NFC South Likely On The Line Sunday For Bucs
October 12th, 2024
Don’t drop the ball.
Joe typed yesterday that Sunday against the slimy Saints isn’t a must-win game but it sure as hell is a can’t-lose game.
The Bucs dropping a game to a rookie fifth-round quarterback making his NFL debut would be revolting in the wake of getting their arses handed to them by Denver — and then last week choking away a win so badly it would make some wonder if the Hard Rock Bet app is more than a digital tool.
Well, after reading this tidbit from Jenna Laine of ESPN, Joe is more inclined to rethink label Sunday’s game at Lincoln’s Tomb in the Big Easy as a must-win.
If history is any indicator, if the Bucs lose tomorrow, the march for a four-peat is flushed down the toilet.
After a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Falcons, the Bucs are trying to avoid an 0-2 divisional start. According to ESPN Research, only five teams that started their seasons 0-2 in the divisions have won them since 2002.
If the Bucs lose to Spencer Rattler, there is something wrong with this team. It could be how the team is constructed. It could be how the team is coached. It could be the stated goal of assistants in devising a gameplan.
If the Bucs lose to Rattler, someone, maybe several Bucs types, have to do serious soul-searching about how they went about building this team, coaching this team, and set goals.
Good teams do not lose to Bo Nix and Spencer Rattler in the span of a month with a galling choke job allowing 509 yards passing sprinkled in between.
Just FYI, the last time the Bucs gave up over 500 yards passing in a game, they had a losing record.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:20 am
Absolutely a must win game and they better realize it as such. I totally agree, Joe. If they can’t pull out a win on Sunday then this team is not what I thought they were. But I believe they’ll come out focused and aggressive and win big.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:23 am
Saints have nothing to lose, they’ll play loose and aggressive similar to Falcons who repeatedly converted 4th downs. Bowles will play cautious instead of playing to win, tables are set for Bucs to be upset. We lose this one you’ll see the enthusiasm from Buc fans diminish quickly.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:30 am
This is a must win game, make no doubt about it. With the hot Ravens on deck for next week, then the crucial rematch with the stupid birds, gotta win this one! We are going to have our best pass rusher, and most important defender back. If Bowles can’t get this D turned around from last week, and against a 5th rd rookie playing his first game, then his seat needs to be hotter than the devils arse!
October 12th, 2024 at 8:32 am
We finished last season as a good football team. We started this season as an even better football team. We’re an even better football team now. And we’ll be even better as the weeks pass. You guys are funny in that you can’t see that.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:45 am
Should be ez win unless Bowles does a major blunder.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:57 am
Bowles can make a great gamelan but time and time again we see lack of adjustments being a reason for a loss. He said they couldn’t go to dme because of injuries. Last time I checked Dime can be played with multiple corners not multiple safeties. I’m sure rattler will look like an all pro on Sunday. Prove me wrong todd I’m rooting for you.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:57 am
Falcons conversions on 4th down were certainly aided by them going fast and Bucs unable to change personnel , Todd should have called timeout, especially on the 2nd 4th down where a stop would have won the game. Coaching error.
October 12th, 2024 at 9:02 am
Good post, Joe. Everything is on the line Sunday and we should see our best. Go Bucs!!
October 12th, 2024 at 9:10 am
So dramatic
Let me remind you losing records have won this division
October 12th, 2024 at 9:16 am
Bowles is still coaching ‘NOT to lose’ rather than putting teams away. Will he finally fix his thinking or with the AINTS bury the BUCS?
October 12th, 2024 at 9:37 am
With K.J Britt and no Devin White at middle linebacker. And no Luke Goedeke playing. Even with a rookie QB starting for Saints, I see this being a very difficult game for Bucs. Bucs Personnel Management has made some mistakes with a lack of edge rushers right now. We have 2nd yr player YaYa and thats it. Not feeling very optimistic about tommorrow. Hopefully Im wrong and Go Bucs!!
October 12th, 2024 at 9:41 am
Here is Clueless Todd’s plan. 1. Soft Zone on defense to let the Virgin NO QB have easy passes to build confidence. 2. Extremely conservative run focused offensive game plan. 3. Poorly timed blitzes that lead to huge plays for NO. Final: NO 30 – Yucs 22. Bucs finish the season 7-10. Carolina sweeps the Yucs as well.
October 12th, 2024 at 9:47 am
Every week is a damn must win geez. Todd Bowles is the coach so the title is always in doubt but he won’t win it with some mediocre record this year. Off Bucs have no pass rush this year though that’s on licht 100%
October 12th, 2024 at 10:04 am
It’s time to shut up and just punch the Saints in the mouth. Be relentless. Go Bucs!
October 12th, 2024 at 10:31 am
We have 3 wins and its game 6. The Division is not even remotely on the line yet.
This is why the fanbase gets so hysterical.
October 12th, 2024 at 10:38 am
Todd.
October 12th, 2024 at 11:51 am
Eat me Jeff
October 12th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
Bowleszo.
October 12th, 2024 at 3:38 pm
MUST WIN Guys. ATL has already beaten 2 division opponents which puts them no 1 right now in our division. Lose and..Well, you know the deal.
October 12th, 2024 at 8:37 pm
Hey Joe, quick question, say baker and the offense puts up 34 to 37 point in the game against the aints, but the defense gives up a big time game to another rookie qb, on top of losing the game, and it’s another pitiful game for the defense as hole, do you look at promoting Liam cohen to head coach, or would the glazers do something like that in the middle of the season with the toughest part of the schedule here now
October 12th, 2024 at 8:55 pm
Doesn’t matter what round he was drafted in.
Riddle me this- what round was Brock Purdy? How’d that work out?
October 12th, 2024 at 8:56 pm
I said on the original article it was absolutely a must win. Because it is.
October 12th, 2024 at 9:45 pm
LOL. Game six, nothing’s on the line. Let’s see how many times you say that this season. Dramatic Joey and the Baguettes playing at a venue near you!
October 12th, 2024 at 10:59 pm
It may not have been on the line the past few years at this stage but the division sucked and it sucked all the way though to the end. Not this year. Atlanta is on top and winning. We are behind.
Must win.
October 13th, 2024 at 7:00 am
Bowles has his team ready to play an NFL game about once every 3 games. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see another rookie QB make him look like a laughingstock. In fact I expect it.
October 13th, 2024 at 6:40 pm
Hey BobbiM. True Buc fans do not diminish their enthusiasm. Winning or losing season should not affect team loyalty. It is best that we win division games. Then against conference teams. The Broncos did not matter. The Falcons did. I was disappointed, but loyalty never wavered. #Go Bucs. BTW, we beat the Saints. Let’s do it again.