Bucs 2006 Season Predictions - 4th Quarter

Last, but not least, we'll close out my prediction series with the Bucs' 4th quarter games. This quarter could be the make or break one for the Bucs. I have them coming in at 8-4, and likely needing at least two wins to secure a playoff spot. So, on with the predictions.

Vs. Atlanta:

With the possibility likely that the Bucs could sew up the NFC South crown again, the Bucs will be ready to take on a desperate Falcons team. But, as with the first game, the Bucs will be able to overpower the Falcons' small defensive line, and force them to play the run, as they do that, Simms will start hitting receivers all over the field, and likely hit some big plays. The Bucs' defense will continue to shine as they will get after Vick, and force some key mistakes. In the end, this looks to be a mismatch that could lead to a runaway victory, similar to the one the Bucs had late in the 2002 season.

Bucs 35-20

At Chicago:

Da Bears...in December...brrrrr! If this game was held during a warmer time period, I would have a better feeling about a win, but this game is going to be tough as it is. While the Bears' offense isn't likely to do much, the Bear's defense is likely to make life difficult on Simms and Co. Since the weather will be cold, and the conditions will likely be non conducive to an effective passing game, I expect the Bears to stack up against the run, and make it very difficult for the Bucs to move the ball. In the end, I expect a few key mistakes to cost the Bucs the game by giving the Bears points, or the field position to score without difficulty, much like the game here last year.

Bears 10-7

At Cleveland:

After one cold road game, the Bucs get to finish their stretch of 3 in 4 weeks by playing the Browns in late December, Christmas Eve, no less. But when it comes to this game, the Bucs are going to be receiving. The Bucs defense will simply shutdown and ineffective Browns offense. The Browns offensive line has several stinkers (C, RG, RT, and LT), which includes a Bucs' favorite (not!) Cosey Coleman. They will simply be no match for the Bucs' front four. The Browns have a decent RB in Droughns, but he's not stellar enough to be able to beat the Bucs defense. The Browns also have a bad QB situation with mistake prone Charlie Frye and Ken Dorsey leading the pack at No. 1 and 2. While the Browns do have Jurevicius and Northcutt at WR, they have an unsettled Winslow at TE, and not enough weapons to keep the Bucs from stacking the box and blitzing the QB on passing situations. Defensively, the Browns run a 3-4, something the Bucs offense is getting used to seeing, and better at beating. McKinley is a decent DE, but NT Ted Washington is now 38 years old, and nothing more than a big blob of man in the middle. And while the Browns do have McGinest at Linebacker, the rest of the unit is not that great, especially against the run where the Browns were 30th last year. The Bucs should be able to run the ball at the Browns, but, if the whether permits, the Browns could be in serious trouble if the Bucs can pass the ball, as they have too much talent for a poor Browns secondary. Really, the only concern I have in this game is the weather. If we get a mild game (say in the 40's without snow), this could get really ugly for the Browns. But that's not likely, which will keep the score down, and require the Bucs to limit their mistakes, especially turnovers. In the end, they'll win, and likely sew up a playoff spot.

Bucs 13-6

Vs. Seattle:

With the last game being played against the Seahawks, a lot of factors could come into play, including whether or not the Seahawks or Bucs will be playing all of their starters. It will greatly depend on playoff positioning as both teams are likely to be going further than this game. Offensively, the Seahawks will be a little less explosive without Jurevicius. The Bucs will focus, defensively, on stopping Alexander and forcing the Seahawks into 3rd and long situations where they will come after them hard. The Bucs defense should be able to slow down the Seahawks, but it's unlikely they will stop them. Offensively, the Bucs will find the running to be hard, but not impossible. But where they will be able to take advantage is through the air, where the Seahawks' defense is weakest. With the Bucs offense in high gear, they should be able to move the ball pretty well in the air, which could open the running game up some. In the end, the team with the fewest mistakes is likely to be the winner of this game. With the game being at Raymond James, I expect the Bucs to be that team.

Bucs 24-21

And that does it. I predict the Bucs will finish 11-5, again, and win the NFC South for two straight years. I think this Bucs team will be better than last years, but the schedule is harder. In the end, I think the Bucs may have enough firepower to make a run at the SB, but it will depend greatly on injuries and the offensive line. With Joseph out for the Ravens game, it's going to be tough if he can't get back soon. Terry should fill in well, though. Look for the Talking Plank post later tonight, or very early tomorrow.