Predicting the Final 12 Games of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Season With Mike Glennon at Quarterback
By Leo Howell
Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon (8) talks with offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a bye this week, which means they have a chance to look back over their first four games and see what went right, what went wrong, and what they need to do to win their first game sometime in the next few weeks.
So it’s also time for writers (like myself) who predicted the season based on a functional relationship between quarterback Josh Freeman and head coach Greg Schiano to reconsider our thoughts and approaches to the season. I predicted the Buccaneers would be 3-1 at this point in the season, so clearly I’m already significantly wrong on my predictions.
Here is my updated game-by-game predictions, as I determine what the Buccaneers” final record will be under new quarterback Mike Glennon.
Week 6, versus the Philadelphia Eagles – Loss
I simply can’t see any way that Mike Glennon gets it together to score enough points in his second career game to keep up with Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and the potent Philadelphia offense.
Week 7, at the Atlanta Falcons – Loss
The Falcons have scored at least 23 points in every game so far this season. The Buccaneers have scored 27 points in their last three games combined. Again, I’m just not sure there’s enough offense to take care of the Falcons, who have the receiving options to avoid Darrelle Revis and pick apart the stingy Bucs’ D.
Week 8, versus the Carolina Panthers – Win
I think this is the ideal situation for the Buccaneers, as they host the Panthers on a short week on Thursday Night Football. TNF games are usually ugly and dysfunctional thanks to the short week, so that will give the Bucs the opportunity to scrap out a win.
Sep 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks for an open receiver during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Texans 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Week 9, at the Seattle Seahawks – Loss
Nope.
Week 10, versus the Miami Dolphins – Loss
Miami will be coming off a very long layover, playing on Monday night a week after a Thursday night game. So they’ll be rested and ready for the Bucs, who will have likely just fell in spectacular fashion to the Seattle Seahawks.
Week 11, versus the Atlanta Falcons – Loss
At this point, the wheels are fully off the wagon. This is a winnable game, even for a Mike Glennon-led offense, but the locker room will be in shambles at this point.
Week 12, at the Detroit Lions – Loss
The Lions are certainly better than I predicted them to be so far this season, and that’s thanks to the play of their front four on defense and their plethora of weapons on offense. Both will cause problems for Tampa Bay.
Week 13, at the Carolina Panthers – Loss
There’s no Josh Freeman to Vincent Jackson game-tying touchdown and two point conversion this time. Panthers hold court at home.
Week 14, versus the Buffalo Bills – Win
EJ Manuel should be healthy again by Week 14, but I don’t even think that’s enough to lead them to victory against Tampa Bay. The Bucs can certainly win ugly in this one, and I’m predicting they will.
Week 15, versus the San Francisco 49ers – Loss
I previously had this game as a win, because I believed the Buccaneers would win a slugfest against the traveling 49ers.
But there is no way that Mike Glennon is going to be able to negotiate the pass rush of the 49ers, and San Francisco can certainly still score enough to figure out a way to win.
Week 16, at the St. Louis Rams – Loss
On the road against a team with a decent offense? Nope. Not gonna happen.
Week 17, at the New Orleans Saints – Loss
Even if the team improves more than I believe they will, they’re not going to win in New Orleans to end the season unless Drew Brees is watching from the bench. And even then, I’m not sure it’s a sure thing.
That brings the Bucs’ final record to 2-14.
What do you think? How do you see the season ending? Give your thoughts in the comment section below.