This has been an unpredictable season thus far, but what is clear is that Lovie and Licht have a plan in place. The team is headed in the right direction with youth brimming everywhere. Also this team has the opportunity to become an even younger team in the following off season. But to address why I think Lovie has earned the opportunity to finish out his contract this is how I see it. First, he is guiding a rebuilding team with a rookie QB and playing the most rookies in the league in prominent starting roles. Second of all, he has navigated a team that has lots of fire, and has started to re-channel that energy into playing football. The mistakes in penalties continue, but not to the point where they are crippling like last season. Having an offense with a year 1 coordinator has caused a learning curve for all involved, and that is including rookie QB Jameis Winston. The defense has the front seven firing on all cylinders, but it is the back four that is still trying to find an identity and comfort. I do not know what the fans, or even some media pundits are asking for with the firing of Lovie Smith when the season is very young, and these young Bucs have been competitive in the vast majority of the games thus far. The team’s record is 3-4, and the Bucs haven’t reached the midway point yet. If they lose the next game, that puts them on pace for a 6-10 finish. That type of finish is often typical of a rebuilding team, or in other words what is expected. I think Lovie is safe even with just four wins total on the year, but there are many that would disagree. However, if the team wins the next game, that puts them at .500 for the midway point and slightly ahead of where most were projecting this team to be.I am satisfied with the progress I see on offense, defense and special teams under the direction of Lovie Smith thus far. It is obvious an injection of youth will take place on the defensive side of the ball, and it will also continue on offense as well via the draft. There are detractors that say there is no plan in place, but it is very clear. Draft, develop, re-sign and fill the gaps with free agents. The Glazer family has been very explicit with what their vision of this franchise should be, and they are carrying that out with razor sharp precision this time. There is no uncertainty with labor disputes and the CBA where Morris was in limbo (basically a placeholder IMVHO). Or even with Schiano (basically had a flawed plan to build an elite secondary) trying to put a stamp at OBP while chasing away players like Dexter Jackson from even setting foot into the building. No, Lovie has brought respect and dignity back to the Tampa Bay community and the Bucs organization. Buccaneers fans must, should and will rally behind a man of great honor, prestige and tradition to the franchise.So far the plan has been to draft, develop and retain. That is exactly what the young Licht has done and he has been able to lock up young studs in David and McCoy within a single off season. It must be mentioned that both McCoy and David are both still, very, very young and have yet to reach that proverbial “ceiling”. Licht has also brought in young talent to help fill in the gaps of the bottom of the roster, something that Dominik was very adept at doing as well. This “second draft” approach will have huge cap ramifications when it comes to re-signing more of the young core players down the line. Bucs scouting seems to have improved a notch, and I want to see what Licht and Robinson can continue to add to a roster that has seen dynamic changes and seems to always be in flux for the better.On a final note, with the midway point nearing, the Bucs brand seems to have been restored with the casual Bucs fans as they are excited about a young team brimming with so much potential. The hatred I see directed against these young Buccaneers players seems to make no logical sense or have any reason to be so venomous. We are not talking about 7,8, 9, or 10 year vets that make up the majority of this roster. Of the players that do have 7,8, 9, and 10 NFL seasons experience on the current Bucs roster many do not figure to have a future with this team and are simply holding the torch. New young Buccaneers next off season will carry on this torch and the will of Buccaneer fire. This Buccaneer fire is in the belly of these young players as you see them compete week in and week out despite being told you should be a bad team. Bad teams stay bad, but this Buccaneers team refuses to stay down for the count. In my book they have showed heart, perseverance, and professionalism. Despite adversity they continue to play despite the outside world and some Bucs fan saying they should stay down and not rise up. For example, Lavonte David has been through many heart breaking losses, but this has been an immense learning experience for a player that is only 25 years old and he continues to rise up. Heading into next off season, this team is in a healthy cap situation, it will have a full slate of draft choices, it will be one of the youngest teams in football once again, and Jameis Winston will be one year wiser. It is simply is an exciting time to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, so enjoy the ride as the season is far from over. Thank you Lovie Smith for restoring dignity, grace, and composure in our darkest hour of need. Your efforts have gone unnoticed and unappreciated by the red board window lickers, and American football analyst posers. Maybe including some in the media as well, but they have a job to do so I can’t fault them so much. And to reiterate this point and drive it home. Thank you, LiLo for sticking with your well-crafted plan as unpopular as it may be coming off a catastrophic 2-14 season. That shows guts to make tough choices and admit the failures of the 2014 off season. And congrats to the Glazers for showing more attention to a franchise that seemed to be in a tailspin for so long. Also, thank you to the Glazers for showing faith and trust to Team LiLo in the selection of Jameis Winston despite the mudslinging and accusations that have been proven to be unwarranted and unfounded. This shows the Buccaneers family is a legit football family and that has been such a void with this team so long. Ever since Gruden was let go from his HC duties and seems to have been restored once more.And finally, thank you our Tampa Bay Buccaneers and keep fighting. Lose or win, I am proud of you all.With deep sincerity, All_the_way, a true Bucs fan.
