Buccaneers 31, Saints 24
December 31st, 2017
Happy New Year!
Now that was complementary football!
The offense, specifically Jameis Winston, gave up the booty and so did the special teams, together flushing a very admirable effort by the revived Mike Smith defense, which crumbled a fourth-quarter lead.
HOWEVER, this time the Bucs rallied back and showed massive heart and ability against a playoff team hungry for a win.
What a shocker. And what a happy day … unless you were yearning for a great draft pick.
The season ended today at the Den of Depression with the Buccaneers’ busting a five game losing streak on a 95-yard drive. Your Bucs are 5-11 and have plenty of holes and question marks, but at least they didn’t quit on their faithful.
Allowing back-to-back kickoff returns for touchdowns in consecutive weeks. C’mon. Alvin Kamara looked like he went untouched for 102 yards.
However, a few congratulations are in order:
*To Mike Evans, for busting the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth consecutive year to start his career. Only Randy Moss and A.J. Green have done that. And most of Evans’ 55 yards today came on the game-winning drive.
*To Doug Martin, for finishing the season with a 2.9 yards per carry average, just what he delivered last year when he was worst in the NFL in that category. His three carries for -3 yards today sealed the deal.
*To Peyton Barber, who closed the season with a 3.9 yards per carry average. He was Tampa Bay’s leading rusher in total yardage and proved he belongs in the league and should have had Martin’s workload this season.
*To Adam Humphries, whose six catches for 92 yards today gave him a career single-season high of 60 on the year. Humphries isn’t the greatest receiver, but he’s darn solid and a hell of a story.
*To Mike Smith, for somehow finding a way to get zero sacks out of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander this seeason, both very capable blitzers. Unthinkable.
*To Chris Godwin, who caught the winning bomb from Jameis Winston, capping a seven-catch, 111-yard day. DeSean who?
*To the serious Bucs fans, who kick and scream and ram their remote controls and cry in their beers at the stadium. You hung in there to the end and you’ll keep coming back for more. The season of hope begins now.
Stick with Joe for so much more out of this game, plus Hall of Fame voter Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Very happy with winstons game winning performance!!!! However, if he doesn’t cut down on the turnovers next year he needs to go
December 31st, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Gotta be honest. I would have preferred a top 5 pick to that meaningless win.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:40 pm
Good win, but the Saints still wins the division. That’s a hard pill to swallow.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:40 pm
@Mike Evans the GOAT
oh yeah, forgot Rodgers & A. J. Hawk
but they never hit on their first round draft picks
December 31st, 2017 at 7:40 pm
All you idiots wanting Dirk gone and wanting us to lose keep you weak ass home and off the boards. No one wants that weak sh!t associated with this team and the real fans.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:42 pm
7th pick in the draft is clinched
December 31st, 2017 at 7:43 pm
Winston won us the game. This one shows that he can deliver in clutch moments. We need more players around him making plays to put him in that position.
One clutch player on this defense will make a huge difference in our win loss record
December 31st, 2017 at 7:43 pm
I initially had mixed feelings on the victory BUT I’ve come to believe that the psychological/momentum gain from ending the season on a dramatic win outweighs the cost of moving down in the draft a few spots.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Is losing the 5th pick in the draft in all rounds worth a 5-11 record?!? I say nay-nay. If Jameis wanted to make a statement on next year’s team he could have done so in 2018 in game #1. smh.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Wow Jameis needed that finish.
Incredible.
And I’ll remind the haters that they say stats don’t matter, only the win.
Which he got.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Showed a lot of guts. I hope this continues
December 31st, 2017 at 7:44 pm
told you fools: Dirk isn’t getting fired. Gruden ain’t coming. You whipped yourself into a frenzie thinkng Grudent was coming. “Oh, did you see you the way he was looking at the Glazers?” Idiots. Now the Bucs win. Told you that it would be close. You fair weather guys are losers. Love it. You want thugs, weed, bullets, gropers…think that’s what’s good. You lose.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
Har-har-har! DK must have smoked a bowl. Aints have the greatest offense in the NFC South? I don’t think so!! What a great New Year for all Bucs fans. You all be safe and take care!!!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
I will take the win.
We have found starters/top talent throughout the draft, so to hell with the draft pick slot.
Alvan Kamara was not drafted in the 1st round…..draft slot = lottery
LOVE ME SOME CHRIS GODWIN
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
Winston tried to lose it, but his team wouldn’t let him. He’s a turnover machine.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
This team had zero quit this year. That’s the first step to overcoming a losing culture.
I don’t care about getting a later pick. Licht will still get us a good player.
Tampa fans that want to do away with a losing culture and wanted to lose the game for the pick?
Shame on you!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
You forgot a congratulations, to joebucsfan.com, the Joe’s and Ira. Thank you all for the great coverage of this disappointing year but we got the final win hell yes.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
I like the young receiving corps, so I would be glad to see the Bucs let Desean Jackson go and perhaps draft a receiver to develop in later rounds after a DE, DT, RB, CB. Another youth movement is needed.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
@Pa Privateer
Excellent point
December 31st, 2017 at 7:45 pm
I am always happy when the Bucs win.. F*ck the draft pick man we just beat a really good team that needed to win and I’m enjoying it
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
The Bucs should still get the 8th pick.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
The draft impact sucks but you could see how bad the Bucs wanted and needed that win. It’s positive momentum moving into what will hopefully be a fruitful offseason. Happy New Year everybody!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Saw some good things today. One Dirk benched Baker. Two he let Winston run the ball, and it got us a TD……need to coach him to run more.
Doug needs to be cut. Will hope they can pull a trade with Jackson….our passing game is better without him for whatever reason, stick with what works and it ain’t Jackson
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Bucs “only” drop to 7 from 5….still can’t believe the outcome.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
Congrats to the Bucs for showing heart today. Yes, we now will not get Bradley Chubb, but honestly I really like Arden Key, so he could be a good consolation prize. Between Draft and FA, pick up two Offensive linemen and two DE’s and another DT, and we’ll look much better. Oh yeah, and two CB’s too.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:46 pm
It sounds like we might have a tough guy on the message board.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:47 pm
I’d much rather have the win
Still gonna get a good player at 7 (Hopefully DEFENSE)
December 31st, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Jameis looked terrible 99% of the game. Could’ve ended the game with 8 picks, but got bailed out of dropped ints. I won’t lie, there were a few holds on the saints, but that didn’t change the ending. Good job on the first dime to win the game Jameis, but do a better job eliminating the interceptions. Now with the bucs picking 7th, our top pass rushers might be gone. Oh well, it’s a bucs life
December 31st, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Roy Winston stepped up in a pressure moment and won us the game hahaha. Don’t kid yourself
December 31st, 2017 at 7:50 pm
King C, I thought the Bucs get the 8th pick.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Cool with win. I guess. Hurts big time.
Jimmy jack.
Not a surprise from you. Jameis won that game.
Your tonsels are perfect for balls being dropped in them
December 31st, 2017 at 7:51 pm
EVANS is a BEAST
Dump Jackson and go back getting Evans the ball more
Godwin is ready to be #2
December 31st, 2017 at 7:51 pm
Jameis almost lost it. He almost lost three of the last four after actually two of the last three. But his team refused to let him do it today. Now if he can avoid a six game suspension next year for his own continued bad decisions, maybe he can keep from further hurting his team. The slogan should be to “Let Jameis use his hands for good!” God knows he’s a turnover machine…or maybe worse with his hands. But so glad his team didn’t let him carry them into a longer losing streak. Now IF he gets suspended, no reason to worry about him as the face of the franchise. Tear his name off the side of the stadium. Put Godwin and Hump up on the stadium wall instead. Go Bucs!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:51 pm
No tanking. Proud of them!!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:52 pm
I remember a long time ago the Cowboys beat us in last secon with a pass from Aikman to Michael Irvin. They had just come off a horrible season and Jimmy Johnson was coaching.
A lot of Cowboys later said that turned their team around.
Hey I can dream eh. Way to go Koetter and the team.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:52 pm
I have never seen a game with so many uncalled pass interference plays. It was happening constantly.
Refs had a horrible game. We won regardless of them.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:53 pm
@Roy T
Damn – forgot all about the possible suspension next year
that’s going to cost us another season if it happens
December 31st, 2017 at 7:54 pm
And to JoeBuc for giving us another great year of coverage! Thanks Joe!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:54 pm
I do not get you guys! When there is a generational player like Andrew Luck or a couple like Jameis and Mariota…then the top two picks have some meaning…otherwise it’s a crap shoot anyway.
The difference between us picking 5th or 9th is virtually irrelevant. Either Licht spots the correct talent or he doesn’t. If he can get four starters out of this draft as he did two other drafts….then we’re gonna be tough especially if all four starters are in the trenches.
Meanwhile I do not short sell this win. The opponent…everything surrounding the game…HOW they won it reversing that long trend of blowing 2nd half leads to lose. And a lot of individuals feel better for the off season.
Another freaking 3 point loss because we couldn’t score TDs late or hold leads would have left a really really disgusting taste in our mouth for the ENTIRE off season. Now we have something to build on.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Why everyone is syaing that Jameis is losing games now. Where was their voice in 2015, when the Bucs defense was 10th in total yards. But they gave up 26 points a game, because of the 28 turnovers and 143 penalties. Then it was all Lovie Smith fault for losing.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
We dropped 8 a bunch today and played some 3-4ish stuff. Mike Smith obviously reads all the threads here. Still want to see new blood at DC.
Congratz and thanks to Joe’s team, 세 해 복 많이 받으세요 (happy New Year).
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
**saying**
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Go bucs go Godwin nice comeback from jameis
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
America’s QB is back!!!!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Great we get a meaningless and lose out on Chubb! People are excited over a guy who throws 3 picks but should have been 5 picks.
1-9 in last 10 starts and leads the league in turnovers. Next year 3-13 and still no pass rusher and looking for a new coach and Gm
December 31st, 2017 at 7:56 pm
Glad for the players. Smith should have played Tandy all season! #37 plays and Bucs win. Better give Tandy Wards Contract pay send Ward packing and lock Tandy up for next season and start him from game one and we will have a winning year. Can’t believe Smith was so clueless on Tandy’s ability. His best quality is he’s a winner!! Plain and Simple. The truth is truth and real is real!!! GO BUCS!!!!
December 31st, 2017 at 7:57 pm
The New Orleans Saints picked 11th last season. And they had one of the best drafts in the past 25 years.
December 31st, 2017 at 7:58 pm
BobbyBucs…Yes, Jameis will continue to hurt this team beyond this season.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:01 pm
Winston showed Guts and poise even when its not your day (leadership). This win and the way we won it are gratifying. Team win (team concept) as it should always be. No quit on this team (no lost lockerroom garbage). As a Bucs fan I am proud (loyalty). PS: you can still trade up in the draft. Caution: anyone you draft is still a gamble. Go Bucs!
December 31st, 2017 at 8:03 pm
Only a perpetual losing franchise celebrates their 5th victory in week 17 like they won the superbowl. We won a meaningless game and lost out on a generational talent in Barkley. Will probably draft another Mark Barron at the 7th pick instead. Yay Bucs
December 31st, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Jameis never gives up. What a pass to win it. Incredible.
A little more seasoning and we got ourselves a MVP.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:04 pm
Marvin Lewis and the Bengals just knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:07 pm
The Bucs get the 7th pick, I thought it was the 8th.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Feels good to get a win.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:07 pm
Great Win!!! Bucs go from 5th pic to 7th pic for 2018 draft. Just ahead of Chicago based on a tad weaker overall SOS.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:09 pm
Really happy for Jameis. Yeah he does make dumb decisions at times but he has a fire in his gut that makes him a winner. He grew up those last 3 minutes today. He won’t do this dumb shat next year. All this controversy he faced this year has hardened him and caused him to see his shortcomings which will make him a great player that he is destined to be!!
December 31st, 2017 at 8:09 pm
A win on the last game of the season has zero to do with the following season. Just ask the 2016 Buccaneers. Dont kid yourselves the top 5 pick is a very big deal. If you dont believe me, look at what it costs in terms of draft picks to go from #9 or# 8 all the way to #5! Winston didnt want another guy tacking the spotlights from him.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Are there two Erics???
December 31st, 2017 at 8:17 pm
STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID MEANINGLESS WIN
December 31st, 2017 at 8:18 pm
Buc for life!!!!!! This game was what it’s all about!!!!!!
December 31st, 2017 at 8:22 pm
I think the Eric’s are bipolar
December 31st, 2017 at 8:23 pm
Good to see them shake a lot of baggage. Got rid of the losing streak. Got rid of goose egg in division. Got rid of curse of Brees and the sh*t stain from the two team captains, disgraceful Winston and Evans. Ends of a good note. Can’t complain. Can’t shake the Uber booger yet. Thanks Jameis, turover machine. Finding new ways to hurt this franchise.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:24 pm
The loss dropped the Bucs from 5th to 7th in the draft, and behind all the teams that need a QB meaning the option to trade down, which probably would have gotten a couple of 1st and maybe a 2nd and 3rd, now those offers will be greatly reduced.
I’m glad Winston came back and won the game – it’s what he’s done his entire football life including at FSU, but man, that literally might have cost the Bucs an extra couple of starters.
Anywho Chubb might still be there if you assume he is the best DE in the draft and Indy skips on him. The Browns should obviously take a QB with their first pick, but on the second perhaps they take the RB or maybe an OL – they’ve spent a lot of draft picks on defensive linemen so hopefully they skip out. Also Cleveland might still trade down to a QB needy team and get a haul, and that might push Chubb down.
However not totally sold on the kid yet, we’ll see where everything is post combine but I wouldn’t be shocked if Chubb goes much later and someone else shoots up the board.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:36 pm
good question Bonzai.
Defense and special teams TD kept us in the game.but mostly credit goes to the defense and Mike Smith for frustrating Breeze and holding New Orleans to 17 offensive points.Great drive at the end by Jameis but Jameis please your number to 1. You have got to move past the 3 turnover games for the good of the team.
Get er down to 1 and you’ll be eating more W’s. Recommend you do it behind closed doors due to bad ratings. Hee! Hee Hee!
December 31st, 2017 at 8:42 pm
Also,complained a lot about TJ Ward but with the Absence of Justin Evans the defense seems better to me with our veterans at safety. The rookie will be good
but the vets seemed to be playing better together IMO. Neither Newton or Breeze had particularly good games agaist our defense.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:43 pm
Bob that would be the lamest dumbest thing I’ve ever read. Congrats – that’s hard to do on something as big as the internet – to stand out like that.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:43 pm
********************************
The win dropped us from the #5 pick to the #7 pick … my new mock:
1. Browns: Sam Darnold, QB
2. Giants: Josh Rosen, QB
3. Colts: Connor Williams, OT
4. Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB … and the Browns are back!!
5. Broncos: Josh Allen, QB
6. Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB
7. BUCS: Arden Key, DE (Minkah is a possibility, as is a trade down)
8. Bears: Minkah Fitzpatrick, CB/S
9-10. Raiders/49ers (coin toss): RoQuan Smith, MLB & Calvin Ridley, WR
11. Dolphins: Quenten Nelson, OG
12. Bengals: Mike McGlinchey, OT
13. Redskins: Lamar Jackson, QB
14. Packers: Clellin Ferrell, DE
15. Cardinals: Joshua Jackson, CB
16. Ravens: Christian Kirk, WR
17. Chargers: Denzel Ward, CB
18. Seahawks: Derwin James, CB/S
19. Cowboys: Da’Ron Payne, DT
20. Lions: Derrius Guice, RB
********************************
December 31st, 2017 at 8:46 pm
Dirk is firmly on the hot seat next season with so many teams breaking long playoff droughts. The Bills are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999 with a first year head coach (Sean McDermott) who the Glazers passed on.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:46 pm
**********************************
^ Mixed up the above … new mock below:
———————————————–
********************************
The win dropped us from the #5 pick to the #7 pick … my new mock:
1. Browns: Sam Darnold, QB
2. Giants: Josh Rosen, QB
3. Colts: Connor Williams, OT
4. Browns: Saquon Barkley, RB … and the Browns are back!!
5. Broncos: Josh Allen, QB
6. Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB
7. BUCS: Bradley Chubb, DE (Key & Minkah & a trade down are possible)
8. Bears: Arden Key, DE
9-10. Raiders/49ers (coin toss): RoQuan Smith, MLB & Minkah, CB/FS
11. Dolphins: Quenten Nelson, OG
12. Bengals: Mike McGlinchey, OT
13. Redskins: Lamar Jackson, QB
14. Packers: Clellin Ferrell, DE
15. Cardinals: Joshua Jackson, CB
16. Ravens: Calvin Ridley, WR
17. Chargers: Denzel Ward, CB
18. Seahawks: Derwin James, CB/S
19. Cowboys: Da’Ron Payne, DT
20. Lions: Derrius Guice, RB
********************************
**********************************
December 31st, 2017 at 8:49 pm
@Joe … “*To Mike Smith, for somehow finding a way to get zero sacks out of Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander this seeason, both very capable blitzers. Unthinkable.”
The only thing ‘Unthinkable” Joe is neither you nor any of the JBF commenters above didn’t have the class to appreciate what Mike Smith’s defense did today. They held the high-power Saints’ offense to 17 points today … yup, 17 points. The same Saints’ offense that’s averaged over 28 points this season. Quite an accomplishment IMO. Not only that, but the Bucs’ defense managed to score 7 points of their own … and those 7 points were the difference in the ballgame.
Instead, Jameis gets full credit for winning this game, despite 3 INTs & throwing for less than 55%. For his part, Mike Smith only rates a snide remark about not knowing how to use David or Alexander as blitzers. Classy.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:55 pm
LOL! Another Winston hater who is throwing a fit. Hey what did the defense do today? Oh right, they gave up yet another 4th quarter lead. I feel bad for you Winston haters, like he Jameis just killed your entire 2018 offseason.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:56 pm
jimmy jack
Winston won us the game
see that is whats wrong with fsu homers…..they cant even credit the defense who got us our 9-7 season
before parading down dale mabry on the qb’s one td pass
IGNORANCE
December 31st, 2017 at 8:57 pm
Yep, just saw where the order has us picking 7th. Only dropped 2 spots so thats not too bad….better than 9th or 11th.
December 31st, 2017 at 8:58 pm
love the moxy …..or whatever we wanna call it …ice in veins etc from jameis
but dammmm be observant not ignorant
December 31st, 2017 at 9:01 pm
Rod Munch
the reason why we got the win was due to the DEFENSE stopping brees from scoring a field goal late
YOU DAMM HOMERS MAN …..YOU CANT EVEN BE REAL WITH YOUR DELUSIONAL SELVES
GIVE JAMEIS SOME CREDIT NOT ALL…..DEFINITION OF IDIOTS IN THE DICTIONARY
I TELL U
December 31st, 2017 at 9:03 pm
Chubb could still fall to us if this mock plays out and has many qb’s going so high….
https://www.seccountry.com/sec/nfl-mock-draft-2018-predicting-top-players-first-round-2018-nfl-draft-12-31
December 31st, 2017 at 9:03 pm
and btw ….credit special teams too …or did you tape the game and fast fwd the dvr
LOL…..maaaaaaannnn……im the more of a jameis fan than not but dammmm
some of yall cant even be REAL about the situation….its comedy ….LOL
December 31st, 2017 at 9:06 pm
and the defense wasn’t even ON THE FIELD when n.o scored one td
SOME FANS INCLUDING rod munch want the D to be a reincarnation of the superbowl D
not allowing any points ALL GAME>>…do yall think when words come out lol
December 31st, 2017 at 9:07 pm
Defense Rules
bucs defense is a complete and total joke led by captain blowout cancer93 the career losing face of the basement years which is 100% undisputed…the results prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt…
I do want to commend you though, your excuses and attempts to justify this pathetic defensive unit and narrow minded attempts at justify failure by this defense has put you in the one dimensional realm of the ignorant one dimensional failed former coach dungy. the unqualified one dimensional coach who single handedly is responsible for rendering the Hall of Fame meaningless.
great job trying to justify failure it takes a lot of creativity to sugarcoat this soft pathetic defensive unit led by cancer93
December 31st, 2017 at 9:08 pm
Chubb is gone I’m sorry…..browns have two picks 1 and 4…and no I’m not saying bucs should of lost
but even with a win they lose….like when rosie perez told woody in white men cant jump
hahaha….happy new year regardless
December 31st, 2017 at 9:09 pm
Nate – the Bucs offense/special teams scores 18 points in the 4th quarter including Winston giving the defense the lead in the 4th only to have the defense collapse yet again and give up yet another 4th quarter lead. Meanwhile Winston takes them 95 yards, with under 2 mins left and no TO’s and wins the game.
But yeah, LOL, the defense won the game, just like they won last week in Carolina and like how they won at home against Atlanta.
Give it a rest cupcake, it’s going to be a long offseason for you Winston haters having to deal with that drive for the next 9 months.
December 31st, 2017 at 9:09 pm
you fans aren’t even mentioning jameis could of had 2 picks on the last drive
all I’m saying is that he needs completion….just in case ubergate happens
AT LEAST….in case yall forgot
December 31st, 2017 at 9:13 pm
cupcake knows the DEFENSE won us the 9-7 season tho
YOU THINK THE OFFENSE WON US THE GAMES ALL YEAR
with scoring under 20 points average for 3 years
never count money or do anything with numbers pleeeease LOL
December 31st, 2017 at 9:18 pm
Defense Rules….same defense that gave up the lead in the 4th Q? Yeah that one. C’mon man even coach Smith would tell u they were not good this year. I think Winston did not have a good game today. However, he has been bringing the team back the last few weeks in a row due to the DEF giving up the booty.
December 31st, 2017 at 9:18 pm
tj max
I’m not excusing anyone…but the difference with me and all you fake realists
you don’t give the D ANY credit….even if the offense fails to sustain drives
while the offense is always ALL GOOD…even after 3 nearly 6 picks
BUT A TD AT THE END…..
Funny you losers ignore me giving Winston credit on resilience!!!!! but just defend him no matter what
when he never learns from his mistakes to take the next step as winning a playoff game
just know its YOUR blind ignorance that encourages it …..SMDH
December 31st, 2017 at 9:20 pm
happy new year !!!! really love yall cause I and a few people in here are the only people in the “know”
as much as we can be anyway
NATE DUB …..peace!!!!
December 31st, 2017 at 9:29 pm
I wanted the win also, but can tell every one of you that think a single player on any team that finishes with a 5-11 season has ANY positive feelings at the start of next season just because they won the last game of the year truly has no idea of competitive sports. 5-11 as a player pisses you off, PERIOD!! Which is a far better driving force to turn it around. It’s a toss up if Bradley Chubb (or anybody in this upcoming draft) turns out to be a stud once they get in the league and GETTING PAID. But if he does become the game wrecker he looks like he could be then this win really helped nothing. Winning the last game in a 5-11 season also will never cause a single free agent to think “YEAH I WANT TO SIGN WITH THAT TEAM”
December 31st, 2017 at 9:31 pm
God I hope we can land a DE at pick 7 or whatever we have now…this wins means nothing and does nothing for anyone. For those who don’t get it – there are very few players in this upcoming draft that stand out as filling needs for the team. A pick at 4 or 5 would have given us room to manuever in the draft or we could have had the pick of defensive players we wanted.
At 5 if Chubb, Key, James, Fitzpatrick (the top players for positions of need) are all available we could have afforded to trade back with a QB needy team a few spots and been assured that we could still land a top talent at two of our greatest needs. Sitting at 7 now makes that far less likely.
December 31st, 2017 at 9:38 pm
***************************
Bradley Chubb is considered the most complete DE but many scouts think that Arden Key is the real future “sack master” in this draft … if we want a DE, I’d be shocked if we couldn’t get Chubb or Key at #7.
If we sign a DE or two in free agency, we may just decide we want guard Quenten Nelson and trade down to draft him and pick up an extra 2nd rounder as well …
****************************
December 31st, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Nate – so now you’re down to playing the “coulda” game. LOL! Well lets look at the entire year… if we had a kicker we coulda won the Pats game, we coulda won the Falcons game, we could have won the Panthers game, if the defense doesn’t collapse we coulda won the Packers game, the Bills game, the Detroit game.
Lots of couldas…
December 31st, 2017 at 10:27 pm
@doNUTS … “C’mon man even coach Smith would tell u they were not good this year.” And I’d tell you the same thing. Never said they were good … they gave up an average of 24 points a game this season, and to me that’s unacceptable. But when I see the woeful lack of talent that’s on this defense, I’m actually pretty impressed that they ONLY gave up 24 PPG. Despite that lack of talent on the DLine & in the secondary especially, these guys fought hard in every game. The Bucs’ D has ‘sucked hind teet’ for 4 years now in terms of drafting AND free agency.
Bucs’ offense, in comparison, had all kinds of talent this year, yet IMO they underperformed in that they only scored around 21 PPG, and in half our games scored less than that. If our offense scored 28 PPG like the Saints, we’d all be celebrating being in the playoffs right now. Bucs owners & management need to decide quickly what we want our identity to be going forward, because right now we’re neither good at offense or defense.
December 31st, 2017 at 10:48 pm
You know what makes the 3 games so important? It shows even with the way things have turned out this season with nothing to really play for no one quit. Even in the losses, fumbles, picks, defense and special teams giving up many big plays, enormous amount of injuries and inept play calling this team played hard. We tanked once and for what the team wanted and though it needs a higher draft pick it didn’t tank. To all you morons who only talk about wins but wanted us to lose for a higher draft puck you are such hypocrites. This team might lack talent on defense but it didn’t wait.
All you clowns who hate Jameis please give up on the Bucs and go root for Tennessee or New England or something and leave this team be! You fools are a bunch of panty waste whiners who all you do is cry and moan. GetGO it through your thick skulls that Famous Jameis just proved to the Glazers that he is a winner and can put the team on his back for come from victories and he can have flawless games with his mistakes. He’s not going anywhere and they will build a team around him. So please give us relief up here and leave, go root for another team Jameis and Koetter are going no where . You guys are pathetic. At least real fans know Winston has the ability to be a very good qb but needs to cut down the turnovers and cut down on the bad throws but his future is bright and so are the Bucs just one year later. GO AWAY HSTERS AND GO BUCS!
December 31st, 2017 at 11:19 pm
The way they won was worth tanking tbh
December 31st, 2017 at 11:23 pm
Typical Buc fans comments..Ohhh Jameis played good…. I’m glad we finished nicely…. What a victory. You idiots!! We probably lost out on getting the best Defensive End in the draft with our win today. Don’t matter though huh? Cause We’s the Bucs…Eternal Losers!!!!!!!!!