Buccs come up short on bone head plays

Following the previous string of losses for the Buccs the team knew they
had to do one thing, "we simply have to limit our turnovers" said
Marion Barber. "I'm just sick about this one....just sick at my
stomach". With the focal point of all team meetings, practices, team
meals, media events, PR stunts, etc....being "PROTECT THE BALL" the
Buccs managed to do one thing against the lowly Raiders.....they
protected the ball. "We were held to one meaningless turnover, but that
was also our bonehead play" Coach James exclaimed as he spoke of the
first half fake FG try, "we were in range because Riddick has a leg that
I trust from 60 (the Buccs had a roughly 45 yard try) but I felt we
needed to shift momentum our way so we tried the fake". This fake would
be picked off and the half would come to an end with the Buccs losing
17-nil. The offense was stagnant for the Raiders as well with their
scoring drives consisting of the opening kickoff, a FG, and a 6 yard
pass to TE Zack Miller. (Scott Van Pelt in studio) "I have a feeling
the Buccs may should have kicked that FG"

The second half would be a role reversal for the two teams as the Buccs
would score first on a 53 yard Riddick boot with room to spare. Then
the turnovers would pile up, but this time on the Raiders and not on the
Buccs. Marching down field Campbell threw a interception on the goal
line that would result in a march for the Buccs potent passing game and
end in a touchdown run for Marion Barber. The Buccs defense would clamp
down again and force another int and Freeman would add the score with
just over 3 minutes to go in the game. The come back had been
completed. 17-17.

A score of 17-17 is as good as it would get for the Sucks as the Raiders
would, brilliantly, march the field and convert several key 3rd downs
to kick a game winning FG with just over a minute to play. The ensuing
series would see Josh Freemans defense go 4 and out as recievers would
drop balls they had caught all game long. The Raiders would go on to
win by a final of 20-17.

This is Rachael Nichols reporting for ESPN from Somolia, now back to you in studio Scott.


Final stats

Freeman 20-30 319 1TD

Campbell 15-24 149 1TD 2ints


Barber 8 rushes for 6 yards and 1 score (uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugly)

Greene 16 rushes for 77 yards


Kellen Winslow 6 catches for 116 yards

Zach Miller 6 catches for 72 yards

Great game. I don't think I've ever had a lead that I couldn't blow. This game was no exception. I couldn't stop you in the 2nd half. I think that if we played a double header you may have smoked me in the second game.

Your goal was to protect the ball, my goal was to not throw any pick sixes (I've thrown like 10 this season). I thought you were going to win this one because the momentum totally shifted, but I hung on somehow. Good luck with the rest of the season. You still have a shot!

This is true. I looked at my schedule and I have 1 game against a team with a winning record...theoretically I could finish something like 9-7...not gonna happen, but could.

I'm just excited to draft and trade and try and get better...also looking for to Madden 12. Colts introduced me to this league and, although I haven't done all that well, I'm loving it!

Good luck to you too man!