It’s fitting that this game took place in Los Angeles because if this was a movie it would be called the Hangover. Ever since the Buccaneers have returned from their bye week they’ve played defense like they’re drunk.
They have given up 106 points in 3 games. I’ll be kind and say 99 because the pick 6 that happened last night when Cade Otton couldn’t hold onto the ball, isn’t on them.
For a team that has its Defensive Coordinator as it’s HC, this isn’t just inexcusable it’s embarrassing.
I don’t care what kind of offense you have, if you have a defense giving up 33 points per game you aren’t winning many, if any games.
I pride myself as someone who stays until the bitter end, even when they’re getting humiliated on national TV, but last night I turned it off midway through the 4th quarter.
It felt like I was watching a preseason game except this one counted.
To add insult to injury, Baker Mayfield finished the game on the sideline in a sling to protect his shoulder.
As I make my way to Florida today, I’ll be hoping that the 49ers beat the Panthers so that when I get to Tampa for the Cardinals game they’ll still be in first place.
It’s not hard to see that this Bucs squad is not capable of being competitive with really good teams. That 5-1 start has turned into a 6-5 collapse. The playoffs that were once a certainty are now anything but. The Panthers are only 1/2 game behind as I write this.
I’ll be reporting from Raymond James Stadium for my next article. Tampa here I come.
