Photos from the second half of Buccaneers vs. Packers at Raymond James Stadium.
The Buccaneers fell to the Packers on Sunday, 20-3. Their record is now 2-13 with just one game left to play. On Sunday, the Bucs' defense played strong early, giving their offense chances to mount some drives and potentially put some points on the board. A Week 16 win was going to take all three phases: offense, defense, and special teams. But not all three were there, and as a result the Buccaneers lost another one. Here are some of the reasons why.
1. DEFENSE BATTLES
I was proud of the fight and the continued improvement of the defense on Sunday. The Packers offense was a tall task especially as the Bucs were undermanned from kickoff without their leader Gerald McCoy. For three quarters and about five minutes, the defense was able to hold the high-powered Packers offense to just 10 points, including an early forced fumble and an impressive fourth-down goal line stand. If it wasn't for an untimely missed tackle from the normally sure-handed Danny Lansanah on RB Eddie Lacy's first touchdown run, the defensive stat line would have been even more impressive. All in all, this Bucs defense has shown enough improvement over the second half of the season for me to feel confident about the future.2. OFFENSE NOWHERE TO BE FOUND
The Buccaneers once again found ways not to succeed on offense this week. The team had 10 possessions. Of those 10 opportunities, the Bucs tallied eight punts, one field goal and one interception. Six series ended in three-and-out. The final totals were 109 total yards and six first downs. In a league were the offense has the overwhelming advantage to be successful, the Bucs haven't been able to develop an identity. In my book, a team either thrives or dies in the trenches and unfortunately this offensive line has been an area for the Bucs that has been an overwhelming disappointment.3. ROSTER EVALUATION
One chapter remains in the book that is the 2014 Buccaneers season. This final chapter of what has been a pretty dark story is just as important for our main characters, who are now fighting to be a part of this team's future. The Bucs offseason is a week away and critics' reviews will soon come in. Everyone, including players, coaches and personnel, will be held to their highest evaluations. Our players must keep fighting through this final week to determine their fate of whether or not they show up in next year's opening chapter. SUGGESTED
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