Bucs 2006 Season Predictions - 3rd Quarter

Continuing with the series, here's a look at the 3rd quarter of the season.

NOTE: I had to correct some errors in the 2nd QTR post, mainly dealing with the record. It's fixed, and will now make sense.

At Carolina:

Once again the Bucs get to face the kitties, and, just like last year, I expect the teams to split the series, winning at each other's place. The Bucs' offense will be in full mid-season form, as will the Bucs' defense. Expect a nasty, hard hitting game, with the Bucs pulling it out in the end.

Bucs 20-17

Vs. Washington:

Well, I think you can be well assured that the Bucs will have been waiting for this game after the refs helped the Redskins win the playoff game. Needless to say, the Bucs' defense will be looking to put the hurt on Portis, whom they shutdown in the playoff game. The Redskins picked up Antwan Randle-El, hoping he will help their receiving corps be more dangerous, but Brunell's not getting any younger, and I expect the Bucs to have a much better pass rush from the front four than they did last year. Offensively, the Bucs should be better able to take advantage of the Redskins' defense, something Simms did in the first game, and nearly did in the playoff game, except for a slight bobble reception by Shepherd in the endzone that the refs turned over, costing the Bucs the game. The Bucs, at least through the air, appear to have the Redskins' number. By the time this game comes along, Simms will have pretty much seen every thing the Skins can through at him. Revenge is sweet, and it's coming.

Bucs 27-14

At Dallas:

After a short week, the Bucs have to travel to Dallas to play the Cowgirls...err...Cowboys. Both teams play the prior Sunday, so despite this being a Thursday game, both teams will have to deal with it. While the Cowboys have T.O., Terry Glenn, and Julius Jones, they also have Drew Bledsoe, a QB that has been creamed by our defense every time he's played us. The Cowboys have a decent offensive line, but it's not good enough to hold up against the Bucs' defense. I expect to see Drew running for his life, if you can call that running, and having a rather tough time of it. Offensively, the Bucs will be facing a 3-4 defense, which Gruden has had a lot of success against. What makes matters worse, for the Cowboys, is their size up front, which is rather small. I expect our offensive line to be able to open holes, and let Caddy break off some big runs against the Cowboys' Linebackers, who lack elite speed, but have size. The Cowboys' Secondary is a group that the Bucs' wideouts should be able to take advantage of. Really, except for home field, the Cowboys will be over matched, talent-wise, against the Bucs. Parcells is a very good coach, however, and this game won't be easy. In the end, I think the Bucs take 'em.

Bucs 20-13

At Pittsburgh:

In one of the league's cruel jokes, the Bucs get to go on the road for 3 of the next 4 games to places that are generally not really nice places to go in the month of December. This gaggle of cold road games starts in Pittsburgh, where the Bucs will face the defending champions. The Steelers typically have had the right kind of team to beat the Bucs, but, without Bettis, the Bucs should be able to control the Steelers' run offense to some degree and force Cheeseburger...uhh...I mean Roethlisberger, to beat them through the air. If that happens, the Steelers' offense will have a tough time getting anything done. All that said, with the weather, the crowd, and the Steelers' tough defense, I expect the Bucs offense to sputter at times, and to have a turnover or two that will swing this game. While the Bucs will have a pretty easy time against the Cowboys' 3-4, the Steelers' is a different animal. They have a huge nose tackle, and faster linebackers. That will make it tough on Caddy, who will be needed in a cold weather game. All of the factors place the likelihood of a Bucs win at low odds. At Ray Jay I would give this game to the Bucs, but not it Heinz Field in December.

Steelers 17-10

With the 3rd quarter over, the Bucs should be sitting pretty at 8-4 with 4 games left. With a win against Atlanta (assuming the other division games go as I predict) the Bucs would likely have a shot at wrapping up the tiebreakers for the South, and may likely win it with an additional win. The Bucs would likely need to finish at least 2-2 to be safe for a playoff spot under the season scenario I've painted thus far. I should have the final post up in the morning, with the new Talking Plank up sometime later on Saturday. Stay tuned!