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Why The Bucs Will Beat The Colts
Posted 10-07-2007 at 08:54 AM by dannywest
As buccanners.com so elequently worded it:
Their Train has been derailed; their Cadillac has crashed.
But Tampa Bay isn't exactly going into Indianapolis to face a healthy opponent. The victory over Denver came at a high cost to the high-octane Colts, seeing off Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Bob Sanders, and Rob Morris. And while Harrison, Addai and Sanders are all listed as "Questionable" for today's game, the fact is that, even if they do take the field, none will be running at full steam.
The Bucs, who have surprised most this season by taking an early lead of the NFC South, are hurting with FB Mike Alstott, HB Carnell Williams, and LT Luke Petitgout all sitting on IR. DE Greg Spires, CB's Phillip Buchanon and Brian Kelly and WR Ike Hilliard are all listed as "Questionable".
So how will Tampa Bay overcome the Manning lead Colts? For starters, Michael Pittman isn't exactly your backup runningback who only touches the ball when the feature back gets tired or on 3rd and long situations. No, this is a guy who WAS the team's feature back for 3 years and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry during his long career. Throw Earnest Graham into the mix, a guy who has literally come out of no where and accumulated 3 touchdowns in the first 4 games, impressive numbers for any seldom-used 3rd string running back, and I think it is a safe bet to say that the Bucs' run game shall not be stalling any time soon.
Jeff Garcia has come into the picture and done exactly what everyone had hoped he would do. During the first four games he has thrown for 771 yards, completed 64.4% of his passes and earned an outstanding QB rating of 98.9.
Need I mention that he is averaging 8.6 yards per completion? Even the great Peyton Manning isn't doing that.
Garcia has brought out the best in this team, not only igniting the offense but adding that extra spark to the D. Barrett Ruud is leading the league in tackles, yes the entire NFL. The Bucs are allowing less points per game than any other team in the NFL with an average of only 11. And they are giving up a mere average of 173.5 yards through the air.
I'm sure the majority of people think it impossible for the Bucs to go into Indy and defeat the defending Superbowl champs, but the truth is, not only is it possible, it is probable. The Bucs are the real deal, and are finally firing on all cylinders, their stats are proof of that, but whatever the outcome, this promises to be an exciting game.
Their Train has been derailed; their Cadillac has crashed.
But Tampa Bay isn't exactly going into Indianapolis to face a healthy opponent. The victory over Denver came at a high cost to the high-octane Colts, seeing off Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai, Bob Sanders, and Rob Morris. And while Harrison, Addai and Sanders are all listed as "Questionable" for today's game, the fact is that, even if they do take the field, none will be running at full steam.
The Bucs, who have surprised most this season by taking an early lead of the NFC South, are hurting with FB Mike Alstott, HB Carnell Williams, and LT Luke Petitgout all sitting on IR. DE Greg Spires, CB's Phillip Buchanon and Brian Kelly and WR Ike Hilliard are all listed as "Questionable".
So how will Tampa Bay overcome the Manning lead Colts? For starters, Michael Pittman isn't exactly your backup runningback who only touches the ball when the feature back gets tired or on 3rd and long situations. No, this is a guy who WAS the team's feature back for 3 years and has averaged 4.1 yards per carry during his long career. Throw Earnest Graham into the mix, a guy who has literally come out of no where and accumulated 3 touchdowns in the first 4 games, impressive numbers for any seldom-used 3rd string running back, and I think it is a safe bet to say that the Bucs' run game shall not be stalling any time soon.
Jeff Garcia has come into the picture and done exactly what everyone had hoped he would do. During the first four games he has thrown for 771 yards, completed 64.4% of his passes and earned an outstanding QB rating of 98.9.
Need I mention that he is averaging 8.6 yards per completion? Even the great Peyton Manning isn't doing that.
Garcia has brought out the best in this team, not only igniting the offense but adding that extra spark to the D. Barrett Ruud is leading the league in tackles, yes the entire NFL. The Bucs are allowing less points per game than any other team in the NFL with an average of only 11. And they are giving up a mere average of 173.5 yards through the air.
I'm sure the majority of people think it impossible for the Bucs to go into Indy and defeat the defending Superbowl champs, but the truth is, not only is it possible, it is probable. The Bucs are the real deal, and are finally firing on all cylinders, their stats are proof of that, but whatever the outcome, this promises to be an exciting game.
Total Comments 3
Comments
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Well...perhaps not.Posted 10-08-2007 at 06:39 AM by dannywest
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Can't win em' all. I thought the Bucs had a great shot to win this game as well, but the Colts seem to be playing with a chip on their shoulder this year.Posted 10-12-2007 at 12:19 AM by Mike - I think that the nail in the coffin was when Pittman went down. I think the team was rattled with the overwhelming possibility (which is now fact) of not only losing their number one runningback, but his backup also.
The Bucs will bounce back this week against the Titans though, I'm sure.Posted 10-12-2007 at 04:42 AM by dannywest
