Buccaneers-Packers Preview: The Power Of Bruce Compels You!

So it's come to this for the fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hoping that creamsicle and a less-than-masculine looking winking pirate can bring you luck in ending one of the longest losing streaks in the franchise's sordid history.

Yes, Bucco Bruce has risen up from Davey Jones locker. Orange will again be in fashion in Tampa Bay.

While the fans are hoping for some magical redemption in the "Pastel Foot wipes" of old, one has to wonder if the resurrection of Bucco Bruce is the cause of this disaster.

Think about it. With Pewter Power Tampa Bay, has had nine seasons of at least 8-8 or better in 12 seasons. Tampa Bay has only had three losing seasons since the color change and amassed a 105-87 record. The run has included four division championships, seven playoff appearances, five playoff victories and a Super Bowl title.

By raising Bucco Bruce, the Bucs' owners - the Glazers, invited in the demons of  a 100-231-1 record in 21 years of creamsicle. In those dismal 21 seasons, Tampa Bay had just three winning seasons (one of those in a strike shortened year), had double digit losses in 17 of those seasons and won just one division title. They made the playoffs just three times, winning only one game (1-3).

Things were so bad, some believed that current Bucs Director of Pro Scouting and former quarterback Doug Williams cursed the team's colors with a Louisiana Hoo Doo Priestess after a contract dispute ended with Williams leaving the team for the USFL.

When the Glazers decided to change the color scheme, the Buccaneers actually held a funeral at sea for Bucco Bruce, burying him and the team's dismal past for good.

The first season in Pewter began with a 5-0 start and a playoff berth for the first time in over a decade.

Now, like Jason and Freddy, Bruce has returned from the dead and the results - an 0-7 start for the team.

Of course, the real reason behind the Bucs terrible start is a lack of cohesiveness, talent, and perhaps coaching ability on both sides of the ball.

But you just have to wonder a little don't you? The exact jersey replica the Glazers chose for this weekend's throwback game was from the 1976 team. The same team that went 0-14. I can't make this up, folks.

The real reason behind the throwback weekend is to celebrate the career of the Bucs only Hall of Famer, Lee Roy Selmon, who will be the inaugural inductee into the team's newly founded Ring of Honor.

In addition to honoring Lee Roy, the Bucs will also pay homage to the 1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers - a team that went from worst to first and was 9 points away from reaching the Super Bowl.

For two decades the 79 team stood as the one exception to the horrible rule of Buccaneer football.

There's been a buzz around town about the throwback game. Die-hard fans who used to sport the orange proudly are eager to see the Bucs in their classic uniform - if for just one last time.

Oh and some guy named Freeman is making his first start for the Buccaneers.

With that, let's take a look at the Pastel Winking Pirates' match up against the Green Bay Packers.

Series

Green Bay leads the all time series 29-20-1. The Bucs won the last meeting 30-21 last season.

Tampa Bay Pastel Winking Pirates Passing Attack against Green Bay Packers Pass Defense

And so it begins. Head Coach Raheem Morris' poster child for the new hope, Josh Freeman, takes over behind center for Tampa Bay.

Freeman, the 17th pick overall in the 2009 draft, is a large kid with a powerful arm. He has struggled a little bit with accuracy but has the wheels to motor down field and pick up first downs.

Some scouts have compared him to Donovan McNabb, while others JaMarcus Russell (that collective groan you heard was from those who believe he'll be closer to the latter).

It should be interesting to see what, if anything, the Bucs allow Freeman to do. With Byron Leftwich, the Bucs pushed the football down the field more. With Josh Johnson, the prototypical West Coast offense quarterback, the receivers disappeared from the game while backs and tight ends made more of an impact.

The Bucs also called a lot more bootlegs and play action under the fleet footed Johnson.

Freeman has the rocket arm of Leftwich combined with the fleet feet of Johnson (although with a much larger frame he's not nearly as quick).

What he lacks is experience behind center. That will come in time.

Freeman faces the 9th ranked pass defense in the NFL

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