Here we are the beginning of Coach Schiano’s regime as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We as fans like what we are seeing in Coach Schiano’s demeanor approaching this job with no nonsense approach to a team that truly lacked discipline in 2011.
Seeing this Buccaneer team in the preseason that showed not just effort but desire and commitment as fans how can we not be excited going into 2012.
Not to mention the right decisions have been made with 2012 draft picks that are going to be rookie starters in Mark Barron SS, Lavonte David WLB and Doug Martin RB.
But with all that being said this is the regular season everyone is 0-0. And all the hype all the decisions of pre-season comes to reality when the W’s count! We are talking about the youngest team in the NFL and a coach that his preparation is never questioned but his game day decision making when at Rutgers. Today is when all questions begin to be answered.
With all that being said I feel a few factors in today’s game come to play for the Buccaneers to have a successful opening day:
- Offensive line needs to take advantage of a weak Carolina interior defensive line
- Doug Martin needs to have a solid running day of over 100 yds.
- Solid run game will allow flexibility in Freeman and the offense to have flexibility in play-calling allowing Freeman time to throw.
- Offense needs to have solid 1st down gains and avoid 2nd and 3rd down long yardage situations.
- Defense needs to penetrate the offensive line (Quick Note: Gerald McCoy missed both game vs. Carolina) and create pressure up the middle.
- CB’s need to be tight on Steve Smith and Brandon Lafell (don’t take him lightly) not give up big play
- The OLB/CB’s need to contain Cam Newton/ DeAngelo Williams and make sure they don’t get outside keep them contained.
This game is about attitude breaking the will of the Panthers on the defensive and offensive line, knocking Cam Newton down as many times as possible. Taking the fight to the Panthers setting a tone and not backing down!! Let’s start this season with the right attitude!
If all this comes together Prediction Bucs 20 Panthers 17
Richard J Dudkiewicz Jr (Twitter @Rook33)
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