The Fairytale of Tampa Bay… Has another week to run, after ol’ Sage and Onion (Onion being Andre the Giant) well and truly stuffed us. The one guy we (I) assumed we needed to shut down proved false – Johnson, Walter, Daniels and a kick-off return (31 years and still nothing, and these Texans who’ve yet to finish 0.500 or better in 5 years do it repeatedly?!) killed us. Or more accurately we didn’t prepare for Sage Rosenfels’ career game. Aside from our defense continually struggling on 3rd downs (and the kickoff return of course) we played well – all 3 offensive TDs were within the 10, which suggests that if they can get their act together we could guarantee ourselves a second game in the post-season. Which we’d undoubtedly lose – at The Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field? Against Dallas? QB: Luke, the force is fading, but to truly judge you we need a run of games to evaluate – constantly blowing hot and cold doesn’t do you or our hearts justice. Right now you’re our best bet at being QB when Jeff retires – take the opportunity! That said, in welcoming Monsieur Garcia back this Sunday I feel a lot more comfortable with the QB position. NFL Watch Pittsburgh, you’re crap. Seriously? The best team the Pats have faced since the Colts, and you can’t hold them as close as BALTIMORE. BALTIMORE?! CRAP! Miami are looking more and more like 0-16 – just you watch them win Sunday! The Malicious Penguins finished their season 1-13. Aside from thanking the Hurried Vikings for throwing a game at the end of October, the only players of note were Messers Colston and Cutler. The rest of you? Not required thank you. Bills-Browns in the battle for the 2nd AFC wild-card spot – Bills tough D and weak O (Assuming Miami was a fluke) v. Clevelands weak D and tough O. Like I’m picking! What is it with the West? Two teams with .500 or better, neither of which has been particularly impressive – especially the NFC Variety. NEWSFLASH: Oakland in NON bottom shocker! Brett Favre leads all votes in the Pro-Bowl, with not one Buccaneer making an appearance on any of the lists provided by NFL.com: Barrett Ruud? Tanard Jackson for rookie? Come on Buc fans in the US! RB: Earnest once more scored a 4.0+ yard average per carry, another pair of TDs to go with it, AND another 100-yard all purpose yards. With 200 or so yards before he reaches 1,000 for the season, here’s hoping Mr August finally moves to Mr January. The fact he’s shown to be able to carry the load alone for the most part of the season causes me to wonder what Caddys’ position will be once he returns. The fact that Earnest is proving so tough to bring down, especially once he breaks the D-Line, bodes especially well for the future. WR: Ike? Injured. Joey? Glad that Jeff’s back. Clayton? 4 receptions – (Ed, when was the last time he caught that many in a single game?) If we don’t draft a WR in the top two rounds I’ll be cross. We’ve a settled O-Line, a settled Back-field, and just need a QB to take over in 2009 and a WR or two to be set on Offense. Defense: Greg White, you are my hero… HALLELUJAH! Who seriously thought a guy who’s played in almost 30 games this year would lead us in sacks quite so effectively. Have we found Simeons’ replacement? Who knows, but I’m certainly enjoying watching him on the field. His agility and determination to get to the ball is a joy to watch – Gaines, whilst you’ve improved, take note. THIS WEEK Against the Dirty Birds. Whilst I’m not taking it for granted, and I’m probably cursing the Bucs now, does anyone expect anything less than a 10 point win? Coach-less, QB-less, WR-less, RB-less? Ideal for an upset special… As long as the players don’t take the game for granted – which I don’t imagine they will – I truly can’t see us losing, and therefore taking the NFC South once more. Also, as long as Jeff doesn’t try any daft passes, I can’t see their D causing us any problems either. Keys to the game? Don’t take risks, run effectively, and don’t underestimate the Falcs. Final Score? 31-12. Richard Lowe, December 2007