Buccaneers 28, Raiders 13
December 8th, 2024
So it seems the Buccaneers have mastered the art of winning ugly.
And today Joe doesn’t give a crap! That’s a very sweet team trait in December.
In a must-win game, the Bucs beat back the bumbling Raiders, which lost its starting quarterback after three quarters.
That means the Bucs, at 7-6, are alone in first place after Atlanta (6-7) lost as expected in Minnesota. Joe can’t wait to find a Falcons fan and laugh in his or her face. You like Kirk Cousins now?
Tampa Bay started hot with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and then fell apart but rebounded courtesy of a huge red-zone interception by Tykee Smith, plus big explosive plays by Mike Evans and Sean Tucker in the fourth quarter.
Those two chunk plays by the offense sparked a Rachaad White touchdown run to give the Bucs a 21-10 lead. Joe thought that was the ballgame, but in came dismal Desmond Ridder, the Raiders’ third-string QB, and he carved up the Bucs for a field goal drive. Huge tackles by Kaevon Merriweather and Christian Izien kept the Raiders out of the end zone. Big-time plays.
Joe is damn proud of that Smith pick. Great body adjustment awareness. It was his first game back after a knee injury and he brings a special element that cannot be replaced at nickel cornerback.
And how about Sean Tucker bouncing back from two fumbles in New Jersey against the Giants to get a shot with Bucky Irving leaving injured!
Tucker’s patient run and explosiveness was a thing of beauty for 34 yards.
The Bucs put their foot back on the gas late in the fourth quarter for a late TD pass to rookie Jalen McMillan, his second touchdown catch of the day.
Joe also is giving a standing ovation for Rachaad White, 17 carries for 90 yards and a rushing TD — plus 2 catches for 19 yards and a TD catch.
The Bucs’ three-headed monster at running back has returned, and they might need all of them if Irving’s back injury lingers.
First place, Bucs fans! Enjoy it!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:02 pm
Come on, INT and return for a TD, don’t take a knee. Lets get that 35-13 final I predicted at halftime.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:03 pm
Bakey Poo Poo almost lost them the game!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
O CONNELL MVP for Bucs Offense!!! 😂
December 8th, 2024 at 4:04 pm
Frustrating game. Baker played one of the worst 2nd quarters you’ll ever see. But had a good 1st and was good enough in the 4th. Hopefully that carries over to next week.
1st place!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:05 pm
YES SIRS!!! HATS OFF TO ALL MY GUYS…GREAT WIN!
And one we should win….
GAME BALL GOES TO MERRYWEATHER dmit!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Go O’Connell! Bucs MVP today.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:05 pm
15 point win in the NFL with 300 yards passing, 150 yards rushing, and holding opponent under 15 points, is solid. Ridding ourselves of the mid game slump needs to be a priority.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
did i spell that right? probably not lol, sorry man
December 8th, 2024 at 4:06 pm
Da Raydaz “We talkin bout practice Bucs….Practice!”…..(comment from Raiders 3rd stringers playing today)
December 8th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Bucanthem, baker looked great his last two drives so don’t want to hear it. Be a baker hater all you want, did baker play great no, did he play god awful no. It was a so so game and he still made the plays he needed to. Offensive line wasn’t great today and they’ve been pretty good all year but you just want to focus on baker
December 8th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
That game was torture. About as bad as Carolina. It’s a good thing O’Connell went down because he was carving up the Bucs sorry defense.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:07 pm
Chargers are next….just being real, we probably gonna lose that one…my apologies
December 8th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Credit to Todd and the D. Played more man, robbed of two picks.
Baker was bad. Run game is stout.
Chargers aren’t the Raiders. Send Baler to a shrink.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
I don’t care how we did it, but we went from in the hunt to leading the division.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Anthems a fizzzzagg
December 8th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Looked like Baker was limited with his injured ankle/foot. He just seemed off and like he couldn’t plant well. No excuses, just an observation.
1st place baby!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:08 pm
Another week that doesn’t really feel like a win. A 2 win team gave the Bucs all they could handle. A lot to clean up and a lot of people need to get healthy
December 8th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Come on Giants…F the aints
December 8th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
@ Chad
I don’t hold back punches like Tyson vs Paul
Baker damn near lost them the game against Raiders 3rd stringers…..cmon man!!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Another squeaker, hopefully AW and Bucky are ok, it’s just going to get tougher without them.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Coach Bowles winning percentage in Tampa now better than Gruden’s. How bizarre life can be, sometimes.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Buc4ever carving up the defense is a reach
December 8th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Merriwhether and Izien and McCollum were excellent. Now they play teams that it will take a lot more than they have vs Carolina and LV. Mayfield has to play better and they need to get Tucker on the field more. He is a load and fast.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
Baker is clearly dealing with an injury
December 8th, 2024 at 4:10 pm
I think Tykee Smith will be a Buc for his entire career, like Lavonte David. He is special!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:11 pm
Bakey poo poo was awful again this week
Like he was awful against the stinking panthers last week!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
3rd stingers! Ha! The QB? Yes. The rest are nfl starters. Take the win and relax.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
@ Ed
Hold back your enthusiasm considering they played against 3rd Stringers equivalent in Da Raydaz!!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Then you have to acknowledge that the o-line wasn’t great as well. I’m not saying baker was great, he had to be better if they want to beat the chargers but he made the right plays he needed to when he needed to.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Was it me or did it feel like the broadcasters were Rooting for the raiders the whole game?
December 8th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
Spare us the man crush you have on Kyle, if he’s better, he’s playing. Simple as that. Is it a conspiracy????
December 8th, 2024 at 4:13 pm
2nd quarter and most of the 3rd felt brutal, but they figured it out.
Not as frustrating as last week but they have got to stop playing down to their competition. Then again the Raiders have lost multiple close games too, just like the Panthers.
Thankfully the Falcons lost, but this team still needs to win out to get into the playoffs. A tall order with the Chargers coming up, as a tie with ATL won’t cut it.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:14 pm
O CONNELL = 3rd STRINGER
RIDDDER = 4th STRINGER
……cmon yall, stop pumping your chests now
“We talkin bout practice now Bucs!”
December 8th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
I’m telling you- Tuck is an RB1 in this league. Old school 20-30 carries guy. Gotta feed him.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
@ Andy,
Yes, CBS was Raiders bias for sure
December 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
I’d like to see Tuck get more carries for sure
December 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
I don’t think they need to win out, but can probably only afford to drop one against The Chargers.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
@ B
Only one problem…….Tucker cannot block….that’s why he’s not on the field more
December 8th, 2024 at 4:16 pm
UKBuccaneer
“Coach Bowles winning percentage in Tampa now better than Gruden’s. How bizarre life can be, sometimes.”
And he’s probably now passed Bill Belichik’s career % without Tom Brady. That includes a five year stint in Cleveland and 5 more in N.E. This is why I’m dumbfounded that people call for Belichik. Is he going to magically take 15 years off of Tom Brady and bring him with him.
In addition to UK Buc rubbing in for the haters how about Archulete art the end of game saying…”You gotta give Todd Bowles credit”. Bwaahaahaaa
He surprised them taking the ball after winning the coin toss, he also went for it on 4th, he let Coen close it out at the end with a wobbly Mayfield mangled toe new sock and shoe make the throw to Otton that sealed the deal.
It was ugly at times but injuries are getting absurd. At least NOBODY here and they know who they are can accuse Todd Bowles of not playing to WIN this game.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:17 pm
Considering we started off so hot we shouldn’t even be “proud” of this moment letting the falcons weep us and waiting for our break in the schedule arguably the easiest remaining schedule left of all teams
December 8th, 2024 at 4:19 pm
Dallas will be almost a guarantee 💯% loss…..you heard it here first!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:19 pm
Whether me make playoffs or not this team doesn’t seem destined to make a serious run so what are we even talking about
December 8th, 2024 at 4:20 pm
Cmon Bat Dung for FG!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:20 pm
You Baker haters are rapid….
Baker definitely needs to play better from the last two games but you idiots criticize him even when he plays well and wins games
#Losers
December 8th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
Oh well bat dung
December 8th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
Trask is better than Baker….at writing plays on a clipboard
December 8th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
@ No Mercy
You Sir are 💯 % correct!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Trask is mystical!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:22 pm
Bucs defense is hurtin’
December 8th, 2024 at 4:23 pm
^^^^
Too many injuries for sure
December 8th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Did they win? I fell asleep. They let that awful team hang around.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Nothing is certain with these Bucs. Next week they play a QN in Herbert who can tear up a soft zone so I sure hope the Bucs get a strong pass rush. In a tight game, Harbaugh will put coach Bowles so it’s up to their players to make a lot of big plays. Mayfield needs to be good for 4 quarters. Chargers are trying to to stay in Wild Card hunt so they will be ready to play. This game we will be playing a real football team with a great QB and coach.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:27 pm
This was a great team win!! The Raiders have been playing well since the offensive coordinator change & they finally found a running back in McCormick yet our defense stepped up even after losing one of its best players in Winfield, that’s RESILIENCE! On offense Rachad White & Sean Tucker stepped up to the plate & we still had success running the football without our top back, that’s the sign of a good football team. Overall we out-gained them 420-286 that’s as close to domination as you get in the NFL.
SIDE NOTE : Our young rookie WR who’s been bashed all season stepped up with 2 TD catches. We had 4 guys with over 50 receiving yards, if that trend continues along with the successful rushing attack we’ll be hard to beat. I would love to see us dominate for a full 4 quarters but for now I’ll enjoy being back in first place in the NFC South. Go Bucs!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:29 pm
Good teams win when they play bad.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:29 pm
Half Baked Bowles can lose to Chargers and still be in The Bowles Zone. .500
December 8th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
We can win this next one, but Todd better play man at least 70% of the time, and Baker needs to chill and keep it together
GAMEBALL MERRIWEATHER!!!!!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
The self-loathers are embarrassing. Little cute nicknames and whining like girls.
They won.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:34 pm
Mayfield is obviously dealing with something
It’s not like Mayfield is an exceptional QB….he’s ok…..but crap like today and last week are the reasons why he’s on his fourth team
December 8th, 2024 at 4:37 pm
@ Colin
Good teams DESTROY crappy 2-10 teams….
Don’t call these Bucs good
December 8th, 2024 at 4:38 pm
Any ‘fan’ who calls ballgame in the first quarter or values entertainment over wins isn’t a fan. They should just watch Redzone
December 8th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Preach UK!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
TheBucsAnthem did you see the 35 yard pass to Evans and the 45 yard pass to Otten in the fourth quarter.? Clutch passes. TheBucsAnthem is an idiot.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
I see one more loss for the Falcons and it will probably be at Washington. That will give them a 9-8 record which means we can only afford one more loss.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:43 pm
Ed I totally agree with you which is why we will lose next week. I love our Bucs but just too many injuries and not a good head coach to overcome. None of these final 4 games are layups.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
These guys will always have mid game slumps if the game isn’t tight while Bowles is coach. Thats what a calm demeanor and no fire buys you. Everytime we get up 14 which isn’t often but happened couple times this year… our foot is off the gas, guys get comfy and then we are in a game. Bowles doesnt have a go for the throat mentality or a kick guys in the ass while ahead demeanor and it’s a problem.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
We’ve had the second biggest beat down in the league today second only to the beat down the Vikings put on the Falcons. One week at a time this is gonna be a fun finish.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:47 pm
Oh, the Stinking Panthers, huh? The team everyone’s already written off as the NFL’s dumpster fire. But somehow, they almost took down the Chiefs, dragged the Bucs into overtime, and came within a shoelace away from beating the freaking Eagles—and we’re still acting like struggling against them is some kind of crime? Get the hell outta here.
Go Bucs!!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:48 pm
@ Kenton
You sound like another delusional Bucs fan who thinks two plays justifies calling a QB good?????
Really Bro?
Really????
🤮
December 8th, 2024 at 4:50 pm
Outrigger Atlanta is imploding and they’ll be lucky to win 2 more games.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:50 pm
@TheBucsAnthem, question dude, are actually a Bucs fan? You spend so much time complaining about everything that happens, or doesn’t happen! Enjoy the wins…if you can. Not a perfect game, but the end score is the important part. Work on the mistakes and be better next week.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:53 pm
Raiders would have beaten the super bowl champs last week if they had managed to get a good snap on the game-ending field goal. Panthers nearly beat them the week prior to that. I don’t think there are any BAD teams
December 8th, 2024 at 4:56 pm
The good news is the Falcons seem to be in total implosion mode. That’s the best game Merriweather has ever played as a Buc. The score doesn’t really indicate how close that game was.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:56 pm
BUCS WIN !! BUCS WIN !! Beat the Chargers !! Love my Bucs !!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Well, Bucs beat a team in the same shape as the Giants. Mayfield is starting to lose my respect. He’s hurt, but he has some sort of mindset that he can not sit down when he’s hurt. The Defense won this one led by LVD. He needs to bop a few offensive yahoos over the head with his helmet. I am very proud of my team. They will win at least 2-3 more. Mayfield needs to do some thinking though.
December 8th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
@ 1Sooner44
You Obviously haven’t been around here long or else you’d know better.
It ain’t complaining…..it’s being real!!!
Compassionate Bucs Fans speak the truth!
While….
Ignorant Bucs Fans stay in wonderland
Blue pill????
December 8th, 2024 at 4:58 pm
Plus where is DEFENSE RULES??????
December 8th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Injured players out and the walking wounded playing.
Bucs win! Bucs win! Bucs win!
December 8th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Coach Bowles knows how to coach football !! 3 game streak !! First place in the NFC South !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Chargers !!
December 8th, 2024 at 5:00 pm
DEFENSE RULES pulled a Forest Gump along with St Pete
December 8th, 2024 at 5:01 pm
Thebucsanthem I suggest you dial 911 and hope someone get extract your head out of your a$$ before you suffocate
December 8th, 2024 at 5:03 pm
@TheBucsAnthem
I’m sure you are quite aware of medication, but your antidepressants aren’t doing the job! I am a realist, you win ugly, you spend the week correcting. You don’t spend it complaining…that changes nothing.
December 8th, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Defense held the Raiders to 13 points !!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Chargers !!
December 8th, 2024 at 5:04 pm
@ Bucben1961
Speak English!🤔
December 8th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Great game, three wins in a row!
December 8th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Get your head out of your ass.,.better
December 8th, 2024 at 5:05 pm
@ 1Sooner44
Up with hope!
Down with dope!
December 8th, 2024 at 5:07 pm
@ Bucben1961
It’s ok keyboard warrior……it’ll be O k a y
December 8th, 2024 at 5:09 pm
@TheBucsAnthem
KEEP THE FAITH!!!
December 8th, 2024 at 5:10 pm
Wowsers, suddenly Bowles is a great HC on here. Should I laff or what?? He has always been a decent HC. His team will win a few more games and get in the playoffs. Bucs won’t go to the Stupid Bowl, but so what?
December 8th, 2024 at 5:12 pm
I’m very excited that we got the wind. I agree that the second quarter baker seemed to get happy feet and hold the ball too long and took sacks as well as made some bad throws but he seemed to find a rhythm again in the fourth quarter.
My bigger concern was that our little passes to the to the running back or wide receiver. Screens seem to get sniffed out very often by this Raiders, defence and many of them were blocked knocked away at the line of scrimmage, and one of them led to an interception. I think teams are starting to catch on that. These are our best weapons coming out of the backfield and I think we might have to do a little bit more to disguise these to prevent similar things happening.
December 8th, 2024 at 5:13 pm
Great win! I’ll nitpick Baker for being Jameis-like in the 2nd quarter today. Bc he is capable of so much better. Like Rod, I hope it carries over into next week with positive play.
Our playoff goose is cooked if we think we can give it away 3 times and still win. Lol. Go Bucs! Backing into 1st place. Hope we get the eagles again and end their season again. That would spark joy.
December 8th, 2024 at 5:23 pm
Bucsanthem were you not loved as a child?
December 8th, 2024 at 5:28 pm
Not sure where this TheBucsAnthem came from but wish he’d go back. Hey, man you must have missed it but sometime after your 15th beer, the Bucs won. Key play of the day was Baker hitting ME13 on a crossing route for 32 yards on a third and long in the 4th.
Pass protection was lousy and receivers were not getting separation downfield. Not sure why Coen didn’t have Mayfield throw more out routes and quick inside slants. Pretty clear that the middle of the field was pretty congested. They figured it out in time but spoiled what looked like a laugher after the first two drives.
December 8th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
For those who are new. Anthem has been here for years. But he generally only shows up to celebrate a loss and posts like this.
December 8th, 2024 at 5:58 pm
Undefeated since I got my BUCS hoodie 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼
Ugly W but it’s a W 🥳🏈💪🏼
December 8th, 2024 at 6:26 pm
BUCS I feel can play with anyone we just have to stop turning the ball over and play well on offense The Defense Needs Help we all know that but today the Back ups stepped up this is a pro league they all are pro’s So at this point it is what it is no matter if we beat backups or not Their all pro’s We can win all the remaining just gotta fix the little things LET’S GO BUCS
December 8th, 2024 at 6:35 pm
“ Wowsers, suddenly Bowles is a great HC on here. ”
ROTFLMAO
His defense played well against a JV team. We give kudos for not messing the bed against such.
Next week Jim Harbaugh will show everyone what a good head coach looks like. Bank on it.
December 8th, 2024 at 7:39 pm
Each win is great, including this one, but acting like we’re great and Bowles is great, and all that nonsense is ridiculous. A better team beats us today. Mayfield Was very good in the 1st quarter and solid in the 4th, but played like manure in the 2nd and 3rd. More importantly, as he continues to struggle finding deep plays to make, opposing defenses just come down and play the short routes and jump the screens. He had three screens deflected with one being picked. 2 picks and a fumble today nearly cost us the game against a then 2-10 Raiders.
Baker is pure frustration to watch. Sometimes he just makes a great play, then he turns around and does something stupid. If our defense was regularly lights out, it wouldn’t be an issue, but our defense is sub-par this season so we need to be able to score a lot.
December 8th, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Gulper BucsAnthem was here way before any of you Baker Brigadeboys knew about this website. At least he is a Bucs fan. You should go back to that woodwork you crawled out from
December 9th, 2024 at 12:17 pm
DavidBigBucsFan99 Says:
December 8th, 2024 at 8:58 pm
Gulper BucsAnthem was here way before any of you Baker Brigadeboys knew about this website. At least he is a Bucs fan. You should go back to that woodwork you crawled out from
___________________________________________________
DBBF99,
Glad you are back posting. Did somebody report you hanging around playgrounds again?