Dangers Of A Lame Duck Game? Bucs Players Don’t Think So
January 8th, 2023
Playing 100 percent no joke.
So today’s game doesn’t mean a hill of beans. Win or lose the Bucs host a playoff game next weekend.
So Joe wondered with a lame duck game, is there any danger this might creep into the heads of Bucs players and maybe the Dixie Chicks could take advantage?
Joe spoke with a young Bucs offensive player and a defensive veteran. Both said there was no reason not to give the usual 100 percent.
“As professionals, any time you step on the field, regardless of how big or how small the game is, once you step on the field you treat every snap the same,” left guard Nick Leverett said. “I think every snap is special.”
That’s sort of what safety Keanu Neal believes.
“I don’t see this as a lame-duck game at all,” Neal said. “Every time you get an opportunity to play, you are giving it your all. You are putting your best foot forward.”
Besides, Neal said, getting caught putting less than 100 percent on the field will eventually cost you money. Loafing on one play, Neal said, is enough to turn a team off or lower a potential bid.
“That film is out there,” Neal said. “That’s just the reality of it.”
Besides, Neal said that’s weak sauce to loaf on your teammates.
“I don’t think being comfortable not giving your all is beneficial to the team at all,” Neal said. “Get the win. That is the most important.”
With a win, Tom Brady prevents a black mark on his NFL career with his lone losing season. Joe asked Leverett what Brady would say if he caught a player loafing.
Leverett really didn’t have an answer but his reaction said it all. He busted out laughing.
The Bucs need the work, Leverett said, echoing what Todd Bowles has said for days.
“Next week is a playoff game,” Leverett said, so the need to stay sharp is crucial.
January 8th, 2023 at 12:44 am
They need to prove to themselves that they can go out and play a complete game. They’ve only done that maybe once all season. You better bring it in the playoffs. ATL should be about getting synced up and forcing their will on an opponent.
Not that they’re getting past round 1 in the playoffs anyway, but they need to win this game and finish 9-8 out of pride.
January 8th, 2023 at 12:48 am
Agreed. GO BUCS! I hope they play a game that is fun to watch!
January 8th, 2023 at 8:25 am
Well Joe, it seems the only person who believes this is a meaningless game is you.
January 8th, 2023 at 8:31 am
Ditto to all above.
January 8th, 2023 at 9:02 am
It’s not meaningless to the players on the FIELD…
January 8th, 2023 at 9:45 am
We can win this game with backups. The players need to execute efficiently, sustain drives and get this red zone threat back. If Brady is taken out I want to see these coaches stay aggressive and coach to win this game don’t play the field goal and soft cover bs get after this team with the back ups, win on the LOS. Keep the momentum and confidence building.
January 8th, 2023 at 9:49 am
Going to be a lot of cap casualties coming up. Better have effort on tape with a winning team. Hard to explain away lack of hustle.
January 8th, 2023 at 10:31 am
Play all the best number 2’s. See what you got and plan next draft and signings accordingly. This year was a bust. Time to evaluate and plan for next year. Odds on going deep in the playoffs are extremely low. Time to evaluate and rebuild.
January 8th, 2023 at 11:24 am
Miami is so screwed, they had to activate Mike Glennon
January 8th, 2023 at 11:42 am
Lets see what we got.
Let’s see what we got.
We know what we got! That’s why they are second and third stringers… Because that’s what we got. Sheesh
9-8 and then it’s on.
January 8th, 2023 at 11:43 am
A lame duck would probably do no worse than the current players in Leftardwich’s run to nowhere run offense.
January 8th, 2023 at 1:51 pm
I must have hit that soft special part of the Joes feelings? AM I banned? Every post never posts? It is your soapbox sandbox. Oh well..