When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers racked up a 17-0 lead in the first half Sunday against the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals, it made some fans dare to hope their beloved Pewter Pirates might finally be turning a corner this season.
After the Bucs gave up 34 straight points in a 34-23 loss, those hopes came crashing back down to earth.
Despite still being in first place in the horrific NFC South, yet another crushing defeat left the Tampa Bay faithful frustrated and infuriated after watching their team waste such an impressive start against one of the best teams in the league.
Here’s how fans reacted to Sunday’s loss:
When the Bucs were bad and untalented it was tolerable because they played to their ability. A team that clearly has talent is so disappointing and you can see and feel things happening in real time is just a huge bummer. Strong USF under Skip Holtz energy.
— Bryan Drake (@BDrake52184) December 19, 2022
Baffling game management, terrible execution, no one stepped up to stop the bleeding. We feel further from being a good team now than we did to start the year.
— CaptainRenault (@renault_captain) December 19, 2022
Not surprising. I think it is time to start planning for next year. Let the Panthers take the division and embarrass themselves in the post season instead of us.
— Jacen Santiago (@BigBlockJacen) December 19, 2022
Bucs still in first place. Embrace the suck. Let’s go!!!
— Grizzz (@PFF_Grizz) December 19, 2022
It’s been a while since I’ve been apathetic towards the Bucs. I knew Arians was a good coach, but I never imagined how bad it would be without him as the HC. Can’t help but think his absence is the main cause of these issues.
— Peeps (@iamp33ps) December 19, 2022
You know when analysts say, “X coach has forgotten more about football then I’ll ever know.”
When it comes to Leftwich, I don’t think that’s true. I think fans could call a better game.
That he wasn’t fired at the bye was an egregious mistake.
Also, Bowles as a HC ain’t it.
— Aaron Watson (@aaronwatson86) December 19, 2022
Didn’t expect to win, however, the first half gave me hope. Saw flashes of the potential we what we expected this team to be in the first half. Leaves me with a sliver of hope going forward. Second half meltdown was just atrocious. Coaching will…
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