http://yfrog.com/0irahrahj

 

Bucs fans, this has been one of the most spectacular afternoons of my life. My coworker was gracious enough to bring me to this Bucs vs 49ers game. I've never been to a Buccaneers game before, let alone an NFL football game before, so this was something I looked forward to with great anticipation.

We arrived around 11 AM. The parking lot was completely packed. Niners fans were all about, grilling and cheering amongst one another. It was both remarkable and also quite astounding. Where there any Bucs fans to be found? Yes, there were a handful that I found while we traversed the parking lot. We were few, but we were here nonetheless.

I stepped into Candlestick Park, eager and excited. I felt as I did during Christmas, when I got my first Buccaneers jersey (#12 Trent Dilfer, if any of you were wondering). We made our way to our seats: a mere four rows away from the field itself. I could see Josh Freeman and Josh Johnson warming up. It was fantastic. Later on, some other players made their way out to warmup and greet some of the fans. Raheem Morris approached our small group and began signing our jerseys and tickets. He told us, "You guys are the best fans in the NFC."

For that moment, I felt something truly special. Sure, why not? Of course fans are the best to their own fanbase. But what I think distinguishes us from the others is that while the analysts and naysayers continue to shake their heads at this fine football team, we're still holding strong. 

It was a tight game at first, a push and pull where neither side seemed to be able to score anything. Finally, the Bucs managed to score, penetrating through that vaunted 49ers run defense. On the other side of the ball, we were able to pressure the quarterback and stuff Frank Gore in the running lanes. 

You know, it's a strange feeling, being a Bucs fan in a stadium full of other fans. As I rose up to cheer, so many called me out, screaming at me, telling me to sit down and shut up. At halftime, as I walked through the back area, fans booed and sneered at me and my jersey. I laughed, that's all.

Within one quarter, their jeers were silenced.

As the day wore on, they grew more and more complacent. Heck, some fans were even diverted to a poor Oakland fan was just watching the game. A bunch of fans turned their heads to mock and harass the Raiders fan, when they should've been concentrating on the action in front of them.

After the Bucs scored for the third and final time, the 49ers fans began shouting at their own team. They began screaming at Troy Smith, telling him that he's a disgrace to this team. It was so disturbing to see. And it's funny, too, because these Niners fans are supposed to be called "The Faithful." Where was their pride?

By the beginning of the fourth quarter, many had already left the stadium, thus diminishing what little morale the 49ers players may have had.

I have to say, this was the best first football game ever. Not only did I watch my favorite team. Not only did I watch my favorite team win. I watched my favorite team win, and win it with a full and heavy heart. Not once did they allow themselves to get sloppy. They performed magnificently. Well done, Bucs, well done.

Walking away from all this, I learned just how wonderful our fanbase is. Sure, we may win some or lose many, but we persevere. That's what it's all about. Not giving up. We have been loyal for this long, and it appears that our loyalty is finally being rewarded.

 

This was my first football game, my first Buccaneers game, and I hope it will not be my last.

 

 

With the draft just around the corner, I thought I’d finally bleed my soul again for those “Pewter Pirates.” Without a doubt, it’s been one tumultuous season for both players and fans alike. It’s almost ironic that the Buccaneers had sailed into one hell of a storm. A season ago, I came to you all speaking high and hopeful for the 2009 season. Alas, I was truly unaware as to how bad the situation was in Tampa; so much so, that I began cursing Raheem and his dream. I had relapsed into the fan I was back in the 2006 season, when the Buccaneers suffered a dismal 4 – 12 record. Back then, watching those Seahawks, I was almost ready to turncoat and switch teams. But I was held back, something inside me felt like I was betraying the Bucs, my favorite team since 1997.

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via sidesalad.net

Fellow Bucs fans, I have one question to ask…

 

WHAT THE BUC?

 

I have endured strenuous season before, but this? Never before have I seen such a debacle of the Buccaneers since the 80’s. I rode high on Raheem’s so called "Dream." I have sat quietly and nodded as great opportunities passed us by. I shrugged it off as our beloved team limped away at the 3-0 starting record. I even defended Raheem and company, trying to pinpoint the problems elsewhere. Now, while I have spoken about the Glazer’s in the past, I no longer believe they are the sole source of our woes. As Raheem Morris once said in a press conference, "It’s an organization thing."

 

The true test of a fan comes with the hard losses. I’m not saying that I’m ready to abandon the ship I’ve sailed since 1997. I’m saying that the ship needs a new captain, or something along those lines.

 

So what is it then, Bucs fans? Many of us have speculated the various detriments that have hampered our team. There’s our lack of roster depth, coaching staff, injuries, and the lack of funds to fuel a well balanced sports team. Well, for this particular tidbit, I’ll be doing what I thought I’d never do: bash Raheem. Yes, you cannot blame a puppy for peeing the carpet, but enough is enough. If the puppy can’t learn the rules, then strict discipline must be administered. In other words, FIRE RAHEEM MORRIS!

 

While my sudden turncoat upon the Tampa Bay coaching staff is well fueled by high emotion, I will bring up some facts to help support this reasoning. To demonstrate this, I will compare NFL head coaches to oranges. Yes, oranges.

 

Did it ever occur to anyone that coaches are like oranges? They all grow from a tree, a tree of other coaches. And like the fruits themselves, they all need time to mature. When the time is right, the fruit is picked from the tree and becomes a full-fledged nutrient to the body source. In this case, in layman terms, the body source is the team, and the coach is to provide success and nourishment. Get the picture? Good. Now, Raheem Morris, as it may seem, looked to be a prospective orange. After the dispelling of Gruden (whom some may argue to be a "rotten" fruit), the farmer (Glazer) needed a new orange to take its place. The problem is, Raheem wasn’t ready. In fact, I strongly believe he still isn’t ready.

 

Here is a list of all 32 current Head Coaches in the NFL. Below them is a list of the coaches they’ve served under.

 

-------------------------------

 

AFC EAST

 

Buffalo Bills

Head Coach: Dick Juaron

Learned Under: Hank Bullough, Forrest Gregg, Lindy Infante, Mike Holmgren & Tom Coughlin

 

Miami Dolphins

Head Coach: Tony Sparano

Learned Under: Chris Palmer, Marty Schottenheimer, Tom Coughlin, Bill Parcells, and Wade Philips

 

New England Patriots

Head Coach: Bill Belichick

Learned Under: Ted Marchibroda, Tommy Hudspeth, Red Miller, Ray Perkins, and Bill Parcels

 

New York Jets

Head Coach: Rex Ryan

Learned Under: Buddy Ryan, Brian Billick, and John Harbaugh

 

AFC NORTH

 

Baltimore Ravens

Head Coach: John Harbaugh

Learned Under: Ray Rhodes and Andy Reid

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Head Coach: Marvin Lewis

Learned Under: Bill Cowher, Ted Marchibroda, Brian Billick, and Steve Spurrier

 

Cleveland Browns

Head Coach: Eric Mangini

Learned Under: Ted Marchibroda, Bill Parcels, and Bill Belichick

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Head Coach: Mike Tomlin

Learned Under: Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, and Brad Childress

AFC SOUTH

 

Houston Texans

Head Coach: Gary Kubiak

Learned Under: George Seifert and Mike Shanahan

 

Indianapolis Colts

Head Coach: Jim Caldwell

Learned Under: Tony Dungy

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Head Coach: Jack Del Rio

Learned Under: Mike Ditka, Brian Billick, and John Fox

 

Tennessee Titans

Head Coach: Jeff Fisher

Learned Under: Mike Ditka, Buddy Ryan, John Robinson, George Seifert, and Jack Pardee

 

AFC WEST

 

Denver Broncos

Head Coach: Josh McDaniels

Learned Under: Bill Belichick

 

Kansas City Chiefs

Head Coach: Todd Haley

Learned Under: Rich Kotite, Bill Parcels, Al Groh, Dick Juaron, and Ken Wisenhunt

 

Oakland Raiders:
Head Coach: Tom Cable

Learned Under: Jim Mora and Lane Kiffin

 

San Diego Chargers:

Head Coach: Norv Turner

Learned Under: John Robinson, Jimmy Johnson, Mike Riley, Dave Wannestedt, and Mike Nolan

 

NFC EAST

 

Dallas Cowboys

Head Coach: Wade Phillips

Learned Under: Bum Phillips, Buddy Ryan, Dan Reeves, and Marty Schottenheimer

 

New York Giants

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin

Learned Under: Marion Campbell, Forrest Gregg, and Bill Parcells

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Head Coach: Andy Reid

Learned Under: Mike Holmgren

 

Washington Redskins

Head Coach: Jim Zorn

Learned Under: Dennis Erickson, Bobby Ross, and Mike Holmgren

 

NFC NORTH

 

Chicago Bears

Head Coach: Lovie Smith

Learned Under: Tony Dungy and Mike Martz

 

Detroit Lions

Head Coach: Jim Schwartz

Learned Under: Brian Billick, Ted Marchibroda, and Jeff Fisher

 

Green Bay Packers

Head Coach: Mike McCarthy

Learned Under: Marty Schottenheimer, Ray Rhodes, Jim Haslett, and Mike Nolan

 

Minnesota Vikings

Head Coach: Brad Childress

Learned Under: Andy Reid

 

NFC SOUTH

 

Atlanta Falcons

Head Coach: Mike Smith

Learned Under: Brian Billick and Jack Del Rio

 

Carolina Panthers

Head Coach: John Fox

Learned Under: Chuck Noll, Bobby Ross, Art Shell, Mike White, Rich Brooks, and Jim Fassel

 

New Orleans Saints

Head Coach: Sean Payton

Learned Under: Ray Rhodes, Jim Fassel, and Bill Parcells

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Head Coach: Raheem Morris

Learned Under: Jon Gruden

 

NFC WEST

 

Arizona Cardinals

Head Coach: Ken Wisenhunt

Learned Under: Ted Marchibroda, Chris Palmer, Al Groh, and Bill Cowher

 

St. Louis Rams

Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo

Learned Under: Andy Reid and Tom Coughlin

 

San Francisco 49ers

Head Coach: Mike Singletary

Learned Under: Brian Billick and Mike Nolan

 

Seattle Seahawks

Head Coach: Jim L. Mora

Learned Under: Don Croyell, Al Saunders, Dan Henning, Jim E. Mora, Steve Mariucci, and Dennis Erickson

 

--------------------------

 

Notice the pattern here? It seems like most, if not all, these coaches had gained experience through their mentors. Then, like the typical path of a coach, they rise through the ranks and land themselves a comfy seat in the Head Coach Position. They've learned the tricks of the trade through seasoned and professional coaches. 

 

How far did Raheem Morris have to trek? Not far. His landing of the job came almost as a default. Sure, he worked under the Great Monty Kiffin… or did he? Now that I think about it, Mike Tomlin also learned from Monty Kiffin. Maybe he got the better lesson. Point is, it is clear that Raheem Morris was picked from the tree before he had time to mature. If you watch the multiple (and very disappointing) post game conferences, Raheem tends to refer to the other teams as teams he’d like to emulate one day.

 

Bucs fans, this is not what we should be hearing from a Head Coach. This is something we hear from someone else on the coaching staff; where they’re not there yet, but they soon aspire to be.

 

My patience is wearing thin, I don’t want the Bucs to reclaim that losing mantle from the Detroit Lions. I won’t deny that our team has talent; there are a multitude of players who can make big plays for our team. The problem is, our coaching staff have no idea what the Buc they’re doing. If anything, we can’t rely on Raheem’s tree anymore, not for now at least. And besides that, the fruit that this tree bears is rubbish. If we’re going to take ourselves seriously as a football team, the Glazers need to realize that finding the right coach isn’t a matter of who shines the brightest. The right coach can be found, granted one looks hard enough. But good luck, Mr. Glazer, by now, it would seem that the orchard of coaches are but slim pickins, now.

 

So consider me on board for the mutiny. It’s time we get a new captain at the helm, one who knows what the hell they are doing. And make sure the first mates are just as hardened as the rest of the crew. Hire new coaches, get rid of the old ones, Glazers, , or by Bucco Bruce this ship’s gonna sink, taking us all down with it.

 

 -       Zeke

 

P.S. – Sorry for all the metaphors. They just work.

via a.espncdn.com

With the entry of kicker Shane Andrus, I began to think…

Hey, things might not be so bad after all!

Yes, the odds are against us, but it could be worse: we could be the Raiders! Joking aside, I’m still holding out for Raheem and his so called "dream." This season is no different than any in the past. This is a test for us, Bucs fans. This is a test to see how strong our faith will endure. It doesn’t help that we got rid of our bread and butter players. It doesn’t help that we’ve got a coach who’s got little to no experience under his belt. It doesn’t help that we have a long road ahead, full of difficult opponents.

But that’s the way the ship sails.

The bread and butter were starting to get rotten. The coach, while inexperienced, is learning. We’re bound to hit a rough schedule sooner or later. This is just the sign of the times. But hey, things might not be so bad after all.

This upcoming game against the Eagles, Tanard Jackson will finally make his much-needed return to our ailing defense. I spoke of our team as having to assemble the pieces to a puzzle. And what’s happened so far has been good… so far.

As our roster stands…

 

OFFENSE

QB            - Josh Johnson

HB            - Cadillac Williams

FB            - B.J. Askew

WR            - Antonio Bryant

WR            - Michael Clayton

TE            - Kellen Winslow Jr.

LT            - Donald Penn

LG            - Jeremy Zuttah

C            - Sean Mahan

RG            - Davin Joseph

RT            - Jeremy Trueblood

 

DEFENSE

LE            - Gaines Adams

RE            - Jimmy Wilkerson

DT            - Chris Hovan

DT            - Ryan Sims

LB            - Geno Hayes

MB            - Barrett Ruud

RB            - Quincy Black

CB            - Rhonde Barber

CB            - Aqib Talib

FS            - Tanard Jackson

SS    - Sabby Piscitelli

 

Bucs fans, we have some good pieces here. The players in bold are what I believe to be the superstars on our team.

I’ve been a supporter of Josh Johnson. The only problem he faces at the moment is experience. He hasn’t had enough time to get acquainted with the NFL teams. But he showed signs of brilliance. And hey, at least he doesn’t sit like a duck in the pocket waiting to be sacked!

Michael Clayton, though he’s slipped up in the past weeks, can still be a strong contributor.

Our O-Line, save for Sean Mahan, can survive. Hopefully, Faine will be able to return in due time from his injuries.

The Defense has its holes, but there are bright spots. Talib is finally stepping up, so is Geno Hayes.  Barrett and Rhonde, our new bread and butter, don’t seem to stand out much in discussions. Then again, that means they’re doing their job. In fact, Ruud currently ranks second in the league with 40 tackles. Overall, the defense will hopefully be remedied when Jackson steps into the fray. If the big plays were killing us in the past few games, then Jackson will make a big difference.

 

We all knew we were in for tough times. This is the season to rebuild. But I wouldn’t start pointing fingers yet.

 

We’re positioned for a good draft pick. It'd probably be best if we drafted a DT or someone on Defense. I opt that we make good on that pick, and possibly trade for a few more. Throw in some good Free Agents and we’re looking at a better team in 2010. So in a way, this is like a LONG preseason.

 

Hold on, guys!

 

- Zeke

Poll

How's your morale?

34%

Great, the storm's bound to end!

17 votes

53%

I've seen better days, but I'll manage.

26 votes

12%

Forget that, I'm jumping ship!

6 votes

49 votes | Poll has closed

If you were to call Malcolm Glazer the father of our team, then Manchester United would be our adopted brother. Around 2005, Glazer won the gamble for the club at around $1.47 billion dollars. Since then, he’s pooled money to both the Buccaneers and the Manchester United, financing their activities. So, in the grand scheme of things, one has to wonder… is Papa Glazer not allowing the Bucs enough milk from the financial teet?

 

While some of you may see little importance to this, I believe that it’s just as pertinent. Think about it, in many cases, a team is as good as the depth of its pockets. The New York Yankees should be considered a prime example. Look at the New England Patriots, owned by Robert Kraft (no, not the Cheese company). His company, The Kraft Group, is a company that has its fingers in the business: paper, packaging, and sports. The Patriots are the prime recipients of the sports end. To boot, Kraft is on the board of directors for Viacom and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. At this point, I think it’s safe to say that the Pats have a nice flow of income for their franchise. And of course, throw in all the endorsements they get for being winners. There ya go.

 

So going back to the Glazer Family, is it possible that the presence of another major sports team is miring Bucs attempts to build a strong football foundation? Okay, let’s look at the Glazer effect on the Buccaneers Organization. Starting from the beginning…

 

Before Glazer Acquisition                                    W            L            T

1995         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         7         9         0

 

Around this time, the Buccaneers were spiraling into bankruptcy. The bids were thrown as to who would take the reigns to (formerly) creamsickle pirates. Glazer buys the team for $192 million. Vikings Defensive coordinator Tony Dungy is hired as the new head coach.

 

After Glazer                                              W         L         T

1996         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         6         10         0

1997         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         10         6         0

 

Let’s just take into account that most rookie head coaches taking control of a new team usually doesn’t spell Superbowl (or playoffs for that matter) during their first season. I would reason that because this is a transitional phase, it takes a good season to get a real foothold on the team. In the 1997 season, the Bucs replace the orange and white with red and pewter. Oh, and they also make it to the playoffs for the first time since 1982.

 

Okay, so there’s the short history lesson, there. Clearly, there was an apparent improvement. That’s not to say the Glazer acquisition is solely responsible for the upswing in success. The implementation of the new defense, the combination of the strong players, helped bring those much-needed W’s.

 

Fast forward to 2005, when Glazer won the bid for Manchester United. Since the acquisition took place in the midst of 2005, I would say that the effects weren’t really felt at the time. Heck, we even made it to the playoffs that year.

 

Buccaneers Record                                                W            L            T

2005         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         11         5         0        

2006         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         4         12         0        

2007         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         9         7         0        

2008         NFL         Tampa Bay Buccaneers         9         7         0

 

As you can tell, our numbers haven't exactly been shooting stars. Since then, the players we’ve drafted are as follows. I’ve eliminated those who are no longer present on our roster.

 

2006 Draft

Davin Joseph OG

Jeremy Trueblood OT

Maurice Stovall WR

 

2007 Draft

Gaines Adams DE

Aaron Sears OT

Sabby Piscitelli SS

Quincy Black LB

Tanard Jackson FS

 

2008 Draft

Aqib Talib CB

Jeremy Zuttah OG

Josh Johnson QB

Geno Hayes

 

2009 Draft

Josh Freeman QB

Roy Miller DT

Kyle Moore DE

Sammie Stroughter WR

 

Out of all those, only two seem to be the superstars on our team. Granted, some of the others are still coming into their own while others seem to be teetering off into the phantom zone. Again, this isn’t so much of a Glazer situation. This was more of a decision based upon the Gruden/ Allen tandem. Still, this does speak of our limitations when it came to signing free agents. We’ve been known to be quite stringent when it came to bringing in a free agent. So what then, is this apparent leash on the Glazer’s wallet preventing us from making the right moves?

 

As it stands, the Buccaneers organization as a whole seems to be going through some tough times. There’s no conclusive evidence that the Manchester United is responsible for our current woes. It’s enough to say that we have a rookie (I repeat, rookie) coach who is both inexperienced and young. We have a team that was picked apart, piece by piece, in the off season. We also happen to have one of the toughest if not the toughest schedules in the league. Who knows, maybe these are all pieces to the big puzzle that’s plaguing our team. Still, you have to wonder about our brother from another mother...

 

- Zeke

Statistics on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seasons taken from Pro-Football-Reference.com

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/

                It almost seems like yesterday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were just beginning with the OTA’s; maybe I’m losing track of time. Nevertheless, with the onset of training camp, things are undoubtedly going to heat up over the course of these few weeks. Some of you speak of a “Great Divide” or at least a difference of opinion. I tend to observe more than participate in these activities, but for now, I believe I ought to pitch in a cent or two.

                It’s nothing new to hear that fans have their doubts and concerns over Raheem Morris’ ability to lead this team. Some are asking if he’s just a “temporary solution,” but when you think about it, isn’t almost every coach a temporary solution? Most coaches are brought in on the sole fact that their predecessors were underperforming and unproductive.

Take Andy Reid, for example. This guy’s been in the league for ten seasons. He must be doing something right, yes? If you take a look at his statistics, he’s consistently been having good seasons. Sure, his achievements are often overshadowed by the fact that the Eagles always seem to fall short of the mark, but that’s almost something we can never control. The coach that came before Reid, Ray Rhodes, finished his tenure with a dismal 3-13 record. But here’s the juicy part. Andy Reid, in his first season with the Eagles, finished the season with 5-11. Should this be a reflection of his coaching ability? I think not.

Think about it. Surely, it must be difficult to suddenly assume control of a new team that you’ve never worked with, before. And Reid isn’t the only one, there’s a coach out there who’s inherently so great, you would’ve never imagined any fault with him. His name is Bill Belichick, and his first season with the Patriots under his helm scoured by on a 5-11 record. Yes, I call this coach great. I mean, he must be, otherwise he wouldn’t have one all those superbowls. Still, I would think it’s safe to say that any coach that’s holding the reins on a new team is going to have hardships.

So when we consider Raheem Morris, please show a little faith. Obviously, I’m pulling for him and hoping for the best. But realistically, don’t be surprised if we feed from the bottom of the trough on this one. We can’t expect this man to reverse the errors of another in such a short amount of time. Does that sound familiar? I bet it does, like President Obama. The moment he came into office, thousands of cries spoke out for help, demanding that he fix the economy and everything that came with the Presidential territory. Has something been done? Sure. Is it a lot? No. But it isn’t easy trying to pick up after the other guy.

I apologize if some of you are Bush sympathizers, but I cannot deny that our economy is in shambles. I’m not a one-hundred percent Obama supporter either, but the man has got some good points. Point is, before I go off on a tangent, Raheem is very much like this new president. He’s coming in knowing that there’s a mess on our hands. True, we’ll probably make a few steps forward, but we’ve got to brace ourselves for the steps back.

I’m sure there are those amongst us who will curse Raheem’s name in the face of the Bucs adversity. But when his success rolls into the harbor, they will raise their hands on high and praise them saying, “I’ve been there since the beginning!” I’m just saying…

Whenever change is necessary, it’s rarely elementary.

 

P.S. – If you haven’t had a chance to see what kind of passion Raheem has for this team, I suggest you watch this…

http://www.nfl.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videoarchive.aspx?Page=1&year=2009&filename=BTF09-Coach%20Morris.flv

I’m just a fan. Not a fanatic, but a fan.

Raised in a family of football lovers, I have grown up with the game as many of us have. I have seen the rise of legends, and their downfalls. Names come and go. Offensive and defensive schemes change. Even the rules change, but the song remains the same. It’s Football, straight and true. It’s eleven versus eleven. When I became a Buccaneers fan, I was just an eight year old who thought pirates looked cool. The image of Bucco Bruce, with the cutlass in his teeth, it was just plain cool to look at. I watched the games, yet they meant nothing to me. I didn’t understand what a blitz was, or if intentional grounding was just something parents did to punish their children. But as the years wore on, I learned more and more of the game. And with each passing season, I rushed ahead with greater anticipation.

             I fondly recall the days when Tony Dungy was the figurehead of what many NFL enthusiasts still call “one of the greatest defenses of all-time.” Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Rhonde Barber, John Lynch, Mike Alstott, Warrick Dunn, and yes, Trent Dilfer. Any Bucs fan ought to recognize these names. These were the names I grew up with. I have countless drawings depicting these players. I had even aspired to become a Buccaneer myself. Of course, such was the delusion of a child.

            In those days, the Buccaneers weren’t the biggest team on the block, but they weren’t a pushover either. Sure, they closest they may have ever gotten was the NFC Championship game, but the drive was there. Finally, they hit it big in 2002. They smashed the Oakland Raiders in San Diego, marking the first Super Bowl victory for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise. Ironically, I remember speaking to a friend of mine in high school. He was a Raiders fan and I was a Bucs fan. I had remarked that it would be “cool” if the Raiders and Bucs faced off in the upcoming Super Bowl. Alas, I digress. Still, many fans still cry foul in regards to the nature of the victory. Was Jon Gruden really the coach who brought our team all the way, or did he just pick up the pieces? The evidence, albeit very convincing, can still be left for questioning. Nevertheless, few will dispute that the road since Super Bowl XXXVII was a bumpy one.

            In the years following, there have been a few gains, and many losses. With the addition of General Manager Bruce Allen, Warren Sapp and John Lynch were dismissed; a decision that still unnerves Bucs fans to this day. Carnell “Cadillac” Williams was acquired, and for a time, it was good. But as of today, Cadillac still has a difficult road ahead of him. Michael Clayton was a wonderful breakout performance, but had faded in the eyes of many Bucs fans. Inconsistencies at the quarterback position had left the offensive side of the ball in near shambles, leaving the defense to try and carry the weight.

            Jeff Garcia provided us with a nice change of pace, but even that was not enough. So what was it, then? Was it Jon Gruden’s playbook? Was it Bruce Allen? Both? Whatever the case may have been, it was more than apparent that something was missing in the Buccaneers’ core. And then the Great Change occurred: Monte left, Gruden and Allen were fired, and a myriad of Bucs cornerstones were dropped. Fans’ voices cried aloud at the absurdity of it all. Such became a defining moment in Buccaneers history. In the past few months, many changes have come to pass at One Buc Place. Some have been puzzling, even difficult for fans to even begin to encompass. But that’s how it is. Change is rarely easy to stomach.

            When you’ve been a fan for such a long time, seeing such a shift could be devastating. Understandably, if something works, don’t fix it. That’s a mentality that’s been shared with an innumerable count of people. But who are we to decide? We cannot force the pen that signs the contract. We cannot decide who’s drafted and who’s waived. And surely, we cannot choose who wins and who loses. We, as fans, are but spectators to this magnificent sport. We can cheer loudly and proudly, or we can boo with profanities and sneers. But other than that, the best we can do, as fans, is lend our support. Yes, we cannot decide, but at least our voices can be heard.

            For the “Nay-Sayers” of Bucs fan base, have hope. In the end, it’s the only thing us fans have. If you’ve been with the team for this long, why cast your doubts here? You must’ve been around when the Bucs suffered dismal seasons in the past. People have even doubted, then. I know I have. I was on the brink of changing to the Seattle Seahawks because I was so perturbed by the team’s performance. But like a fan, I hung in there. I still do. So with the draft acquisition, the off-season moves, and the new coordinators, don’t despair. It’s okay to be a little wary of the choices that have been made, but have hope. That’s the true test of a fan. Will you stay when the going gets rough, or will you leave it to the winds?

            Like I said, I’m just a fan. Not a fanatic, but a fan.

 

P.S. – As a side note, I truly believe that the Bucs can be great this coming season. If you’ve noticed, they’ve been relatively moving under the radar since the early off-season action. We have no indication of how the team will turn out this season, but I have a feeling that it’ll be a good one. I have a good feeling about Josh Freeman. Then again, I’ve been wrong before. But I’ll still hold out for this one. We may not have the standout names, but it’s not so much about the names as it is about the core. One man doesn’t make the team, although some might think so.

I’m a long-time reader, first time caller. I just wanted to say something, that’s all. I’m not as statistics heavy as some of our more esteemed writers are. So if any of you wanted to bash me with lowbrow remarks, at least do it with a correct grammar structure. Thanks for your time.

- Zeke