Real Cheers, Real Boos, Real Nonsense
September 25th, 2020
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
The Denver Broncos may be missing five key starters against the Bucs Sunday, but reinforcements are pouring in by the thousands.
For the first time this season, the Bucs will be playing before a live crowd, albeit at a reduced capacity. A turnout of 5,700 fans is expected at Empower Field as the winless Broncos face the favored Buccaneers.
The scalpers are asking for – and getting – more than $400 per ticket.
Although fan attendance in Denver has been capped at 7.5 percent of capacity for the moment, the presence of a home crowd could spur a desperate team.
“We want them to make some noise and get inside Tom Brady’s head,” says Denver DT Mike Purcell. “Fan noise can go a long way with momentum.”
Bucs fans remain completely locked out of their home stadium for no definitive reason
The Broncos need all the help they can get heading into Week 3. They were competitive against Tennessee and Pittsburgh, but the injury list keeps growing and now quarterback Drew Lock is sidelined, replaced by ex-Gator Jeff Driskel.
Instead of relying on crowd noise to get inside Brady’s head, Denver’s defense used to rely on Von Miller, who has built a Hall of Fame resume as a dynamic pass rusher. With Miller sidelined by a severe ankle injury, crowd chatter might have to do the trick.
The Bucs just played before empty stands in the Superdome and Raymond James Stadium — unless you count the presence of Brett Favre. Buc fans are prohibited from attending next week’s game against the Chargers, but that blackout could be lifted in time for the home matchup vs. Green Bay.
If Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has his way, you can expect 15,000-20,000 fans through the turnstiles at Raymond James Stadium to welcome Aaron Rodgers to town.
Using Sunday’s game in Denver as a template, here’s what Buc fans can anticipate if and when the home gates open: No tailgating.
Temperature checks prior to entry.
Mandatory mask wearing, unless eating or drinking.
No cash accepted at concession booths.
Can’t you just hear Buc Nation’s response? No problem, just let us in.
This Bucs-Broncos matchup will be the largest sanctioned event in Colorado since the pandemic broke out in March. The upper decks will be left empty and most of the fans in the stadium will be season ticket holders chosen in a lottery.
Not everyone in the Denver area is thrilled with the process. Season ticket holders from the upper deck who won the lottery were asked to cough up quite a bit of additional cash for the privilege of sitting closer to the field.
That kind of nonsense could happen right here in Tampa.
Our Turn
The Broncos will need quite a boost to get past Tom Brady, writes Ira Kaufman.
The Broncos have a loyal fan base, with some supporters keeping season tickets in the family for the entire 60-year history of the franchise. On Sunday, 70,000 ardent Bronco supporters won’t be able to cheer on their favorite team in person.
They will get no sympathy from Buc Nation.
Tampa Bay fans are getting antsy. They’ve watched stadiums in Jacksonville and Miami welcome supporters on a limited basis while the same courtesy isn’t extended here — at least for the first two home games.
We’re still waiting on official word from the Bucs regarding an attendance policy following Week 4.
Maybe the Broncos will get a little boost from seeing all those Denver jerseys in the stands. If they’re counting on some crowd noise to unnerve Mr. Brady, they’re in for a long day.
“We’ll be excited to see some people out there,” Purcell says.
Fans in the stands? Nice.
Von Miller on the field? Much nicer.
Ira Kaufman’s column is presented by Bill Currie Ford, where the stunning offers are waiting for you. Click on Ira to visit BillCurrieFord.com, where GM Sean Sullivan will help you personally.
Ginny: So glad you had a good experience with Bill Currie Ford and GM Sean Sullivan. Nobody does it better. https://t.co/7CxgbOFkWp
— Ira Kaufman (@IKaufman76) September 15, 2020
September 25th, 2020 at 4:58 pm
No desire to step in that stadium as long as our current coach is coach. In fact I may never come back, plus no one will want to go in general when this team is trash in a year or two. I’m just ahead of the curve.
September 25th, 2020 at 4:58 pm
If conditions were normal and we were playing the Broncos at Ray Jay……they would have twice that many fans cheering….so, I don’t think Tom or anyone else will be intimidated…..to the contrary. I think opposing fans fire the Bucs up many times.
September 25th, 2020 at 5:16 pm
Ndog- You won’t be missed, I can promise you!
It’d be nice to see a game live, especially if our team keeps winning at home. We’ll get there eventually. I think with the Phase III now in effect, for better or worse, fans will be allowed back in.
Go Bucs!
September 25th, 2020 at 5:16 pm
42-12 BUCS WIN!!!!!
NDOGs cage gets smaller….
GO BUCS!!!!
September 25th, 2020 at 5:52 pm
Ndog. Jameis hasn’t grabbed a crotch in awhile. Maybe you could sit on the Saints bench and quench his thirst while he gets more splinters in his W eating ass.
September 25th, 2020 at 5:54 pm
“Real” fans and a fake azz Bucs head coach!!!!!!! Time to run that bum named Bruce arrogance out of town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
go bucs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 25th, 2020 at 5:57 pm
I’m looking for consistency, execution, and hopefully dominance.
Week 2 was better than week 1 and I hope week 3 brings more “gelling”
Building 1 week at a time. I can’t wait to see the final product!
September 25th, 2020 at 6:02 pm
I wont allow anybody to probe me to go to a stinking game. Ill chill at home.
September 25th, 2020 at 6:05 pm
And how exactually do you ban tailgating? Hahaha. You cant hang out at your car? What are there gonna do if I grill out at the park anyway? Best place to park BTW.
September 25th, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Speaking of masks can anyone tell me why the coaches are getting such a hard time for not wearing them? Everyone gets tested before games and has to test negative. If this is just for show it’s a very sad day in American sports history.
September 25th, 2020 at 6:34 pm
Plus if NFL executives think they’ll ever fully recover from this years empty stadiums they’ve lost their minds
September 25th, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Sorry NDOG but no one will miss your or your money. Don’t be a fan it’s your choice but quit bitchin bout it.
September 25th, 2020 at 7:06 pm
They may want the fans to make some noise and TRY to get inside Tom Brady’s head.
I have news for them, it is almost impossible to rattle Tom Brady.
September 25th, 2020 at 7:53 pm
Wonder how Jville and Miami can do it and we can’t….what could POSSIBLY explain that?
September 25th, 2020 at 8:20 pm
Bucnjim
As long as each team continues to get $255 million per year, they’ll be all right.
$255-$198 =$57 million gross, not including merchandise, Which I’m sure the Buc sold a lot of this year. If half of that 57 million went to expenses they still make $30 million a year. Good work if you can get it.
No tears here for the owners.
September 25th, 2020 at 8:29 pm
Who is going to enforce no tailgating?
September 25th, 2020 at 9:16 pm
What is the big mystery with no fans in our home stadium? Which politician made this decision, and why is no one reporting it?
September 25th, 2020 at 9:24 pm
Sad as it is, for most of the Bucs history there have been more Opposing fans, than Buc fans at the games.
So it’s kind of funny to hear the faux outrage over not being able to go to the game.
“Ray Jay, we’ve been doing social distancing for 10 years”
September 25th, 2020 at 9:30 pm
Ndog Says:
September 25th, 2020 at 4:58 pm
No desire to step in that stadium as long as our current coach is coach. In fact I may never come back, plus no one will want to go in general when this team is trash in a year or two. I’m just ahead of the curve.
………………
We ALLLLLLLL just wish you would never come here again. We couldn’t Possibly care Less where you go.
September 25th, 2020 at 9:33 pm
Bucnjim Says:
September 25th, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Speaking of masks can anyone tell me why the coaches are getting such a hard time for not wearing them? Everyone gets tested before games and has to test negative. If this is just for show it’s a very sad day in American sports history.
………………
That is simple. Media Fear Mongering and Political Agenda!
September 25th, 2020 at 9:55 pm
Ndog thinks people Care about him or his opinion
Thats hilarious.
What a weird dude
I take that back. Not sure he is a dude
I mean what a whack job creeper Who obsesses over another grown man
September 25th, 2020 at 9:58 pm
I would have a beer in hand …drinking beer…the whole game
So no mask for me
Problem solved.
September 25th, 2020 at 10:04 pm
Ndog does have a point though….
In a year or 2 when the Brady experiment is over, the Bucs will have serious question marks at quarterback. The Bucs will need to find a franchise quarterback and heres a hint…its not Josh Rosen. He sucks.
September 25th, 2020 at 10:07 pm
I love the way you hate ndog Bird!
September 25th, 2020 at 10:25 pm
WOW Dr. FeelGood, a lil graphic there. lol Remember in 2002 every time the defense lined up you just knew something great was about to happen?
Well this defense compounds that ten fold. They just have to believe it.
They must realize that they must have each other to complete themselves,
each complements the other.
Todd has done a fantastic job of recreating TRUE BUC BALL . . . D-Fence
GO BUCS!!!!!
September 25th, 2020 at 11:27 pm
Bolts baby!
September 25th, 2020 at 11:36 pm
Right Npup. Same way you were done with this site. A man true to his word. If your boy came back or they did what ever you want you would come running right back.
September 25th, 2020 at 11:36 pm
On the first day of school a first grade teacher explains to her class that she is a Buccaneers fan. She asks her students to raise their hands if they, too, are Buccaneers fans. Wanting to impress their teacher, everyone in the class raises their hand except one little girl. The teacher looks at the girl with surprise, ‘Janie, why didn’t you raise your hand?’ Because I’m not a Buccaneers fan,’ she replied. The teacher, still shocked, asked, ‘Well, if you are not a Buccaneers fan, then who are you a fan of?’ ‘I am a Falcons fan, and proud of it,’ Janie replied. The teacher could not believe her ears. ‘Janie please tell us why you are a Falcons fan?’ “Because my mom is a Falcons fan, and my dad is Falcons fan, so I’m a Falcons fan too!” “Well,” said the teacher in a obviously annoyed tone, ‘that is no reason for you to be a Falcons fan. You don’t have to be just like your parents all of the time. What if your mom was an idiot and your dad was a moron, what would you be then?’ “Then,” Janie smiled, ‘I’d be a Buccaneers fan.
September 25th, 2020 at 11:37 pm
GO BOLTS 1 WIN away from the cup!
September 26th, 2020 at 12:52 am
What DBS just said
September 26th, 2020 at 12:55 am
Awesome stuff there Cainishere
September 26th, 2020 at 12:58 am
Tomorrow night begins the Tampa Bay trifecta. The Bolts win Lord Stanley’s Cup, the Rays win the World Series and the Bucs hoist The Lombardi at Ray Jay! A man can dream eh?
September 26th, 2020 at 12:59 am
Yes he can
September 26th, 2020 at 1:16 am
Tbb3,
“Ndog does have a point though….
In a year or 2 when the Brady experiment is over, the Bucs will have serious question marks at quarterback. The Bucs will need to find a franchise quarterback and heres a hint…its not Josh Rosen. He sucks”
>>>>>
NO HE DOESN’T!
The Bucs had a serious question mark at QB.
This fundamental flaw is the definition of starting with a false premise.
Ndog starts there……..simple logic eliminates anything future as it’s not possible to start with a false premise and Expect any outcomes as plausible and realistic. Simple math fail.
As far as a QB question, every team has that question and a few believe they’ve solved it, KC, Dallas, but injury and time adds an element of risk to even to the most stable organizations. For the poorly run franchises, they are always seeking an answer at qb.
September 26th, 2020 at 2:10 am
What a weird bunch of loyal haters in these comments 😂 . Run BA out of town? Pathetic
September 26th, 2020 at 5:44 am
D1- Excellent retort.
This conversation is played out in my workplace non-stop. “What then?” Most of the time I just try to move on because they’re not Buc fans (for real) and I’ll say we just had FIVE years of “what then?”!
The NFL is about NOW, RIGHT FREAKIN’ NOW!
I don’t care about our QB “problem” two years from now. I want that Lombardi to not leave Raymond James Stadium at the end of the season.
September 26th, 2020 at 7:23 am
D1
Yes sir
Not sure you know but tbbuc3 is A die hard jameis worshipper. Like he would drink the coolaid with hemlock in it if jameis told him too
Look at post name…tbbucs3 – tampa bay bucs #3
Thats his man crush You will never convince him on anything When it comes to the messiah jameis
Good bet he went to FSU Too but cannot confirm
September 26th, 2020 at 7:45 am
Bucsfanman,
Thank you Sir!
I agree with you that the time is now and “F” long term. The hard facts that have been ignored in this pointless debate is that the NFL is structured in a way that limits teams ability to field a consistent roster to a period of no more than 5 years. Only the New England Patriots have been able to win and compete for a championship year in year out.
The remaining 31 franchises have a few teams that are competing at a high level for a few years with the opportunity to compete for the Super Bowl while the remaining teams are always in a rebuilding mode. The NFC has had no team play in consecutive Super Bowls let alone win 2.
This alone is more than enough to convince even the most stubborn fan base that the NFL is a short term looking league. Sustained excellence is a slogan at this point nothing more. Teams that draft and build are a relic of a bygone era.
Today it’s draft to create a roster base then add free agents to assist the team in competing for a championship every 3 to 4 years if everything goes well. Basically, it’s win it all at that point in time or start the process over again.
5years with each and every year promised to be “the year” for a player to take the next step is paddling against the tide. In Winston’s case, 1 more year of hope, was too much for the team to wait. Especially, considering the lack of consistency and uneven growth in his play from 1 year to the next.
The Bucs had a QB problem, they had no future to throw away as some suggest. They solved the problem for a 2 year window. This allows the team t 2 years to find the next player to fill the position. That’s a good business plan and it’s only flaw is the possibility that they fail to aquire a player to take the reins from Brady. But it’s a hypothetical flaw as it’s based on future decisions which are absolutely impossible to consider today. Which means that there’s nothing much to support any opinion one way or the other as the results don’t exist at present.
The only thing that is certain is winston is not and was not considered the future by the franchise. His release is undeniable, it’s history. The decision to sign Brady is debatable but with no possible answer as to whether the move was the right decision until the conclusion of the season. Intelligent fans understand this implicitly.
September 26th, 2020 at 9:28 am
Bucnjim Says:
“If this is just for show it’s a very sad day in American sports history.”
.
.
You got it right. The sideline masks are for show. It’s for us to see and get used to seeing, because there are a group of people who want us trained and complying without complaining.
September 26th, 2020 at 9:34 am
D1
You managed to write 500 words without answering my question.
The Bucs still lack a long term option at QB. Period.
And you say “They solved the problem for a 2 year window.”
How do you know this? Cause after 2 games Brady has looked like a very run of the mill QB. So far 2 games in…..It’s clear that the Bucs offense with Winston at QB was 10X more explosive than a dink and dunk Brady offense.
September 26th, 2020 at 9:51 am
Funny how they are getting us used to a cashless society at the same time.
September 26th, 2020 at 11:31 am
I’ve been to many games at the old Tampa Stadium. I was at the inaugural game vs. the Bears at RJS. No way am I going to a live one this season. Just a common sensible decision based on the fact that I am in a high-risk group, CV-wise.
September 26th, 2020 at 11:40 am
A-Aron will be our QB in two years. Problem solved.
September 26th, 2020 at 11:54 am
Tbbucs3 Says:
“So far 2 games in…..It’s clear that the Bucs offense with Winston at QB was 10X more explosive than a dink and dunk Brady offense.”
.
.
So far, our winning percentage has improved. That’s the most important stat.
September 26th, 2020 at 1:10 pm
^ The winning percentage hasn’t improved. The Bucs were 1-1 at this point last year as well.
September 26th, 2020 at 1:23 pm
Winning percentage with Bucs.
Brady = .500
Winston < .500
September 26th, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Bush
Going by a 2 game sample size compared to 5 years? Ok
September 26th, 2020 at 5:23 pm
tbbucs3 Says:
“Going by a 2 game sample size compared to 5 years?”
Granted; but if it continues, I will happily do without some of the excitement.
Cheers! *beer*
September 27th, 2020 at 10:14 am
tbbucs- Your QB quandary plays out at every position on EVERY team. Players retire, don’t produce, or get hurt. Banking on the future while ignoring the present is what got us in this mess.
Look around the league. There are very few teams who have it “figured out”.
Yeah, we don’t have a long-term solution at QB. That can change in one off-season, with ONE player.
We traded our future by not addressing QB sooner than 5 years. Instead, we’ve stocked the shelves with other positions. In 2 years, we’ll see what happens.
I’ll trade the “future” for wins NOW.