Koetter: “First Drive Was The Most Important”
September 9th, 2018
Joe has written many times that the Bucs through last season and entering this season were a mentally fragile team.
Well, it seems Dirk Koetter might have had similar thoughts.
Speaking on the Buccaneers Radio Network after today’s 48-40 win in New Orleans, Koetter acknowledged that his Bucs were in a rough spot after New Orleans opened the game with a six-play, 71-yard touchdown drive.
Koetter said the Bucs responding there with their own four-play, 68 yard TD march, capped by a 58-yard home run ball to DeSean Jackson for the score, was the “most important” of the the game.
“That kind of put the calm back in everybody,” Koetter said.
Telling and honest call there by Koetter. Heck, Joe legions of his fellow fans felt the same way. That whole mindset by Koetter really speaks to home important this win was for the Bucs. A win like that officially makes last year ancient history for many reasons.
That Bucs haven’t had a road win like today since they stormed back against the Chargers in December 2016, a meaningful victory that bumped their record to 7-5.
Joe just hopes Koetter somehow finds the secret sauce in today’s win to keep the Bucs from the Week 2 letdown that’s plagued them two years in a row after opening day wins. A culture-changing W like today might just do that.
September 9th, 2018 at 6:39 pm
I don’t care despite the outcome I am still upset at Koetter for deferring the kickoff. It backfires every time and it backfire today. Our offense is the strong part of our team. Don’t put the week part of our team on the field and quit giving the other team momentum!!!!!!!!!
If you go back and look at what deferring kickoffs has resulted in for Dirk it’s been pathetic. the only conclusion that a reasonable person could come to is that it’s asine to continue deferring.
September 9th, 2018 at 6:40 pm
NO NO NO!!!!! Don’t listen to him Fitz!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 6:41 pm
And Dirks offense was very impressive today. Why wasn’t impressive was his team trying to play short-yardage situations. this team looks good but if you want to get them to another level you make sure they know how to convert short yards. And stop short yards.
we are pathetic on both sides of the ball in short-yardage situations
September 9th, 2018 at 6:42 pm
Just hope DJax is back next week
September 9th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
DJax has a concussion and Hargraves hurt his shoulder. Not good. Hope both are ok.
September 9th, 2018 at 6:53 pm
Where is the trolls at? All the fair weather fans who said it would be a blowout, and Bucs would win less than 5 games?? Lol now they are all happy n proud…smh! Especially realityisabeotch?? Y’all are all sorry fans. The REAL fans believed it… News flash !!! This is a NEW YEAR IDIOTS..GO BUCS
September 9th, 2018 at 7:07 pm
Dan they are welcome to come back. I can’t blame anybody for being angry at this organization. I was starting to get upset when we deferred the kick and the Saints ate up 75 yards like it was prime steak.
Today I saw a different team on the field with a different attitude than we have seen in well over a decade. No matter your opinion of our past teams the future has to look great if you have a mind.
September 9th, 2018 at 7:40 pm
I know it’s only one game but we finally have an offensive coordinator calling an aggressive game. Let’s hope they keep using all of the weapons available.
Defense still sucks. Maybe Mike Smith will learn from this score . One can dream!
Go Bucs!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 7:55 pm
Certainly that first drive was important but just as important was the way we scored…a deep bomb to DJAX that hit him in stride right on the hands. An early preview of Fitzmagic.
I know my wife and I were…well here we go again after the Saints took the opening kickoff and rammed it down our throat.
The bomb certainly lifted our spirits.
September 9th, 2018 at 7:55 pm
Jimmy Jack no doubt! Imagine they go into the game next week with the attitude they can score on anyone and Koetter doesn’t defer! They score with the first drive of the game and Phillys confidence might be shook some!
September 9th, 2018 at 8:04 pm
Phili will have their hands full next week and don’t be surprised if the Bucs light up the scoreboard again. Phili’s offense isn’t in the same league as the Saints, not even close. The Bucs’ defense will have a good game at home and should keep the Eagles under 17 points.
September 9th, 2018 at 8:07 pm
All I know is I want that sun blaring on Sunday. I want them Yankees wearing down here in Tampa. Monk and needs to run a quick offense and don’t let their rotation become a factor.
September 9th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
We legit should have gave Oakland a first and GMC for Kahlil Mack. 2 plays for the bears and he affects Rodgers both times for incompletions. Plus the Bucs were his favorite team growing up. Maybe woulda got a discount on his extension
September 9th, 2018 at 8:31 pm
Saints fan here gg tampa
September 9th, 2018 at 8:34 pm
Big mike 36
U guys had us scared there in the last 4 minutes. Great game!! See ya in Tampa
September 9th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
I am definitely eating crow and I love it. Fan since 1987 and ive been very critical of this regime but today was a thing of beauty and I’m happy for the team.
I didn’t think they had it in them to win on the road against a superbowl contender.
I was completely wrong and happy to admit it.
September 9th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Thanks BigMike. GG. Brees still put up 40 points and any other team on any other Sunday, that would have been a Saints’ win.
September 9th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
The defense again almost lost the game as usual. The offense was great and looked the best I have ever seen them. That defense is a train wreck and needs to find a way not to stink up the stadium. Still was a terrific game.
September 9th, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Akeem Hicks>GMC
September 9th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Yes the defense still sucks.
Score 48 points and barely win is pathetic.
Please fire mike smith immediately
September 9th, 2018 at 8:56 pm
I didn’t think the defense is that bad. They made a lot of plays all day. There are also quite a few they messed and if they can clean it up and start making those they could get real
September 9th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
No, the defense was awful, but you’re losing your top two corners and have Ryan Smith and two rookies in their first game ever up against a first ballot HOF QB at home in perfect conditions. Hopefully Grimes and VH3 are both back next week, because next week it’s Nick Foles who is good for 400 yards and 4 TDs versus the Bucs.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:07 pm
Foles hasn’t been good this year. This defense is only going to get better as long as Smitty can keep up with them.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:24 pm
It was a great team win…offense was fantastic! Defense gave us 7 free points and we scored another TD off the other fumble recovery. Our rookie CBs looked decent against a very talented offense and QB. Oh and they shut out that high power offense in the 3rd qtr! Let’s take it for what it is, a great win and a completely different feeling to this team!! Go Bucs!!
September 9th, 2018 at 9:42 pm
Hey Gruden, thanks for trading Mack to the Bears since the Bucs have to play them this year. Thanks a ton you prick.
September 9th, 2018 at 9:44 pm
The Eagles offense looks like it is in shambles right now. I don’t see them lighting us up at all like brees did today.
50 point games are fun but that’s not happening against Philly. we are going to have to find another way to win against them which is what good teams do………. Our team is definitely ready for the challenge!!!!!!
GOO BUCS!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:10 pm
right now, each game is our Super Bowl
September 9th, 2018 at 10:13 pm
JBoo Who?????
September 9th, 2018 at 10:15 pm
“First time poster here…..be nice”
“I bleed pewter”
Kobe Faker
September 9th, 2018 at 10:16 pm
If we “let down” against the World Champions, then we have zero balls. Big difference in the previous and accurately described letdowns were road games. This will be the home opener. Great test for us. Trap game for the Iggles. GO BUCS!!!
September 9th, 2018 at 10:20 pm
I won 2 $20 bets on Bucs today….
I’ve had faith in our ability the entire offseason since our acquisitions…
September 9th, 2018 at 11:37 pm
Kalil Mack went TF OFF!!!!!
Super jelly right now
September 10th, 2018 at 5:42 am
Philly talk radio had the Bucs chalked up as an easy W on Friday. Their D is solid, but Foles is struggling. They have to be nervous now. Wishing my life away. Can’t wait til Sunday. GO BUCS
September 10th, 2018 at 6:37 am
Jimmyjack
Thats something u get upset about if they lose. The opening kickoff is irrelevant when they put up 48 and win on the road. It didnt come back to haunt them. Name of the gane is to win. Get over it. Im glad Dirk is learning on the fly. What a start