For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, today's game against the Oakland Raiders is an absolute must-win: If they lose their season is over, but if they win they're still in playoff contention. For the Raiders, the game is meaningless: They're long since eliminated from playoff contention.
So which team came out flat today? The Bucs.
Tampa Bay punted on its first three offensive possessions and didn't even get a first down until just a minute remained in the first quarter. The Bucs' defense, meanwhile, has been soft against the run, and the Raiders used a seven-play, 60-yard drive to score a second-quarter touchdown and take a 7-0 lead.
The Bucs finally got something going on their fourth offensive possession and scored to tie the game at 7-7 But if the Bucs lose this one, Jon Gruden might deserve to have his name mentioned among the coaches on the hot seat.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Come Out Flat in Must-Win Game vs. Oakland Raiders originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 28 Dec 2008 13:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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