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Four years ago the Bucs entered the bye week with a 6-2 record. They were fresh off getting skewered by the slimy Saints after Tom Brady threw a late pick-6 and the Bucs lost 36-27 in New Orleans.
Before that, the last Bucs team to start a season 6-2 was the 2002 Super Bowl team.
Joe points this out because it’s important to understand just how special the start of this Bucs season has been. After choking out the slimy Saints today in a blowout victory, Tampa Bay stands at 6-2, tied atop the NFC with the Eagles.
The grumpy fans will poke endless holes in the Bucs, but none will be able to wipe the smile off Joe’s face.
The bye week is next, arriving at the perfect time. And then the Bucs get tested by the Patriots, the Rams and the Bills in consecutive weeks before the schedule gets pillowy soft.
Joe likes the setup. A much healthier Bucs team will get to test itself against some of the best, with plenty of time to make adjustments afterwards.
The season is setting up nicely. Now go get help before the trade deadline!