Pessimistic/Jaded Bucs fans...I get it and I truly feel all your pain when feelings of doubt cloud your mind. Without in season results it’s hard to make a compelling argument against your cases that we will still find a way to suck. The prime factor swimming up stream against that notion IMO is that our coaching staff hasn’t been close to stellar since the season after our Super Bowl win. We’ve had talent at various points, but the man steering the ship had
Stevie Wonder like characteristics coaching-wise. I would strongly contend that our current roster has more talent than any team in the last 20 years other than the team that won the Super Bowl.
Once Tomlin, Herm Edwards, Marinelli, Monte, Bisaccia & others departed even Gruden was in over his head. Most of the aforementioned left (around 2003/2004) Gruden was toast soon thereafter. Coincidence?
Then comes the Cluster F of our 15 year coaching carousel...
Raheem “Yungry” Morris - Shit show & over his head day one...still coaching secondary
Schiano - Toes on the line to mediocrity, finally a DC years later
Lovie - Retread ran out of Chi-town on a rail...too boring & conservative day 1...needed to stay retired
Dirk - Great guy, good offensive mind, good ole’ boy staff, not a leader of men, insecure style of control ...it was always forced and he’ll likely never HC again
Seeing my point?
Now comes Bruce Arians...true leader, no shit taken or given, genius mind offensively, great talent evaluator, raises level of play with accountability, secure man who delegates well and he’s just got a fucking X factor made for football coaching...Negative: He’s old
I live in Peoria Arizona and I can tell you that this city wept when he retired and revolted when he came to Tampa...that’s what true love and jaded feelings of betrayal do to you. He was a truly beloved son, key to any city in the valley figure out here. A superstar coach!
I’m tempering my enthusiasm but I’m telling you Bruce is a different breed.
When the Bucs played here in 2 of the last 4 seasons I watched his Cardinals put their foot on our necks and never let up...he’s Bill Bilichick ruthless between the lines. He has zero fucks to give when it comes to winning!
Not only has he dawned a new day in Tampa Bay but I guarantee our next head coach/his annointed successor is on this staff.
Carefully allow your hearts to hope and dream positivity again. Bruce won’t let us down!
