Monday Morning QB - 11/28

Bucs miss a field goal wide right to tie the game and end up losing a close, important home game to the Bears 13-10. That Bears defense was extremely tough... good pass rush, great tacklers. Most importantly, they capitalized on turnovers and the Bucs did not. However, the Bucs should never lose a home game, in my opinion. That should always be the goal. But, this is their second loss at home and now head on the road for three straight games against the Saint, Panthers and Patriots. The Bucs need at least three wins out of the last five in order to have a chance to make the playoffs. If they don't, they'll look back to the Niners, Jets and possibly this Bears games as the reasons they may be watching the playoffs from home.

My prediction: Well, due to the holidays, I didn't actually post my prediction, but I verbally conferred with my brother Steve and came up with Bucs 21, Bears 10

Score: Bears 13, Bucs 10

Offense: C+. The offense was finding a way against the Bears tough defense in the last quarter. If the game would have gone to OT, I think the Bucs would have won.

Defense: B+. The Bears aren't a great offense, but the Bucs D did their job.

Special Teams: D. Punting was below average and Bryant missed the game tying 29 yard field goal.

Coaching: B. Defense handled a weak offense. The Offense managed against a stingy defense.

Outstanding Players: Galloway, Rice and Williams

Things That Drove Me Nuts: Two words... wide right.

Bucs Record: 7-4.

Next Opponent: The Bucs go on the road to Baton Rouge to play the Saints. This is a critical road divisional game and kicks off a three game road swing. The Saints have always played us well, so the Bucs will need to play their best on the road to get a much needed victory.