Bucs Gon Buc

The Chiefs gon Chief ended up becoming a phrase that doesn't need explained because people already know what you mean by that. They're gonna win close games. And that was true for the whole decade up until this year. Well since the day Mahomes started playing they had only lost 1 score game. Until this year the Chiefs were gon Chief. But now this year, we have become lucky enough to get a new phrase that everyone needs to know.

The Bucs gon Buc.

No matter what, this year the Bucs make sure they play close games. Whether they're electric end of game drives led by Baker Mayfield or whether they're up 2 possessions 3 times in the 4th quarter, that game is gonna be close. They win dramatically and seem to lose dramatically too. Well today vs the Panthers in the last regular game of the season, against a conference opponent they are now tied with for 1st (depending on what happens in tomorrows Falcons game), the Bucs were always gon Buc.

They score quickly on the first drive with a Baker dart to Cade Otton for a TD and you can see the electricity radiating off Baker. Dude wears his heart on his sleeve. Big game player is what he is, no way is he going to lose this game. They back it up with another drive down to the red zone but settle for 3. Still a commanding 10-0 lead against the Panthers, who have been good this year- exceeding all expectations- but still Baker > Bryce Young in a big game you'd think. It's pouring rain too, so it's going to be tough for the team down big to come back through the air. But then Baker helps the Bucs Buc.

He throws a pick in the red zone halfway through the 2nd quarter, and the Panthers capitalize and score a TD. 10-7 now. It's like oh my god this is happening again. Until it wasn't.

The Panthers then stall out for the next 20 minutes, that being their only touchdown, or score, for a long time. The Bucs stall out a bit as well, but still get 2 more field goals to extend their lead to 16-7. Which again, is when everybody starts to think the Bucs have this in the bag. And also, the Bucs have choked multiple games in a row, lost to the Dolphins with their backup in. I mean a bad stretch, and now this game they have to win for the playoffs, NO WAY does it happen again.

With 6 minutes left in the 4th, up 16-9, the Bucs are kicking a gimme 35 yard FG to essentially ice this thing. It would've taken a huge effort for the Panthers to score 2 TD in the last 6 min, especially with the rain. But the Bucs gon Buc and get it blocked! Giving the Panthers life. But still, they haven't done anything all game, a comeback would be tough, but certainly possible. 1 TD and 1 FG now wins the game for the Panthers and the Bucs season ends the same way the past 7 weeks have for them.

Panthers last chance to stay alive, 3:30 left, 4th and 8 at the 48 and they complete a 40 yard bomb down the field!! Now the Bucs are officially Buccin. With all 3 timeouts the Panthers got a real shot, and plenty of time, to win this thing. Of course they score a TD 2 plays later and with 2:30 and 3 timeouts it's a 2 point game. Can Baker put this to rest with 1 first down?

Of course the Bucs go run up the middle the first 2 plays, but get decent little chunks, but not enough for the first down. 3rd and 4, all down to this play. Bucs get it, game essentially over, Bucs don't get it, Panthers ball down 2 and a FG wins it. And it's raining hard again. Baker this time fakes the hand off, rolls out, looks like he might run and it be tight, but throws a laser to an open Cade Otten who hangs on and puts this thing on ice.

The 2025-2026 Bucs are always Buc, but tonight they pulled this one out. Unreal game to start the final football weekend of the year. And shout to Baker wearing his heart on his sleeve, letting everyone ride the journey with him.