Tonight's Monday night game is one of the better matchups we've seen in a long time. Usually at this time of the season, we have to endure some snoozer of a game, but not this year. Two 9-3 teams fighting for the division lead. The winner of tonight's game will be in sole possession of 1st place in the NFC South and it appears the South's winner should get a #2 seed in the playoffs and a week off.
Here are ten observations for tonight's game.
1. Account for Peppers.
Of course this goes without saying. Peppers has always seemed to have big games against the Bucs. Last year was an off year for him, but he has 11 sacks so far this year, and 7 of those have come in the past three games.
2. Slay the two headed monster.
DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart have led the Panthers to one of best running attacks in the NFL. Williams has 955 yards and 11 scores, while rookie Stewart has 584 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Bucs have only allowed 1 100 yard rushing game by an opponent this year and yield just 1 rushing touchdown. Williams is coming off a game where he scored 4 times in Green Bay. Tampa usually shuts down some big name running backs and tonight should be no different. However, Jovan Haye is out for tonight's game, so the Defensive line is going to need to step up.
3. Steve Smith.
I hate this dude. It seems like an accomplishment to hold him to just 100 yards. The past two games, Smith has 12 catches for 173 yards. He'll be matched up tonight against Ronde Barber. I had noticed a slip in Barber's play earlier in the year, but it was just reported this week that Ronde has been battling through an undisclosed injury. The past few weeks though, Ronde has been playing much better. It would still be wise though to give Barber some help over the top with Smith.
4. Give Stevens more looks.
Last week TE Jeramy Stevens only had 1 reception. I think he matches up well against Carolina's linebackers. The Bucs should be able to run against the Panthers. Warrick Dunn had 115 yards on 22 touches in week 6 this year. I believe Carnell Williams should see around 12 touches tonight as well. With the running game clicking, that will open up the tight end play. I'd like to see Stevens get 5-6 looks tonight.
5. Grab Delhomme.
Sacks are always great, however I'd like to see Gaines Adams and Greg White around Delhomme tonight. Both defensive ends have shown the ability to strip the ball and Delhomme does like to oblige but having a tendency to fumble.
6. Tightends seem to give the Bucs fits at times.
Granted the Panthers don't have an elite TE, but teams seem to pick apart the seams of our defense with play from that position. Rosario has only 18 receptions this season but has missed time with injuries.
7. Short Field.
This season, the Bucs drafted Dexter "skids" Jackson with their second round selection. By the 9th week of the season, Coach Gruden had seen enough and promoted Clifton Smith. Smith was an undrafted free agent running back out of Fresno State University. Smith has been a treasure for the Bucs this year, returning a kickoff for a touchdown in his first game. In four games, Smith has racked up 841 combined return yardage, has a hefty 17.6 punt return average and is the only Buccaneer in team history to return both a kickoff and a punt for a touchdown in the same year. On the other side of the field, the Panthers signed former Buc, Mark Jones in the offseason and he has provided Carolina a good return game as well. The Bucs will have to be on their coverages tonight. Field position will be key.
8. White Tiger Sighting tonight.
For many of the past weeks, I've been checking milk cartons at Publix to see if I could find Joey Galloway. With Clayton dealing with a knee issue, I believe we might actually have a Galloway sighting tonight. Joey snags 3 for 60 tonight.
9. Temper Trueblood.
By now, I'm sure defensive coordinators are well aware of Jeremy Trueblood's short fuse. I have no doubt that the D line of Carolina will try to bait Trueblood into going off and causing a few 15 yard penalties. Davin Joseph needs to have his man's back tonight.
10. Keep Carolina outside of the 35.
Carolina has one of the best long distance kickers in the NFL. Bucs fans should remember the September 24th 2006 game. The infamous spleen bowl. John Kasay kicked 4 field goals in that game. He kicked them from 51, 50, 49 and a 46 yarder with 2 seconds left to win the game 26-24 in Tampa. Tonight's game might just come down to a last second field goal for the win so the Panthers are driving late, stop them outside of the 35!
Although the Bucs have started slowly in the past few road games against Kansas City and Detroit, Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn realize how important this game is and the Bucs will be more impressive tonight. Bucs win 23-20.
Showing posts with label tampa bay buccaneers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tampa bay buccaneers. Show all posts
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Offseason moves
All football fans at this time of the year, all have opinions on how their team can improve with the start of free agency in March. As a fan of the Buccaneers, I'm no different and here are my suggestions:
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
Quarterback- Garcia will be the starter next year. Luke McCown showed promise this year when he was given the chance to play, but has to learn to throw the ball away. He's very athletic and can release the ball quickly. He's a keeper for at least one more year. Chris Simms says he's healthy, but he doesn't fit this system if Gruden is going to be given a contract extension. Chris is a great kid and wish him the best, but he has no trade value and will be released. Bruce Gradkowski- my wish is a one way ticket to play in Canada, we've seen enough.
Running Back-
Earnest Graham brought his A-game when asked because of injury. I realize he has 1 year remaining on his contract but the Bucs should offer him a new contract, he's been loyal to this team, and since he's from Ft Myers, he wants to play here. Pay the man. He's done everything other than pass out Gatorade to players in past years.
Michael Pittman- He's 32, and nagging injuries cropped up this season. He's a free agent and not likely to be highly sought after in the off season. He's a hard runner and great receiver however, at his age, should play for a near minimum salary if he wants to stay in Tampa.
Michael Bennett- Came over via conditional trade from Kansas City. Gamebreaker in my opinion. Gruden constantly speaks about playmakers and team speed, this guy was a possible Olympic hopeful for the relay team. He brings youth and great ball catch ability out of the backfield, resign him-pronto.
Carnell Williams, I am not sure what salary cap implications releasing Carnell will have towards next year, but the Cadillac has a flat tire and fix a flat isn't going to fix it. Isn't it interesting that Ronnie Brown, Carnells backfield partner at Auburn has gone down with the same knee injury. Perhaps these guys aren't feature backs in the NFL. How about a backfield of Graham, Bennett and Justin Fargas with Askew leading the way.
Mike Alstott- Mike alluded to retirement this week on Tampa radio. It's time. Thanks for the memories Mike, move on a take care of you and yours.
Wide Receiver-
Joey Galloway walked off the field with 4 minutes remaining versus the Giants last week. The official report from the team is that he has a shoulder injury. Are we seeing another Keyshawn Johnson meltdown with Joey? I think at this point it doesn't really matter, Joey is going to be 37 next season, and although he's posted three consecutive 1000 yard seasons for the Bucs, has always been injury prone. Do I want to see #84 line up next season? Hell yes, if he can play. BUT, this team has got to address the receiving corps. Mike Clayton needs to go. Maurice Stovall has got to stay. Hilliard had a great start of the season but tailed off. It's time to get younger. Rumors are swirling now about the possibility of a trade with Cincinnatti for Chad Johnson. I'd be all over that. But I'd also be looking at Devery Henderson and Andre Davis. This team needs playmakers.
TE-
Resign Stevens, release Becht.
Defensive Line-
The Bucs need to upgrade the DL. First of all the undertackle position is the most important position in the Cover Tampa 2 defense which they utilize. The Bucs should sign Corey Williams, a 27 year old DLman playing with the Packers. A big force in the D-line 6'4" 313 pounds and with next years schedule and the vulnerability of the Cover 2 defense for tough running up the middle, we need a run stuffer.
Forget Haynesworth, he's a juiced up steroid filled freak. I can't have a player on my team that stomped on someones head without a helmet. The other player I'd like to see brought in is Justin Smith from Cincinnati.
Kevin Carter cannot draw another 5 million dollar paycheck from the Bucs this year. Renegotiate or gone. Greg Spires, production has dropped way off and time to say goodbye as well.
Defensive Secondary-
Brian Kelly- wanted a new contract last season then didn't play over half the games. Didn't play many games this year, move on.
Will Allen- gone
Sammy Davis- gone.
Linebackers-
Jeremiah Trotter will be gone. Ryan Neece- might be gone as well with the young LB's coming on.
Focus for the draft should be 1st, a disruptive DL player, 2nd, a speed receiver actually able to return a punt for more than 3 yards and catch a football. 3rd, a cornerback along the likes of Tanard Jackson, and 4th, depth on the offensive line.
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