Make A Run? Why Not?
November 23rd, 2016
Believes Bucs can make a run.
OK, Joe’s cleaning out his notebook from Sunday’s win over the Chiefs so later this morning we can start focusing on Seattle.
Yes, the Bucs are 5-5 and, right now, all eyes are scoreboard watching, as the Bucs will need help if they are to play meaningful football in January.
Could the Bucs make a run? Some players Joe spoke with after the game didn’t want to go down that path, but Bucs right guard Ali Marpet did. The second-year player essentially asked, why not?
“It’s hard to beat the Chiefs at home,” a beaming Marpet said. “It’s tough to do and shows maybe we are playing complementary football. We are a really good team. We’re a freaking talented team. So we can make a run.”
When Joe noted how well both Marpet and the offensive line played Sunday, Marpet seemed to think Bucs running backs had something to do with that, especially the late running of Peyton Barber.
“Peyton is a real good player, too,” Marpet said. “We have a couple of running backs that can make moves that make us look good. All five — actually, six — guys sort of played a very high level the entire game.”
Clinton McDonald believes the Bucs are finally gelling. Playoffs? He didn’t want to jump the gun.
“We just have to keep our nose to the grindstone,” McDonald said. “We came together as a team. We focused and got our job accomplished. As a defense, we are playing on fire now.”
Akeem Spence believed the play of the red zone defense of the Bucs was critical.
“Just hold them to three whenever they get in the red zone,” Spence said.
November 23rd, 2016 at 7:15 am
All good answers. I finally like where the team is going mentally. Now we have to keep getting better and healthy.
Losing Jude is not a death blow but it’s a microcosm of the bigger issue of what’s been plaguing the Bucs with losers.
Weed them out and move forward.
November 23rd, 2016 at 7:18 am
Yeah, one game at a time, but your mentality has to be to win out and not worry about other teams, let the Falcons look in the rearview and see the Bucs right on their arse, knowing if they slip up, we are are their to pick up
November 23rd, 2016 at 7:24 am
If a Div III guy can make it in the NFL, why can’t he get to the playoffs? GO BUCS!!!
November 23rd, 2016 at 7:53 am
Two weeks ago all the fans thought the team was a dumpster fire. Again I think there is another over reaction on the other end of the spectrum now. I like the way they performed Sunday. However, with the Bucs history over the past several years and the inconsistency this year I am going to just take this one game at a time. Way to early to talk playoffs, especially with Seattle and Dallas still on the schedule. I like what I am seeing right now and hope it continues. A 5-5 team though with two of the best teams in the league coming up means playoffs are unlikely.
November 23rd, 2016 at 8:09 am
The Seahawks and Cowboys are not the Chiefs, and they have quarterbacks that are far superior to Alex Smith, so let’s stay realistic. The Bucs have been getting spanked by teams with good QB’s. Win against at least one of those two teams and I’ll start buying the hype.
November 23rd, 2016 at 8:18 am
Right on the money TouchDownTampaBay. Bucs have been inconsistent this year, largely because of injuries. We’ve have a decent starting lineup, and have some depth at some positions (CBs?), but relatively little at most positions unfortunately. That’ll come with time I’m confident (good drafting and coaching-up players) but for now it still leaves us in the ‘inconsistent’ category.
Good news though, Seattle is banged up right now and the Bucs are finally starting to get healthy. Seahawks might be favored, but they can be beaten. They’ve got a very good running game (mostly over the middle?) it looks like and actually go deep quite a bit on the passing. Bucs CBs & Safeties will have to stand up Sunday, as will our LBs to show better gap control. If Jameis stays hot though, if Martin & Barber & the OLine can contribute a decent run game, and IF the Bucs win the turnover battle, then they’ll come out on top. Bucs win 27 – 21.
November 23rd, 2016 at 9:14 am
The Jameis Winston Effect
November 23rd, 2016 at 9:43 am
Dallas has played nobody this year. Nobody. Can’t wait to check out Jerry’s new crib! Gonna bring a pocketful of Benjamins. Heard it’s incredibly expensive as far as stadium experiences go.
November 23rd, 2016 at 9:46 am
Well, they did the play the Giants. (and lost)
November 23rd, 2016 at 10:13 am
There’s no reason NOT to think we can make a run. My advice to the Bucs would be to focus on playing and beating the team in front of you. If you do that, good things can happen.
November 23rd, 2016 at 10:24 am
I am LOVING this attitude and mentality!!!!!! they are believing in themselves AS A TEAM for once and I FREAKING LOVE IT!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
November 24th, 2016 at 12:46 am
They aren’t winning more than 2 more games.