Buoyed By Bad Football
December 24th, 2021
Ugly football
Joe suffered through the atrocity that was the Titans-49ers game last night. And when the pain ended, Joe felt invigorated.
The can’t-move-the-ball Titans are 10-5 and cruising toward a No. 1 or No. 2 seed in the AFC. The 49ers (8-7) are in solid shape for a Wild Card in the NFC. And frankly, each team looked miserable in a must-win game.
The game should have been over early, but QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s miscues took what could have been a 21-0 49ers lead and turned it into a 10-0 margin at halftime. The Titans offense was brutal until A.J. Brown exploded late in the game. Former Bucs running back Snoop Dogg McPlaybook, aka Jeremy McNichols, looked like Tennessee’s best option as the Titans had what seemed like endless negative plays on first down.
It was ugly football — from two legitimate playoff teams.
It helped Joe put all the Bucs’ injuries into perspective. Tom Brady and a beastly offensive line are still in the house, and serious passing-game weapons remain while Ronald Jones is a dangerous runner. The Bucs defense has plenty of talent and seems to be on an upswing.
On this Friday morning, Joe’s still seeing a Tampa Bay team that can play with the best teams in the game, in part because none is a juggernaut.
December 24th, 2021 at 12:19 pm
Supposed top teams have been getting knocked off all year.
December 24th, 2021 at 12:24 pm
It was actually an intense, highly competitive game & 49ers front 7 will kill TB12 in the playoffs
December 24th, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Agree Joe. A.B. still got it rojo can run the Oline didn’t play well against the saints but mostly have played well all year so not worried about them T.B will bounce back our defense is on the come up. Was pretty down a few days ago but honestly we got 3 games left to get bell and everyone else on the same page.
December 24th, 2021 at 12:38 pm
I really, really hope Bucs 1st PO game is against the 49ers. There us NO way Brady is losing to Garapolo. If he did he would move to some far far away place in the deep woods of Maine, grow a beard down to his chest and never be seen again. Ryan Fitzpatrick stinks, for them to win that game proves 49ers aren’t that good. Bucs wood pick 49ers apart.
December 24th, 2021 at 12:48 pm
And GRONK
December 24th, 2021 at 12:58 pm
I agree with Joe’s positive take on the Bucs. Still – not much scoring in the last 2 games. In fact no touchdowns by either team in the last game. Surely a rarity in NFL history – especially in good weather. I think the GOAT and the Bucs will bounce back this Sunday. Some sub (not sure who) will star in the game. Think positive.
December 24th, 2021 at 1:37 pm
agree-there’s NO way Brady looses to Niners…
December 24th, 2021 at 1:44 pm
I didn’t watch the game, but usually when there is “bad football” there is also stellar defense.
December 24th, 2021 at 1:50 pm
We won on the road last year and we can do it again if we have to.
We’re about to unleash the SteelBucs!
I think AB and Bell bring fresh bodies with particular talents that fit the Bucs desperate needs. AB has no wear and tear and three weeks to get into playoff shape. Same for Bell who btw is perhaps the very best receiving back in the league.
Meanwhile get the other guys like ME and Winfield healthy…let Gronk rest…we could enter the post season in true “playoff shape”.
December 24th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
what if:
the offense goes completely nutso in the final 3 games and brady goes for 50 touchdowns on the season and a bunch of new buccaneers stars are born…and no one seems to miss godwin, lenny and whom ever else you want to miss and cry about…
what if……….
December 24th, 2021 at 2:22 pm
yes he would have to average just shy of 5 touchdowns a game to crack 50
December 24th, 2021 at 2:23 pm
I hate Thursday night games. It seems like the teams are never well prepared.
The NFL should get rid of them. Maybe add two Sunday night games.
December 24th, 2021 at 8:40 pm
If the Bucs can get Evans and Brown to near 100% for the start of the playoffs, they got a chance. And the D needs David and the entire secondary back.
December 24th, 2021 at 9:17 pm
Brady will have trouble with a Niners D,if that’s the matchup. While Jimmy G will get the yips, if the Bucs manage to get the pass rush going.