Bucs Punch Seahawks in the Mouth

I can't remember the last time the Bucs got a key win at Raymond James Stadium until yesterday as the team manhandled the Seattle Seahawks. Something has changed with this team as few weeks back, fans including myself were starting to talk about the draft. Now fans are talking playoffs yes playoffs, and for good reason as the Bucs have won three straight including wins over contenders in the Chiefs and Seahawks. This team is hitting their stride as they are playing complimentary football as each unit is helping each other and they have now put together three complete games together.

However let's get back to yesterday's win against a very good Seahawks team whom the Bucs literally punched in the mouth the whole game. The defense stoled the show as they were outstanding from start to finish and played with an fire in their eyes the whole game. I said the D-Line needed to take over the game for the Bucs to beat Seattle and not only did they took over they dominated as they looked like the Bucs defenses from the glory days. 

The Seahawks had no answers for our front four especially rookie DE Noah Spence who was in the backfield most of the night collecting 5 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Spence has been picking up steam since the Panthers game and continues to get better with each game. Gerald McCoy was outstanding as well getting a big sack late in the 4th quarter and was setting up sacks for Ryan Russell who did a great job working with McCoy on the stunt pass rush game. The Bucs defense had 6 sacks, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery, they pretty much out physical the Seahawks offense and were suffocating throughout the game. The defense held the Seahawks to 1 of 11 on third down and held them to three points which had many fans saying what is happening right now. Defense has returned to Tampa and it felt awesome to witness it as the Bucs got a huge win at Ray Jay.

Let's not forget about the offense as they started the fire, scoring on the opening drive as Jameis was precise and the Bucs were up 7-0. Then the Bucs get the ball right back and score again with a beautiful deep ball to Mike Evans and all of sudden the Bucs are up 14-0. That was the game as the offense didn't score after that but they did enough for the win. Jameis was outstanding again going 21-28 for 220yds and 2 tds along with a qb rating over 100. Martin is getting closer to his 2015 form as he had 23 carries for 87 yards, and as always Mike Evans was stellar again with two tds.

With the Bucs at 6-5, they are one game back of Atlanta for the division crown and are currently in the 7th spot just outside of the last wildcard spot. Is this team a playoff team? Going off these last three games sure looks like one to me. This team has momentum right now and are playing for each other and just seem to be having fun out there. Let's keep it going against the Chargers this Sunday and get to 7-5!

First pass attempt of the game and watch McCoy and Spence's get offs. Both fly to the Qb and meet in the mi... https://t.co/eCBGb20wz9

— realbucstalk (@realbucstalk) November 28, 2016

Things To Watch For Today Bucs Vs Hawks

by Douglas O'Connor
follow on Twitter @Ren_Daxt 

 Turnovers, penalties, and the ability to run the ball are tried and true factors to winning any NFL game. Dig a little deeper and you will find it's the little things that are just as important to gaining a victory . Here are some things to watch in the Buccaneers game against the Seahawks that can translate into a big win for Tampa.

Rushing Lanes The Bucs defensive ends, especially Noah Spence, use their superior speed to out race the offensive tackle to a preconceived spot in the backfield hoping to find the quarterback just finishing his drop back. This outside speed rush opens up huge lanes in between the rushing DE and the DT trying to collapse the pocket from the inside. Seattle QB Russell Wilson is exceptional at seeing these open lanes and using the space to extend plays and finding open receivers after the coverage breaks down. Look for the Bucs DE's to use more inside spin moves and to directly attack the OT inside shoulder to keep the lanes closed forcing Wilson to stay in the pocket and make quicker decisions.

Backside Coverage Head coach Dirk Koetter and Defensive coordinator Mike Smith both made a point to mention Russell Wilson's ability to throw to open men on the opposite side of the field while scrambling. Normally this is frowned upon by offensive coordinators because of the high interception rate, Wilson is making it a weapon. Look for the off corner, safety, and linebacker to stick to their man like glue until Wilson crosses the line of scrimmage.

Open Set The Bucs never run a 4 wide receiver set, but they will line up in a 3 WR set with the tight end split out from the line. Pro Bowl S Earl Thomas is inactive and with Richard Sherman shadowing Mike Evans look for the Bucs to spread out the field to get some 1 on 1 match ups with the 2nd string safety.

     The Bucs are looking for two straight victories against elite NFL opponents. With a win today the national media will sit up and take notice. These three factors could be the difference against the Seahawks.

     Thanks for reading and as always GO BUCS!

Irvin Likely To Hit The Open Market

As it sits right now the Bucs have no pure edge rusher that can put fear in the eyes of any quarterback in the NFL. Is it time to open up the Glazers wallet and spend on an athletic edge rusher like Bruce Irvin? Per Profootballtalk.com

Barring a new contract or the use of the franchise tag (both of which are believed to be highly unlikely at this point), Irvin will sign elsewhere — on a deal that easily will surpass $10 million annually.

Looking at the numbers in his first 4 years theres nothing to jump at. Having only 22 sacks in 4 years seems kind of low, but Irvin has yet to start on the edge for a whole season. In Seattle Irvin was labeled an outside linebacker yet played a hybrid, usually being a pass rush specialist.

Irvin at 6'3 260 with an extremely quick first step would be a perfect start to fixing such a pitiful defensive line. Licht continues to hammer the fact that he wants to build through the draft but with so much money under the cap, one big splash signing wouldn't hurt. The perfect scenario would be the bucs signing an edge rusher like Irvin along with drafting the highest rated rusher on their draft board. Jason Licht has the keys to himself, whats he going to do?

Bucs Could Use A Freak at DE

His name is Bruce Irvin, who plays for the Seahawks and is just a freak of nature. A guy like Irvin could come in right away and play hybrid end/linebacker being that speed rusher we need.