Ronde Chuckles At Those Panicking
September 15th, 2011
Ronde Barber, the last man standing from Chucky’s opening game when the Super Bowl Bucs got punched in the gut at home by the Saints, seems to be amused by the fans and pundits ready to bury the Bucs.
Speaking on Total Access on WDAE-AM 620 Monday night, Barber, who has a history of interesting media critiquing, shared soothing perspective for those ready to jump off a bridge.
“The immediacy of a loss always is like panic time for everybody, you know, (laughs). It’s easier to drive the negative news than it is to be uplifting,” Barber said “You know, it’s one game. Now if one game turns into 16 one-games, and they’re not all good, then that’s a problem. But this is the first game of the season. Fortunately, for us, Carolina, Atlanta and New Orleans lost. So we’re square one as far as we’re concerned still. None of them have an advantage on us. All we know is that at the end of this 16-game season we want to be in the playoffs. And the best way to do that is to win our division. And we’re right on par with our division (laughs). So we’ll take our misfortune in losing this game to Detroit and keep moving. It’ s pointless to look back on anyways and try to figure out woulda, coulda, shoulda.”
Joe thought Barber’s words might help a few folks get through the day.
September 15th, 2011 at 8:39 am
Thank you Mr. Barber for saying this. This might shut the naysayers up that are ready to jump off a bridge because we lost one game. The rest of the division lost so why does it matter? The easiest way to get in the playoffs is to win the division and right now were 0-1 with everyone else. Just a reminder we did have a chance to win or tie that game at the end and we didnt play are best through 3 1/2 quarters.
September 15th, 2011 at 8:40 am
I’ve never spoken with or even met this man, but I love him. It’s an overwritten cliche that he’s a modern marvel at his age still playing extremely well, but Hell, he was the best defensive player on the field according to the Lions. Fantastic player and an even better leader. GO BUCS!
September 15th, 2011 at 9:27 am
Some of the “naysayers” are concerned fans. It does not mean you aren’t a fan if you voice your opinion about your team. Saying the rest of the division lost is like accepting being a loser. This is like saying that others on your block are getting their homes foreclosed too as you lose your house. So what ? You are still homeless.
September 15th, 2011 at 9:37 am
Apple,
I agree. Do we want to be last years Seahawks?? Sure, I would love to get into the playoffs, but at 7-9 it just wouldn’t seem right!
BTW panicking is not the same as concerned.
September 15th, 2011 at 9:54 am
What does Ronde Barber know? After all, who is more qualified to gauge the progress and state of the team? Ronde Barber or a whining message board poster?
It’s always important to consider the expertise of those who now nothing here, isn’t it? LOL
September 15th, 2011 at 9:57 am
@Oar – Ditto. I supported Tampa when we were winless for many years. I love my team, no matter what. But I am concerned at what I have seen both in the preseason, and in this loss to the Lions. Minnesota played the Chargers tough in their home, and were up 17 – 7 at halftime. They are no slouch, and no one talks about Jared Allen. Minnesota will be under great pressure to win, to keep up in the NFC North, and the Metrodome is a loud place. Tampa is 7 and 18 in the Metrodome, all time, FWIW.
McNabb can be a very good QB, and we all know what Adrian Peterson can do. I say we keep running Blount until it works
September 15th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Garv
Not questioning Ronde one bit! Nor do I think I’m more qualified, but do wonder if he would feel the same had the Saints or Falcons won? His “fortunately, for us..” comment is what I’m talking about. Again, not panicking, but just concerned about our football play!
September 15th, 2011 at 11:07 am
@Apple and @Oar
You guys do realize how unlikely it is for a team to even have a winning season with such a young and inexperienced defensive line, right? The exceptions would be the teams that have steller offenses, which we don’t have yet.
Honestly, if the team goes 8-8 this year, I wouldn’t call it a failure. I suspect they will win more than that, but I’m willing to bend without losing my cool.
We shouldn’t have high expectations this year…it’s unrealistic. If they happen to exceed expectations, that’s fantastic. But if they don’t, it is a growth year for the team. We all know they will be great eventually.
And it is way too early to use the word “bust” like some people are doing this week.
September 15th, 2011 at 11:08 am
I remember when we had those leaders on defense who demanded excellence every Sunday. Now it seems that us fans are the only ones who demand it.
September 15th, 2011 at 11:35 am
Pete
Yes, I understand the difficulty in winning with a young line(D or O). We could have addressed that issue, but didn’t and is another story. I’m not sure what expectations you think we should have at year three, under Raheem and co, but I have mine and they include several concerns(D and O). Maybe we have, as tony2cents hinted at, been accustomed to higher standards on defense in the last decade(minus the last three years of course).
September 15th, 2011 at 11:41 am
Love Ronde Barber! One of the great All time Bucs! Still our best defensive player, and should be in the hall of fame! Buuuuut, if my secondary got lit up for 3 TDs and 305 yards, the opposite QB has that high a QB rating, and the CB opposite me got absolutely owned by the opponents
I might not be laughing quite so soon. Just saying
September 15th, 2011 at 11:46 am
I’ll say it again folks, the young D-line did it’s job. We held best to 72 yard, and the Lions to 126 yards. You win in the NFL with those kinda numbers. It was our “team Strenght” Secondary( primarily Talib and Black) that lost the game for us. Them and our “rush for 52 TD” offense. Quit worring about the D-line. They look like they are on the right track
September 15th, 2011 at 11:50 am
how silly are some fans gonna look when we win 4 or 5 in a row…lol
September 15th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
OAR said:
“I’m not sure what expectations you think we should have at year three, under Raheem and co”
I expected them to be where the Lions are now, also under a 3rd year coach. Not elite, but on the right track. We’ve made no progress this offseason and probably took a step back.
September 15th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
I’ll take Ronde’s take over all the “chicken little” fans. Poor offensive play calling lost the game on Sunday. Get that shored up and the Bucs win big on Sunday.
September 15th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
MOBucs
Of course, you will take Ronde’s take! But, if you think poor offensive play calling is the only reason we lost the game, then I’ve got a bridge to sell you.
BTW sometimes, poor play calling takes the blame for poor execution!