Don’t Look Back Buccaneers: Detroit Preview

As a fan of the Buccaneers since 1979, sometimes it’s difficult to believe what is happening right now.

The Bucs sit atop their CONFERENCE with a 5 dash 1 record.

Anyone who remembers the late Sam Wyche will appreciate the “dash” reference. In 1995 the Bucs started out hot and after 7 games he proclaimed that the Bucs were indeed 5 dash 2! Many of us thought that they had finally arrived.  Unfortunately that team lost 7 of their last 9,  Bucs finished 7 dash 9, and  Wyche was fired.

There aren’t any similarities between that team and this team except  that they both had an early division lead. It’s a cautionary tale that this league can turn upside down in an instant. You HAVE to keep winning.

A quick glance at the NFC South standings shows that a division that once seemed downtrodden is suddenly very competitive. The Falcons and Panthers both are playing good football. and even though the Saints only have one win, they have played pretty competitive football.

Sure, it would be nice not having to worry about those two teams BUT maybe the fact that they have teams nipping at their heels it will make the Bucs not get complacent.

They’ve done a remarkable job of taking one game and making it their focus. This Monday night may be their biggest challenge vs Detroit.

I’ve seen or heard many say that this could be the game where their injuries finally catch up to them.  It would be no shame to lose to Detroit on the road. I’m sorry but I don’t see it that way.

Each challenge the Bucs have met They’ve overcome. Baker Mayfield winning on MNF, Bucs winning in throwback uniforms (twice) and winning the close games that they couldn’t win the last year (4 times).

I see another nail biter and this one goes into OT. Bucs 27 Lions 24.