Only in Hollywood.
In one week, the Buccaneers go from coughing up an 18-point lead to the then-winless Giants to rolling up a franchise-record 55 points in shocking the undefeated Rams.
It’s fitting it happened in Tinseltown. Only in Hollywood can you go from Don Knotts to Clint Eastwood.
“Go ahead. Make my day!!”
Rest assured they ”made my day!!” Also rest assured every Bucs fan, player, coach and Glazer cousin can say the same. I have a feeling even Hugh Culverhouse has donned that creamsicle jacket wherever he is spending eternity.
Just like last week, it’s not the fact it happened. It’s the way it happened.
The Bucs pounce on the Rams for a first-half 21 to nothing lead, only to have the Rams cut the lead to five in the final quarter. The team battles 45 completions and 517 yards from Jared Goff. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp combine for 22 catches, 285 yards, and a touchdown. And yes, they combat a mistake from Jameis Winston. This Buccaneer script has been written and re-written so many times, Paramount wouldn’t produce it because the ending is all-too-predictable. But…
Forget the Rocky sequels.
You say, Harry Potter.
I say, Dirty Harry.
“You’ve got to ask yourself one question, do I feel lucky? Do ya punk?”
And The Academy Award Goes To…
This time the Buccaneers made their own luck. They gripped the wheel for that Rams’ chase scene. The defense turned four Rams’ turnovers into points. As usual Shaq Barrett plays the leading man with a sack, a forced fumble, and an interception.
Yet, I love the ending. Ndamukong Suh picked up a Rams fumble and rumbled 37 yards for a touchdown. He was clearly Best Supporting Actor. Can you think of another #93 in Bucs history that slammed the door in a Bucs victory? Sorry, Gerald, I can’t either.
“You forgot your fortune cookie. It says, “You’re s#%$ out of luck!”
And then there was Winston. He hit 28 of 41 passes for 385 yards and four touchdowns against one of the NFL’s top defenses. Of course, he threw a pick-six. But obviously, that’s life with Winston. Remember, even Clint takes a bullet in every Dirty Harry movie.
The difference was Winston going 3-for-3 for 37 yards in a field goal drive after the Rams cut the lead to 45-40 late in the game.
Could it be, this 55-40 win shows the Bucs are finally taking on the personality of their head coach? Bruce Arians is as tough as a $2 steak. This week in Hollywood, so are the Buccaneers and Inspector Harry Callahan.
Up next, a trip to New Orleans and an NFC South showdown with the Drew Brees-less Saints. The Bucs are looking up at the 3-1 Saints. The Bucs are bringing a 2-2 record. Anything else??
“Smith and Wesson and me!!”
Only in Hollywood.
