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It was over. And over again.
Then, finally, it was OVER over.
Apparently a lot of fans on hand missed the last two endings, bolting for the exits as soon as Edell Shepherd dropped the overtime kickoff before touching a soul. Unfortunate for them, of course, but even moreso for the Falcons, who experienced sudden death in its cruelest form - their playoff hopes vanishing on Christmas Eve, of all days.
On the other side, perhaps it was only fitting that the Bucs would get such a monumental gift on this day (coupled, of course, with Carolina losing at home). Certainly, Tampa Bay did enough over the span of five quarters to earn this crucial win; it also did more than enough to lose.
Suddenly, a team picked by virtually no one to even compete for a playoff bid could be a week away from a division title and even a first-round bye.
The obvious question becomes: How?
As with any successful team situation, there is a multitude of factors working for the Bucs this year - a resurgent defense, a rejuvenated 34-year-old breakaway receiver, a livewire rookie running back. Without any of these, that 10-5 record could be turned around completely.
But as Saturday’s second half and overtime showed, there’s no greater factor than reason No. 2.
His name is Chris Simms. And if Brian Griese is confused with Wally Pipp by locals in the near future, the cheerful, lanky blonde Texas Ex will be the reason why.
Many people wrote off the Bucs’ quick start after Griese was lost for the season, citing the (lack of) early-season competition and the questioned durability of Cadillac Williams. What couldn’t have been foreseen at that time was how Simms would grow into his job as leader of the offense.
Just as he did against Washington and Carolina, he made all the right decisions against the Falcons, making the plays that were there and keeping the offensive ship steady in crucial situations.
Simms is too young to be a team leader; he’s wise enough to know that. He’s too old now to claim inexperience; he’s fearless enough not to want to.
And when he’s surrounded by quality talent like this year, Simms is enough, period.
So, too, may be the Bucs.
Posted by Kristin, Palmetto, FL on 12/27 at 01:53 PM
This game was crazy fun to watch. I was so excited, I was so disappointed, I felt doom and then hope and back to doom again, I never thought we could pull that off! Way to go Bucs, you played a heck of game, look forward to watching you play in January!!!
Posted by Bruce Miller, St. Louis, Missouri on 12/27 at 09:42 AM
Wow, an absolutely amazing game, the Bucs would have lost this one last year and it looked bleak at times late in the fourth quarter and the overtime, but this team just simply won’t quit. The Bears win Sunday means Tampa will probably get the 3 seed if they win this Sunday, and an NFC South
Championship. Washington appears to be the opponent if they win their game this Sunday. Remember fans what New Orleans did to Carolina last year in week 17 at Carolina, and the Saints play us tough at home. Let’s take care of business.
Posted by EB, NORFOLK, VA on 12/27 at 03:46 AM
Notwithstanding their catastrophic ordeal, you know the Saints will come on/in very hard as a spoiler. History has shown that the Saints have the Bucs’ number. How about reverse that trend and take advantage of the Saints’ turmoil by finishing the regular season with a powerful win. A win strong enough to provide rest for your starters mid-way through the 3rd quarter. I just can’t take watching another edge-of-your-seat game. Eliminate the penalties and turnovers and this game will be an easy win.
Posted by Mike Sherman, Punta Gorda on 12/26 at 07:41 PM
Anyone else notice that without Kenyatta in there at crunch time the BUCS had no stupid penalties to interrupt crucial drives?
Trade him or bench him.
He simply can’t play his position!
Posted by Thomas Peluso, Floral Park, NY on 12/26 at 01:36 AM
This is it, guys. One game we have no business losing - at home, against a 3-12 vagabond, emotionally drained franchise starting backups at key offensive positions - is all that separates us from the #3 seed. Don’t pay attention to the playoff scenarios, to the fact that if we blow it, we could easily be on the outside looking in. Focus and keep your eyes on the prize. Simms, Cadillac, Galloway, the O-line, Monty’s Gang - we’re all counting on you.
Keep your heads up and keep pounding that rock!
Posted by ken davis, lecanto on 12/25 at 10:43 PM
To these people who say the Bucs were lucky to win this game. I want to remind you people that at the end they don’t ask you how, they just ask how many."Gruden for president”
Posted by Lou Brock, New Castle, DE on 12/25 at 05:56 PM
If there is somewhere that we can send cards or flowers to the Dungy family, could you please post it?
I personally am satisfied already because I “know” that none of us expected this record at this point in time. All of these extra wins were a bonus (that I’m also happy about) and I now have legitimate reason to believe that we are going to the Superbowl this year. Even Seattle does not look hands and above us at this point. I could sit here and critique every little play or player, but what good is that going to do? Make me feel happy?...I don’t need that and I’m just going to ride the wave, to Detroit. I’m telling you guys...it’s going to happen! We have to believe just like 2002...no different...let’s do it together!
Biggest Buc fan in Eagles Country here in the Northeast!
Posted by Thomas Neubig, Ridge Manor Estates, Florida on 12/25 at 05:55 PM
As Casey Stengel said years ago about his Mets: “Amazin, just amazin”.
Posted by Adam Locascio, Tampa on 12/25 at 05:14 PM
Am I the only person in Tampa who can’t enjoy a Bucs game? I had no less than 7 heart attacks while watching that game. When Cadillac ran in to tie the game and the crowd went nuts, I was screaming, “I HATE YOU I HATE YOU!!” because this team drives me bonkers with their theatrics and comebacks.
Oh well, I guess as long as we’re winning and not worried about who else is losing to mess up our shot at Reggie Bush.
Posted by Tom in Nevada, Nevada on 12/25 at 02:43 PM
As a Raider fan I saw exactly what Gruden used to bring to the Raiders yesterday. Grudens teams will find a way to win a close game. He brings that never say die attitude to his teams and I saw it yesterday. It makes me angry to think Al Davis “traded” the best coach we’ve had since Tom Flores away for what has turned into nothing. 2 of the picks we traded,one is not panning out and the jury is still out on the 4th. I salute you bucfan because you and your organization have a damn good coach and you best appreicate him cause hes one of the top coaches out there.
Posted by Bob Van Istendal, spring hill on 12/25 at 12:18 PM
As for Matt Bryants first over time missed field Goal, what ever happened to just take a knee in case of a bad snap? Duh, it was only first down, they could have tryed again. lets make sure the timing and the snap is perfect. where was the coaching on that play.Did no one remind the players of this?
Posted by Ron Undieme, St Petersburg on 12/25 at 12:08 PM
It just seemed like neither the Bucs or the Falcons really wanted to win the game. But I will say that for a team that was awful last year with only winning 5 games the Bucs have really started to show something. Maybe I have been too critical over the past few weeks, after all this was supposed to be a year of rebuilding. Who would have guessed that we would be in the hunt for the NFC Southern Championship.
Go Bucs.
Posted by Scott David, Tampa on 12/25 at 02:52 AM
Can you imagine a team this young winning the superbowl? Can you say “Dynasty?”
Posted by Joe, Tampa on 12/25 at 12:27 AM
Im hearing a lot on talk radio about these fans that left the game early. Frankly, much of this city has no right to be upset. Sure the game ended in a positive fashion, but a lot of these people swearing they just KNEW the Bucs would win after Edell fumbled are fooling no one. 99 percent of the time we lose that game, but we didn’t and it is just wonderful. I simply find it hard to believe that people in this city, of all places, have the nerve to jump on a small group for being disloyal. This is Bandwagon Bay, and if the Bucs were 5-10, nearly everyone would have left early and whined all the way home. Remember, those in glass houses…
Posted by Spencer Bolesta, Tampa on 12/24 at 11:09 PM
The officiating in this game was liken to fathers officiating at a Pop Warner game. There are games that are officiated at a low level and those that are officiated at a mediocre level. However, this game was officiated at the worst possible low level ever. A first quarter facemask on Joey Galloway in front of the official that was seen twice afterward when they showed it on the screen went uncalled. The off-setting unsportsmanship call was bogus. The stands were abuzz with wonder what was happening to a Buc. When the official made the offsetting call the stands went nuts. They showed that one on the screen as well and it was obvious that the Atlanta player attacked the Buc player about 15 seconds after the whistle. Is there any way to hold these officials in the NFL accountable?And yes, there were other calls, but these were so blatant that someone has got to say something and we MUST seek accountability for people who hold total sway over others without any accountability.
Posted by Daniel, Tampa on 12/24 at 10:29 PM
Despite his 2 picks, Simms was on the money with most of his throws and drove the team in crucial situations. All the tight ends made key receptions, Caddy rolled like an Escalade, Hovan and Co stuffed the run.The Bucs need to sign Simms to a long term deal, as his 3 year deal is up. Keep Brian also, can’t have enough good QBs around. As long as you are signing people, Hovans 1 year deal is up too. A win against the Saints means a home playoff game against the Redskins if they win out.A bye is still possible. Condolences and prayers to the Dungy family.
Posted by CT, on 12/24 at 09:59 PM
Whewww!! What a Roller-Coaster game today! The game “ain’t over till it’s over” should be the theme for this game. Yet, this squeaker of a game has to be the biggest game of the Bucs for the year as far as the benefits from winning today: a Panthers’ loss, a big jump to Division Leader & #3 seed in the NFC, a great chance to win the division next week irregardless of the outcome of the Panthers-Falcons’ game, a first week bye if the Bucs win the division, etc. I hope Gruden learned today that there no such thing as a sure winning field goal kick! Our Special Teams needs to hold onto the ball. A lot of the Falcons’ points came on great field positions from turnovers, fumbles, etc. The Bucs CANNOT give these points away if they would want to go beyond the first playoff game! Coaches & players need to think more when they have the ball!
Posted by Donna Spindola, Florida on 12/24 at 09:58 PM
What a difference a year makes, this was the type of games the Bucs lost and now they are winning them. A win is a win no matter if there was luck or not. If anybody told me the Bucs will 10-5 and a chance for the division title, you are darn right I would take it and ask no questions..GO BUCS
Posted by John Gonzales, Childress Texas on 12/24 at 08:58 PM
First of all my heart goes out to Tony
Dungy and his Family for thier tragedy,
knowing first hand how it feels to lose
a love one especially during the Holidays.May God be with them in thier time of sorrow.
Boy I love those Tampa Bay Bucs.One hack of a game guys,Living in Texas I dont get to watch every game but I sure
do keep my Ears open.This game with
Atlanta was truly a great victory for Tampa.Great Team Work!!!!!!
Posted by Chris Bugden, Brisbane Australia on 12/24 at 07:14 PM
Simms has played well, but in today’s game his turnovers resulted in some short fields and scores for Atlanta. Combine that with his habit of fumbling, and you are still holding your breath on each series. Don’t get me wrong, he has played well, but they have used up some luck as well. Over 50 points in the last two games should worry the D as well. Still, the Bucs have exceeded all expectations with at least a 10 win season. Keep it going!
Posted by Thomas Neubig, Ridge Manor Estates, Florida on 12/29 at 09:44 AM
Reading the mid-week analsis about bad calls by the zebras makes me think that we need to challange some of these calls. I know things are fast on the field, but I have seen some
calls that were out right rediculous and have turned the results of the game to the wrong team. It should be reviewed in the booth and corrected.