Everyone has heard of the little engine that could- The Bucs seem to the an engine that could, but doesnt. This game could have turned out a whole lot different had the Bucs only tried. Even with an opening play touchdown, the Bucs blocked the extra point holding the advantage to the Bucs. In the event of a scoring match, a missed extra point puts you at a disadvantage off the bat. There were 4 times the Bucs killed themselves in this game, points where the game could have shifted back into the Bucs favor, but didnt.
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1) Bucs first Drive-
The Bucs took the kickoff and moved the ball behind the running of LeGarrette Blount, and the catching of Mike Williams, who took credit for the Bucs first first down catch of the game. But on a key 3rd down Josh Freeman took a sack when he had plenty of running room. A sack he could not afford. Instead of finally putting a nail in the coffin of the old “No TDs in the first quarter” the Bucs punted away a chance to change the momentum of the game, and everyone knows the NFL is a game of momentum.
2) Talib’s Interception-
Houston took control again and drove down the field, and the Bucs had them stopped when Adrian Clayborn jumped offsides, AGAIN! Turned out to be a blessing in disguise (or so we thought) when Aqib Talib intercepts a Schaub pass and the momentum shifts to Tampa Bay. Problem is Aqib Talib did not catch the ball fully, or so it was ruled by the official. Now truth be told, the ref blew the call completely, saying the second foot went down before control was made.
B! S! Talib had 4 feet down before the ball came loose, but you know what? Catch the ball cleanly and there is no need for a review. Instead of taking over down 6-0, the Bucs were down 9-0, and another unbelievably sloppy and disgusting defensive series later in the game it was 16-0, but STILL not insurmountable.
3) Bucs drive at end of the half-
Despite a poor start to the drive with a 1st and 20 disadvantage because of stupid penalties that are STILL plaguing this team, Josh Freeman drove the Bucs down the field just before the first half ended. A nice pass to K2 set up a 3rd and short which was converted on a Lumpkin pass, who is starting to perform better as he has adjusted into his role. I predict some big plays for Lumpkin in the future as his confidence is improving. Then Josh Freeman who looked like he was sacked, escaped and ran for a first down. Then it clicked. Beautiful timing pass to Mike Williams got another first down at the Houston 13 yard line. Then trouble happened.
Sloppy dumpoff attempt to Blount, a throught the hands attempt to Dezmond Briscoe, before finally connecting with Preston Parker for a gain to set up 4th and 2.
But the Bucs took no time out, instead headed to the line with :25 seconds on the clock with the only play call a jump pass to Briscoe? After you just completed a jump ball to Mike Williams who is the best catcher on the team, there was no other option to the play. There was no hesitation, the call was the jump ball, and it failed. With a risk like that, a FG would have been better. The Bucs ended up getting 3 though, so all was not lost.
4)Bucs forgot to start the second half
Tampa Bay had Houston right where they wanted them, down by 13 points- a joke for the Bucs. Coming back from 13 down is childs play for the Bucs (no pun intended). The Bucs usually increase their defense in the second half of a game, and the offense comes to life, especially around the 4th quarter. The Bucs never got a chance in the 4th quarter, because the defense gave the game away at the start of the third. Houston came out in the second half and ran the ball down the Bucs throats. Mind you Tampa Bay held Houston to 54 total rushing yards in the first half, not bad. They gave up that many yards on the ground on the first drive, and that put the game out of reach.
Of course they dont give up that drive if maybe the Bucs offense starts out the 3rd quarter like there was some sense of urgency. Blount gets a first down, but on 1st down Freeman does not get rid of the ball and takes an easy sack. Then on 2nd and 20 Freeman stays back there and takes another sack! OF course the next play is obvious, Freeman attempted to throw the ball to a well covered Lumpkin in the flat. Thankfully it was batted down so Raymond James Patrons wouldnt have to endure another 3rd and long completion for 4 yards.
Practice on Friday stunk
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