Bills/Buccaneers: Final Predictions from Buc 'Em
by Brian Galliford on Sep 19, 2009 11:15 AM EDT
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45 comments
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take the field of play in Ralph Wilson Stadium for the first time in team history tomorrow when they take on our Buffalo Bills. With both Tampa Bay and Buffalo coming off of Week 1 defeats - and yeah, one of those losses was a touch more excruciating than the other - desperation for a win is high on both sides of the field this weekend.
Buffalo will be without MLB Paul Posluszny, who is out indefinitely nursing a broken forearm back to health. Meanwhile, CB Terrence McGee is listed as questionable after missing Friday's practice with back spasms. Tampa Bay is not quite as healthy as Buffalo; C Jeff Faine (triceps) and CB E.J. Biggers (shoulder) are out, WR Antonio Bryant (knee) is doubtful, and DE Kyle Moore (groin) and TE John Gilmore (ankle) are questionable.
Joining us for one last day of pre-game fun are "Buc Wild" and "Niko521bucs," the lead bloggers over at SB Nation's Buccaneers blog, Buc 'Em. I asked them to make predictions for this weekend's big game, and they very kindly obliged. You'll find their predictions - along with my own - after the jump.
Prediction from Niko521bucs at Buc 'Em:
As hard as this is for me to say, if the Bucs don't win this week, they won't win for a long time, and the season WILL spiral into a 3-win season, no matter how good the offense is. My prediction is 24 to 23; whoever wins, it will be by that score. I hope we are capable of scoring extra points with our three touchdowns!
Prediction from Buc Wild at Buc 'Em:
I'll echo Niko's sentiments. This game, with games vs NYG, at WAS, at PHI, vs CAR and vs NE (in London) on the docket after this, seems to be the most winnable game. Now, any team can win on any day, but if I were a betting man, this would be the most likely victory out of our first 7 games.
We've looked at how Byron has done, we've see how the Bills move the ball, who they rely on. We've discussed the Bills' strengths and weaknesses, as well as the Bucs'. I think Buffalo will be a bit weaker than we think. They're already missing their starting middle linebacker, and may be missing their top corner (McGee) along with Lynch this weekend. If that happens, it lessens the hit of Bryant being out (if he ends up not playing).
I'm throwing my own Hail Mary here. I'm having faith that Bates and Morris fixed the problems on defense. I see a different scheme that generates pressure. I'm not too worried about T.O. or Jackson, its Evans and his speed that scare me. The Bucs O won't be as good, Leftwich will turn it over for the first time, but the Bucs will pound out a close game. The Bucs have to keep it close and weather the no-huddle storm. This is probably the last game I pick the Bucs to win for awhile, so slap me down for a 24-20 win.
Before I get to my prediction, I feel compelled to say something. If being up for a winnable game in between several difficult games is the best reason for predicting a winner, then there are two serious problems here: number one, the head coach is doing a terrible job of keeping his players focused, and number two, one is not considering the same exact factor for the other team. Buffalo follows up this game with dates vs NO, at MIA, and then "catch a break" with a home date vs CLE. So let's not pretend the Bills aren't desperate, too, shall we?
Prediction from yours truly:
As much as I'd like to see Buffalo prove all of its skeptics incorrect and really lay it to the Bucs after going toe-to-toe with New England - a supposed Super Bowl favorite - I just can't bring myself to actually predict it will happen. The Bucs are a tough matchup for the Bills because of their running game and their far-too-unheralded offensive line. I just don't think, ultimately, that the Bucs have enough defense to contain all of the Bills' offensive weapons - and yeah, it's been a long, long time since I've written anything like that. This game will be close for three quarters, and the Bills will pull away at the end. Bills 27, Buccaneers 17
Your predictions? They go in the comments section. Have at it.
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31 -10 Bills. Whitner has a HUGE day!!!
by Honestabe75 on Sep 19, 2009 11:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Whitner has a HUGE day!!!
That is a very bold statement.
No weekend spent pantsless is a wasted weekend.
by sireric on Sep 19, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it is and I’m hoping he has a big day in the box shutting down the running game. I don’t see them beating us passing the ball.
by Honestabe75 on Sep 19, 2009 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
24 - 17 bills
They are hungry
donte cried…
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Sep 19, 2009 12:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
24 - 10 Bills
Leodis takes one to the house, and doesn’t drop it until he crosses the OTHER goal line!
Why do today, when it can wait til tomorrow; the games on!
by UtahBillsFan on Sep 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
42 - 3
Bills. I am dead serious.
Founding member of the Dick Jauron Fan Club.
by taskersd on Sep 19, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills win. The score stuff I don’t care about. :-)
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 19, 2009 12:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills lose on final play
when Leodis intercepts a pass, tries to run it back all the way, fumbles and the ball is picked up by a Buc and run for the winning TD.
by ccthemovieman on Sep 19, 2009 1:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ha, it is too soon
"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-
by billsoferie on Sep 19, 2009 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
42-17 Bills.
I’m really optomistic (hopefully not to a fault) that the Bills will have little problem working the ball downfeild. I also sense Bobby April smacking around the special teams unit after a very forgettable showing on monday night, so the special teams either will score a touchdown, or force a turnover. Hey, who knows, maybe Capt Checkdown will have his first 300 yard game of his career.
by dragonwag0n on Sep 19, 2009 1:36 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
27-19
We scored 17 offensive points last week against NE. I predict ten more this time in a 27-19 Bills win. Our bend-but-don’t-break defense almost didn’t break against New England, it won’t break this week. Defense holds them to one score and four field goals.
by Dyl on Sep 19, 2009 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if T.O. catches three td passes, he'll be given a second and slightly larger key to the city...
not to mention a steaming hot cup of Tim Horton’s coffee!!!
by Kooz on Sep 19, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
cant believe I’m saying this, but I think our bend dont break D style is the best way to force them to pass here. only thing that worries me about the buc’s right now is cadillac. gotta say this…allways thought AVP would be the real deal, after seeing MNF game,the heartbreak recovery did not take long. my win prediction went from 5 to 10!can’t wait for sunday!
"This is what happens Larry!, This is what happens! "-Walter Sobchak
by BigEasyBillsKrewe on Sep 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I am predicting another big game from Andy Levitre, who is quickly becoming my favorite Bill.
Wouldn't it be ironic if this team imploded and it had nothing to do with TO?
by thefourwinds on Sep 19, 2009 2:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
20-13 Buffalo
I think Tampa Bay runs a lot and Buffalo does a solid job defending it. Leftwich can’t get it done when it really matters and Buffalo’s defense has a great game. I think the offense plays well, but in classic Trent Edwards style, the points they ultimately put on the board don’t reflect how well they played.
by kaisertown on Sep 19, 2009 2:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
35-24 Buffalo
Corner gets 2 inerceptions 1 for a TD !!!!!
by JP74 on Sep 19, 2009 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
35-9 Buffalo
We will get big returns from special teams so therefore good field position for our offense that they won’t even hold to a field goal on any of our inevitable scoring drives. I hope Ronde Barber covers Lee Evans because Lee will run right past the dinosaur legs of Ronde. We will load up the box with 8-9 defenders and get good penetration with Stroud/Williams. The key to our pass rush is going to be the speed of Maybin. Our 3rd and 4th CBs can bottle up their best remaining WR and we can have Bryan Scott take care of Winslow. I feel the turnover potential is going to come from the safeties. Leftwich doesn’t get over 200 yds through the air.
by live6453 on Sep 19, 2009 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
31-13 Bills
Edwards 320 yards 3 TDs (Owens, Evans & Jackson)
ST – 1 TD (Roscoe)
Defense – 2 INTs (Leodis & Whitner)
"Next time I get the opportunity I am going to hold on and make a better decision." ~ Leodis McKelvin. (Can't ask for anythitng more than that)
by NolaBillsFan on Sep 19, 2009 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills 27, Bucs 9
Gut feeling… And you know how rough I can be on the Bills.
The Bucs defense isn’t great, and no matter how good their O-line is, Leftwich has just never proven he has any sense of urgency in the pocket. To make matters worse, his delivery is slower than Ellis Lankster trying to explain how he made great plays (“like um”)!
"You play to win the game, you don't play to just play it" - Herm Edwards
by Jason from OH-IO on Sep 19, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills 33, Buc 6
Maybin gets a hat trick this week (FF,FR,TD)
by teq on Sep 19, 2009 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
23-16 Bills, lots o’ FG’s
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 19, 2009 4:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Bills win
I think we show up for all 4 quarters and play a complete game for the first time in years. PLEASE STOP saying AVP is the real deal, he had a decent first game plan. Most of this site was giddy of Turks impressive start, as was I. We need to show a complete game in all phases of the game and this coaching staff needs to stop making bonehead mistakes that cost us games.
by pastj12345 on Sep 19, 2009 4:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
24-13 Bills
The Bucs will try to play “throw five yards, get first downs running on second and third down and tally up time of possession.” The defense will realize Buggs is a little small and a little slow to shed blockers effectively. The Bills will move Ellison to the middle and Nic Harris will blow a Buccaneers running back up. We’ll all scream. Edwards will dink and dunk to Jackson, that is until the Bucs realize they have to change it up. Edwards goes deep late and hits T.O. for a long one. Cue the haters from ESPN saying how bad the Bucs defense is and was against Dallas. Wait for T.O. to do it again vs. N.O.
by Kooz on Sep 19, 2009 4:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What a difference
Last week all I was reading on here was doom and gloom comments about how were going 4 and 12, 3 and 13 but after last week people have changed there mind……well I stiil believe we are a 9-7, with the right breaks 10-6 team and we gave away one already…..so we Have to win the ones we are supposed to chalk this one up as a good learning experince for the young guys buffalo 27 -10…..it’ll will be a hard fought game
Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Bruce Smith and Andre Reed aren't walking through that door with there helmets and jerseys anymore, so lets get over are past and build a new tradition.
by Moe_frm_B_ on Sep 19, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Bills will win this game by 2 TDs, but the actual score I can't predict worth a darn
I think its going to be low scoring though, like 21-7 type of stuff.
As my mother once said, common sense isn't as common as it should be, I'm looking at you Fewell, common sense says to play UP on the line against the slant.
by WABillsfan on Sep 19, 2009 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
27 - 23 Bills
I don’t see an easy game for Bills. Bucs run game is much more stronger than NE, Bills will have more difficult to contain it, but I think they will.
The problem against Buc’s passing game is quick throws. Leftwitch did a lot of 4 steps and throw against Cowboys. I’m not very confident about our LB in coverage, and without Poz the questions only increase. DBs will have to step up and have a great game tomorrow.
In my opinion Offense will win this game for Bills. I think they will be much more confident this game. I hope T.O and Lee have an amazing game against that poor secondary.
by hightower_mc on Sep 19, 2009 7:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills win on the last play
Edwards throws up the last minute pass in the direction of Owens and Evans, it gets deflected to Reed, who catches and runs about 70 yards for the TD. ; )
by Der Jaeger on Sep 19, 2009 9:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh, c’mon, that could never happen in a football game.
by kaisertown on Sep 20, 2009 12:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brian - werent you all up on the Coach Morris Bandwagon before?
now you’re saying he’s not preparing his team?
yikes.
oh yeah……….and please for my sanity win Buffalo. Im with MRW I couldnt care less about the score as long as Buffalo wins.
"In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time." (Robert Collier)
by norcaliangelsfan on Sep 19, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Brian was saying that the guys at Buc Em were implying that.
Playing Realistic Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008. Ignoring the grumblings on Rumblings.
by MattRichWarren on Sep 20, 2009 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, this.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 20, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bills 27- Tampa 13
Edwards will have 2 Tds To Owens and Evans
Jackson will have his TD
Defence 4 Sacks 2 Ints
GO BUFFALO
by kooldude on Sep 19, 2009 11:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are we being realistic?
TB wins 24 – 20. Why not? I need to start setting my expectations lower, so when the Bills actually win this game I can be elated and say “you all told me so, I should have listened!” Seriously though, Fred (duh) and Leodis (he’s a gamer) will have themselves nice games and the Bills won’t disappoint in the home opener this year. It’ll be close as the Bills and Jauron employ their bend-don’t-break-play-to-barely-win philosophy and it works! Real prediction – Buffalo takes it 27 – 20.
by Malfimus on Sep 20, 2009 1:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bills really came 2gether- and I am SHOCKED
I like the Bills 27-13
The time to deliver is now and if you fail to do so you will no doubt witness the consequences first hand.
by Cutter3636 on Sep 20, 2009 1:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Man. A lot of you are REALLY SUPER DUPER confident. That makes me nervous.
Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott
by Brian Galliford on Sep 20, 2009 11:21 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I know
What’s going on here? Can we really expect the Bills to score 34+ points and win be 3 TD’s? That’s pretty crazy.
~K
"As the governor of Louisiana once said, the only way Chris Kelsay can lose his job is if he got caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy."
by Kurupt on Sep 20, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marshawn who ?
Freddie Jackson, the human highlight reel !
by Ogdenguy on Sep 20, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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