Stop Underestimating Tampa Bay

Alright everyone, its time to stop hating Tampa sports teams. I know; I was once in your shoes. I thought the Rays, Lightning, and Bucs weren’t worth a watch. I was wrong. A few weeks ago someone ran a story about this area being in the top ten worst sports towns. What!? Really!? They were even so inaccurate to say that the area has had one team go to the playoffs once and zero championship titles. May I remind you that the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup in 2004. In addition, the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in 2002 and make regular playoff appearances (um, including last year).

Now the Devil Rays are a REAL contender and ESPN can’t stop its love affair with the Red Sox and Yankees. Let’s remember that the Rays have been on top ALL YEAR. They have beat your precious Northeastern teams repeatedly (and lost a few times, I know). Remember, the Sox and Yanks have very expensive rosters and the Rays are still handing it to them.

By the way, Jeff Garcia will be just fine this season as the Buc QB. Did you forget that he is one of the toughest guys in the NFL? He’s not worried about the whole Favre thing – at least not right now. If his job was in jeopardy it is not anymore and he’s ready to get to work. Stop underestimating him and the Buc D while you’re at it. Did you forget that Rhonde Barber still gets everything that comes his way in spite of his “old age”? Go ahead, throw it his way.

Speaking of underestimating in the NFL – give David Garrard more props. The guy had a great year and has a bright future ahead of him. He only threw three picks last year. Vince Young threw like 17 and everyone gushes over him. There’s someone you need to stop giving so much credit to. I hate to do this also, but stop giving so much credit to Reggie Bush. The guy has an average of just over 3 yards per carry. I’d like to give him a pass being from a SoCal school, but I can’t.

Whew, I just had to get all that out. Flame away.