The Pewter Plank » mattfisherman

Let’s Keep It Going

mattfisherman — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:51:37 +0000

For the first time in almost a year the Bucs have a chance to put a win streak together. It won’t be an easy task as they take on the Wildcat heavy offense of the Miami Dolphins. The Bucs showed last week that they still have a lot of fight left in them. The key to today’s game will be for the Bucs to have a game plan and stick to it. They need to be able to establish the run and not give up on it at the first sign of trouble. I think we can all admit that Josh Freeman was very impressive last week, but he is still a rookie. The best way to make things easier on him will be to run the ball effectively. If the defense can toughen up and keep the Wildcat in check this team will have a great opportunity today. For the first time this year the Bucs have a chance to build on some positive momentum. If they can keep it going today it would set up a very intriguing finish to the season.

It’s Time For The Bucs To Show Some Fight

mattfisherman — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:33:12 +0000

Today’s game might not mean much in standings, but to a lot of people this game will be a true test of this teams character. One of the greatest Buccaneers of all time, Lee Roy Selmon, will be the first person inducted into the ring of honor at today’s game. Not only will there be tons of fans in the seats, but also a bunch of former players coming to check out the event. In short, this team better play its heart out today. If this team wants anyone in this town to get behind them, they need to fight and scratch and claw for some respect today against the Packers. I’m not asking nor am I expecting a win. Let’s face it, we have a rookie QB making his first start and Green Bay has a very explosive offense. What I am asking for is for the Bucs to start fighting back. They can’t continue to except defeat lying down. They could learn a lot from the guy who is being honored today. Win or lose Lee Roy Selmon gave 100% every play and fought to turn this franchise around. As a Buc fan, I don’t think it’s too much to ask for the current players on this team to start doing the same.

Hello England

mattfisherman — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 13:42:06 +0000

I’m not sure if this is what the NFL had in mind when it decided to play football in Europe. A pathetic 0-6 team going up against a perennial power. This is like college football’s version of USC taking on Vanderbilt at a neutral site. It’s not exactly the type of game that’s going to get the rest of the world on board with American football.

This change of scenery could be a good thing for the Bucs, though. From all of the reports I’ve heard, the crowd in London today will not be much of a factor for either team. It will be similar to a Wimbledon match between two guys that nobody cares about. They will cheer the good plays but won’t have a rooting interest either way. This will be far different than the atmosphere the Bucs have been playing in this year. Other than the Washington game, every road crowd has been in a frenzy getting as loud as possible. Even when the Bucs are at home they are usually hearing a round of boos by the second half. So having a crowd that is disinterested right from the start could be a great change for the Bucs. Of course, they are going up against one of the more professional and workman like teams in all of the NFL (so if the Bucs are down 3 touchdowns at the half, forget we had this talk).

However this game turns out, which I don’t think will be good for Bucs fans, the main question will be what did the NFL gain by sending these teams over there? This can’t be the product they want to show off to the rest of world.