Bucs most memorable season
 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
1976-77


No professional football team started out as miserably as the Tampa Bay Bucs. They lost their first 26 regular season games, 11 by shutout.

The Bucs were headed in the wrong direction even before the kickoff of their NFL debut. After completing their pre-game warmups in the Houston Astrodome, the team followed their coach, John McKay, off the field and into the concrete innards of the stadium. And there they promptly got lost.

Forty-five players, eight coaches, and assorted equipment men, trainers, and doctors wandered around befuddled, searching futilely for the locker room. Finally, a security guard found them and guided them back to their locker room. But by then, the Bucs had just a few minutes to get ready and return to the field for the start of the game.

As it turns out, the offense never did find the end zone and mustered only a paltry total of 108 yards in a 20-0 loss to the Houston Oilers.

The next week, the offense produced only 13 yards through the air. "The running backs ran like they were mud fences," complained McKay. Thirty-nine times in the game, Tampa Bay either failed to move the football or was thrown for a loss.

Not until the fourth game did the Bucs score their first touchdown— and it was pulled off by the defense on a 44-yard fumble recovery. Most of the Bucs' offensive punch was supplied by cornerback Mike Washington, who threw a fist and was ejected from the game. Afterward, McKay said, "We will be back, maybe not in this century, but we will be back."

Following their eighth straight loss, 28-19 to Kansas City, McKay lost his patience and temper. He thundered, "They were absolutely horrible and that's the nicest thing I can say about them."

The next week, Tampa Bay raised the hopes of its fans when the team tied Denver 10-10 in the third quarter. But the joy was short-lived. The Bucs lost, 48-13. McKay's frustration reached a peak; he refused to shake Denver coach John Ralston's hand after the game. Instead, McKay accused Ralston of running up the score, and hurled a bunch of obscenities at the Bronco coach. Meanwhile, Tampa's starting tight end Bob Moore summed up the feeling of the losing team, "Sometimes I feel as though I were on the aft deck of the Lusitania."

The following week, the New York Jets sacked Buc quarterbacks four times and took advantage of six turnovers to record their first shutout in thirteen years, 34-0.

In their final game of the year, a 31-14 clobbering by the New England Patriots, the Bucs became the only expansion team in NFL history to lose all the games in their first season. "I'll probably take a little time off," said a weary McKay, "and go hide someplace."

The Bucs started the second year off just like the first, scoring only one touchdown in the first 4 games. They lost for the second straight year to their expansion brothers, the Seattle Seahawks, this time 30-23, on 4 interceptions and 2 fumbles. In a game in which the Bucs' offense scored its most points ever, the defense decided to take the day off.

The next week, the Bucs lost to Green Bay, 13 to terrible. Said the St. Petersburg Times: "Continuing their unrelenting vendetta against victory, the Tampa Bay Bucs pulled out all the stops to ward off an impending win and kept their losing streak intact. The Bucs used timely penalties, fumbles, mental lapses and an absolutely pointless display of offensive football to further secure their position at the bottom of the NFL barrel."

They played rookies who were so inexperienced that some of them hadn't even lettered. Fans began hoping for 0-for-forever and wore T-shirts that read, "Go for 0." They cheered the visiting teams. They had little reason to cheer the Bucs. But on occasion they would applaud when the team did something spectacular—like making a particularly smooth entry onto the field.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Oh Billy, I wouldn\'t have posted that if I were you.
I\'m sure you\'ll find out why very soon.
Its not going to be pleasant either.

Bucs most memorable season
 

I already know but just have to get something started early in the morning.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Hmmm, Billy which do you enjoy more, being right or just stirring it up?

Bucs most memorable season
 

LOL.........Well, of course I like to be right but it\'s getting getting harder to find something football related to talk about. I\'m marking the days off on my calender brother. I don\'t think it\'s ever going to get here. :casstet:

Bucs most memorable season
 

Billy, Billy, Billy......

Any fish biting in this pond? The bait looks tempting, but I refuse to bite...

I suggest a different lure....

http://www.wahooking.com/images/lure1.jpg
:D

Bucs most memorable season
 

I know...............

The bait that all Bucs seem to like............


JAIL BAIT????????????????

Bucs most memorable season
 

The greatest part of that memory is the first franchise regular season win IN NEW ORLEANS! WOO HOO! was that a hoot or what!

The Buccaneers crushed the New Orleans Saints 33-14 to end the second-longest losing streak in NFL history at 26 games (Chicago Cardinals have a 29-game losing streak). Saints coach Hank Stram, on the other hand, will wear the stamp of the man first beaten by Tampa Bay, The Bucs beat the coach who wanted the job McKay got. (that\'s right Saint fans Stram wanted the Bucs HC job back then, you were his second choice)

Before that memorable game Saints quarterback Archie Manning was reported to have said, \"It would be a disgrace to lose to the Bucs\" :)

The defense, incensed by remarks attributed to Saints QB Archie Manning, stung Manning and his backup, Bobby Scott, with six pass interceptions, including three for TDs, plus a fumble recovery and 5 sacks. Richard \"Batman\" Wood went 10 yards with an interception for a touchdown.

Hank Stram burned the game film in front of his players the following Monday and was fired after the season. Over 8,000 fans were at Tampa International Airport to welcome the team home from their first victory.


Thanks for the memories Saints! And what is ironic now that we are in the same division, is that the FIRST EVER victory of the Bucs franchise was the Pre-season matchup in 1976 against the Atlanta Falcons!

We have EARNED our celebration of our championship as long suffering fans. Hopefully you Saint fans will experience it in your lifetime, fanbs like us that suffer for so long appreciate it more than fans like Packer fans who follow a team that has won it before they ever became fans.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Actually, because of suffering through many loosing seasons as a Saints fan, I was happy that the Bucs fans could finally celebrate a superbowl victory. Must feel great.

However, my hypocrocy only goes so far. The best team will be there this year.

Aaron Books, Horn, Duece, and Stallworth, are the Bucs worst nightmare!!!

Bucs most memorable season
 

Actually Philly was the Bucs worst nightmare. The Saints were more like a trip and fall, considering the Bucs dominated them so badlly the year prior and Philly had beaten us in the playoffs two years in a row. But like the Saints sweep last year, it is old news and we have to suit up and battle again.

Bucs most memorable season
 

The human brain is a funny thing and if you keep telling yourself that over and over and over and over...............sooner or later you will start to beleive anything.

But let me bring you back to reality!!! The Bucs did nothing to improve in the off season.

We did and be scared, be very, very scared.

Bucs most memorable season
 

But the funny thing about life is that you can\'t predict the future; when the past can be replayed in one\'s mind forever. I doubt it very seriously that you were happy for us, let\'s stop it with the group love. Maybe you could have said that in the past, prior to the re-alignment. But until the make another change, our success is directly related to your failure and vice-versa.

So really, in understanding what you are trying to accomplish, you don\'t have to go that far. You merely accepted our success.

Which is why you cling to your hopes of winning it all. Duece and the gang will be hungry, just as Derrck Brooks and the gang. Everyone has gum drop post-season dreams.....

We are in limbo basically. You can talk about an unforeseen future, or we can relish in a long awaited championship that has past......

Bottom line in all of this I think is; the season is getting close it is in everyone best intrest to forget what happened last year because its over. But IMO, I have at least 11 days (July 18)......

Bucs most memorable season
 

IMO, this year is different. Any off-season move a team makes, it is in thought of improving or getting better. For you to say that is just not right....

Further, our situation requires for us to maintain. We won the whole thing. Now our role has changed slightly. WE MUST MAINTAIN.....

You can not say we haven\'t maintained our core group of guys in a perpetual player rotating environment.

Well, you could say that; but you\'d be lying.

Bucs most memorable season
 

While it\'s true that I cannot predict the future, we did beat the Bucs twice last year. Considering what a young team we had compared to a veteran team in the Bucs, who had made it to the playoffs the last 5 or 6 years, our superior talent won both games for us.

Now with an added year of experience for us and a better defense this year, even the most simplistic of minds can surely see that we should sweep the Bucs once again.

Bucs most memorable season
 

The spinning just doesn\'t stop. IF that is what you are basing your comments on the I feel bad for you. From my recollection, both games were 2 knock\'em out, drag\'em down brawls?

AGE I will give you, even though I can argue the facts with reasonable proof showing that it has advantages and disadvantages.

Your so-called superiority does not explain the traditional season ending collapse. The poor leadership of Brooks. The questionable coaching at times from Haslett. Turley\'s vile departure; as your front office snapped back at his comments?

What\'s superior about that? If 2 games give you that, then are the Falcons the superior team over the Saints?

[Edited on 8/7/2003 by BucNup]

Bucs most memorable season
 

That was the Patriots and Ravens famous last words !!!

Bucs most memorable season
 

Different situation, both similar in their creation. You see, the Ravens and Patriots \"sold out\" for their championship. They put teams together through FA without regards to their future. That is not the case with the Bucs.......

Bucs most memorable season
 

The No Spin Zone.


Unlike the Bucs who had a veteran team with a donminate defense, the Falcons were young and actually had an offense.

The Falcons deserved to win those games last year because we had no defense.

However, IMO the Saints offense is better than the Falcons and our defense will be improved this year.

I feel the only thing that prevented us from winning both games against the Falcons was our defense, which will not be the case this year.

The Bucs are what they are and they just don\'t match up the Saints

Bucs most memorable season
 

I THOUGHT YOU SAID......


You still didn\'t answer my question............

Bucs most memorable season
 

The No Spin Zone Part 2

Yes they were dominate against us last year. They beat us twice. I\'m a man, I can admit it.

Now are you a man or a mouse? Squeak up !!!

Bucs most memorable season
 

Oh Billy, let me count the ways to edify you on your obvious misinformation...

1. The Buc\'s will be stronger on Defense because of several reasons, they now have Dwayne Rudd who is a far better WLB then Al Singleton and they will have Booger McFarland back on their DL who missed most of last Season. They also added great depth on already the best DL in the NFL with the top pick of Dwayne White who is tailor made for a Buc\'s DL. He has the strngth and quickness of Sapp, but he is younger, faster and taller, he will fit in quite nicely in the DL rotation even as a rookie. The Bucs have 9 out of 11 starters returning and all the key guys are intact from last year with an upgrade at Weak side LB and 3 good prospects to take D Jax\'s place.

2. The Buc\'s Offense will be much improved as last Season was their first Season in Grudens complicated Offense and it took them most of the Season to get it down and they were clicking after the end of the regular Season under Grudens Offense and this is why they averaged 36 ppg in the Playoffs. This Season they will have an entire extra camp and Pre-Season under Grudens Offense. Brad Johnson did a remarkable job of picking up Grudens Offense last Season and according to all reports he looks much better in camp so far this Season along with his backups. Last Season we struggled to say the least in the 3 games Brad missed, but this Season we are in much better shape in the backup QB position as Jim Miller may not be the greatest starter in the NFL, but he is a very solid backup and he has looked good in camp thus far. Chris Simms makes a decent 3rd string QB IMHO and a fututre starter in the NFL.

3. Even without Michael Pittman we are better off at the RB position with a RB by committe with Thomas Jones, Mike Alstott, Travis Stephens and Aaron Stecker. We have the same solid WR corps that finished 4th in the NFC and 10th in the league and with the addition of either Charles Lee or Jaquez Green to add depth and speed.

4. The biggest improvement will be on the OL as they add solid experienced starters in Jason Whittle from the Giants and John Wade from J-Ville. The OL will be greatly improved from the start.

I do not foresee the slow start from a year ago as they were learning a new Offense, I see their Offense clicking like it did at the end of last Season and we saw what that does combined with their great Defense. It led to outscoring their opponents in the Playoffs by 106-37, which was unheard of since the 85 Bears!

Anybody who watches football knows the Bucs have a great shot at repeating. Sure it is hard with this day of FA, but the Bucs have managed to keep virtually the entire SB team intact with a few upgrades also.

The only thing IMHO, which could derail the Buc\'s next Season is injuries, period!

Bucs most memorable season
 

Ok then....

Now let\'s look at the evolution football chain....

Taking your same logic further.

Since you are basing your head-to-head battles as being \"superior\" then this is true:

The Saints are SUPERIOR over the Bucs. (SWEEP)
The Falcons are SUPERIOR over the Saints. (SWEEP)
The Bucs are SUPERIOR over the Falcons. (SWEEP)

(This will probably never work out like this again, but since it has, let\'s continue)

If things would have ended without anyone making any noise in the playoffs we could all argue that our teams were SUPERIOR. Right?

But Then comes the playoffs: (NOTE: The Saints were not SUPERIOR enough to be included on the list of SUPERIOR teams preparing to compete for SUPREME SUPERIORITY --AKA Super Bowl Championship)

BUCS & FALCONS

Although the Bucs and Falcons never faced off in the playoffs; SUPERIORITY in the playoffs is all about survival. The Falcons failed to take SUPERIORITY to the next level.....

Playoffs and beyond:

BUCS

So when you break this down, in your own words, the BUCS (in 2002 ) was the only SUPERIOR team in the 2002 campaign........

What you speak if are battles. You won the battles, but we won the WAR.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Hey you can count. :D :D :D :D :D

Now, let me show the difference between wishful thinking and reality.

1. The defense probably had the best year it\'s ever going to have, no matter who is there this year. This is the only strong unit on the team.

2. The Bucs offense isn\'t going to scare anyone. I don\'t care if they run Grudens\' offense for the next 100-years. Most of the players you have on offense could not start on most teams in the NFL. I don\'t even know if they would make our 3rd string.

3. Man, your going to strain something reaching that far.....NO COMMENT NEEDED FOR THAT ONE !!

4. For a sitting duck like Brad I can\'t run Johnson, you had better hope so.

And just to show you I can count higher than you.......

5. Anyone who knows football knows the only way the Bucs have of repeating, is if all the stars line-up correctly and your guys stop going to jail.

Bucs most memorable season
 

That and execution. I\'ve talked to people until I became blue in the face about the offense. How can the offense not be ready next season? The Pittman situation is going to hurt us, because I honestly felt he was going to have a break-out season. Gruden was plugged into a formula.

THIS IS THE YEAR that we actually expected the Bucs to be explosive on offense. But he worked with what he had, although he knew the team didn\'t have the O fully and produced a championship.

Injuries is the only thing that worries me.......

Bucs most memorable season
 

Since our first 2 games against the Bucs ths year will be battles, I like our chances.


The only hope the Bucs have this year is if we drop off late in the season, but considering we have a better offense, defense, and special teams. I don\'t see that happening.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Mark my words, every team in the south will split series\' with each other, causing mass chaos within the division.

Bucs most memorable season
 

I\'m not doubting any of that B&B.... But your buddy is clinging to the Saints sweeping of us as some form of crystal ball. I was hoping that we didn\'t see the Falcons in the playoffs in all honesty. Sweeping a team is tough, but 3 times is the worst.....

Bucs most memorable season
 

We don\'t see you until week 9!!!!

I like my chances.... :P

Bucs most memorable season
 

Still waiting for that reality you talk of. Look at your list, it\'s ALL wishfull thinking.

1. Explain how they can\'t be better other than your keen insight \"probably had the best year it\'s ever going to have\"

2. I though Keyshawn & McCardell were starters for YEARS on other teams. Silly me. :exclam:

3. How about a comment? The Bucs run game DID improve in the biggest games of the year, how is it going to get worse? You backpeddled on that one.

4. Do you even know about Brad record as a passer in the NFC last year AND in the history of the NFL? AB can only hope to come close to his accomplishments when he is in the league as long as Brad. And again you skirted around the OL statement with a backpeddling uninformed Brad Johnson remark

5. Nice banter and shows me how well you know and debate real football talk. ;)

Bucs most memorable season
 

Damn....

You do sound like me........

:yltype:

Bucs most memorable season
 

[/quote:8b1468f95d]Still waiting for that reality you talk of. Look at your list, it\'s ALL wishfull thinking.

1. Explain how they can\'t be better other than your keen insight \"probably had the best year it\'s ever going to have\"

2. I though Keyshawn & McCardell were starters for YEARS on other teams. Silly me. :exclam:

3. How about a comment? The Bucs run game DID improve in the biggest games of the year, how is it going to get worse? You backpeddled on that one.

4. Do you even know about Brad record as a passer in the NFC last year AND in the history of the NFL? AB can only hope to come close to his accomplishments when he is in the league as long as Brad. And again you skirted around the OL statement with a backpeddling uninformed Brad Johnson remark

5. Nice banter and shows me how well you know and debate real football talk. ;) [/quote:8b1468f95d]

1. The same way your telling me it\'s going to be so much better. How much better would you say they are going to be:
Multiple Choice:
A. 100%
B. 75%
C. 50%
D. 25%
I know yours is based off facts.........Right???

2. Your right. You have 2 starters that might could start for other teams. Very Impressive.

3. Let\'s see......One running back on the way to prison and the other has been one of the biggest busts as a running back so far..........Very Impressive.

4. Two words............Role Player.

5. Nice banter and shows me how well you know and debate football talk.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Well with that logic, you can\'t tell me the Saints will be any better either. It\'s all based on perception of the improvements.

But one fact is there, The Bucs ARE the Best in the NFL right now and they did that in a year they were learning the offense. The Saints are HOPING to be better.

Like many have said, last year was the WORST the bucs offense will be under Gruden, and we won it all. The defense is completely intact with Rudd replacing Singleton (upgrade) and Dwight replacing Dex (wash).

Still don\'t see how they can get worse without injury.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Let me explain something to you that is real.

The Bucs won the 2002 championship. This is 2003. IT\'S OVER!!!

All you have are bragging rights for last year. There have been no games played this year for the Bucs to have proved they are the best team in 2003.

Yeah, Yeah, I know........until further notice the Bucs are the champs. I got it.

You like facts so here\'s one for you.

Fact: Nothing the Bucs did last year is going to mean anything this year.

I know it\'s hard to talk Saint/Bucs match-up when we beat you twice and it\'s nice to be able to say: Yeah but we won the Superbowl, so the Saints wins were irrelevant, but if you want to have a real football debate(which obviously you don\'t) everything you say is a moot point.

Batwood,

That last post? I expected so much more. You letting Bucs fans down everywhere. ;)



[Edited on 8/7/2003 by BillyCarpenter1]

Bucs most memorable season
 

Not entirely correct. By this I mean that they have become a team that will be taken much more serious by thataccomplishment. The Bucs had been generating a stigma that they couldn\'t win in the cold and that for all the regular season success, that was all there would be. Philly and Green Bay were probably drooling to see the Bucs in January. Not any more. Teams that used to bring the A game may need the A+ game.

As for the Bucs being better, here\'s my take:
1) Defense- I agree Rudd is an upgrade (keep the helmet on buddy). Dwight, a wash a best, no problem there. Sapp-his distractions could be a wash if McFarland is healthy. Keeping Monte Kiffin is the only thing that makes me agree they will be as good as last year. I don\'t think they can or will be better.
2-4) Offense- Thomas Jones is no upgrade over Pittman, but neither is a good RB. If Gruden can turn any of the other backs into a Garner clone then your running game doesn\'t get much respect, but Gruden teams don\'t need 1000 yrd rushers. They thrive on the short passing that makes up for that. I think the O-Line is patchwork at best and will only get exploited as the season moves on. The offense will be more consistent over the course of the year, but the production will never be top 10. I don\'t buy into the idea that defenses will start to pick up on Gruden\'s offense and defend it better. Even before last year he showed a nice ability to adjust before defenses force him to. He was always one step ahead in play calling. The problem, he has a poor talent base to work with and I think he has maximized the overachieving in his starters. Most of the offense is entering the declining years and I also don\'t buy that he will make Gannon/Rice/Brown out of Johnson/Johnson/McCardell. Unlike the Raider trio, it is more likely these three will succumb to the age factor, especially Brad Johnson who has always and will again take a pounding this year.
3) You have the schedule of death. You start hard, get no back to back easy ones to get momemtum, and finish tough too. Defending the title is often as hard as getting it.

This will be a blood and guts year for everyone in the NFC South. I see it coming down to motivation. Can Gruden re-motivate this team or do the Sainst and Falcons gain ground on a team that is still reminiscing?

Bucs most memorable season
 

ye gads, gasp, cough, hack,hack,hack, weeezzzzzzzzzzzz..........buck fans talking football? when i see an elephant fly............FLASH , this just in from black and gold, heavy rumors continue to swirl around the beatings the saints gave the bucks last year......though some of the team is just beginning to realize they won the super bowl months ago, the swelling has yet to go down on the man handling da saints dished out to the bucs.........HEAVY RUMORS continue to fly around the saints locker room from all players that they can\'t wait to see their ******* again.....they remain \"pumped up\" for a good reason........deadwood, i\'ll give you this, b johnson will not make the entire season this yr, he\'ll go out with one or more breaks, or concussion..........and there goes your season, but, be glad, once all the cobwebs go away, at least the remaining players will remember,( through councelling and therapy) that they did win a s. b..........i not only look for the saints to sweep, but humiliate the bucks this yr with surprises for the falcons and panthers as well........talk is cheap so i put my money where my mouth is......bucker backed down, ( a show of somewhat intelligence) how about you? smitty

Bucs most memorable season
 

lumm0x

That was the most honest and well thought response I\'ve seen yet. I was expecting more rantings and insults (you had some good zingers before ;) )

Your points are pretty right on, yes it will be a brutal schedule based on last year but that always seems to be the problem with strength of schedule, they can only base it on last year. Sometimes teams you expect to be good, stink it up and vice-versa.

The O-line was banged up early last year and had new faces along with learning new schemes, so I believe the upgrades in FA will be the only question mark, the others will be better from finally getting into year two under a system.

Thomas Jones is definately a crap-shoot, could be a breakout year, could be a flop. But I do like the idea of Stecker getting in there more, all he seems to do is get big gains when he touches the ball. The hybrid WCO Gruden runs does not need a 1000 yd runner like you stated but needs a runner good at catching in the open and moving the chains, that is something Alstott & stecker are good at and usually it\'s Keyshawn making key blocks on those plays also..

Don\'t forget about Jurivicious, he is ready for a break out year IMO and in Grudens (from past article). Keyshawn, McCardell & Jurivisious are all big recievers that do not need to be fast but can make clutch plays on 3dr down. Brad is still underatted and proven tough and has a few years left that will be his best IMO as the offense gets more familiar with the plays. I think Chris Simms will be ready by the time Brad steps down and he has the luxury of learning the right way and not being forced into the fire. Again being in year two of the offense is a huge advantage, just look at Gruden\'s trake record as an OC & HC in year two of his previous stints (Philly & Oakland). But right now it\'s all speculation anyway.

And I find it ironic that BillyCarpenter states \"Fact: Nothing the Bucs did last year is going to mean anything this year\" but then in the same post touts the Saints sweep of last year.

So which one is it Billy? Does last year mean anything? or is it that it only means something when talking about the Saints wins? :D Hypocracy is not a good tactic. ;)


ssmitty,
Diddn\'t know the Saints played the Milwalkee Bucks last year :)

Bucs most memorable season
 

When I\'m invited to a gun fight I don\'t bring a knife. I bring a gun. What I mean is that you bring is your \"optimistic\" Bucs talk, \" We\'re fast, pretty, and can\'t possibly be beat\" attitude, then I must counter with the same logic.

The reason I say the Saints will sweep the Bucs is because, simply put, we match up well against you guys.

The reason I say the Bucs will not repeat is because recent history dictates so.


Why is it that you agree with LummOx when he said your defense will be no better this year and your running game is no good, but when I said the same thing, I was being a hater?


[Edited on 9/7/2003 by BillyCarpenter1]

Bucs most memorable season
 

Very good post lumm0x,

I think what confuses me when it comes to your Billy is that you tell us to forget about last year, but then you throw your sweeping of us in our face. I just read your post about how you feel the Saint match-up well against the Bucs. But I don\'t buy it. I\'ll take my chances with every team in the league, if I knew that each game would come down to 1 or 2 plays. This is exactly what happened in both of the Bucs v. Saints game.

You simply came out on top.

Now as for the Bucs and what to expect? It\'s going to start with the OL. An OL that made improvements and turned it on strong at the end. That has me filled with hope, despite who gets the nod at RB.....

IF our OL can dictate the flow of a football game, then we have that many more weapons to use. Gruden buckled down and worked with what he had last year. The results were outstanding.

We\'ve made some additons on the OL, LB, Secondary, Special Teams, and RB; all while hold the core in place. That has to have Bucs fans feeling good about the upcoming season, even without thinking about all of the events surrounding the 2002 season.

It must also be acknowledged that this is the second go-round with the O....

No one will admit it; but the guys were stressed out trying to find out where to go for most of last year. We had a few formations, flipped it left and right, depended on the quick slant, most in part due to a horrid OL performance; all while getting better each week.

Many people didn\'t see it that way, or saw it yet failed to realize what was going on. We saw a watered down version of the Gruden O. Hell, he knows the O so well, he ran the drills during the SB practices. Telling guys EXACTLY where to be and when to be there; but the Raiders couldn\'t do the same? Come on......

He added a few wrinkles here and there and camoflauged it at the right times....

This year we should see an offense that made the Bucs offer up those 2 1st rounders, 2 2nd rounders and 8 million in cash.....

Now the Bucs haven\'t had a storied past; but this Gruden deal will go down in the history books flaming white hot. I believe it\'s all just beginning.......

PS: Just for you smitty http://www.online-betting-guide.co.uk/ ENJOY!

[Edited on 9/7/2003 by BucNup]

Bucs most memorable season
 

You think your confused. I am too, when you say that because the Bucs hoisted the trophy in the air, that the 2 Saints wins became meaningless??

You keep talking about how Grudens system is going to be so much better this year. While coaching plays an important part in the success of any team, I\'m a firm beleiver that the players ultimately decide the game.

The Bucs had a poor draft simply because of what you lost for hiring Gruden. You picked up some guys, none of which anyone execpt the most optimistic Bucs fan (BucNup, Batwood) expect to have a big impact this year.

Realistically speaking, you might or might not have improved a Superbowl winning team.

I think anyone that thinks the Bucs will repeat this year says that it will be the defense that must once again bear the burden of carring the team on it\'s shoulders, because the offense remains suspect.

I can be just like you. I can keep it real on one post and give a biased one on the next. But don\'t try to make everyone think that you don\'t give us highly biased statements most of the time.

Bucs most memorable season
 

Just to clarify though, I\'m not trying to get kudos from a couple of Bucs fans.....you\'re still getting your asses handed to you this year.....twice I may add!