Buccaneers have must-win game against third-string quarterback

Trace McSorley, Arizona Cardinals Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Trace McSorley, Arizona Cardinals Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be facing a third-string quarterback on Christmas Day. Make no mistake about it, this is a must-win game for the Buccaneers.

With Kyler Murray done for the season, and now Colt McCoy ruled out for the Arizona Cardinals against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they will be turning to third-string quarterback Trace McSorley. Despite the obvious mismatch at quarterback in favor of the Buccaneers, this is still a game that Tom Brady and the Bucs simply have to win.

Obviously, every game is a must-win for the Buccaneers if they wish to win the NFC South. That is still a sentence that is unbelievable to be put into writing, but that’s where we are currently. Every day matters, but now that the Cardinals are down to a third-string quarterback in McSorley, there is no excuse for the Bucs. They have to win.

Sure, McSorley does have some moxie to him, and is, without a doubt, the best quarterback that Penn State has had in the last decade. Granted, that isn’t saying all that much, but it still needs to be said, and he needs to be given his credit.

Even with that being the case, the Buccaneers defense needs to get back on the right track. They have been solid all season, but have since fallen off of a cliff a bit. This could be the perfect “get right“ game for them, and the team as a whole. It’s especially true considering that the Cardinals are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. We would say “oh how the mighty have fallen”, but that applies for both teams when you think about it.

At the end of the day, every game is now a must-win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as we’ve said. However, the point is exacerbated now that Trace McSorley will be playing quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas. Let’s hope this present is not a lump of coal.

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