while the Bucs allowed a 74-yard punt return for Detroit’s only score. Assistant coach Keith Armstrong has some work to do next week.
* The Bucs finished 6-2 on the road, a mark that usually generates a playoff berth. Wild-card teams rarely end up in the Super Bowl, but Tampa Bay’s last trip to the playoffs ended with a home loss to the 2007 wild-card Giants, who went on to shock the 18-0 Patriots.
* The victory had great personal meaning for Arians, who will soon be preparing for a playoff opponent for the first time in five years. “It means the world,” Arians said. “This is why you coach — you want to get a chance to win a championship.”
* Anyone still questioning Brady’s arm strength? While the Lions didn’t have a snap that gained more than 20 yards, the Bucs gained 20 or more yards on 10 occasions — including five strikes to Evans. Brady kept looking downfield and his targets kept getting wide-ass open.
* Through 14 games, Detroit had allowed a league-high 56 touchdowns. Saturday’s drubbing didn’t help and the Lions didn’t help themselves with 11 penalties for 117 yards, four yards more than they mustered through the air.
* The Bucs set a franchise record by rolling up 588 yards, including 410 in an opening half that had to be seen to be believed. Tampa Bay ran the ball well and threw it in spectacular fashion. Even Blaine Gabbert dipped his beak into some of that gravy with two second-half TD throws. Yes, Blaine Gabbert.
* Ho-hum, another day with a game-high 10 tackles and a sack for Devin White. Now he gets another shot at Matt Ryan, the statue he dumped three times in the fourth quarter last week. White needs one more sack to reach double digits in his second pro season. Like Evans, he’s going to get his milestone
Ira!
Joe’s good friend Sean Sullivan, the general manager of @BillCurrieTampa, is ready for the playoffs. Imagine tailgating at a Bucs game in a new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport. Bill Currie Ford has them. Stop in and talk to Sean (about that Alstott jersey, too). pic.twitter.com/4HxSkZSPjs
— JoeBucsFan (@JoeBucsFan) December 16, 2020
December 27th, 2020 at 7:26 am
Next order of business: Erasing the playoff win drought
Never, ever would I have believed on that glorious night in January of ’03 that in December of 2020 we’d still be waiting for the next one.
If I’m not mistaken, if they don’t win one this year then it’s the longest drought in franchise history (’03-’20), taking sole possession of ’80 through ’96 without a playoff win.
December 27th, 2020 at 7:49 am
For once, the Bucs took my advice (LOL) and chose to receive rather than defer. Best way to get off to a faster start!
December 27th, 2020 at 7:55 am
….and #11 is we have outscored the opponent 131-40 when we wear our white jersey on pewter pants
Impressive performance 🙏
December 27th, 2020 at 7:56 am
I noticed that JPP was still playing late in the 4th quarter……I guess to allow him to get a sack…..there is no way he should have been in there……
Devin White was a monster again……along with Evans…..the most dominant Bucs.
I’m starting to think that we need to find some way to keep Gronk…..I know we don’t have the money but….man, is he good!!!
December 27th, 2020 at 8:19 am
Enough wildcard teams have won it all to keep the dream real and alive, including the aforementioned 2007 Giants. Also the 2000 Ravens, 2005 Steelers and 2010 Packers.
Maybe this distinction is the particular ring Beady needs to complete his Lombardi Ring Gauntlet?!
December 27th, 2020 at 8:20 am
*Brady (duh)
December 27th, 2020 at 8:29 am
man oh man i sure hope they continue this thru the post season, can you imagine running the gauntlet like this, tearing thru the NFC opponents, like running thru college teams, if they keep this up, them dirty taints and cheeseheads better be scared, oh congrats ahead of time ME13 you the man, Mr Gold Jacket 4 sho
December 27th, 2020 at 8:36 am
Brady threw two more tds in his sleep last night.
😂
December 27th, 2020 at 8:37 am
Great win Bucs !!! Gotta say I was nervous as hell about some of the vets being in there late. Big picture says you sit Gronk, Evans, JPP, Suh. I get trying to get Evans his 1000 but it was risky as hell.
December 27th, 2020 at 8:52 am
Couldn’t have a better leader in TB12 for the playoffs. THAT IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC WIN! And Bucs teammates must bring their A-game, every time. If they do, they could win. Are they up for the challenge? Every play. Every down. All this, for a chance to work harder. Go get it!
December 27th, 2020 at 8:55 am
Let’s not forget the 1980 Oakland Raiders who were the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl. I’d forgotten the 2000 Ravens were a wild card team (12-4 to Tennessee’s 13-3.)
December 27th, 2020 at 8:55 am
I’ve been saying it since yesterday but the Buccaneers may as well put Mike Evans in the Ring of Honor right now! Why wait? He’s the greatest Buccaneers receiver of all time. Hell, he’s the greatest offensive player in Bucs history.
December 27th, 2020 at 9:02 am
Tbbf, what is so underrated is gronk blocking. If you watch any all22 breakdowns of our run game he is so damn good at feeling the run and blocking and knowing when to release and go next level and when to hold and how to not get caught. He’s a goofball but he’s so good at the football. Im hoping we can offer him 1 year 5 to 8 million.
December 27th, 2020 at 9:07 am
I’m curious to see how the Fowlclowns defend ME next Sunday. I think they are going to try their damnest to not let him get the record.
December 27th, 2020 at 10:00 am
Sorry guys. I don’t care about Evans getting his 1000 yards. I care about him being ready for the playoffs. How would feel if he pulls his hammy like last year on a pass play that gets him his 1000 yards. Would you be cheering he got his 1000, but can’t play in the playoffs? It would be a horrible if any of our star players couldn’t suit up in two weeks.
December 27th, 2020 at 11:16 am
We beat the crap out of a really bad team yesterday.
Let’s keep it real.
December 27th, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tag Everything IRA. If I have to continue to sort thru a bunch of LDK’s tabloid journalism to find an article with actual substance, I will just stop visiting the site.
December 27th, 2020 at 9:00 pm
Did ME13 just make the HOF in his 7th season??? There can be NO QUESTION!!!
Mike Evans made 10 receptions for a season-best 181 yards receiving and two touchdowns, marking his franchise-record 13th receiving touchdown of the year. He also became one of just seven players in NFL history with 8,000+ receiving yards and 60+ receiving touchdowns in their first seven seasons, joining Larry Fitzgerald, Marvin Harrison, Calvin Johnson, Randy Moss, Jerry Rice and Sterling Sharpe.
CASE CLOSED!!!