There’s Some Hicks on our Schedule Dear Rodger, Dear Rodger…… Go on then own up, who had the Bucs pegged for 2-1 and a tie for the division lead after three weeks? Certainly not me and only the most severely optimistic of Buc fans could lay claim to forseeing the resounding victories of the past two weeks. Its been thoroughly pleasant viewing and long may it continue, particularly this week when we trek into the backwards, leg dragging world of The Carolina Twits – they of the mouthy defensive players, idiotic mascot Sir Purr and miscreant cheerleaders. There were many satisfying things to come out of last Sunday; a rejuvenated running game made even more pivotal because of the rain, smart game management by Jeff Garcia and another resounding defensive effort. Any time you keep an NFL team out of the end zone you’ve done a heck of a job, and Monte appears to have once again made the whole greater than the some of its parts. Try as they might the Rams just couldn’t hit paydirt and Philip Buchanon’s interception in the end zone hammered home the point that we were not letting them pass on us, or get back into the game. I’d love to think we can keep up that level of Defensive performance for the season but its probably asking too much, given all the personnel changes and relative inexperience of some of our key players. Head on the Block Time Last week 10-6 (season 27-21) Slightly better so given that I made last weeks picks after around three seconds consideration Ill adopt the same tactic. Winners are:- Bucs Cheeseheads Ravens Bears Cowgirls Fish J E T S Jets Jets Jets Texans Faulty Whiners Mannings “Super Chargers” Stillers G-Men and Cheats Cato June and Barrett Ruud have fitted there roles just like we dreamed they would, and the secondary too has taken a real step forward that wasn’t widely anticipated by many judges than myself. I do recognise when I see a group of guys playing there tails off, and that’s what was right in front of my eyes for 60 minutes last Sunday. A few things I think 1. Hey Michael Clayton, I want to see some of that sideline intensity on the field this Sunday. Do me a favour and snot a Carolina Cornerback for me will you, preferably Chris Gamble as he’s got a face like a bag of chisels so you might actually improve how he looks. 2. A quick reminder to members of the Bromfield family household - during the game on Sunday I reserve the right to be oblivious to all things around me, shout and scream obscenities at the Twits on a regular basis, be absolved of blame for the colour of my language if The Twits dare to score any points and most of all I do not wish to act my age and start behaving like an adult. This game is serious and it requires concentration, support and heckling where necessary. The beer is chilled, the TV is ready and the throat has been cleared – do not let me down Bucs! 3. No truth in the rumours of a new single to be released by Barry Bonds entitled “I left my Syringe in San Francisco,” although I do think he should swap nicknames with fellow sporting black cloud OJ “The Juice” Simpson as that would seem quite fitting. Lets hope they are both sharing a jail cell in the none too distant future. 4. I don’t see Earnest Graham as them next great Buccaneer back but it is nice to see that when given an optimum opportunity against a worn our defense, he grabbed it with both hands. Well done fella on that, but I wouldn’t be handing him the ball 10 times a game just yet as Cadillac far and away resembles our best running option. 5. Jeff Garcia is slowly growing on me as a starter. He’s not one for flashy stats but bottom line he seems to win games. After the dirge we’ve had for the past few years that will do nicely for me. 6. I think I wonder why is took Lovie Smith exactly 12 months more than the rest of the western world to realise Rex Grossman is the second coming of David Klingler, and that Brian Griese represents a far better option. There’s loyalty and stupidity, and on that one Lovie you stepped into the latter. 7. I see Jake the Hick’s got a dicky elbow and might not make the game on Sunday. Pity that, but at least it brings David “goes backwards faster than the Italian Infantry” Carr into the reckoning. Either way we aren’t exactly going to be facing a QB who reminds you of Joe Montana or Joe Namath on Sunday night – we’ve played against 3 better ones already so there’s nothing, I repeat nothing to fear here. On we go now to the land of the simple-minded to face a Twits team who have had our number these past few years. Those who know me will understand how that hasn’t pleased me, and to say I’d like the Bucs to win this game would be like commenting that Keith Richards enjoys a night out. I’m pleased that Sky have decided to televise the game and hope we can transfer our home form, into a decent effort on the road. The Twits are a solid team but have nothing on their sideline that should scare us, save for their ugly fans in the background who look like a collective Halloween party gathering, but anyways I digress. The Panthers offensive outlook, 60% of which consists of throw the ball to Steve Smith plays, may be effected by whichever of their mediocre quarterbacks are under centre but if we can take away Smith as much as possible, and snuff the running game we will be in business. Smith needs to be hit immediately after making any catch, punishing him physically and wearing him down so that he knows he’s got a full 60 minutes of it to come. For that I’m relying on our mobile linebacking corps to get into the areas over the middle where he likes to roam, and we need to avoid giving him any soft spots in the zone as I am honest to admit he’s a scoring threat any time he’s got the ball in his hands. From our side of things we need to persist with the running game, and let our young offensive line impose their will and wear down the Twits front. A decent running threat and effective short passing game will help us get the ball into Joey G’s hands down the field, and give us the big plays we will need to silence the local yokels, It’s a key division battle and the winner will have a vital leg up this early in the season – lets make sure that us and prevail, which we will to the tune of 23-20; Go on Bucs, make me proud. Nod of Acknowledgement to - Reggie Bush His 2 utterly meaningless TD’s in an otherwise comprehensive loss, nudged the Clap off the schneid and finally into the win column in the FFL. Get in the Real World Award - Michael Vick Testing positive for Marijuana whilst awaiting sentencing? Smart move Mike, real smart. That should hopefully add a few extra days in the can for you Sports News Story I No Longer Give a Toss About – Slow starts for LT, LJ, The Saints etc etc Nobody gives a stuff unless you are a fan of the aforementioned teams or a fantasy owner. For every slow starter there’s a fast one or a surprise team doing well – dips in form and one season wonders when everything falls in your favour (ie The Saints) happen, deal with it and move on.