“That’s Been Hammered Into Them”
October 19th, 2020
The makeup of the 2020 Buccaneers is one of the strangest in the history of professional football.
First, start with the 43-year-old freakishly youthful quarterback, a 68-year-old head coach with a uniquely large and experienced coaching staff, plus a blend of grizzled veterans, some that have a winning history and some who have been part of the horribly diseased culture of the Bucs prior to this season.
And half the key contributors on defense are 24 years old or younger.
On one hand, you’d expect the Bucs to be well versed in the basics of a professional and successful NFL approach. On the flip side, you’ve got a healthy handful of NFL babies and too many veterans who have been submerged in the stench of losing too many years without leadership capable of rescuing them.
Enter Tom Brady and Year 2 of the Bucco Bruce Arians regime. The head coach is still drilling the most basic of basics.
Today, Arians was asked about the Bucs being 3-0 at home and how the team won just two home games last season. As fans know, the Bucs haven’t had a winning record at the Den of Depression in a season since 2008.
Arians noted the critical nature of a home field advantage and that every year’s goal is to go undefeated at home and split your road games. That’s good for a 12-4 record, Arians said, and a trip to the postseason.
“That’s been hammered into them,” Arians said of the philosophy, with a tinge of exasperation in his voice.
The crazy thing is the Bucs were off track for so long, the roster as a whole probably did need it hammered into their heads that home field must matter in the regular season. History says it has to, not Joe. And that’s about mentality and effort, not a bunch of screaming dudes in the nosebleed seats drinking overpriced warm beer.
Joe would be elated if Arians, with an assist from Brady, has fixed this 11-year stain on Bucs fans. That would be culture change.
Joe can’t wait to retire the Den of Depression nickname. It happens when the Bucs win five home games in a season.
If the Bucs can’t do that this season, then expect Joe to keep hammering (Arians’ word) that moniker until the Bucs man up and save their fans from more than a generation of humiliation.
October 19th, 2020 at 4:14 pm
Here’s hoping it will be against the Rams (1st opportunity)
October 19th, 2020 at 4:15 pm
Joe, a question for you. After Dean got the pick 6 I saw something that said Rogers had only thrown a pick 6 3 times in his career and 2 were against the Bucs in Tampa. If you know, when was the first? Thanks
October 19th, 2020 at 4:23 pm
Rodgers 1st pick six was Josh Freeman’s rookie year by Safety Tanard Jackson
October 19th, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Dbbuc
His first ever came in Tampa Bay in 2009, when Buccaneers safety Tanard Jackson returned an interception for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of a Packers’
October 19th, 2020 at 4:34 pm
If they play as smart as yesterday the rest of the year, they won’t lose another game. A good chance of that, imo.
October 19th, 2020 at 4:36 pm
on to LV
GO BUCS!!!!
October 19th, 2020 at 4:45 pm
Thanks Buc Bro. Appreciate that.
October 19th, 2020 at 4:50 pm
I just stopped by to see if yesterday was real, it wasn’t some figment of a dream sequence.
I am still amazed at how it came together and how well they rattled Rodgers. I hope it can stay close to that all season, though I would rather see Griffin than Gabbert play in garbage time.
Gotta remember that Gabbert got replaced by Blake Bortles.
October 19th, 2020 at 5:03 pm
Is the bucs defense ranked #1 in total defense?
October 19th, 2020 at 5:18 pm
In fact that Josh Freeman’s first start. The Bucs we’re rocking the Creamsicle throwbacks. Freeman had a great game and so did Doug Martin I believe. And if I’m not mistaken that was the first win of that season.
October 19th, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Don’t get a Big head na!!!!!!
October 19th, 2020 at 5:48 pm
Today is the first time I have any belief or faith in Arians.
Getting thiose guys to come out without penalties, and hang once thing quickly went south at 10-0, he should get coach of the year just for that!
I’m impressed.and now have moved into the cautiously optimistic category.
Excited to see if they can maintain this against an intelligent John Gruden.
October 19th, 2020 at 5:56 pm
And my prediction of a 6-10 disappointment should prove false.
Brady is ultra focused and knows how it’s done- every game matters equally, constant high standard, always looking at what’s in front and then almost immediately looking ahead to the next opponent. He’s got stamina, mindset, knowledge, talent and determination. I’m loving it.
I’d really like to see ME13 heal up and be featured
October 19th, 2020 at 7:52 pm
Tanard Jackson was a very good defensive back who got screwed by poisonous Buc Luck. He used pot for pain therapy. He got busted for it and kicked off the team. I just shook my head in disgust cos it was typical Tampa Bay Buc bad news. Team has been cursed for a long time. That is finally changing. About da## time!
October 19th, 2020 at 9:08 pm
Joe-What would TB12 have to do lose the park violator…and maybe be called America’s QB?
October 19th, 2020 at 10:35 pm
Before the Packer game I was praying for 9/7 finish for a young team to hopefully earn an early round playoff game. But if this team can maintain this intensity and avoid major injuries they could be a second round playoff team. Brady is establishing himself as a player/coach on offense. Glad he barks if a receiver runs a sloppy route.
October 19th, 2020 at 11:55 pm
Anunnaki DNA , bro