This past Sunday, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost, at home, to the Oakland Raiders in overtime, 30-24.
Something has to change. The Buccaneers cannot continue to lose home games.
Since 2014, the Buccaneers are 3-16 at home. The three wins were not very impressive either, as the victories came against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Matt Cassel-led Cowboys, and the Atlanta Falcons. Against the Jaguars, the Buccaneers would have lost had the team not recovered an onside kick at the end of a game. In the game against the Cowboys, both teams combined for 16 points, and considering that the Cowboys had one of the worst defenses last season, that victory isn’t one to brag about. The Falcons game was the only game fans could be happy about, considering how high powered the Falcons offense is.
3-16 is not going to get this team into the playoffs. Head Coach Dirk Koetter has stated numerous times to get opposing team fans out of the lower bowl of the stadium. That will only happen if the Buccaneers start to win games at home.
It starts with Thursday Night Football against the Falcons. This game will determine the season.
To win this game, the Buccaneers have to get some form of pass rush. Even with the return of Robert Ayers, the Buccaneers only recorded one sack the entire game against Oakland. The Buccaneers will also have to play perfect football in the secondary as well. Safety Chris Conte hasn’t performed up to par so far this season, which some argue is costing the Buccaneers games.
Another aspect of the game the Buccaneers will have to perform well is on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Jameis Winston isn’t ready to carry the team on his back, but he is going to have to do so. Outside of Mike Evans (and to a smaller extent, Adam Humphries), there is not consistency among the skill position players. The return of Doug Martin may have to come quicker than expected, as Jacquizz Rodgers in all likelihood will be absent for Thursday’s game. Having Martin return would be a huge boost, and can give Winston another toy to use against the defense.
If the Buccaneers win on Thursday, their is reason for hope, as Tampa Bay will own the tie breaker against the Falcons. This could come in handy if both teams own the same record and are tied for the division lead at the end of the season, the Buccaneers will make the playoffs. If the Buccaneers lose, well, let’s just say that a 3-5 record will have fans looking ahead to April with the NFL Draft.