Bruised Bucs can't complete comeback in London

The Buccaneers lost to the Chicago Bears, 24-18 in a game played at Wembley Stadium in London.


The Pewter Pirates again got off to a slow start, only scoring 5 points (two off of a safety by Ronde Barber) through the first three quarters. The Bucs again put up a tough fight near the end, scoring 13 in the fourth quater, but the 4th interception against QB Josh Freeman on the day sealed the win for the Bears.

Freeman is having a rough year so far. His 4 interceptions on Sunday were just two less than his total amount of INTs all of last year. He is still having some issues of forcing plays that aren't there - throwing into double coverage or completely ignoring a linebacker waiting underneath to pick off a pass. While his comeback skills still seem to be present, he has not been able to put the finishing touches on some of the ones the Bucs have had so far this year. In my opinon, offensive coordinator Greg Olson isn't helping much either. With the Bucs struggling early but having success in their hurry-up, two-minute offense, why not stick to that style of play full-time? Also, his under-utilization of good weapons such as Arrelious Benn and Freeman's legs and size (QB draws and jump passes, anyone?) is getting to be a bit aggravating.


A lot of credit must be given to the young Bucs team for keeping the game close and nearly winning despite a nightmarish string of injuries in the last few games. Already without starters Gerald McCoy, LeGarrette Blount, Cody Grimm and Jeff Faine going into the matchup in London, the Bucs lost several other key starters throughout the course of the game. The first to go down was Earnest Graham, who was starting at running back in place of Blount. Graham injured his Achilles tendon and is likely out for the year. Later Mason Foster, Tanard Jackson, and Jeremy Zuttah (who was starting in the place of Faine) also suffered injuries. Erik Lorig and Brian Price also had to leave the game, but both returned. That's 8 starters who are currently banged up, and with a team as young as the Bucs are, it's going to be tough to win tough football games in crunch time. Hopefully the coming bye week will give an much-needed opportunity to heal before heading to New Orleans.