Buccaneers 20, Seahawks 10: Was It Really That Close?

If you watched Sunday night's game between Tampa Bay and Seattle, you might agree it was the most lopsided ten point game in the history of ten point games. At any point did you have the feeling Seattle was going to find a way to get itself back into the game? I mean, sure, they were close here and there, and just needed a break or two to make it an entirely different game, but the Seahawks couldn't get out of their own way offensively.

In the end, the Buccaneers won it 20-10, though it felt like so much more.

First, it's important to point out the Seahawks registered only seven first downs, and had only one in the first half -- which came on the games opening possession. Seneca Wallace, getting the start for Seattle, was bad. Very bad. He finished 12 of 23 for 73 yards and an interception, while struggling to complete four and five yard passes. Of course, it didn't help that Gaines Adams spent much of the evening running around the Seattle backfield causing all sorts of chaos.

Before some garbage-time yards at the end of the game, Wallace was in danger of having a higher passer rating than his total passing yards. As a team, the Seahawks were out-gained 402-176. Seriously, 176 yards of total offense. They had 170 on kickoff returns, including 140 from Josh Wilson.

Oh, and before I forget ... I wonder what Julius Jones thinks about the aging Buccaneers defense right about now?

The Seahawks managed to get a long run from Maurice Morris, and a 20-yard run from Jones late in the fourth quarter, but were silent for much of the night. The Buccaneers have still yet to allow a rushing touchdown or a 100-yard rusher this season.

Seattle's best chances came in the third quarter when they had a pair of drives head into the red zone, only to have them fizzle out and settle for field goals (and field goal attempts).

Offensively for Tampa Bay, it was the Jeff Garcia and Antonio Bryant show. Garcia looked like he did in his 49ers days, completing 27 of 36 passes for 310 yards and a touchdown. He completed passes to ten different receivers, including six to Bryant for 115 yards and a touchdown.

The win helps Tampa Bay keep pace with Carolina in the NFC South, while the Seahawks fall to 1-5.