How do you even begin to speak about that game on Monday night? Don’t get me wrong a win is a win, but the game brought more questions than answers. There were some clear standout performances, and some that weren’t so great.

Photo By: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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Defense
The Tampa defense coming into the game was decimated by injuries, unsure of how they would perform, they shined. Derek Anderson or not we didn’t have anyone on that defensive line. Starting 2 undrafted defensive tackles isn’t usually a good thing. Although the defense didn’t get any pressure on Anderson until they brought a blitz, the secondary and linebackers were on top of it. McDougald played the best game of his season so far, and Conte was stunningly competent. Forcing 4 turnovers was literally almost not enough due to the poor play calling, (More on that later) but it was excellent compared to the rest of the season. Brent also made an appearance with an interception on first and goal on the 1 (Why did they go with a pass when a guy named Fozzy was destroying the Bucs on the ground, I’ll never know.) All together a solid effort from the defense we have been expecting to see all year, after the bye the Bucs should have some pass rushers back. If we get the defensive line back, and the secondary plays how it did Monday, it could be the Bucs strength by the end of the year.

Quiz
Jacquizz Rodgers played out his mind. 30 carries for 101 yards is phenomenal. Not only did Quiz get positive yards several times out of nothing but he helped the passing game excel. Several play fakes resulted in big passing plays, like a 38 yard completion on 1st and 10 in the 3 quarter. That pass doesn’t happen without Quiz setting it up. The defense clearly expected the run on first down and bit on the play action hard. Quiz acted like a pseudo Doug Martin for the Buccaneers and allowed the play calling in the game to not be so one sided. Sims is a solid back but running between the tackle isn’t his strength. Tampa finally got the production from the RB position it needed to succeed. The Bucs are a better team when they are able to keep it on the ground and throw deep off the play action. The solid if not spectacular performance from Quiz is promising, especially with Doug’s injury history.

Photo By: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

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Dirk Koetter
How is the head coach of a winning football team in the down column? Glad you asked. Dirk’s play calling on Monday was extremely suspect, especially in the 4th quarter. With less than 2 minutes left, the game tied and the ball on our side of the field Dirk called 2 running plays on first and second down that got us nothing. Why? I can see first down run the ball then see where your at, but 2 running plays 1 after the other with a chance to drive down and win the game? Jameis had been inaccurate all night, but it’s proven Jameis excels in the 2 minute offense so why not give him a shot? Similarly in the 3rd quarter after a panthers turnover 2 straight running plays stalled the drive. Why does Dirk seem so hesitant? Isn’t that what most people resented about Lovie? Dirk pushing the run in the beginning of the game was important to set the tone for the game, but down the stretch clock management and play calling were questionable.

Aguayo
Of course this is the easy pick here. Although the kicker did hit the game winner, he went only 2-4. None of this FG’s were beyond 50 yards, that’s unacceptable. They were all make able FG’s and could’ve changed the landscape of the game. Instead, the game was a nail biter because every time the field goal unit went onto the field, there was a bad feeling that Aguayo could miss. Aguayo is 50% on the season including a missed extra point. Janikowski and Vinatieri had bad rookie years and look at them now. I think that game winner sparks Aguayo and he does better the rest of the year. If this continues though, he could be cut before season end.

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