Raise the Jolly Roger and fire the cannons! The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to the NFL Playoffs for the first time since 2007.
The Bucs destroyed the Detroit Lions, 47-7, on Saturday and it solidified the coronation of the Bruce Arians-Tom Brady era.
Arians said after the game that this is just the beginning as the playoff berth flipped the script on what had been a season filled with doubts about the prototypical quarterback being joined with one of the best offensive minds in NFL history.
While much of the time that scenario was blown out of proportion, the knitting together of the new era of Buccaneers football became a solid fiber on Saturday.
“They are very resilient, a fun group,” said Arians. “They know their business and they do a great job. Ever since I’ve gotten to Tampa, we’ve never had to ask our guys to work hard. We’ve gotten smarter and we’ve gotten more disciplined and it’s starting to show.”
The degree of the beatdown was emphasized by Brady’s 348 yards passing and four touchdowns, plus an almost perfect 158.1 quarterback rating. He even gave way to back-up Blaine Gabbert who threw for 143, himself.
The 588 yards set a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ single game record for total yardage.
“Our goal when we started out – especially in this year – was just to get in the dance,” noted Arians. “Now, it’s to win 11 games, see where we stand, where we’re going and know who we’re playing.”
Tampa Bay’s offense has clicked immeasurably in averaging 420 yards per game over the last six. Brady has completed 71.5 percent of his passes and 311.3 yards in the last three games.
“We’re playing better; we’re playing more consistently and it’s been great to see,” said Brady, who was playing in his 300th career game. “There’s a lot of guys who have worked hard to get to this point. Ten wins gets you something this year in the NFL. It gets you a spot in the playoffs.”
Discipline has shown up well for the Buccaneers in their 3-game winning streak. Brady hasn’t thrown an interception in the last three weeks, while Tampa Bay hasn’t lost any fumbles.
This has fed to the Buccaneers being able to find their game in the fourth quarter last week in Atlanta and allowing for a fast start and thorough win against the Lions. These are two variables that totally lend themselves to winning in the playoffs.
“Turnover differential and turnover margin is one of the great stats in football,” said Brady. “Any time you don’t turn it over, you’re making the other team score on a long field. If every drive ends in a kick, I think you’re doing pretty [well] on offense.”
Wide receiver Mike Evans caught 10 balls for 162 yards, as he has spent his seven seasons in Tampa Bay.
Evans noted Buccaneers journeymen Lavonte’ David (8) and Will Gholston (9) who have spent the bulk of careers in Tampa Bay and the appreciation they all have for their first playoff appearance.
“It’s been a journey, but we are happy we finally accomplished it and that’s just where it starts,” acknowledged David. “We want to go as far as we can.”
Evans has 960 receiving yards, needing just 40 yards to break 1,000 this season. He would be the first receiver in NFL history to have seven consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
“All of my teammates – they definitely want me to get the record – to be the first in NFL history,” said Evans. “It’s a huge accomplishment. I’m just appreciative that they care about me like that and that they want me to get it. Hopefully next week I can get it.”
