Saying this season has been a big disappointment may be the understatement of the year. In pretty much every aspect of the game, the team has had issues. This team hasn’t just been bad, it has been downright inadequate in every sense of the word. Let’s start with the defense. Our d-line cannot seem to generate any sort of quarterback pressure, or get off the field on third down, and can’t seem to find the same fire it had the final 8 games of last year.
The offense was supposed to take off this year with the addition of WR DeSean Jackson, who was supposed to help “open up the field” for Mike Evans. It’s safe to say, that never materialized.
I have been hearing and reading a lot about what Bucs fans have been saying, and it makes me absolutely sick. I have never seen such terrible fandom, or lack thereof, in my entire life. I do agree that everyone is frustrated, and I’m damn sure everyone has cursed at the lack of development in this team, in one way or another, even me, but some of you are actually turning your backs on the team, that, I would never be able to do, no matter what happens, or how they do, I am a Buccaneers fan for life. Unfortunately, it’s hard to say that for almost 50% of our fan base.
Let me put things in perspective for you. Have you ever heard of a team called the Cleveland Browns? You know, the team that’s had over 20 starting QBs in just the last 17 years. The team that has only one winning season since 2005? Well, if you’ve heard of them, then great, if you haven’t then you need to educate yourself. If any fan base has a reason to complain and cry out of pain, it’s the Browns fan base.
You know what the difference is between the Browns fans and Bucs fans? Win or lose, they always have the teams back, consistently selling out games, showing pride in the team, and they aren’t afraid to say they’re a fan of a perennial loser. Yes, there are still some Bucs fans, like myself, that do these things also, but the majority of our fan base, at least from what I’ve been hearing and reading, are jumping ship as if Somalian pirates are boarding it.
We all need to suck it up and stick with our beloved Bucs through thick and thin. Even if it’s been thin the past decade or so, remember, none of us hate losing as much as the players do.
Many of you could take a lesson from Cleveland Browns fans about what being a real, loyal fan is. I’m not trying to lecture you, but if can’t stick with the team when things are bleak, we don’t need you to come around when things are going well.
I know it’s frustrating watching the team play this season, but you’ll never see me jump ship. My heart truly is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the question is, is yours?
Let’s support our Buccaneers this weekend in Miami, against the Dolphins. Who knows, maybe if we win, it’ll spark something in them. We can all only hope for that.
Edited by: Harmeet Kapur
