Nail-biting Finish

With a minute and twenty seconds remaining, Michael Clayton’s foot stepped out of bounds on the two-point conversion attempt, ending the Bucs chances to claim victory. The 49ers beat the Bucs by two, as Tampa rested their starters for most of the game. Already in the playoffs, the Bucs rested their key players, but nearly rallied for a victory. Not effecting the Bucs mentality, they have one more game this season before they head into the playoffs as the #4 seed in the NFC. Let’s look at what made this game what it was:

Backup Problems
It might provide us fans some comfort when our backups can win a game. However, when they lose against the 49ers, it is semi-embarrassing. Even though the backups took it easy as well, there is no need to give up a game. Luke McCown passed for 185 yards and a score, but came up short at the end of the game. It’s also embarrassing when one defensive player racks up 20 tackles against the Bucs. The running game was virtually nothing with Earnest Graham out, as Michael Bennett ran for only 16 yards.

Resting…
With a playoff spot secured, the Bucs rested the majority of their starters. Even with their backups in, they were close to a victory. If the starters had played, the Bucs would likely have had a victory. Jeff Garcia came out after the Bucs were up 13-7, passing for 196 yards and a touchdown. Earnest Graham was silenced when he did play, rushing for only 21 yards. He did not score a touchdown, ending his streak of 6 consecutive games with a touchdown, setting the new Buccaneers record. Jerramy Stevens caught the two touchdown passes, coming off of his one-game suspension. Jeremiah Trotter even saw some action.

Comfortable Future
The Bucs have some young talent on their team, making it a comfortable future. Even though players like Garcia, Galloway, Derrick Brooks and Ronde Barber are getting up there in age, there are players on the team that are young and have bright futures ahead of them. Of course there is Cadillac Williams and Michael Clayton. Young guys like Earnest Graham can make a name for themselves, whether with the Bucs or not. Barrett Ruud, the defensive leader, is only in his second season. The defense also looks bright with rookie stars Tanard Jackson and Gaines Adams.

Game Notes:

• With a 29-yard reception, Joey Galloway passed the 1,000 yard receiving mark on the season. With that, he became the first Buccaneer receiver with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He is also the first Buc receiver to post three 1,000-yard seasons overall.
• Without a touchdown today, Earnest Graham ends his streak of 6-consecutive games with a touchdown. That is the new Buccaneer record for most consecutive games with a touchdown scored. Graham beat the old record by one game.
• Michael Pittman had seven receptions to move ahead of Jimmie Giles for 6th most receptions in Bucs history.
• Playing in his 160th game as a Buccaneer, Ronde Barber tied Tony Mayberry for 5th place on the clubs all-time list.

The Bucs will end their regular season against the Carolina Panthers. This game will be special in more ways than one. It will be the 500th game for the Tampa Bay franchise. It will also give the Bucs the chance to sweep their division. The Bucs now have a one game losing streak, and the Panthers are also riding a one game losing streak. In what was a season of complete turnaround for the Bucs, we can all be proud of what they’ve accomplished. I want the Bucs to end the season with double-digits in victories, but a 9-7 record and the NFC South Championship is far better than their 4-12 season a year ago. I would feel happy with a 9-7 record, but would feel more accomplished with a 10-6 record.