“We Got Sucker-Punched”
February 1st, 2021
Bucs safeties coach Nick Rapone.
The way outspoken Bucs safeties coach Nick Rapone described the first quarter of the first meeting this season between the Bucs and the Chiefs, the Bucs secondary never knew what hit them.
And when they shook the cobwebs from their heads and bandaged their burn marks left by Cheetah Hill (203 yards receiving in first quarter), the Bucs already trailed by 17.
“What really happened is we got sucker-punched in that first quarter,” Rapone said. “And we came back off the ropes.”
Now Joe doesn’t think Rapone was slamming the Chiefs in any way. In fact, he said folks should give the Chiefs props for flamethrowing the Bucs’ defensive backs in that first quarter.
Carlton Davis in particular got worked by Cheetah, but Rapone said don’t blame Davis. Rapone noted that the Bucs tried three different coverages (not just man-to-man) on Chiefs receivers in that first quarter and the Kansas City still roasted the Bucs secondary.
It sure seems like the way Rapone was talking, the Bucs secondary really wants to atone for that flat out embarrassment back in November.
Rapone added the Chiefs’ passing game is just really that good. That a defense could play solid and Pat Mahomes and Cheetah Hill and Travis Kelce can still make a defense look like fools.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:07 pm
sucker punched is a bad term, we forgive the coach, we depend on him more for coaching DB’s not english. Scary thought , they tried 3 coverages and got burned on them all. Hopefully they’ve got that worked out for Sunday.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:17 pm
wait, why is sucker punched a bad term?
February 1st, 2021 at 2:19 pm
It is a “bad term” in that it often means something dirty happened. He didn’t mean that at all. Praised how good the Chiefs are.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:26 pm
I want to see Mahones on his back, if he still beats us, so be it, but I want to see him on his back❗️Go Bucs❤️
February 1st, 2021 at 2:27 pm
I guess he could have said “shell shocked” or B slapped. But thought sucker punched was a better alternative.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:40 pm
Usually being Sucker Punched means being punched when you are looking elsewhere, especially before you even know a fight has started. I’ve experienced such a thing…didn’t start it…but finished it, at least. And that is the important thing. Hope our D finishes the battle against the KC offense, however it is stated and started.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:42 pm
“Cheetah” seems to only sucker punch his pregnant girlfriend.
February 1st, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Mahomes only had 250 passing yards in the entire rest of the game, so they clearly figured out something
February 1st, 2021 at 3:20 pm
Hoping these windy days are going to mess with the Chiefs practices, while the Bucs dial in their timing indoors and out of prying 👀
February 1st, 2021 at 3:24 pm
Joe is guessing the Chiefs are using their indoor facility. To be honest, Joe hasn’t checked the weather forecast of Kansas City but it’s a fair bet in early February it’s damn cold.
February 1st, 2021 at 3:27 pm
Hmm, I just figured that they would be in town by now
February 1st, 2021 at 3:39 pm
OBF:
Normally, yes. This isn’t a normal year. 🙁
February 1st, 2021 at 5:11 pm
I heard they come in Friday. Someone get ready to set off the hotel fire alarms. Hmmm sucker punched, maybe Rapone should have had his guard up. I’m pretty sure the world new who Mahomes prime targets are so to be down by 17 and Hill with 203 yds is more like a kick in the groin. I hope Rapone has his cup on Sunday cause if Hill goes off line that again Rapone can take a seat next to the Green Bay DC in the unemployment line.
February 1st, 2021 at 6:37 pm
I dare say it won’t be any one set tactic or strategy that will keep KC off balance. It’s going to be more like going up against the Borg. Changing up looks, disguising coverages, all the while pressuring mahomie. And yes Ana, putting him on his a$$ as often as possible.
Our offensive attack must also be firing on all cylinders as well.
The balanced team, barring any last second catastrophe/heroics, will win this game.
February 1st, 2021 at 6:52 pm
OBF: I saw on NFLN last night the Chiefs are staying home, doing all media virtually, and flying in on the same schedule as a regular season game.
February 1st, 2021 at 7:55 pm
He meant they got caught off guard aka sucker punched. They weren’t ready for Tyreek the Freak, but they seemed to figure out something that worked later on as I don’t think Tyreek put up the 800 yards he was on pace for lol
February 2nd, 2021 at 6:41 am
The best way to play defense is to.keep their offense off the field.