How Sweet it Was! It was a long time coming, but boy was it worth the wait! It’s been three long years since we last kicked the backside of The Twits, but the thorough beating we handed down last week re-established our pride, clearly stated our credentials both in our division and conference, and sent a message to the NFL as a whole. Amazing how all the American media wants to suddenly crawl up our backside again isn’t it? Once again leaning on solid defense, a decent running game…. no check that an outstanding running game courtesy of The Cadillac…..and a turnover-free offense we turned the tables on the bully boy twits, and their collection or criminal players, miscreant cheerleaders and brain-dead faithful at that hole of a stadium of theirs. A few things I think 1. Lets see now, during the course of this season Cadillac Williams has been listed as the greatest rookie to hit the league ever, then categorised as being over-used and has hit the wall thanks to his “idiot” coach over-using him, and is now finally the rookie of the year candidate again thanks to his “miraculous” return to form. Do us a favour messrs Banks, King and Zimmerman at SI, all the staff at ESPN and all the other media outlets and realise that Jon Gruden has forgotten more about football during the hours 3.17am – 7am each day, than most of you profess to know. The Chuckster HAS used Cadillac wisely and perhaps he does not what he’s doing after all – the proof is in the 917 yards rushing, and nine win pudding he’s created fellas, on what is essentially a five win roster. 2. I think the Michael Clayton disappearance act this season baffles us all, and particularly The Madden Turkeylegs of the FFL who cut him this past week. Theirs sophomore jinxes and then there’s some quite remarkable falls from stardom - Say it ain’t so Michael? 3. I think great coach that he is, Bill Belichik’s petty whispering and gerry-mandering of the injury report does him no credit whatsoever. You should be above such childish antics coach, and for the record if Tom Brady sits out the game this week due to injury, then my arsehole is the King of Spain. 4. Where can I get a clip for my computer of Will Allen snotting Steve Smith? 5. I think if we can win our last two home games and get to 11-5, that will be enough for the NFC South title. Just a hunch but how good would that be? 6. FFL Note – only one game to go and my Cosmic Clap somehow remain in contention despite no running game at all. I’ve not got a clue how I’m doing it but the season has been a real laugh – if you can get involved in a decent fantasy league I’d recommend the experience to anyone as it makes you see the NFL in a whole different light; taking the pi$$ out of each other is also an added bonus! 7. I think my new favourite word, courtesy of the legend that is Gene Deckerhoff, is “huger.” If you were listening to the game last Sunday when Ronde made his pick, you’ll know what the hell I’m on about. 8. I think the win in New Orleans raised my hopes of the play-offs, the victory over The Plebs made me dream of perhaps a division title…….if we pull out a W this week, then I think world domination may be on the cards. God bless the sound of silence that pervaded the air as the seconds wind down towards the final gun – I had the Budweiser on ice and though it took about 15 hours to complete the last three minutes of the game, it made the accomplishment and pleasure no less in my eyes. I promptly went on to down about eight bottles whilst watching the Eagles/Giants game and giggling stupidly to myself in the process. God I love this game. So what did we learn on Sunday? That the Bucs already have their first winning season since 2002, that we now hold the upper hand again in the NFC South and more importantly that we can win on the road in December when it matters most. I must confess that Chris Simms is growing on me as a signal caller; I still think he has a penchant for the odd bone-headed throw but his maturity and progression is there for all to see. In addition if we can keep Cadillac rolling in this fashion and continue to not turn the ball over, then we can hang around with anybody in this league, save for The Colts. Not for one minute do I think we are any threat to win it all this season, but to post nine wins already and have our destiny in our own hands with three to play is very pleasing at this point, and a position I’m sure Jon Gruden relishes. Another clear fact to emerge in the business end of 2005, is that whilst Joey Galloway has been a superhero on offense, Ronde Barber is (to borrow a phrase from Reggie Jackson), “The straw that stirs the drink” on the defensive side of the ball. If he’s not making vital picks, he’s logging sacks, defending passes and making open field tackles that a 5ft 10, 195 pounder has no right to do. Mr Barber has killed drives and changed the entire momentum of the game himself these past couple of weeks – in short he’s the best cornerback in the NFL, playing the best football of his life right now. On we go to sunny New England this week in another match-up where we take on the roll of the underdog with glee. I’d love to tip us to win here as well, and will be praying for that outcome but sadly I just don’t see us getting there this week. Granted The Chuckster will be psyched for this one thanks to the “tuck rule” game he lost when last here, and playing the defending champs on the road in a key game will be enough to motivate anybody. However it’s our third road trip in three weeks, it will be freezing bloody cold, we are coming off an emotional division win and are on a short week to boot. I don’t see us getting blown out but falling short maybe 21-13 – however looking at the bigger picture, if you’d have asked any of us three weeks ago would you take a 9-5 record with two home games to end the season, I think 99% of Buc fans would have taken that deal within seconds. If we do lose this Saturday it will naturally be a disappointment but whatever the result we remain masters of our own destiny to reach the most unlikelyest of post-season berths . Nod of Acknowledgement to….. The Buccaneer Defense. Many of us doubted you earlier this season when the Carolina, Washington and Atlanta offense’s posted big days but once again Buccaneer pride has come to the fore. The history of the Bucs is that we are a defensive team, and this has always been the backbone of any success we’ve had – this season’s unit led once again by Monte Kiffin can safely take their place with some of the elite that have gone before them. Get in the Real World Award……. Willis McGahee. In October this year Mr Mcgahee pronounced himself the best back in the NFL. My experience is if you have to self-proclaim yourself as the best at anything, 99% of the time it’s BS – your peers and credentials mean you don’t need to make such statements. However if your keeping score at home, Mr Superstar McGahee hasn’t visited the end Zone since October 14th, and last week rushed 8 times for 3 yards – he’s not even the best back on The Cosmic Clap, let alone the NFL.