Like I stated above, this one felt like a preseason game. The entire Bucs defensive line was stacked with guys who were second and third string on the depth chart. Guys, who were either fresh off the street or undrafted free agent players. Players that were either cut by the Bucs or another team and a running back, who was 3rd on the depth chart backed up by another running back who had been cut in the preseason. On the opponents side, they were missing their best player, QB Cam
Newton, and the entire offensive backfield was deprived of starters. The Panther’s secondary was also depleted of any big time players, or much, if any, that had comparable experience.
The result was an incredibly ugly, and somewhat boring, Monday Night showdown. I would just love to see the ratings this snoozer achieved. Even uglier was the fact that Mr. “Automatic” himself, Roberto Aguayo, continued to struggle. He Missed two more field goal attempts. Dumb penalties, by both teams, subsequently led to scoring drives.
The Bye-Week could not come at a better time, as a beat up Buccaneers team needs the break to recover and to allow some of our injured stars the extra time to recuperate. Hopefully, the Bye-Week will allow our much-needed starters to return so we implement our attack plan against the rest of the NFL, as our season is not lost yet. Heck, considering the circumstances, we are in a surprisingly good position, being 2-0 in the division and looking forward to competing for a playoff birth.
It feels good to finally win a game because it once again places our hopes in a high standing! Let’s keep building! Let’s continue to win!