Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rally While NFL Favorites Falter

It was a see-saw first game for fans of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers at Raymond James Stadium this past Sunday with the Cleveland Browns in town.

The first half was, "Can we see something else?" And the second half was, "We can’t believe what we saw... a Buccaneer win!"

Visible shadows cast by a little “W” on any page or screen are not likely, but the significance of this win is as tall a building—for a few days. 

The Bucs defense came around after a series of mistakes while the offense was on and off with errors too. It was as if the Bucs were in slow motion at top speed at the beginning, while Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme picked and plucked their moves. The Browns defense stiffened. 

Buccaneer fans can take heart in this big “W,” because if it were an “L,” doom and gloom would saturate the football talk around Tampa Bay. Some of that chatter persists anyway, so it may be time to step back a bit and analyze some faults and obvious progress. 

Facts and Action

Secondary confusion allowed the first Cleveland TD.

Offensive harmony appeared absent on the Bucs’ side, and efforts were confusing at times, especially early. 

If defense is the Bucs’ strength, the first half was a struggle. 

As the Browns scored 14 points while the Bucs kicked for only three, many player names on Bucs’ jerseys caused ugly thoughts in the minds of discouraged fans. 

The game was catch-up after the first half, but many knowing fans were relieved that the score was close. 

Let’s look at the Bucs’ bright spots by name

Ronde Barber is, well, probably on his way to the NFL Hall of Fame. For now, he’s in Tampa. To state that Barber is a game-changer is like saying trees have roots. He changed the tempo of this first game with a 64-yard interception.

Rookie defensive linemen Gerald McCoy and Brian Price are nearly up to speed when most rookies are taking baby steps.

Geno Hayes was once underrated. Fans and coaches hope other NFL teams keep looking at him that way. 

Kellen Winslow is healthy. That’s all he needs to be a huge threat to any team. Winslow plays for Tampa. Period.

E.J. Biggers continues to justify his name—nothing small about Biggers. 

Josh Freeman was ragged at first, but two touchdowns later, he showed why he is considered franchise. Broken what?

Mike Williams produced a highlight, textbook, focused grab for a TD that defines poise. If he keeps that up, his high-stake draft price will look cheap. 

Just a side note to contemplate

The Dallas Cowboys have been anything but smug while experts predict they will seize the NFL championship on their home turf.

Super Bowl = home victory for the Cowboys even before the first snap of the season. After all, it’s Dallas destiny in motion.

Well, the mighty Cowboys choked against the lowly, rebuilding Washington Redskins as did the favored Colts against that lesser Texas team in Houston.

Another team picked to win it all, the New York Jets, lost their first game to the Baltimore Ravens.

It seems many disregarded NFL teams don’t buy or care about crystal balls.

This is not a good week for NFL players in Indianapolis, Dallas, or the Jets' side of New York.

It’s a good week in Tampa.

A win is a win, but how big is this little “W”?

All that depends on the next 60 quarters, but many young Buccaneers remain confident. 

Not all Buccaneer fans buy into this season, as is evident with empty seats on game day with local blackout TV coverage. And though the Bucs won, many mistakes happened and errors must be addressed. That’s why teams study and practice.

Wins cure many ills, but wins are never constant. One win is meager when compared to 16 opportunities. Fifteen NFL games to go is always a monster mountain.

However, don’t despair Bucs fans—this little “W” could grow a shadow. 

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com