It's a little too late in the NFL season to develop some winning ways, but something's happening with the Buccaneers (3-12), and fans certainly won't complain with two straight wins.
| For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, visit the team's Web site. |
The Bucs took on the 13-1 New Orleans Saints and, instead of a wipeout for the Buccaneers, it became a triumph as a 47-yard Connor Barth field goal won it 20-17 for the Bucs in overtime.
It didn't have the makings of a post-Christmas miracle at first, though. New Orleans (13-2) jumped out to a 17-0 lead in its first three possessions. Unlike the Bucs of earlier in the season, they didn't give up. Connor Barth kicked a 34-yard field goal as time expired in the first half to make it 17-3.
Still, that's a pretty hefty gap to overcome, but the Bucs came back. Cadillac Williams scored on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter, then Michael Spurlock ran back a punt 77 yards to tie it at 17 in the fourth quarter.
The Bucs could have closed it out in regulation, but an interception in the end zone and a failed fourth-and-short on the New Orleans 19 put the game into overtime.
The Saints had a shot, but kicker Garrett Hartley missed on a 37-yard field goal attempt as regulation expired.
Tampa Bay won the coin toss and scored soon after on the field goal.
The Bucs' defense showed improvement in limiting the Saints' rushing in the second half, and rookie quarterback Josh Freeman didn't throw a TD pass and was intercepted twice, but a scramble in overtime for a first down keyed the winning drive.
The final game of the season is coming up on Jan. 3 against the Atlanta Falcons. The Bucs will watch the playoffs and Super Bowl on a big-screen TV this year, but if things keep improving maybe it'll be their turn next year.
Comments
No comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.