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The most optimistic of Bucs fans - heck, even Coach Jon Gruden himself - looked at last year’s 5-11 record with a grain of salt.
Sure, the Bucs had trouble running the ball and stopping the run. And yes, there were mistakes, breakdowns on special teams, and inconsistency on both sides of the ball.
All they needed, they said, were a few breaks here and there. Turn a couple of Martin Gramatica misses into points, and receive some good fortune for a change, and the Bucs would be looking at a potential playoff berth instead of a second consecutive losing season following their Super Bowl victory.
So if that’s the case, and if luck indeed can go a long way in making the difference between playoff contender and also-ran, perhaps it’s time the Bucs caught a break.
They sure did at Green Bay.
While Cadillac Williams was making history by breaking Alan Ameche’s NFL record for most yards in his first three NFL games, the Bucs turned to a reserve to preserve the win. Free safety Will Allen, who entered after Dexter Jackson left with a hamstring injury, had two interceptions in the fourth quarter to help the Bucs earn their first win at Green Bay since 1989.
It was a one-point victory in which the margin was a missed extra point by Ryan Longwell - generally regarded as one of the NFL’s most consistent field-goal kickers. The miss was Longwell’s first after 156 straight conversions, and he also missed a 42-yarder in the third quarter that would have pulled the Packers to within one, 17-16.
Any team that can run the ball as well as the Bucs have to open the season has a chance to win. And the defense, once again, came up with big plays at all the right times against a QB (Brett Favre) known for heroic comebacks.
But this time, the Bucs made all their field-goal attempts. There were plenty of penalties, but they didn’t come back to haunt Tampa Bay, as so many did last year.
Heck, even the schedule-makers gave the Bucs a break by having Tampa Bay make its trip to Green Bay in September, where game-time temperatures in the mid-60s felt more like Florida than Wisconsin.
So, maybe it goes both ways. If a few bad breaks could keep the Bucs from having a winning season, maybe a little luck could put them over the top. So far, it seems to be working.
HOW MUCH - IF AT ALL - WILL LUCK COME INTO PLAY THIS YEAR?
Posted by Daniel, Tampa on 09/26 at 08:31 PM
Hey Steve,the extra point wasn’t missed, it was blocked. Nothing lucky about that, it is called skill. The field was also wet, but it was wet for both teams and we made our field goal, again skill. When Brett Favre went on the field to argue the call, he was on the field without his helmet, he didn’t have to get in the refs face and should have gotten an immediate flag. As far as our QB fumble, even Aikmen thought it was the tuck rule until he saw the replay, that is why the whistle blew. Tampa just held 3 teams to under 100 yards rushing, nothing lucky about that either. Three interceptions and a fumble recovery also is not luck. Again you make your own luck by having skilled players making plays and and out hustling the other team. Seeing Kenyatta run down the field to tackle the Packer who intercepted a Griese pass is one example, another is Caddy racking up 84 yards with the game on the line in the final 5 minutes to ice the game. Lucky, No. Skilled, Yes
Posted by Steve, Tampa on 09/26 at 03:30 PM
Say what you want to make yourselves believe this team is better than it really is, but bottom line is there very lucky to come out with a win. Tampa had one bad call, the pass interference. That’s it. Gruden deserved the penalty, Favre would have gotten one if he got in the face of the official the way Gruden did. Packers on the other hand. First quarter, Driver caught the ball fell on the ground untouched and got up and they blew the play dead. Could have been a touchdown. Last quarter, Griese clearly fumbled the ball and the refs blew the play dead. Not only was a touchdown taken away from the Packers, but Tampa got to keep the ball.
Now things that Tampa is lucky about, but were the Packers foul up. Longwell never misses inside of 45 yards. Look at his stats, he is money. He missed an extra point! Yikes, that’s lucky for Tampa. If you can’t see that, then your just homers, what can I say.
Posted by JoeBauer, Pebble Beach, CA on 09/26 at 02:03 PM
Who would have thought It?
Carnell Williams is the hottest thing in football right now especially since Roethlisberger and company have been brought back down to earth by the Patriots!
Way to go Tampa Bay!
Give the guy who said we have to draft this guy Williams a big fat raise!
And, check out my huge EBAY auction of Carnell Williams rookie cards # 5109669021. Thanks, JB
Posted by Toy Pelaez, Tampa on 09/26 at 01:09 PM
when are we going to talk about the here and now and not yesteryear? each week it is going to more difficult to win, but champions find a way to win. we going in the right direction,sunday at home against the lions,the fans need to rise up and back the buc’s,then maybe the rest of the NFL will take notice.yesterday is gone next week will be here soon 
Posted by John, chandler, za on 09/26 at 12:56 PM
First off, Playing@GB@Minn and Buf@home is not an easy schedule. Minn is a super bowl favorite, GB always tuff @home and Buf was 9-7 in 04. Secondly we lost 15 of our 20games since the superbowl by less then 7 points. Third if we had a kicker in the past two yrs we would have had a great chance to repeat. Fourth the def is just as good or better than 03. Remember Mcfarland was hurt that year, plus we have Hovan to replace Sapp.And last The only reason why the pack game was close was the PI called on Kelly and Gruden’s unsportmans and a 4 and 5 36yd td. Dont get it twisted people. Tampa is very, very good.
Posted by Amish Mafia, GA on 09/26 at 12:03 PM
He has ran over three suspect defenses… GB averaged under 3 yards per carry prior to yesterday. They might lack a secondary, but they are stopping the run. averaged 80 yards per game prior to yesterday. If being 3-0 and being excited is insanity, then take me to the looney bin. NFLs leading rusher, #1 D, solid QB play and kicking game. This is a great time to believe. Come on Detroit…
Posted by Scott Martin, Vilseck, Germany on 09/26 at 11:51 AM
"They beat nasty teams and the next thing you know you guys are claiming “Super Bowl boundâ€!!”
I just read 16 posts and nowhere did I read anything about being Super Bowl bound.
We have played about a fifth of a season and the Bucs are looking pretty good at 3-0. As stated above, many of the problems we had the past 2 seasons were addressed (kicker, OL, DL and RB) and consequently, we are beating teams.
Williams and this OL are working great together. I am concerned about the number of carried for Caddy...he will feel it in the last fifth of the season.
As for this “luck” thing...it’s the oldest “whine” in the book.
Posted by Buc Hater, Yo mamms house on 09/26 at 11:17 AM
Lets not go crazy buc fan. Your team beat three teams with two wins combined. All you buc fans are the reason why I hate the bucs. They beat nasty teams and the next thing you know you guys are claiming “Super Bowl bound”!! And Williams is not the next Barry Sanders or even Michael Pittman. He has ran over three suspect defenses, wow what an accomplishment. They should start making his hall of fame bust right now!!
Posted by Rod Mullins, Wise, VA on 09/26 at 10:50 AM
3-0 is great out of the gate but the season is far from over. I think the Bucs have answered some off season concerns and redeemed themselves with Cadillac in the backfield. The meat and potatoes of the schedule is coming up. If the Bucs prepare and work hard, playoffs are a distinct possibility. If they lax, then it could be a long stretch with Atlanta, Carolina and yes even the Saints. Caution is the word. Reserved Caution is the advice.
Posted by Donna Spindola, Florida on 09/26 at 10:19 AM
Hey Buc fans, what happened to the Packers, missed field goal and extra point and turnovers, is exactly what the Bucs did the last 2 seasons. Now the the real Bucs are back. Go Bucs. They don’t make the schedule, they just play it.
Posted by Bruce Miller, St. Louis, Missouri on 09/26 at 10:16 AM
Call me the eternal optimist. The Bucs did not play a perfect game by any stretch, but the defense created big turnovers and the offense, which now has a running game they did not have last year, got a great effort from Galloway and Cadillac to name a few. Sometimes you win ugly games in the NFL. The Bucs would not have won this game last year, I’ll take an ugly win on the road anytime. Look on the bright side...3 - 0 is not too bad!!!
GO BUCS!!!!! 
Posted by George Kall, Davenport, Iowa on 09/26 at 09:18 AM
I thought the Bucs were too cautious in the second half and had a lot of conservative calls. It was great to finally win in Green Bay and quiet them Packer fans. Joey Galloway played good with his two touchdown catches and the defense played well. Great job and looking forward to week 4 and the Detroit Lions in Tampa!
Posted by Chris Bugden, Brisbane Australia on 09/26 at 03:37 AM
In the NFL, luck, especially avoiding injuries has a lot to do with any teams success. Do not discount the player moves made at the draft, and the signing of Hovan to go with a healthy Booger. A nail-biter alongside two convincing victories is no reason to ring the panic bell. Yes they have an easy schedule, but the Pats rode to their second Super Bowl playing a non-playoff team schedule....
Posted by Thomas Peluso, Floral Park, NY on 09/26 at 12:45 AM
If today’s game was any indication, it has to play a role. After all, from the point of the incredibly stupid pass interference call against Kelly onwards, it was as if the refs were trying to gift-wrap the game in silver for the Packers.
Another good job overall, but seriously… you have to spell Caddy just a little bit or he’ll have nothing left in the tank at the end of the season. And Griese, for the love of god, don’t force things with a four-point lead, please?
Another game we should win coming up next week. Let’s keep it up…
Posted by Christopher Kualii, Northern VA on 09/25 at 11:56 PM
Lucky? Yeah, a little. But a win is a win and they’re not always pretty. How many pretty wins did the Bucs have in 2003? Not many, but I think we can all say that turned out pretty good.
As for Mr. F’s assumption that these Bucs are a fluke, I would refer him to either ESPN.com or CNNSI.com and they’re NFL power rankings. These are two highly respected sports information sites and both regarded the Bucs as one of the top ten teams in the league going into today’s game and they’ll only move up after today. Heck, CNNSI has them as the #3 team in the league.
Posted by Charles, Tampa on 09/25 at 10:52 PM
Knowledgeable football fans ALSO know that good football teams win ugly games. Were there mistakes? Yeah I would say so. There is a youth movement on this team and they are learning to win in whatever way is necessary. Buffalo was a pretty good defense until last week. Mcgahee is a VERY good running back and he was invisible last week. Fans should be excited about 3 in a row. Why not? Hey, I’ll take lucky and 3-0 than good and 0-3. If this isn’t a good team they must fake it pretty well.
Posted by David Bingham, Lakeland, FL on 09/25 at 08:28 PM
All I have to say is luck is what it takes sometimes. Oh, and a great running game. And having a great defense helps. And I almost forgot, a kicker you can count on. You could also say winning the turnover battle is important, too.
Posted by Diane Collins, Tampa, Fl on 09/25 at 08:17 PM
It seems odd that Mr. F didn’t sound off about all the bad judgment plays Brett made...or the non runs of Green in the first half...the missed kicks etc. All teams make mistakes, and all teams have ugly wins. This wasn’t my favorite game in terms of the offense looking sharp (except Caddy and Galloway and Clayton and Smith) but then, this team hasn’t played anyone as feisty before. So all in all, this was a good win, but nerve-wracking. Go Bucs. 4-0 has a great ring to it…
Posted by Rich, Tampa on 09/25 at 07:36 PM
John Fitzhenry you aren’t a Bucs fan now are you? If you were you would have a positive vibe to this win. 3-0 is 3-0, anyway you look at it. The Bucs are controlling tempo with the run game and giving our aging defense a chance to rest. The league’s #1 defense, and a adequate offense is what got this team a Super Bowl ring a few years back. And yes, a little luck never hurts, especially after all the injuries the Bucs had to endure over the past couple of seasons. John Fitzhenry, bucs fans are pushing you off the plank!!! Adios
Posted by Daniel, Tampa on 09/25 at 07:13 PM
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. You make your own luck in the NFL. Is it luck the Bucs have the #1 defense in the NFL? Or the #1 back? It is hard work, dedication and a never say die attitude. Was is luck that Brian Kelly was called for a phanthom pass interference call that enabled Green Bay to stay in the game? Or Brett Favre running on the field to argue a call and not get flagged while Coach Gruden gets a 15 yard penalty for the exact move? As coach Gruden is fond of saying “You get what you deserve in the NFL.” We make our kicks last year we are in the playoffs, simple as that. It was and still is a matter of skill. We upgraded our kicker so now we are making our FG attempts. We got Booger back and added Hovan so now we are stopping the run. We added the top back in the draft and now we can run. Luck has nothing to do with it.
Posted by Jeff C, Valrico, FL on 09/25 at 06:42 PM
I won’t entirely disagree with Mr. Fitzhenry, the Bucs did get a couple of big breaks in this game, but that is the nature of the game. A couple of questionable calls also went AGAINST the Bucs today, but they still managed to pull out the win...a few years ago, the defense told the offense, “give us 17 points, and we’ll win the game” and they have held up their end of the bargain for the first 3 games...do I think the offense needs more consistency? You bet I do, but you take the wins that luck gives you the same as the ones you earn through an outstanding performance...I think the entire league has underestimated this team, and I look forward to many more nail-biting, down-to-the-wire wins like today’s victory over Green Bay.
Posted by JR, Tampa on 09/25 at 06:38 PM
This was a pretty pathetic effort on the part of both the offnese and the defense. Griese seems to be a complete moron with some of the crap he pulled today. The secondary got beat time and time again. They’re damn lucky to come out of there with a victory and I don’t see this team going into the playoffs. Maybe next year, Chuckie.
Posted by John Fitzhenry, Valrico, FL on 09/25 at 06:10 PM
How luck can the Bucs get? This is a game they should have lost. This is weakest 3-0 NFL team since the 2000 Bucs.
Wait until next week or the week after. By the Miami game on October 16, the Bucs will reveal themselves.
Knowledgeable football fans realize this Buc team is a fluke with a very easy schedule.
Posted by Tyler Ellrodt, Slidell, LA on 09/27 at 03:22 PM
It just makes me sick to read and hear about people calling the Bucs a fluke. Firs of all, the defensive line has been fantastic, not allowing a 100 yard rusher yet. Also, the Packers were desperate. The Packers have not gone 0-3 since 1988 when Favre was a sophmore in college. Finally, the running game is the best from the Bucs that I’ve ever seen in all of my 16 years. I think a youth movement is just what the doctor ordered. The same people who are calling the Bucs a fluke are the same people who predicted them to have another losing season. Geaux Bucs!