Monday, 3 a.m.
Yeah, the quarterback needs to be better.
But doesn't everyone?
The Tampa Bay Bucs, in too many games, have turned into a one-man show. All of the headlines are about Tom Brady, and most of the photos. He's the star of most wins, and he's the disappointment in most losses. But now that Brady is looking at his first three-game losing streak in 19 years, let's face it: The guy could use some help.
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Consider the last game the Bucs lost to Washington. The offensive line didn't block, and the defensive line was run upon, and the secondary was lost. The running game didn't click, and the passing game just nibbled.
Tonight, against the Giants, that has to change.
But who, most of all, does it have to change for?
The five Bucs who need to be sharp in tonight's game.
- Mike Evans, wide receiver: There is a lot of talk about Evans and his eventual conversation regarding the Hall of Fame. But right now, Evans hasn't played like a dominating receiver. It's been five games since he had a 100-yard day, and in three of his last four, he's had just two catches. Sure, he gets double-teamed, but most great receivers do.With Antonio Brown out, Evans needs to be an impact player.
2. Shaq Barrett, outside linebacker: In most of the biggest Bucs' games of the last three seasons, Barrett has been a force. But against Washington, he didn't have a tackle all day. Daniel Jones isn't a terrible quarterback if he has time. It's up to Barrett to make sure he doesn't.
3. Devin White, inside linebacker: White tackled everything last week. Still, his season has lacked a lot of the splash plays he's capable of. White needs to help shut the Giants' running game down.
4. Jason Pierre-Paul, outside linebacker: Let' face it. JPP has been hurt for most of the season. But if he's too injured to be a . factor, the Bucs' coaches need to play rookie Joe Tryon-Shoyika more. Pierre-Paul, a former Giant, loves the spotlight, however.
5. Tom Brady, quarterback: Oh, who are we fooling? When you talk about Bucs who need to play well, the list starts with Brady. This team won't win if he throws interceptions or if he feels rushed by poor blocking.
Honorable mention: Donovan Smith, Chris Godwin, Ali Marpet, Lavonte David, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Ryan Succop.