Tampa Two Report: 2009-10-11

Just watching the game now, wasn't sure how much I should type up so I just put it all. I wrote it earlier this morning on a train. Either way here it is...

Week 5 should bring more misery for the Bucs as Philli aim to go 3-1 with the return of McNabb under center.
For me, the McNabb factor is the overriding factor this week. I have no faith in Kolb and never will. Sure he has sat on the bench for the last four years and knows Andy Reids playbook inside out but this for me, should be no reason to start a guy ahead of two proven NFL qbs. Garcia is old, but let's not forget, he took the Bucs to an 8-3 start last season and I see know reason why he couldn't do a good job at another team for another year.
As far as Vick goes, I don't think the way Philli are handling him is wrong, I just don't think it's the way he should have come back. Assuming he truly is the same Mike Vick we all watched in awe, I have no doubts whatsoever that if he'd have joined the Lions or whoever else, he'd have a few wins under his belt. Heck, he'd have even done a few things for the Rams! The guy's nearly 30 years old, he's never been a great thrower, and hanging around on the sidelines as a wildcat option, waiting to inherit a team isn't going to help this. He's been out long enough and my best resolve would for him to have gotten back into regular football week in week out. Of course, while I'm not sure whether this will be the best option for him long term, this does help Philli greatly and I can see them going very far this year.
As far as this game goes, I don't see us having a chance. They were without McNabb and Vick for wks 1 and 2 and Mcnabb in wk 3. With both back this week, I can't see us holding out against them. These are two of the best qbs in the game - on one team - two - on one offense!
The under/over on the game (which I'm allowed to talk about because I'm British..!) is 15.5 in favour of the Eagles and despite the fact that I can see us being served up for lunch, I'm giving us a chance and taking the under.
First off, I can't imagine taking an over for anyone who isn't playing the Rams right now (11.5 this week... seriously!?!?).
Secondly, I have quite a lot of faith in Josh Johnson. Fine, he had a pretty bad second half last week but a few of the things he did caught my eye. I know the 'skin's D isn't too hot right now but he put up a couple of runs and quite a bit of movement out of the pocket that I simply haven't seen from a Bucs qb before. I've been a fan since the '98 season so I've seen quite a few qbs, but none really had much vigour or excitement to them. Take Shaun King, Brad Johnson, Brian Griese, Chris Simms, I'm sure I've missed one, but with the amount of excitement we've had on our offense over the last decade, I just get excited when I see someone move out of the pocket and not lose 10 yards!
Many times last week he only managed to get back to the line of scrimmage but he showed some flair and awareness and I can see him getting better.
Consequently, I can see us clearing 15 points, although I'm not saying I think we'll win! I know I'm meant to argue the Buc's corner but Deshaun Jackson has been playing well and Brain Celek is one of the most on form TEs in the league right now. And I know we haven't seen much yet, but the Vick option just scares me; if he can get close to his former self, he's one sick guy.
So why are we not 15 points worse than the Eagles?? I have high hopes for Johnson like I've said, Aquib Talib was on form last week, and after a few comments about him in the week, I'd expect Cadillac to be on better form too. If Johnson performs, I can see Winslow showing up. He's a good player and is definitely due a break-out game.
Will we win? Nope! But I don't think it's as dull as it seems.

Tampa Two Report

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Bucs vs Eagles Preview

Early Kick Off Handicaps