Sunday's victory wins over the players

TAMPA - As I sat watching the Bucs beat Carolina on Sunday, I kept thinking about the thousands who didn’t get a chance to see this new version donned in pewter and red.

Last season, it was a blessing that the Bucs were blacked out for the most part.

However, this past Sunday, you missed out on quite a performance.

What I saw was reminiscent of the day the Bucs cover two gang throttled opponents.

Even Ronde Barber brought that very thought up in his post-game news conference.

We saw a Bucs offense that was efficient enough, and a defense that would bend but not break.

The big difference between the two is that there were several pro bowl players among the starting eleven on defense.

Not so this year, but talented nonetheless.

I will say I was surprised how they dominated Cam Newton’s led offense.

It was mostly the Bucs dictating the demise of Carolina. 

Although, I thought that Panthers offensive coordinator Rod Chudzinski never rang up plays that gave Newton a chance to use his talents.

In the pocket passer he is not.

But I don’t want to lose sight or diminish what the Bucs defense did Sunday.

Holding Carolina to 10 yards total rushing for the game is absolutely incredible.

Giving up 301 yards passing is not a good sign, but most of those yards were benign, gained between the 20’s, and a fairly reasonable amount late in the game.

After the game is where I started doing my homework.  See how the players were reacting to the win.  What they had to say.

I came away impressed. 

Everyone we talked to and listened to showed varying degrees of humility about the win.

Interesting how they mimicked Head Coach Greg Schiano.

This guy had just won his first NFL game as a head coach.  He received a game ball.

He’s being touted as the unofficial Coach of the week in the NFL.

Yet, when he hit the podium shortly after Sunday’s win, he was a bit melancholy.

You know what?   I think he was as mentally drained as the rest of the team.

I swear his mind wanted to stay and savor the win, but he already had parted ways with that victory and began setting his sights on the New York Giants.

Could be wrong, but I just don’t really see Schiano kicking back and savoring the moment.

He hugged his wife in the hallway leading into the Bucs locker room. 

He acted as if he’s been there before.

I didn’t see any Bucs players all giggly either.

Very good sign especially when you’re coming off a team from a year ago that lost their last 10.

I will tell you this: There is no last year in this team.

Don’t even bother trying to dig up anything and stick it to this bunch.

They’ll dust it right back in your face. 

Instead, I believe this group, veterans and all, now have both feet in the fire with their head coach.

Wasn’t sure until I left the locker room.

I’m sure today.