Week 15
Seahawks at Bucs
Kickoff: 4:15 p.m.
TV: Blacked out locally. Those living outside the Tampa/Orlando TV markets can watch the game on DirecTV 714. The game can be viewed for free on NFL.com at midnight via Game Rewind (free registration required).
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (in Tampa WFUS-FM, 103.5 and WDAE-AM, 620); Sirius Channel 113.
Weather: Per Accuweather.com, this is a day for LeGarrette Blount. Temperature at kickoff is expected to be 49 with a howling wind from the northwest at 17 mph. The winds are expected to die down slightly as the game progresses but so too will the temperatures, which could dip below 40 by the final gun.
Odds: Per Bodog.com, Bucs -6.5.
Outlook: There’s no sugar-coating this or no need to: Though last week for all intents and purposes, the numbing loss to the rebuilding since 1957 Detroit Lions effectively knocked the Bucs out of the playoffs, a loss at home to the dreadful Seahawks will seal the deal. Whatever slim chance the Bucs have of making the playoffs will be gone with a loss today. It’s that simple. This is a day for LeGarrette Blount. The winds are screaming out of the northwest which makes passing with the not-always precision touch of Josh Freeman secondary. It’s cold. The weather is more like a Big Ten game in November. Ground and pound. LeGarrette Blount. No more excuses about how he can’t hold onto the ball, which are unfounded. No more excuses that he can’t pick up blitzes, which are founded. This is a day not to pass but to beat your opponent into submission. Yes, the best way to beat the Seahawks with the Bucs M*A*S*H unit of a defense would be to air the ball out. Weather conditions make that concept impotent.
Video: The good people of the NFL Network have a game preview. … Slur-hurling Trey Wingo, Mark Schlereth and Marcellus Wiley of BSPN break down the game. …
Fun facts: Mike Williams has the most touchdown receptions of any Bucs rookie. … Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch has four scores in his last three games. … Kellen Winslow’s has a consecutive streak of 74 games catching a pass. … Seattle safety Earl Thomas has five picks.