Buccaneers and their fans in line for a statement game

By James Yarcho | Sep 12, 2017

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Football fans cheer from the stands as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter of an NFL game on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host their season debut at Raymond James Stadium. It’s an opportunity for both the team – and the fans – to make a statement.

It’s here. It’s finally here. Game week. We witnessed 30 NFL teams make their debut while the Dolphins and Buccaneers sat, awaiting a hurricane and whatever damage it may cause. Their fans watched, mostly disinterested, in the games on television because they had no reason to become emotionally invested. Since February, we’ve waited. Now, it’s time.

Time to make a statement.

It’s not just a statement from the Bucs about being a contender for the NFC South crown. Not just a statement about being in a playoff hunt or playing meaningful games in the last month of the season. Not just a statement about the loss of a bye week being easily overcome with the leadership on the field, sidelines, or front office. Not just a statement about Jameis Winston‘s next step, Mike Evans‘ elite status, or whether or not all the money DeSean Jackson is getting was worth it.

It’s a statement that Buccaneers fans need to make.

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It’s about showing up in droves to Raymond James Stadium this Sunday. To put Hurricane Irma’s destruction on the back burner and let the NFL world know that we have arrived. No longer will visiting fans overrun our home. No longer will our team go to a silent count on their turf. That this team Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter constructed deserves every ounce of support they can get.

We know the factions: Stick Carriers, Buccaholics, the What The Buc crew, and your normal every day Bucs fans. It’s a time of unity. It’s a time of excitement. It’s a time – no matter what you call yourself – to get off your butt and scream at the top of your lungs for your beloved football team. Create Hell for the opposition.

There were way too many tweets and Facebook posts during the third preseason game of fans being told to sit down when they were on their feet cheering. That when our defense was on the field during a third down, people would rather sit and observe than get up, get loud, and help their defense out.

Those are the same people that complain about the team not being able to win.

It’s time for a change.

This is nothing new. This has been said by countless people in print and on various Bucs podcasts. That doesn’t make it any less meaningful now because now is when it happens for real. This is when it counts. If you can’t get out of your seat and show your appreciation for this team, then stay home. Sell your tickets to a Buccaneers fan that actually cares enough to be emotionally invested in the game.

There is no excuse for Raymond James to have a single empty seat come kickoff. Take pride in your team. Take pride in your city. Take a moment to realize that you, as a fan, can have an impact on that field each and every time you set foot in that stadium.

The Bears took the Falcons to the limit on Sunday. Mike Glennon – for all intents and purposes – should have won that game. Don’t let him come back here after turning down an offer to stay and allow him to keep it that close. Scream so loud he can’t hear himself think. Drown out the cannon fire when the Bucs score their first touchdown.

Make the twelfth man, the black hole, the dawg pound, the Superdome and every other stadium in the NFL seem like a church service.

Next: Glazers Make Massive Donation Towards Hurricane Relief

The Buccaneers have done everything they can to give you a team worth cheering for this season and beyond. Return the favor and show your appreciation.