Buccaneers Pick Six: A tale of two halves

Six Topics Suitable For Conversation

1.) No. There Is Still No Quarterback Controversy.

I can’t believe I’m still seeing this. I even got into a very long argument with Clay Travis and his minions – who you either love or hate – about the fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick is 2-0 as a starter. For anyone that actually watched the game, there was an amazing contrast between the first and second halves. Everything that worked in the first half, they just flat out didn’t do in the second allowing the Dolphins to come back. The Dolphins had seventeen penalties for 123 yards. Not only that, Fitz put himself in a situation to give up a safety that – for the life of me – I can’t figure out how it wasn’t ruled as such. The offense was gifted four takeaways from the defense and couldn’t get in the end zone. 3-for-13 on third down. 28 yards in the second half until the final drive, which went for 58 yards. This team is not better with Fitz under center. The defense has been better, not the offense. Fitzpatrick should start the rest of the season strictly to ensure Jameis Winston heals completely.

*Note – I have intentionally not spoken about the allegations regarding Jameis Winston up to this point. I will have a reaction coming Tuesday. It’s been best to wait now that more and more facts have come pouring in*

2.) The Defense Stepped Up On The Road

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There were some issues in the second half, sure. Maybe it was because the Buccaneers’ offense couldn’t string together a drive of any kind and the defense was gassed, but four turnovers in the first half and a sack is a solid performance. They improved on their points per game allowed on the road. Coming into this game, they allowed 33 points per game when away from Raymond James. And it sure didn’t take long to discover why T.J. Ward hasn’t been starting this season.

3.) T.J. Ward Is Infuriating

Dolphins running back Damien Williams busted off a 68-yard run on the Dolphins’ second offensive play of the game, effectively shaking Ward so bad his legs looked like Jell-O. A few plays later, Ward decided to wag his finger and flex after a play inside the ten yard line. Later, after a Jarvis Landry reception, Ward got flagged for taunting. Um, dude – how about you make some plays that actually help the Bucs before you start puffing your chest out and acting like a tough guy? It’s no wonder that he was pulled for Chris Conte, who made some nice tackles and forced a fumble later in the game. People continue to hate on Conte, but he is absolutely out playing Ward throughout this season.

4.) Can The Buccaneers Keep This Up?

As we discussed in the roundtable, no, I don’t believe they can. They were lucky to escape with a win Sunday. Coming up, the Buccaneers have the Falcons in Atlanta, the Packers in Green Bay, home against the Lions, the Falcons again on Monday Night when Jon Gruden gets inducted into the Ring of Honor, then at Carolina and home against the Saints. The most winnable games are one of the Falcons games and the Aaron Rodgers-less Packers. This isn’t last season. There isn’t a five game or six game run in this team with Fitzpatrick at the helm. It’ll be nice if the defense can continue to play like they have, but it won’t be enough to mask an inept offense.

5.) Is Dirk Koetter Still On The Hot Seat?

I think it’s cooled a little, but it’s still not pretty. I’ve said time and time again that I’m sick of the every other year coaching carousel, but Dirk Koetter and Mike Smith have massively disappointed this season. No, Jon Gruden is not the answer as people are so easily forgetting all the problems he created during his tenure. If the Bucs can go .500 the rest of the way, Koetter might be able to stick around with the built in excuse of injuries to key players. I’m still betting he’s on his way out the door.

6.) Can Lavonte David Get Some Love? Please?

This guy isn’t just playing at a Pro Bowl level, he’s playing at a first team All-Pro level. He’s is constantly flying to the ball, he’s getting pressure on the quarterback when sent on a blitz, he’s creating turnovers. He’s a beast. However, like he so often is, David will be overlooked by voters of these awards because of the Buccaneers’ record and disappointing season. He shouldn’t be. It’s a flat out shame.