Bucs find a new way to lose

Posted Nov 30, 2009 by Tom McEwen

Updated Nov 30, 2009 at 06:03 PM

Our Buccaneers have found another way to lose, I believe. 

Do any of you out there in Bucland remember the Bucs losing that late in the game? 

That’s what it was announced to be by the network man as Atlanta quarterback Chris Redman was about to throw a five yard winning touchdown pass to Roddy White on fourth down, on the Falcon’s final chance to beat the Buccaneers 20—17. 

I don’t believe I have ever seen a game decided on its very last play.  Then perhaps I have but don’t remember.  In any case it was likely the only time I have seen the Buccaneers lose by such a margin on the last play, a short flip pass from Redman to White who was in a crowd but outfought them for the ball and the touchdown and the points. 
It was special.

The game was special, but in the long run it was just another defeat for these Buccaneers who keep finding new ways to lose. The Buccaneers actually played well enough to win at times - led most of the way - and seemed on the way to an impressive win over Atlanta with the home crowd there, until Atlanta drove for that winning touchdown in the closing minutes. 

Throughout the game, Atlanta found ways to stay with the Bucs, whose defense saved Tampa frequently from possible Atlanta onslaughts.  Late in the game, Tampa had another chance to win when Tampa place kicker, Conner Barth, missed a 51 yard try with 2.30 left to play.  That allowed Atlanta to take over the ball on its own 41 yard line and quarterback Chris Redman took the Falcons to victory. 

Now remember, he had a fourth down pass from the Bucs 5 yard line he had to complete for the win for Atlanta. 

He did it.

Tampa was unable to bat it away.

This is the game that the Buccaneers had repeated opportunities to win on which they could not capitalize.  In contrast, Atlanta capitalized on enough of its opportunities to win this tight game.

Buc Head Coach Raheem Morris was also the self-appointed defensive coordinator for this game, an extra duty.  Only he can judge how he did.  If one of his defensive backs had batted away that final Redman pass, we could declare he did a good job in both responsibilities of head coach and defensive coordinator.

The Bucs right now are in a make or break circumstance. 

They need to win a few games, to experience that wonderful feeling of winning.  If Coach Morris feels the need to change some of his staff, he is now in the situation it seems to suggest it might be worth a try.  He has plenty of time still this year.  The Buccaneers season is not nearing the end as it may seem. 

While this team is 1—10, five games remain and a five-win season would not look that bad at this point. 

When this year began, it appeared that the Buccaneers did not have much of a team, that is, one that could challenge for the championship. That prediction seems to being borne out.  This team has no genuine stars, none capable of winning heroics, though there are some who certainly can become fine players and contributors to the Buccaneers future.

The Buccaneers are not going to have a big season this year, but with four or five down the stretch, nobody will beef that much.

But if it were next year, this attitude will not prevail.  In time, everybody, e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y, wants a winner. 

These Buccaneers fans are patient, but time can run out on their patience.

Wait till next year!