Buccaneers 31, Panthers 17
September 20th, 2020
DEE-fence!
DEE-fence!
Today’s win started beautifully, and then it got ugly, and then it got scary, and then came the fantastically soothing “W.”
The Bucs didn’t help anxiety-riddled fans with their play today. For some reason, Tampa Bay disappeared from late in the second quarter until early in the fourth. But that works fine when you jump out to a 21-0 lead.
Tom Brady improved against the Stinkin’ Panthers, despite touchdown-throw drops from LeSean McCoy and Scotty Miller. And Cyril Grayson’s drop could have been a TD, as well, given all the room he had in front of him.
The Bucs defense forced four turnovers, and that was the difference in the game. Interceptions by Carlton Davis and Jordan Whitehead were the kind of opportunities they would not have squeezed last season. So Joe was extra encouraged by those picks.
Mike Evans? Take a bow.
Leonard Fournette? What a breakout in the fourth quarter!
Rob Gronkowski? Maybe next week.
Donovan Smith? Thanks for gutting through an injury and playing better this week.
Devin White? That hustle on Christian McCaffrey’s second touchdown caused McCaffrey’s injury. That won’t show up in the box score but Joe sure appreciated it!
Shaq Barrett? Don’t let a quarterback block you again!.
Stick with Joe for much more on the Bucs’ big win in the home opener.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Bucs win! All is right in the world…until the Bucs lose.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Can we quit the RoJo experiment now? I am psyched. When this whole offense starts gelling, they’re going to be tough to beat. Yes, it was only Carolina, but you have to beat the teams you should beat, especially at home. Go Bucs!
September 20th, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Defense has to continue to build depth but we continued to fight….
BL JUST MADE YOU CLOWN KNEEL AND KISS THE RING!!!!!
Let’s hear about how BL kept the defense guessing from start to finish
GO BUCS
September 20th, 2020 at 4:20 pm
Nice win.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:22 pm
BL found/created a run game
Time to build off that
GO BUCS
September 20th, 2020 at 4:23 pm
That’s what I’m talking about. Gotta clean some things up but that’s ok. Rolling, rolling, rolling…
Go Bucs
September 20th, 2020 at 4:24 pm
1-1
September 20th, 2020 at 4:24 pm
That D! MMMMMM!
September 20th, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Brady looked great, guys dropped too many balls.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Bucco Brucie better tighten up that offense and Tell Brady to take some steroids or something to strengthen his weanie arm.
ALL GAME LONG Brady’s throws were either behind the receivers or completey off target.
This team is a .500 team all season long if Brady continues to play like he did today.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:26 pm
This offense is scary. There just isn’t any substance there. No identity. They started out great and then just sucked in the second half. I blame coaching. You have to. Play calling is suspect once again.
Defense stepped up and carried this team to a W today. 2 weeks in a row the offense has shat the bed.
And why are they paying $9 million for a freaking blocking te? I just don’t get what the (offense) coaches are doing over there.
In my eyes, Bucs are the third best team in the division.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:27 pm
If the defense hadn’t set up scores early in the game we probably would not have been able to close this game out. Fornette came through, but they somehow got away from Evans for most of the second half. You have got to mix up play calling better. Brady wasn’t very sharp in the second half under pressure. First down passes might help.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:30 pm
Bucsanthem it’s not all Brady or bust for us that’s two weeks in a row our defense has played lights out !
September 20th, 2020 at 4:34 pm
Feel like bratr should get gromks receiving snaps .. if you need extra blockers split him wide over whoever 3rd or 4th receiver was today .. or put 2 tight ends out there. Also shoulda kept oj involved after his grabs early.
Still feel we got outcoached most of second half. Carolina used our d aggressiveness and speed against us. We didn’t have the same creativity. Didn’t help we had two TDs dropped. Also feel we let Bridgewater get too comfortable for 3rd quarter. Has him rattled in first half . Finally got him Kate inn3rd and then he throws another pick. Rushing front four wasn’t working. Not sure what Bowles saw that made him keep David and white vack.. they weren’t helping much in coverage
September 20th, 2020 at 4:37 pm
Defense played very well. They are why I’ll pay attention this season. 4 turnovers works for me. 🙂
September 20th, 2020 at 4:40 pm
They still need to work on cohesion as an offensive unit.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:42 pm
It’s the second fame for this offense playing together. No preseason…minimal scrimmaging…none with other teams like years past.
We are 1-1. We still have inconsistency. But the kicker is looking good…the OL continues to improve and Brady and his targets are moving closer to getting on the first page.
I always agree with Joe when he pointed out the first four games might just be survival…we jell in time for the second half of the season and make a real playoff run.
September 20th, 2020 at 4:47 pm
Donovan Smith must have some incriminating photos of Joe…
Only thing that makes sense 🤣
September 20th, 2020 at 4:58 pm
A lot of carnage around the league today, another plus for the bucs is that they didn’t add to the injury list…
September 20th, 2020 at 5:37 pm
I’m cool how Brady played that’s we need him to be is game manager . And run that ball and play defense . That’s all I been asking for the past 4 years .
September 20th, 2020 at 6:30 pm
The Panthers and their QB looked tougher than I expected they would. The Bucs had to dig deep to come out a winner in the game. A hard fought win and we’ll take it.
September 20th, 2020 at 6:31 pm
ONeill
At one time it may have been hard for you to type that…but I’m glad you’ve come around. And I agree. We’re only paying Brady 25 million…that’s not big bucks for starting QB’s these days. We just need a game manager to distribute the ball properly to all these targets and give our D a chance for a win.
We got Gronk by swapping a 4th round pick for a 7th and ten million. These are not long term deals.
IE we really don’t have that much invested in this “experiment” other than this year and maybe next. I’ve always been a huge fan of win now baby!
September 20th, 2020 at 7:13 pm
Is this the beginning of complementary football? Mark the date.
September 20th, 2020 at 7:49 pm
TRhat’s two solid outings by a good defense.
I’ve almost forgotten the Mike Smith era…
September 20th, 2020 at 9:07 pm
stpetebucfan The truth has never been hard for me to type . I call it like I it . Brady is a game manager and that’s all you need to win with. The point I’ve been trying to make is you can win with a average quarterback and a good running game with a good defense . A quarterback shouldn’t have to throw the ball 45 times a game just to win . That’s been my hold point with Jamies and any other quarterback . We didn’t run the ball this much with Jamies but maybe we can have this type of offense for Rosen .
September 20th, 2020 at 9:15 pm
LOL @ Brady being a game manager. Maybe if your players could catch worth a damn he’d look good. At least 3 sure fire TDs dropped today and you calling a game manager lololol
September 20th, 2020 at 10:10 pm
unbelievable Says
“Donovan Smith must have some incriminating photos of Joe…”
When Donovan Smith was out, the opposing defense was getting to Brady easier, resulting in his interception.
So, clearly, Donovan Smith is better than some of you think. When he is in, Brady has more time.
September 20th, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Oneilbucs, Brady is more than a game manager. He is a top-notch pocket passer.
And he is the best QB to ever play the game. Even at 43, he’s top 5-7.
September 20th, 2020 at 10:14 pm
To be fair, Jameis never had the RB talent Brady has now.
What has really changed is the defense. For years now, they have run out of gas in the 4th quarter and given up leads. They are balling this year.
My only concern is how will we replace JPP and Suh a year from now?
September 21st, 2020 at 6:48 am
Mike Evans? – Better than Julio IMHO. Not just the best WR in Buc’s History, but I dare say the best in NFC South History.
Leonard Fournette? – Made me forget about Shady’s unsure hands.
Rob Gronkowski? – Dude looks to be taking too much CBD before the game.
Donovan Smith? – Much better, still got away from technique a few times.
Devin White? – Is it just me or is he getting better every week.
Shaq Barrett? – Eating attention for others to feast.