Let’s rewind the clock. The year is 2010. Our Buccaneers were 2-0 heading into a week 3 showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions, the Pittsburgh Steelers. We would play that game, and lose 38-13.
Fast forward to 2018. In the midst of a quarterback controversy, Ryan Fitzpatrick and company have led their team a surprising 2-0 start, and now await the Steelers coming into Monday night. Are there any similarities between 2018 and 2010? From the box-score, you would say no. From the strength of schedule between the two years, you’d also say no.
Josh Freeman was under center back then, and didn’t even come close to having the success that Fitzpatrick has had in his 1st two games. In addition, we defeated a solid Saints and Eagles team. In 2010, we defeated the Browns by a field goal, and the Panthers who had no real stars to speak of. Tampa Bay also didn’t come close to being the 2nd ranked total offense in the league, and the 2nd ranked defense against stopping the run.
I think, while it important to look at the past, I believe this is a different team than we’ve seen before, maybe the best offense in franchise history. This team is high powered on offense, and competitive on defense. By the way, the 2010 Bucs finished 10-6, and didn’t make the playoffs (That technicality rule…still bull crap). Where will this team finish? Only time will tell, but they can take a big step in the right direction Monday night.
