By Kyra Hallett
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the New York Giants Sunday afternoon and almost pulled one past the Giants. The Bucs were leading the entire game until the fourth quarter. The defense was tired by the end of the game, being on the field more than the offense.
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There was a terrible reversed call at the end of the game with 12 seconds left. The Bucs would have had great field position but were called back to the 45 yard line. Quarterback Josh Freeman still had time on the clock but threw an interception.
Many feel that the last play of the game was very controversial and uncalled for, as if the Bucs reacted as sore-losers. Once the Giants got the ball back, they were going to kneel to run out the clock, like most teams do to end the game if they are leading. Otherwise known as the “Victory Formation”. But the Bucs did something that many did not expect, they rushed the line, knocking quarterback Eli Manning down.
When the two teams went to shake hands, Giants head coach, Tom Coughlin yelled at Bucs head coach, Greg Schiano and did not shake his hand.
Many feel that the play was not necessary, but Schiano claims that the game was not over, and his team does not quit until it is completely done. The play has worked for him in years past and it is in the Bucs play book. Some say that there was not enough time on the clock to do anything by trying to cause a fumble to get the ball back to Freeman. He still would have had one shot to the end zone to tie the game.
The NFL called it a clear play and no one was injured.
Some feel that you should play full out, the entire 60 minutes.
I happen to agree that you play hard to the end of the game, that you never give up and anything could happen. Coughlin has been like this for years, always yelling and whining about everything and same with Manning. Remember the drama surrounding his draft? That being said, I do feel that Coughlin is a great coach along with Manning being an amazing quarterback.
I think at that point, Coughlin was pissed with the injuries the Bucs caused to his team, taking three players out of the game. And that Manning was upset he threw three picks and ended the game on his back. The Bucs have always been a tough defense and with Schiano, they are even tougher.
If anyone knows Schiano, he is a tough coach that never gives up and always completes games.
Now the Bucs must focus on their next game, heading to Dallas, to face the Cowboys.
