Falcons-Buccaneers: Tampa Bay Fails To Launch in Season Finale

Surely it was a bit much to ask.

With good tidings and cheer, could it all come to a robust end for the Buccaneers? Could they possibly finish with three straight wins?

The Atlanta Falcons said "NO" with an exclamation point.

There was little firepower from the Buccaneers in chilly Raymond James Stadium on Sunday. Almost none came in the first 30 minutes that sent them stumbling to a 20-10 season-ending loss to the Falcons.

There was no carryover from the marvelous play in New Orleans a week ago.

Sure, it started out right for those Bucs. An Atlanta fumble on the opening kickoff led to a field goal and a 3-0 lead, but that was the extent of the good news in that first half.

Thirty minutes and 52 total yards of offense later, the Bucs trailed 10-3 at the half.

This team showed it has made huge improvements from the season's first half. Instead of getting blown out, Raheem Morris' guys worked themselves back into the mix and tied it up with less than 12 minutes left in the game.

Then it was an old problem that resurfaced and doomed the outcome.

You saw the problem as he ran all over the defense in the second half. The problem was Jason Snelling, who had a career day in the process. He ran over and through Raheem's defense for 147 yards on 25 carries.

It was the Falcons dominating the final 10 minutes to end any hopes of a fourth win.

So these Bucs are done.

They are 3-13, and now the real questions will come.

This interesting, agonizing season will lead to an even more interesting offseason.

Will Morris be the head coach of this team in 2010?

Will Mark Dominik still have a job?

Which players can pack their bags and head elsewhere?

It will all unfold in this new year. And goodness knows 2009 was one rough ride for the Buccaneers.