Hey everybody - SMILE! Ok, yesterday was a really, really bad experience. How many of you tuned out halfway through the third period? But I have to say I think it came at a perfect time. Why? Well, with a three game winning streak the Bucs were back in contention. I felt that there was a bit of complacency after last week's win against Detroit, and to have their backsides kicked will focus them for the next few games. I know a lot of people will be a little disappointed with the way the team performed but it has to be said that the two Johnson's were due to have a really bad day sometime. We've relied on them too much this season and yesterday proved what happens when you shut down them as well. Not all is lost though. If New Orleans lose tonight then all is still to play for next week. None of the contenders for that last NFC spot won over the weekend, so we still have a game over them. Just got to hope that St. Louis do the job tonight. But where do we go at the end of the season? Well I have to say that I expect Tony to stay. In fact I want him to. Why? Well to become a long term power in the NFL you need stability at the top. Bill Cowher has been going at Pittsburgh for a while, he's had his bad seasons but look where he is this season! Yes Tony needs to rethink his offensive philosophy but to do that he will need to be ruthless with a player cull. Who needs to get the chop? Well here's my list of people: 1: The entire receiving corps (Except Keyshawn) - They've got to go. They've been underachievers for too long. This would have been the best time to get someone like Bert Emanuel or Alvin Harper. Both these guys flourished when there was a better receiver on the other side. Time to go hunting and get some veterans who know the game and can get it done. 2: Dexter Jackson - How many times have I heard "And Dexter was beaten on that play"? Too many. 3: Simeon Rice - Right. I don't like him. I never rated him. And look what he's doing! Absolutely nothing all season and then starts to put a burst on as the season comes to an end. I wonder why? Oh look! Possible extra cash for him if he sticks around next year! Need to pad the stats out a little. Cut him. Now. 4: Most of the Offensive line - If G.W.Bush is intent on ridding the world of terrorism then he needs to visit Tampa. There is one poor person who is terrorised week in and week out by this bunch. Brad J. He's had to put up with some of the worst punishment I have witnessed this season. Yet he goes back with a weary sigh each and every game. I've seen a wet paper bag offer more resistance than these guys. 5: The Positional Coaches - We lost two guys who put fire into the team. We need them back or at least clone them. I'm sure that they are competent people but there has been a distinct lack of discipline and performance this year. How many missed tackles and dropped balls have there been? 6: Linebackers (Except Derrick Brooks) - Well there hasn't been much of a highlight for these guys. Brooks has played injured, Quarles has played pretty well but needs to step up more, as for the rest, time to wield the bloodied axe. 7: Monte Kiffin - Ok. This one is a little tougher. He's had to deal with his two best assistants leaving and an underachieving defence, is this his fault? No. However, where have the blitzes gone? Why do teams constantly use them against us every play and yet we rush the lineman and not the whole damn lot? How many times has that third down pass been caught because of the amount of time the quarterback has had to find someone? If extra players had been sent then a lot of those third down plays may never have been made and we could be looking at a different scenario now. Time to lure Lovie Smith back from the Rams? A lot of people have been calling for Tony to go. Well who else is there? Parcells is only interested in total power. Rich McKay is the best GM out there so I don't see that happening. Spurrier is a possibility, however as someone said he'll only leave Florida in a coffin. Which doesn't leave very many people that I'd feel happy with. One possibility could be a straight swap with Dennis Green. He's on his last legs in Minnesota, would we really want him in Tampa? George Siefert is going to be free soon, but I'd rather not. We may all cringe at Dungy's game plan but a quiet word in his ear by the Glazers may change that. I don't think another Offensive Coordinator change would be constructive. Time to let it be for another season. Well that's about it for my rant. I think we have a chance at the playoffs but I've decided that I'm going to enjoy my Christmas and not worry about it. If we make it then I'll be happy. If we don't, well, There's always next year! Merry Christmas all and a Happy New Year. Nick Mort December 2001