The Bucs Season Is Over, But I'm Prouder Than Ever

Nic Antaya. Getty Images.

The Buccaneers lost to a Lions team that outplayed us for the second time this year and ended our season. Detroit played the game I'd hoped we'd play; turnover free, get 3+ sacks, and mistake free special teams. Unfortunately for me and Bucs fans everywhere, the Bucs had two interceptions, only two sacks, and missed a field goal. But this isn't a blog about the Bucs losing today.

I am extremely proud of this team. There are some losers who picked the Bucs to be the worst team in the NFL. They signed Baker Mayfield to a 1-year $4 million dollar base deal. Rachaad White hadn't started at RB. Tristan Wirfs was switching from Right Tackle to Left Tackle and admitted his confidence waned a big in the off-season. Luke Goedeke had a rough rookie season and was going to start at Right Tackle for us. Pro Bowl Center Ryan Jensen was out for the season. The Bucs were starting a rookie at Right Guard in Cody Mauch and a first time starter at Center in Robert Hainsey. Their 3rd WR, Russell Gage got hurt in training camp and missed the whole year. 

On Defense, Devin White requested a trade. An undrafted rookie, Christian Izien was playing Nickel CB. Our most proven edge rusher, Shaq Barrett was coming off an achillies tear. We had a bunch of blue chip guys on the D-line that were all lacking experience. 

We had a new Kicker and NOBODY picked us to make some noise. Todd Bowles had one year as the Head Coach of the Bucs and finished 8-9 and got smoked in the Wild Card round. The projected win total was 6.5. 

Week 1, this team went into Minnesota, fresh off a playoff birth, and pulled the upset. They rocked the Bears in their home opener to start 2-0. They suffered a minor setback in a Monday night tilt with the defending NFC champs but then beat the Saints to go into their bye week 3-1. They had a rough skid in the middle of the year and were 4-7 at one point. But then they reeled off five of their next six games and won the division. 

They proceeded to get revenge and dominate the Eagles and destroy the Brotherly Shove, hopefully forever. They went into Detroit today, one of the top teams in the league, and stood toe to toe with them, tying the game at 17 at the end of the 3rd Quarter. It was never more than a one score game and this team played their heart out. Nothing but respect to the entire roster, coaching staff, front office, and other Bucs employees. It was an outstanding season and I'm looking forward to many more with this core roster and regime. Go Bucs forever.