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It was one the Bucs had to have to assure a home playoff game (read: a chance to play past next weekend). Yet, given even that situation, why would this game have been any different than the previous 15?
Maybe the Bucs just play to the level of their competition - well, at least when they’re not in Boston in December. Maybe the NFL’s cherished “P” word, parity, is firmly in effect. Perhaps the Bucs are just marginally better than most teams they play.
Playoff-bound Panthers or Bears? Mediocre Dolphins or Falcons? How about the horrendous 49ers or Lions? Doesn’t matter who lines up on the other side: the Bucs always make it intriguing in a fingers-meet-chalkboard sort of way.
A 3-12 New Orleans, having played on the road all season, should have had no business keeping this game close when it meant so much to Tampa Bay. Observers always throw out disclaimers when describing the Saints - “talented”, “dangerous”, “underachieving”, etc. Truth is, they’re a bad team playing without its starting quarterback, its running back, even its city.
But there they were, at midfield well into the fourth quarter, a solid chance to tie the Bucs. And without Dewayne White’s heroics, the game might well have been a 74-minute marathon just like the week before. Granted, Todd Bouman probably didn’t have the home defense shaking in its cleats, but he did more than enough to get his team into that situation.
Still, to paraphrase Simeon Rice, the Bucs are what they are. They continue to break in a quarterback, and they keep relying on a rookie runner to deflate the clock late in games when they’ve already done just enough to win. They’re not pretty (though they have their moments when the lighting is just right), they’re an odd amalgam of young and old, and after getting husked by New England they have to be wondering if they belong in the postseason at all.
But they’ve won more than twice as often as they’ve lost, and their visitors next week will certainly approach the assignment with hesitation.
That’s exactly what the Bucs have avoided this season, which is why it’s not over yet.
Posted by EB, NORFOLK, VA on 01/07 at 02:26 AM
Even though the BUCS are favored slightly, the odds are really with the veterans, the more experienced team. The SKINS. That being said, it’s time for some of that young blood on the BUCS to convince a veteran like Brunell to throw in the towel. The BUCS will put a lock on Portis and then they will have to worry about their porous secondary, which is why it is essential to daze and confuse the SKINS’s QBs. Yeah, it’s the same old song, but because these two teams are alike in many ways, the team with the fewest penalties and turnovers will win. BUCS track record in that regard is not the greatest. They will have to play smart, clever football today if they want to move on to the next level. This is where experience may have the edge. Hang in there, BUCS. This game is all yours to shut up the SKINS once and for all, and to feed crow to all the so-called sports talking heads that continue to dis your impressive achievements to date.
Posted by Rock Smith, Columbus, OH on 01/06 at 06:59 PM
The Bucs are ready for the game tomorrow I am sure. Nobody is giving them any respect, they never have, never will. That is why they just have to take care of business at home and dismantle the Redskins!!!
Go Bucs - Playoffs 2006.
Posted by Bob, DC on 01/06 at 02:57 PM
Hail to the
Redskins!
Hail Victory!
Braves on the warpath,
Fight for old D.C.!
Run or pass and score
We want a lot more!
Beat ‘em Swamp ‘em Touchdown
Let the points soar!
Fight on, Fight on,
Til you have won,
Sons of Wash-ing-ton!
Rah! Rah! Rah!
Posted by Derek, Ashburn, VA on 01/06 at 02:06 PM
Tampa has had a good year, no doubt. And their final record was “jumpstarted” by their win against Washington earlier in the season. Tough running, excellent defense, improved QB play. Sounds just like the Skins, come to think of it.
Valiant will be the effort, but Portis is better than Williams, Brunnel has more playoff experience than Simms (none), and both Griffin and Taylor are playing for the Skin’s defense this go around.
Should be a hard hitting game, but I see the final score this way:
Skins 27 - Bucs 16
Posted by Chris, Richmond, Va on 01/06 at 11:51 AM
Actually, no one’s forgotten about Betts’ return (stayed in bounds, sorry Bruce). Seems some have forgotten that the Alstott run for two was not the extent of the curiously convenient hometown officiating that day. Alstott got in just like Vince Young’s knee didn’t touch just b/f that lateral the other night, right? Here’s to (at least) a solid and impartial crew of officials this Saturday. Cheers, Buc fans. Go Skins (and Go Panthers, too).
Posted by Chris, Northern VA on 01/06 at 09:17 AM
I’m with you Bruce. I live in Northern VA and have had to listen to ‘Skins fans whine about that play for months. I’ll gladly trade Alstott’s two points for Betts’ six point kickoff return. Either way, Bucs still win. Also, I’m a little upset at how Tampa is getting no respect from anyone in the NFL or the media. Somehow, Carolina is still the pick in the NFC and Tampa has no chance against the ‘Skins. Are you kidding me?! Tampa is the #3 seed in the division. That didn’t happen by accident. Maybe after Staurday someone will finally give the Bucs their due for the great team and season they’ve put together. Regardless, I’m holding it down up here in enemy territory. Go Bucs!!!
Posted by KDS, ENGLAND on 01/06 at 07:15 AM
Don’t turn it over
Don’t get to many penalties
Run the ball well
blah blah blah...every team wants that.
But what do the Bucs really need to do to win this game and control the momentum.
HERE IS MY TAKE
The Bucs need to pass a bunch to win this thing, and then grind Caddy,Pittman, and A-Train once they are inside the 40 or so. Caddy (I love him) but he won’t be going over 100yds in this one. Take the 3 when you can get it, especially in first 3 quarters.
If you have not guessed already...I think this game will be about Field goals.
Who can get in field goal position and connect.
Both teams play great D.
Both teams have average overall O (but they both can provide a huge spark from time to time).
Both teams are huge underdogs with something to prove to the world.
My guess is that each team will only enter the endzone once. And the rest will be field goals. I predict the final score TB - 19 WAS - 16.
That’s right...Bryant hits 4 FG and becomes a hero.
Posted by bruce evans, Richmond va. on 01/05 at 05:24 PM
I am sick up in the DC area about how the Redskins really won the game. They say Mike A never got in. I was there in Tampa, and the Redskins kick return never should have counted he stepped out! Seems no one remembers that. Go Bucs on Saturday!!!!!!
Posted by ken davis, lecanto on 01/05 at 03:54 PM
We need to stir up a big can of Whip ##### and kick the snot out of Washington then go make Chi town a believer. Gruden for President!! Simms for Gov.
Posted by Debbie, Orlando on 01/05 at 09:53 AM
GO MIGHTY BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the way to the SB in MoTown and why not?! The long-time (and former suffering) Buc faithful like me are used to cardiac arrest and having to beat the refs as well as the other team--recall the horrorshow named Jerry Markbreit?
And go G-men--beat the Panthers, too!
I was born in DC and cut my football teeth on the ‘Skins. Gibbs is a Hall-of-Fame coach. But still, Go Get ‘em BUCS!!!!! 
Posted by Bruce Miller, St. Louis, Missouri on 01/05 at 09:27 AM
2005 NFC SOUTH CHAMPIONS!!!
I had this team going 8-8 or 9-7 this year with hopes of being a playoff contender next year, but the Bucs proved otherwise. I tip my hat to the entire organization for a great regular season. They perservered thru injuries and more importantly, won the close games that last year they would have lost. I have been to numerous games at Raymond James and the atmosphere and fan support is second to none in the NFL. I see a much lower scoring contest on Saturday than the previous game vs. Washington and the fans will play a big part in the outcome. 20 - 14 Bucs.
Posted by CT, on 01/03 at 04:44 PM
There’s only one way to quiet the naysayers...WIN! Go, BUCS!! NFC South Champions!! Put THAT in the history books! Nobody can take that away from you!
Posted by Mike, Ashburn, VA on 01/03 at 09:31 AM
Wow. I see way too many negative comments for a team that won 11 games and the NFCS division. I’ve been a Buc fan since day one and an NFL fan even longer. Say what you want about this 2005 version, but they’ve earned my respect. That INCLUDES Gruden and his coaching staff. That also includes Allen and the front office staff. Maybe this team didn’t blow anybody out, but when 60 minutes were over (74 minutes once), they were ahead on the scoreboard. And THAT’S the only stat that really matters.
GO BUCS!!
Posted by Ari, Tampa on 01/03 at 08:53 AM
GO BUCS! CONGRATULATIONS, NOW LETS KICK SOM REDSKINS B..!
Posted by john fitzsimmons, Parlin, NJ on 01/03 at 12:54 AM
I’ve been a Bucs fan since their inception in 1976. This year they are too hard to read. They beat a team on the road like the Panthers, who you’d figure they might lose to and then they play a team like the Jets with Vinny Testaverde, who is virtually an arm chair QB himself, and they lose. Go figure? They just seem to darned penalty prone this year and keep shooting themselves in the foot. Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to see them advance in the Playoffs and will be rooting for them, but I just feel they are their own worst enemy.
Posted by Mary, Fl. on 01/02 at 03:50 PM
If tht Saints hadn’t have laid down there is no way in heck that the bucs. would have won that game..It seems that they just don’t have the gumption to get out there and get it done.
I have been a loyal fan since their inception, and I feel like they are just not playing up to their ability, but I will stay a fan and follow them wherever they go
Posted by Margie, St. Petersburg, FL on 01/02 at 03:07 PM
Season ticket holder for 19 yrs… I am very proud of our team this year.. Thru injury you have held on to what you belive.. Play hard and WIN!!
How about 2 superbowls in my Lifetime.. Now that has a great ring to it.. GO GO GO
Just dont go soft.. Lets get a lead on Washington and keep on getting more.. We seem to hold back.. Let get MEAN! LOL
ALL THE WAY!!!
Posted by Morgan, Texas on 01/02 at 02:51 PM
I’m proud of my hometown Buccaneers. NOBODY expected them to have a winning season, yet alone win elevan games. They have surpassed my expectations this year. This year was supposed to be a transition year, but our Bucs shocked the nation, coming to play each week. Say what you want about this team but they play hard and always show up on game day.
Posted by Frank, Valrico on 01/02 at 02:09 PM
Great job, remarkable accomplishment! If the OL comes thru, this team can make some noise. I am puzzled by the inconsistancy of the D. Rated # 1 in the league is great but they need to get a little more consistant. I don’t understand how they let a guy like Bauman have as much success as he had yesterday. Sometimes they get no pressure on the QB and recievers run open. It took them 3 quarters to remember to cover the tight end. Then they find a way to get pressure when they have too. Been a Bucs fan since the very first game (1976) and will be forever. Go Bucs!!
Posted by Hope, Clearwater on 01/02 at 12:47 PM
No one has given us much of a chance this year or much credit with what we have done. Even with the NFC South title under our belts, people will continue to underestimate us and tack it all up to lucky calls and chance. Good. Underestimate us. Make it that much easier for us to kick your a**.
Posted by chris, Tampa on 01/02 at 12:11 PM
11-5 Plain and simple.It does not matter how they got there they are 11-5.For you so called Buc fans who are saying don’t choke or act your age.You were the same fans that said the season was over after the loss of Griese. Keep it positive go Bucs.
Posted by Joseph, Tampa, Florida on 01/02 at 11:59 AM
I love the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and although not a player, I get to experience the jubilant victories, and the pain of defeat. I am proud they won their division and enter the post season on a high note, however, I feel this team had a chance to do more this season. Only the losses to Carolina, and New England were lopsided, but losses to Chicago, New York, and San Francisco have forced Tampa to play this weekend instead of a bye week.
“Easier said then done” is arguably the most appropriate cliche when the fans ask “Quit playing at your competitions level” but can you blame them?
Air it out Chris, rev it up Carnell, bury them deep Simeon, and do it early, and often!!!!!
You heard it here 1st....Alex Smith will be one of the premier Tight Ends in the NFL very soon!
Posted by Erik, Sanford on 01/02 at 11:55 AM
Well, Once again I need to sound off. Since when were the Bucs blacklisted in the Media? During the season, I am an ESPN junkie, just hoping to hear some love for our oft maligned Bucs. Are we not the NFC South Champions? Did we not make a stellar turn-around season? This to me seems like your traditional media gold mine. My hopes are, however, dashed. The media continues to call the schizophrenic Panthers super-bowl contenders (which it was nice to see Atlanta roll over and play dead for them on Sunday). The Redskins and Giants are “powerhouses”. Excuse me, do they not have even or worse records then the home-town heroes? I hope our Bucs make a deep run into the playoffs, so that maybe, just maybe, they can get more then a 2 minute sound bite. Thank You Bucs, you have surpassed my, and everyone’s expectations!
Posted by John Gonzales, Childress Texas on 01/02 at 11:32 AM
Congratulations Tampa Bay Bucs, never
had doubt of the potential that this
Great Team has.Thank You and Good luck
in The Playoffs.
Posted by Barbara Smith-Cox, Arnold, MD on 01/07 at 06:21 AM
I relocated from Tampa to MD three years ago. My husband is a Redskins fan and let me tell you during football season especially when the Bucs play the Redskins it’s all-out WAR. It takes about a week for him to get over the losses. I just love it! Go Bucs make me proud again.