After last week’s embarrassing performance, the Buccaneers’ 26-9 victory over the Saints this past Sunday was a breath of fresh air. It may not have been a super pretty game, or even an entertaining game, as the Buccaneers did all they need to do in order to take care of business on the road.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that I was actually at the Superdome for this game, so I might have more than a few mentions of the atmosphere and food in New Orleans (I can’t help it, I’ll always be the fat kid that loves cake and shit that 50 Cent was talking about in 21 Questions).
Regardless, there were some winners at the Captain’s Table and some losers that are going to have to Walk the Plank. Here they are.
Captain’s Table:
Antoine Winfield, Jr. Enough Said.
I mean, what else is there to say? This guy has been all over the field in every game this year, and you can’t necessarily get that from the numbers. Of course, his numbers aren’t horrible, but he also makes a huge impact by his presence. He might not be in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, but boy he sure does deserve to be mentioned in that conversation.
Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar in the French Quarter
My goodness. Dozen raw oysters, crawfish etouffee, crab cakes, and hush puppies that were probably the best I’ve ever had. Cannot recommend this place enough for anyone taking a trip to the Big Easy.
The Saints Fan Base
Look, they’re obnoxious, they blame the refs for their horrid play when I promise, no one is out to get the Saints (I get it, the DPI call in the NFC Championship game was inexcusable, but Drew Brees had every chance in OT to drive down the field and score at HOME no less, and c’mon, giving up that many points to Jarred Goff in a playoff game is embarrassing). But the fact is, they showed up for their team. I mean, there were very few Bucs fans in the crowd. It was a genuine home game, something the Bucs don’t get to have very often, for whatever reason.
The Baker Mayfield Experience
For better or worse, Baker Mayfield was signed this offseason by the Bucs to be their QB1 this season. And for the most part, it’s been for the better. I’d say he made his fair share of crappy decisions (he really should’ve thrown a second interception in that first half), but he also threw a trio of TDs and made some plays with his legs. Overall, he’s been a very pleasant surprise.
Walk the Plank:
Derek Carr
Hot take: the Saints might have been better off starting Jameis Winston. I mean, watching Carr was painful; he had absolutely no confidence in throwing the ball more than 5 yards down the field. He looked incredibly uncomfortable and uneasy in the pocket, and the Saints offense just was ineffective against a very good Bucs defense.
The Saints trolling the Bucs during the game… while losing
I’m all for social media bickering between teams, little petty arguments, jabbing at an opposing team’s fan base, all that stuff. Bring on the 28-3 jokes, I love it. But to do all of that during a game in which the team that’s trying to do the trolling is losing, and kind of in an embarrassing fashion? Eh… I don’t know if I dig it. But, hey, maybe the Bucs used it as “fuel.” Whatever that means.
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