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Most Bucs discussions last week seemed to start with “Well, after the Carolina game...”, the clear implication being that despite yet another impending loss to the Panthers, the Bucs could still think about their place in the playoff picture.
And, to be sure, there was a systematic dismantling in Charlotte Sunday, just as many predicted. But the fact that it was the Bucs doing the wrecking means that the postseason has gone from a decent possibility to a virtual certainty for them.
Tampa Bay has won nine games (five on the road) and is a very solid bet to win 11. Whether that’s good enough to claim the NFC South title or not, it would be a lock for the playoffs and probably even a first-round home game.
That’s a feeling like old times for the Bucs, which is only logical considering the way they’ve gotten to this point is exactly how they’ve done it before. Just like last week (albeit against lesser competition in the Saints in that case), the Bucs stuck with a basic offense Sunday centered around ball control. In contrast to the first meeting with Carolina, they didn’t turn the ball over, which let the season’s true MVP, the defense, carry the day.
The Panthers’ Steve Smith, considered by some a league MVP candidate earlier in the year, was irrelevant but for one long scoring catch. DeShaun Foster and Stephen Davis, at times the best running back tandem in football, will feel every one of their yards gained this week. Gritty Jake Delhomme often seemed overmatched against the Bucs’ often-shifting schemes, and even Carolina’s loyal fans were restless by halftime.
It’s the Bucs’ biggest win since January in San Diego, but only if they maintain the momentum of these last two weeks. That won’t be easy in the Arctic-like cold of New England against a bunch that knows a bit about meaningful games - but their visitors are getting that way pretty quickly, too.
Posted by ken davis, lecanto on 12/11 at 08:12 PM
Great win BUCS!
Posted by ken davis, lecanto on 12/11 at 08:10 PM
Ok let me hear from the local so-called experts who all three picked the Panthers over the BUCS. And also let me hear from all those sad sacks who said Gruden was a awful coach and should be sent out of town. Who do they think devised the game plan for todays win? Where are you guys? You people are the real losers.
Posted by greg wendel, naples on 12/11 at 07:37 PM
Wonder where all the Mike Williams fans are now....Go Cadillac! You gotta love that kid!
Posted by CT, on 12/11 at 07:21 PM
Coaches Gruden & Kiffin did have an excellent gameplan and did have the Team focused on winning DESPITE ALL THE “EXPERTS” AND BUCS-NAY-SAYERS going against our team!! Beating the Panthers soundly on the road just showed how good our team can be when they stay focus. Bucs, take 1 game at a time, “pound the rock”, and you’ll reach the SB!! You can then read all the clippings, watch the videos, etc. after you win the SB! Remember 2002 San Diego SB’s quote by SAPP, “we didn’t come here for the weather...” the Bucs came to win the SB!
Posted by TS, New Jersey on 12/11 at 06:44 PM
This was a GREAT win and one I predicted. Simms is becoming a very good quarterback and Cadillac is doing what we knew he could all along and that’s give us a running game that teams fear. The defense was excellent and like I said on boards throughout the week...if you punch a bully in the mouth, he’ll go crying to his mama. Congrats to the first place Tampa Bay Bucs and especially Ronde Barber for making 20/20 history. Now let’s go win the next three, one at a time and win the NFC South.
Posted by A Former Fan, Valrico, FL on 12/11 at 06:16 PM
Let me on the bandwagon again, Please!I have slammed the BUCS all season and they supprised their most ardent detractor by kicking panther today.
The BUCS break your heart and wallet by losing to teams with awful records but redeem themselves by a performance such as today.
GO BUCS...the weather in Detroit is wonderful in January.
Peace.
Posted by bucsgal47, Tampa on 12/11 at 05:27 PM
Ronde Barber for Canton- need I say more?
Posted by ken davis, lecanto on 12/11 at 08:19 PM
Ronde Barber for President!!! Chris Simms for Vice President.