Bucs Postgame Thread

[Starry Plough]

Originally Posted by Coff

First of all, we're not this bad. We played well the last five weeks, despite going 2-3 in that span (consider the teams we played: Cowboys, the 9-1 Cardinals, the SB Champion Seahawks). So it's a good time to remember we're never as bad as we look the day after a bad loss, nor are we as good as we look the day after a big win.

Secondly, the Griffin-bashing needs to be put into perspective. Yesterday's game included three false start penalties on receivers, numerous occasions when (once again) the secondary strangely didn't cover receivers, a cornerback trip and fall on what should have been an easy pick-six, a red zone fumble, a bizarre pass drop/flip on a routine reception that led to an interception, two missed field goals, etc. I challenge anyone here to find a loss that was such a complete team effort as this one was. So stop blaming one guy for this loss. And remember this, when we do finally run RGIII out of town, the next guy will be no better, just as the previous 17 QBs have not been any better. I understand the psychological need to focus all frustration and anger on one area (in this case QB), because it offers an easily fixable solution, but we do need to ask ourselves whether our team always sucks because our QBs suck, or whether we can never develop decent QBs because our team is dysfunctional and incompetent.

I also agree with everything except the first sentence. The sign of a bad team for me, is when another bad team.....nay, one considered worse actually, comes into your house and smacks you around the place in front of your family and friends, before casually walking out again as you sit down bloodied and beaten only to ask anyone if they want a second helping of, I don’t know, biscuits and gravy (I myself sampled this for the first time recently and rather enjoyed it)! What I’m saying is, we are this bad, and ultimately sporadic victories or performances here and there don’t change that if all they count for is a 4 or 5 win season every single year! There is nothing progressive in that! It’s like a sedative. Just a little something that’s enough to keep us rooting for the team whilst we laugh at the Jags or Raiders of this league, when in reality the only thing that separates us from them year in, year out is an extra win or two, likely against those very teams.

But that’s where this team is. Like a much needed dose of feel goods for pretty much the majority of opposition who are lying in the dirt. You’re feeling like c**p? Well don’t get too down because you have the ‘Skins in DC on the schedule! Mark that win next to it and take solace in knowing at least you won’t finish the season 0-16!

Honestly, I can only try and empathise with you guys who have had to endure this for way longer than I have (or way longer than you deserve!), but Jesus Christ does this team suck! I mean, needless to say I’m not for jumping overboard, but like I’m sure has been stated previously countless times, at what point do you start asking when does it improve?! Where is the sense that the ship is being turned around and is in good hands going forward?!

You know, when soccer fans ask me what I enjoy about the NFL, above all I just get on board with the idea that in any season, if a team makes the right roster moves through the draft and FA, and has even something resembling a slightly competent coaching regime, it can go from dead last to something much more respectable and who knows beyond. It’s fair, is what I’m saying. Everyone has a chance to win the SB, in theory. But there has to be signs of positive, forward momentum and it just feels like every time this team has even the slightest hint of that, it manages to intentionally slam the brakes on itself for one reason or another whilst other teams pass it by. It seemingly pi$$es all over that annual opportunity to get better and in doing so, leaves folk asking why they’re investing their time and money in a product which provides so little in return!

I’m sorry guys. I am, really. I hate rants for the sake of ranting and that’s exactly what the above is. I wish I had something better to contribute but.........nope.

Hail!