This is the Tampa team that we are all used to. The one that has the defensive capabilities to shut down an opponent and the offense that does just enough to win the ball game. It’s the type of team that we didn’t see at all last season and that’s a good sign for the rest of the season.
A rejuvenated linebacking corps of Cato June and Barrett Ruud alongside stalwart Derrick Brooks have helped bring Monte Kiffin’s defense from the bottom of the barrel last season back to respectability.
Steven Jackson piled up 115 yards rushing on the day but the Bucs defense did not allow Jackson to break any big rushes on the day. Tampa is accustomed to giving up some yards on the ground but, like the Bucs of old, they did not allow any big plays on the day and completely shut down Marc Bulger and the passing game, forcing 3 interceptions on the game.
The most important improvement from last year for the defense is obviously the offense’s ability to move the ball. Sure, they didn’t put up a ton of points until pulling away in the fourth quarter, but with 322 yards of total offense, 182 of those on the ground, the offense was able to keep the defense fresh all day until they were able to put some points on the board. That’s what happens when you have a veteran quarterback and revamped offensive line, two key components missing from the offense last year.
The Rams and the Saints were struggling opponents that the Bucs used to pad their record at home but the next two games will really show how much the Bucs have improved from last year. Next week’s meeting against division rival Carolina could be for the driver’s seat in the division, which is a familiar battleground for these two. After that game, Tampa travels to the defending champs, which will not be an easy test.
Rams fan for a long time. I never wanted Martz to go and now i'd really wish he was back. We were feared then now we're a laughimg stock. Coaching is our problem now!!!!!!!!!!
A real pleasure to see the Bucs' defense back in top form in the last two weeks. If they hold the Panthers to 10 points, the Bucs should be able to pull it off again.
I am originally from Tampa and currently live in Washington state...'Hawks territory. I have been a Buc fan since day one. And it is so good to see the improvements this year. Hooray for Monte Kiffin and John Gruden! The team this year is starting to remind me of some of Coach McKay's teams in the past. And the defense is reminiscent of the ones that the Selmon brothers put on the map. GO BUCS!
frysoldest11
I'm originally from Massachusetts and moved down here 7 years ago. My first team is the Pats but I have adopted the Bucs as well and have stuck with them through thick and thin. I'll always root for the Bucs {unless they play my Pats, sorry} and I watch them every Sunday and the occasional Monday. It's good to see this defense being physical again. Last year we didn't see many big hits, this year they've really turned it around and are hitting but also tackling well. I would like to see more pressure on the QB though. Especially next week when we go to Carolina because Dellhome will tear the Bucs D apart if he's not pressured. If we can get pressure on him that in turn will take Smith out of the game and if we do that we can walk out with a W.
Last edited by BoSox83 on September 24th at 11:24 AM.
lwilson- The coaching is definitely a weakness for your team, it's a shame that the Greatest Show on Turf has fallen so far. But you also can't discount the loss of Orlando Pace, he is such a great tackle and that loss has definitely had a huge effect.
jedwardsfla- It is definitely a pleasure. I don't know if we can hold the Panthers to 10 points but anything seems to go in this rivalry so you never know.
frysoldest- Good to see the true Bucs fans on here. I'm glad for Kiffin and Gruden as well, Kiffin is such a great coordinator. Go Bucs!
RocketsRedGlare- Go Bucs!
Crystal- I'm jealous that you got to see that game live, it was an awesome game. Go Bucs!
BoSox- That's a pretty good combination, between the two you got to celebrate four Super Bowls in a row a few years back. I like to think of last year as a fluke because now we are back to the usual Bucs' D of big hits and textbook tackling like you mentioned. Yeah, Steve Smith somehow manages to always have a big game against us so it would be nice to be able to at least limit him this week. Walking out with a W and the division lead would be great.
bonehead- Well, there are only 13 games left but I am confident in this team to at least roll off 7 or 8 wins. In fact, I have a feeling with the way we are playing that we can make the playoffs and maybe snag the division this year.
I am a student at the University of Florida aspriring to become a writer, hopefully in some manner of the sports world, sports being my true love in life. I am an avid college basketball and football fan of the Florida Gators obviously, and also enjoy the NFL, particularly a fan of the Buccaneers, and will probably focus my blog topics on these areas of the sports world. I also enjoy the NBA and MLB and may occasionally dab into these areas. I encourage all forms of feedback and commenting on my blogs, especially the kind that will help me improve my knowledge and writing.
This is the Tampa team that we are all used to. The one that has the defensive capabilities to shut down an opponent and the offense that does just enough to win the ball game. It’s the type of team that we didn’t see at all last season and that’s a good sign for the rest of the season.
