As they walked off the field, they looked shellshocked. Humiliated by the Minnesota Vikings, the Bucs trailed 17-0 in a game that really should have been much worse.
After getting outplayed both offensively and defensively in the first half, the light suddenly came on for the Bucs as Tampa Bay scored 24 second half points and LeGarrent Blount's 4 yard touchdown in with 0:31 left in the game gave the Bucs a shocking 24-20 victory.
As the Vikings covered both Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams, other receivers stood up to make some huge second half catches. Preston Parker hauled in 6 passes for 98 yds while Dez Briscoe and Kellen Winslow each contributed key first down catches.
After a sluggish first half, LeGarrette Blount got going, blasting loose for a 27 yard third quarter rushing score to pull Tampa Bay within 10.
After a trade of field goals, Josh Freeman hit Arrelious Benn for a 25 yard touchdown to pull the Bucs within three with 6:45 left in the game.
After a terrible decision by Vikings returner Lorenzon Booker gave Minnesota terrible field position, the Bucs maligned defense battled back and got the ball back for the offense.
Freeman, who mastered his 8th fourth quarter comeback methodically moved the Bucs down the field. On 3rd and 4 on the Minnesota 10, Freeman hit Preston Parker at the 4 yard line to set up Blount's game winning score.
The unbelievable comeback masked another terrible start for Tampa Bay as the Bucs were outgained nearly 4-to-1 ratio. The Bucs defense again couldn't get off the field while the offense couldn't sustain drives (sound famliar).
We don't know what Head Coach Raheem Morris said at half-time, but it must of been a doozy of a speech as Tampa Bay came out fired up, inspired and took it to the Vikings.
We'll have more coverage on this game later.