My prediction: Panthers 20, Bucs 17Score: Bucs 20, Panthers 10
Offense: B. No turnovers again, which is key. The most impressive aspect of yesterday's game was the Bucs ability to convert on third downs. This had been an issue over the past few weeks, but against the strong Panther D, the Bucs were able to convert 10 of 17 on third down. Cadillac ran the ball very well, squeezing yards out of virtually no running room or after getting hit. It's great to see him coming back to his early season form.
Defense: B+. The Bucs defense was very impressive. They completely shut down the Panther running game and never allowed the streaky QB Delhomme to get into a rythm. They excelled at getting off the field, as the Panthers only converted 2 of 11 third down conversions and their tackling was excellent.
Special Teams: B+. Matt Bryant came back to kick two important field goals and Bidwell's early, long punt changed the field position battle early in the game which eventually led to the Bucs first touchdown.
Coaching: B+. Excellent coaching in every area of the game. The play calling was conservative, but effective. The defense made adjustments and shut down the Panthers. And the special teams kicked well and was one foot-tripping tackle away from returning a punt for a TD.
Outstanding Players: Ronde Barber became the first cornerback in NFL history to accumulate at least 20 interceptions (he has 28) and 20 sacks of the QB. I've always felt Barber was one of the best ever and his place in NFL history backs that up. Also impressive were Williams, Simms and the entire Bucs D.
Things That Drove Me Nuts: The Bucs conservative play calling at the end of the first half. Michael Clayton caught a pass from Simms down to around the Panther 20 yard line with about 49 seconds left in the half. Instead of using time outs and making at least one attempt at the end zone, Gruden ran Pittman up the middle and let the clock run down to :03. Bryant capped off the half with a field goal. I understand the decision in this case, as the Bucs went into the half two scores up on the Panthers and were going to get the kickoff in the third quarter. But, at some point, we're going to have to take shots at the end zone. When the Bucs have gotten near the red zone, they have rarely taken shots into the end zone. Gruden's conservative play calling has accentuated Simms ability and limited mistakes, leading us to 4-1 in our last 5 games, so I'm not really complaining about the outcome, but concerned about when taking such shots into the end zone are required.
Bucs Record: 9-4.
Next Opponent: The Bucs head up to New England where it will be cold and snowing and where the Patriots are starting to get healthy. This is an important test for the Bucs. The Patriots are playoff caliber and the Bucs need to keep their advantage in the playoff race. If you don't win your division, the wild card grouping is a mess. Good teams will not make the playoffs this year in the NFC... I don't want the Bucs to be one of them.
The Bucs have won an impressive five wins on the road this season. Lets close out the road games this year with a sixth up in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
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2 comments:
Good assessment Pete. All I can say is I enjoyed watching the game, especially Ronde's crucial plays - interception & sack - that I screamed and hollered both times. That was wierd because I was silent the rest of the game. I have also enjoyed the press I've been reading this week. You can smell the playoffs for this team but they still have to perform.
There was an interview of Rhonde on NFL channel and he said after a missed interception in the Bears game that Gruden chided him about it (I think it effected him more that he said) and he enjoyed getting back at Jon these past two games! Also saw in St Pete Times the story of the team meeting for players only called by Brooks, Rhonde and Alstott to review the goals for December! Another move leaders must do during this 4th Quarter of the season.
GO BUCS....get to the playoffs & Win!!
I also thought safety Jermaine Phillips had his best game as a Buc. We need him to excel. I'm hoping this was the game where everything "clicked" on the defense and will continue through the rest of the season.
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