Bucs’ Arians: ‘Everybody tried to hand us the Lombardi Trophy in August’
Goforitradio Staff
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The Buccaneers started slow on Sunday against the world-champion Kansas City Chiefs. After one quarter, Tampa Bay(7-5) was down 17-0 and trailed 27-10 going into the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers were able to cut the lead to three, but Kansas City(10-1) would run out the clock and defeat Tampa Bay 27-24 at Raymond James Stadium.
As they enter their bye week, Tampa Bay has lost two straight games and three out of the last four. With the loss, the Buccaneers are now 2.5 games behind the Saints for the top spot in the NFC South, but since New Orleans has beaten Tampa Bay twice this season, the Saints essentially have a 3.5 game lead on the Buccaneers.
Coming into the season, with the addition of Tom Brady, many thought the Buccaneers would dominate this season, and at times, they have, but other times, it’s been a struggle. After the Chiefs’ loss, Arians was asked if he thought the team should be better than their 7-5 record; he said the following.
“Yes and no,” he said. “I think defensively, we’ve had our chances to be better. Offensively, it was going to be a work in progress all season. I thought our kicking game has been outstanding for us, which was a problem in the first game only. I’ve seen us get better throughout the season. We’ve just got to win the next one and stay in this playoff hunt. Everybody tried to hand us the Lombardi Trophy in August. You don’t just throw guys out there with names – you’ve got to practice. You’ve got to learn to get in sync with each other – that takes time.”
Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, who threw for 345 yards with three touchdowns, but two interceptions on Sunday. According to Brady, he has to play better in the final four games.
“I love playing for the guys that I play with and the coaches; the whole organization has been unbelievable,” Brady said. “I certainly have to do a better job the last four weeks of the year. I appreciate it; let’s have a good week.”
It did not help that the Buccaneers’ defense allowed Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill to have 13 receptions with 269 yards and three touchdowns, but these are the Kansas City Chiefs, so everybody knows they’re going to put a lot of points. Maybe the Buccaneers are a work in progress, or perhaps this is who they are as a team. Who knows, but even with the struggles, no one wants to see Tampa Bay in the playoffs, but now, they have to get there.
