It's hard to believe the Bucs have lost so many close games this year, when last year they were able to close out teams in the Fourth Quarter. Some say our undersized defense is too old and banged up to stop teams late in the game. How they long for the days where the Tampa Bay offense would score 17 points and it would be an automatic win. It's true we've had some injuries on defense and some of our players are getting older, but there are other circumstances that are aiding in the defensive struggles. Let's start with the fact that the offense can't sustain a drive and give the defense some time to rest. Even when they do get rolling on offense, they make stupid penalties that are drive killers. Opposing offenses that can play physical have always given us problems in the past. This year, we're just not making those plays we made last year. We're not getting pressure on their quarterback with our four linemen. Sapp is unable to beat the double team this year and Simeon Rice is being run at more this year and with his aggressive pass rush takes him out of the play. Even Derek Brooks isn't making as many tackles as he did last year. Teams used to never try to run wide on the Bucs, because their defensive team speed was able to shut them down. This year, that's not the case. Ahman Green torched us for 109 yards and 1 touchdown and Najeh Davenport also rushed for 70 yards against the Bucs defense. The Bucs are even having problems making one on one tackles in the open field. I can't remember ever seeing Rhonde Barber and Derek Brooks whiff on as many tackles as I've seen this year. Don't even get me started about the secondary. It's a who's who of who's been burnt for a long touchdown lately. With that being said, how do the Bucs fix their problems on defense? The answer is the veteran players need to step up and make plays. The new players need to step up and make plays. Monte Kiffen must find a way or a scheme to get pressure on the quarterbacks. Most NFL quarterbacks in this league are too good to think you will beat them if you give them that much time to throw the ball. The Bucs offense can't seem to decide what they want to do. They don't look very cohesive and they're not playing as a team. First of all, Jon Gruden needs to send a message and bench Kenyatta Walker until he learns not to make foolish penalties when the game's outcome is in the balance. Even the veteran players need to concentrate more. I believe Keyshawn Johnson was flagged twice for false starts. He's been playing football way too many years to let these lapses of concentration cost the Bucs. Even Martin Gramatica is having an off year, although he did make good on two field goals, one coming from 47 yards. The Buccaneers' special teams need work as well. They've been called for a myriad of holding penalties this year on kickoffs and the return game is mediocre at best. There isn't one team in the NFL that will spend one moment of time preparing to stop our return game, nor should they. The Buccaneers haven't had a serious threat returning punts and kicks, ever, and this needs to be addressed. If we need to use some of our starters on special teams, then we should. Things being as bleak as they seem, I feel that there are a few players that deserve some recognition. The first being Keenan McCardell who had 5 catches for 55 yards and one touchdown. He's been the most consistent player we've had on offense all year. It's a shame that every game he has caught a touchdown in this year, the Bucs have lost. Thomas Jones ran for 134 yards on 9 carries and gave the Buccaneers a spark that they've needed from that position. His performance warrants him getting the start next week. The Bucs play on Monday Night Football this week against the also struggling New York Giants. ABC has got to love this classic battle and just hopes viewers have nothing better to watch and tune in. The Buccaneers finally get their act together, at least for this game, and dominate the Giants 24 to 10. |
