This was another one of those game where it’s so frustrating being a Bucs fan.
If I had to pick one word to sum up the Buccaneer’s 20-19 loss to the Bears, it would be “undisciplined.” That’s not a new word, of course, and it’s been used over and over to describe Tampa Bay over the years.
Eleven penalties for 109 yards is inexcusable. And while you can criticize the refs for a couple of them – the personal foul call on Shaq Barrett comes to mind – the main takeaway from this game was all the yellow flags thrown against the Buccaneers. Yes, Donovan Smith and Tristan Wirfs had rough nights against a very good Chicago defense. But still.
And what about the play-calling? Don’t get me started on the drive when the Bucs were up by a point, went three-and-out, and took less than 20 seconds off the clock. And no, Mr. Brady, you did not have one more down on that final drive.
And if that’s not bad enough, it appears the Bucs have lost Vita Vea for the rest of the season with a broken leg. That is a huge loss for a defense that’s been outstanding against the run.
This was a winnable game. The Bucs didn’t win it. And the Packers come to town next Sunday. Oh, boy.
Photo courtesy: Associated Press
