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Bucs needed reality check

Posted Aug 19, 2011 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Aug 19, 2011 at 12:40 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—The Bucs owe the New England Patriots a big thank you.

Word began filtering out of the Tampa Bay locker room after Thursday night’s 31-14 loss to New England that the young Bucs were feeling very good about themselves after humbling the Chiefs in last week’s preseason opener. After all, the Bucs improved by seven wins to 10-6 last year and they opened 2011 by trouncing Kansas City on the road.

The lopsided setback against the Pats serves as a vivid reminder to the Bucs that they have to get better across the board to compete with the league’s elite clubs.

“They just came out and took it to us,’’ safety Cody Grimm said after the Patriots jumped to a 28-0 halftime lead. “They had a good tempo going on offense and it’s a good thing that it’s still the preseason. They definitely showed some flaws that we have. Obviously, you want to win every game you play, but sometimes it takes a hard loss like this to help you get some points across.’‘

Tampa Bay was manhandled on both sides of the line of scrimmage Thursday evening.

While Tom Brady had ample time to survey the field and pick out mismatches, Josh Freeman never looked comfortable because New England defenders continually collapsed the pocket. And Tampa Bay’s rush defense continues to struggle, with rookie middle linebacker Mason Foster receiving a painful education during on-the-job training.

Nobody will remember this game once the regular season starts Sept. 11. This reality check will serve a purpose if the Bucs learn from their mistakes and apply it to future opponents.

“They came out and executed their game plan,’’ said linebacker Quincy Black. “We didn’t. It’s one game and we’ve got 18 more to go. We’ll take a look at the film and figure it out.’‘