Written by Ian Gillen
Anyone remotely following the NFL knows that ‘FitzMagic’ has taken over. 819 passing yards, nine total touchdowns and an undefeated start is certainly a great cause for the attention. More importantly for the influx of media attention though, Ryan Fitzpatrick plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Most lifelong fans of the less than spectacular franchise from Tampa would tell you that there are conflicting emotions about the 2-0 start. On one hand, the team has started the year the best way it possibly could have. On the other, we are well aware that this is not the solution to our long-term problems.
The sad truth of it is that the last few weeks have not been totally unexpected from a true fan’s perspective. The last time the Bucs played the Eagles, only a few years ago, the result was a demolishing 45-17 Bucs win. Along the same line, the last time the Saints and Bucs played, the Buccaneers beat the Saints 31-24. Nothing has changed in the mind of a Bucs fan, the only addition is that the rest of the league has woken up. Their wins across the first two weeks may not have been entirely expected but are only shocking to those who have not given them the little respect we deserve.
Rooting for a team that has now missed 10 consecutive postseasons has taught its fans one thing, how to stay grounded. They know better than most NFL fans that success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. With this information, fans know to stay humble during this time because their day of reckoning is coming.
Humble, but not silent.
For years they have endured the trash talk of the other 31 teams, but now their franchise has finally given them some ammunition to fire back. So they are going to show you highlights, scream in your face and wear the creamsicle-orange with pride. But it is only because they know that this may be the only time they have before their record falls back to reality.
However, if you did not watch Josh Freeman throw the ball, hear Greg Schiano coach or suffer through Doug Martin’s injuries, you do not deserve the joy that FitzMagic brings you. Tampa fans have gotten to where they are by getting rid of fans like you, and your attempts to praise anything Tampa Bay only deepen the pre-existing hatred you have brought upon yourself over years of neglect, trash talk and misinformation.
While true fans will celebrate FitzMagic because it is what they are owed, they still prepare for a hangover that they have become all too familiar with.
