Bucs should view the Atlanta game as a must-win!

Preseason predictions.

When my predictions came out before the season began, I had the Bucs sweeping the Saints but splitting with Atlanta. Figuring that if we split with the Falcons last season, when they had no quarterbacks to speak of, the best we could count on after Atlanta added Kirk Cousins would be a split. As I predicted the Bucs to again win the division, they would certainly have to avoid a sweep by the Falcons to accomplish this feat. Coaches are eternal optimists, it seems, and probably wouldn’t call this game a “must-win“. I am not a coach, but I’m calling it a “must-win” situation. I just cannot see the Bucs winning the division with a sweep by the Falcons. Atlanta would probably have to lose their remaining divisional games for Tampa to overtake them if they lose Sunday. This is, of course, just my opinion, but I, smart, say I.

Bucs’ injuries are taking their toll.

Seems the injury, and IR reports get longer after every game. It’s a fact that to go deep into the playoffs, you need lady luck on your side when it comes to injuries. They can bring the mightiest of teams down to average faster than you can say torn hamstring. Mike Evans, who has had Mrs. Lady Luck for 10 straight seasons, may well have his string of 1,000-yard seasons broken. I know Bucs’ fans will be hoping and wishing Evans a get-well-soon. Chris Godwin is beyond hopes and wishes and may have very well played his last game in a Bucs jersey, as this season is his last under contract. Many believe that McMillin was drafted to fill the void that Godwin will leave, of which I concur. The defensive backfield has been thin all season and only seems to get more so as the season moves along. It’s shown up on the field, it’s surprising they haven’t lost more, to be honest. In two of their losses (Falcons, Ravens) they gave up 9 passing touchdowns, I’m keeping my fingers crossed moving forward. Jalen McMillin, Palmer, and Shepard must step up and fill the void left by injury. 

Plenty of motivation to go around.

The team knows that this game is vital. Since Cousins had a career day against us (509 yards, 4 TDs) in the first meeting, he hasn’t broken the 250-yard passing mark, beating the lowly Panthers and going down to the Seahawks 34-14. He will be looking to bounce back in Tampa on Sunday. The Bucs know they mustn’t allow Cousins the kind of stat sheet gold they did in the first meeting. It was a tough loss. One the team certainly wants to avenge. It’s divisional football, where the leather meets the turf. It could easily hold the key to the division crown and the playoffs if they pull it out. Lose, and their destiny may be out of their control. Considering the flashes of greatness the offense has shown this season, it would be a shame to go down at home to those A-Town Birds. Let’s hear a volley of cannon fire on Sunday! Go Bucs!!