Beware the Bucs
Added on Nov 05, 2012 by Scott in
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If we’ve learned anything over the last few years in the NFL it’s that a potent offense can take a team places. The 2011 Patriots reached the Super Bowl and the Lions ended a twelve year playoff drought due to high-scoring attacks that masked porous defenses. At 4-4, the 2012 Tampa Bay Bucs are finding themselves in a similar spot. They can’t stop anybody, but stopping them is becoming a difficult task.
Back to back road wins against the Vikings and Raiders have positioned the Bucs for a run at a Wildcard berth. Quarterback Josh Freeman is on pace to shatter his career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. He’s already thrown as many touchdowns in eight games (16) as he did all of last season and 4000-plus yards is within reach.
Rookie running back Doug Martin has solidified the running game. Free agent acquisition Vinnie Jackson is on his way to a career year. Third-year receiver Mike Williams has rebounded from a sophomore slump. A patchwork offensive line is playing better than expected.
The offense ranks 5th in scoring and has scored 28 or more points in five games. The defense ranks first versus the rush, but dead last against the pass and 29th in total yards allowed. And it’s those latter two stats that will be their undoing if they collapse in the second half.
Their upcoming schedule is favorable. Two games with Atlanta and a trip to Denver won’t be easy. However, each of the other five are winnable, provided Freeman and Co. continue to light up scoreboards, and the defense keeps forcing turnovers to cover up their deficiencies.
The NFC is wide open at this point. The Falcons, Bears, Giants and Niners look good to make the playoffs, but the other two slots are up for grabs. First-year head coach Greg Schiano can’t get cute. Just let Freeman take control and hope for the best. After all, a talented offense can go far.
