The Bucs were beaten on offense, defense and in special teams. The Jaguars outplayed the Bucs the entire game and just seemed to want it more. Remember the Jaguars have the worst record in the NFL at 2 and 9 and the Bucs couldn't do anything. I can't explain it and wouldn't believe it if I hadn't watched the game myself. The offensive line wasn't able to give Brad Johnson the time he needed, nor could they open up hole for our running backs. We have benched Keyshawn and Jurevicius was playing hurt and it was easy to see that he wasn't 100%. Pittman and Jones weren't able to get anything going and Brad Johnson spent most of the game running for his life. McCardell had a good game, but one guy couldn't do it all. The defensive line was unable to get pressure on Byron Leftwich who lit up our injury hampered secondary for 224 yards and 2 touchdowns. Sapp was unable to get pressure on the quarterback and Rice was pushed around all game long. And let's not talk about how poorly we defended the run. Fred Taylor ran all over the Bucs, rushing for 118 yards on 29 carries. It's painfully clear that the Bucs aren't going to the playoffs even if they win out now. Now is the time we see how this team reacts under adversity. The character of the team will be seen in the weeks to come. These guys still have a lot of pride and I will be very surprised if they just pack it in for the season. This is also a good time to see how coach Gruden will handle this team and if he can get them to play hard for the remaining games. This may be some of his best coaching yet if he can keep the players focused and together for the rest of the year. The Bucs have placed wide receiver Joe Jurevicius and cornerback Tim Wansley on injured reserve this week. Jurevicius is listed as having a knee sprain and Wansley has a bad hamstring. The Bucs signed 3 new players this week, wide receiver Snoop Minnis, safety Scott Frost and cornerback Ronyell Whitaker. The Bucs travel to New Orleans this week to take on the Saints. The Saints have beaten the Bucs the last 3 times in a row. You would think that would be motivation enough, but the Bucs secondary is still banged up and the offensive line is playing awful not to mention trying to break in a new receiving corps. I believe McAllister will have a big day rushing and Brooks will throw for at least 250 yards and a touchdown. My prediction is Bucs 13, Saints 31. |
