Random Notes About The Saints Game

December 27, 2009 at 10:06pm by Scott   •  2 Comments »

For the second week in a row, the Bucs have shown the ability to adjust their strategy in the second half and come out of halftime dominant. After giving up 17 points in the first three New Orleans possessions, the Bucs’ defense didn’t let them score again for the rest of the game. Before Raheem Morris took over the defense, the third quarter was death for the Bucs. Whatever happens with Morris after the season is over, I would be fine with him remaining as the defensive coordinator. In fact, I’d prefer it.

Maurice Stovall started over Michael Clayton. Stovall had two catches for 47 yards, Clayton had one for ten. Even Brian Clark had one for 15. I’m not sure why anyone would ever start Clayton again.

Say what you want about Greg Olson, but he stuck with the running game like we all wanted him to and it paid off. Even when they got down 17-0, no one panicked, which speaks volumes about Olson’s coaching ability. The Bucs ran the ball 34 times and threw it 31, and even if you chalk up the sack and QB runs as pass attempts, it’s still good balance.

Josh Freeman also showed again that he can calm the fuck down and just make reads and throw the ball. His accuracy has always been a question, but when he has time, he can make the throws. The offensive line also rediscovered blocking in the second half and gave him the time he needed. Freeman wasn’t spectacular, but with a solid running game and good blocking, he did what needed to be done, which is more than most rookies can deliver.

You’d be hard-pressed to say that any rookie quarterback had a good year this year. In terms of passer rating, Mark Sanchez, Matt Stafford and Freeman are all clustered together at the bottom of the league. They were all junior, first-round quarterbacks and none of their performances should be a surprise to anyone.

For the first time this season, the Bucs had a 100 yard rusher. Cadillac Williams had 129 yards on 24 carries for 5.4 YPC. After Williams retires, he should establish the “Golden Knee Award” or something that recognizes the player who comes back from a devastating injury with as much heart as he has.

If it’s Sunday, Jeremy Trueblood must have been called for a false start. He made up for it with the block he threw on Williams’s touchdown. That guy got leveled.

Micheal Spurlock was signed five days ago. Today he ran a punt back for a touchdown that tied the game. I don’t know how this guy keeps losing his job, but maybe based on his history with the Bucs, he should just be reserved a roster spot for a few years like when a celebrity has their own table at a restaurant.

Geno Hayes should never allow himself to be in a system that isn’t the Tampa 2. If Raheem Morris brings in a non-Tampa 2 linebackers coach or coordinator, Hayes should just kill them before they get a chance to interview. Just walk up to them, apologize, and shoot them in the face. Hayes’s production since Morris took over has been unbelievable. Today: 10 tackles (led team), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 forced fumble. And he was benched for the first quarter!

You’re not fooling me, Sabby Piscitelli. Just because you made several solid tackles today doesn’t mean you’re safe from being replaced by Eric Berry. Like that whiff on Robert Meachem… yeah, that’s what you do. We all know it. SO STOP TRYING TO MESS THIS UP FOR ME!