[313] DIVISION CHAMPS!!! Plus, Ralph makes the case for playing starters against Atlanta

Buccaneers Observer

For the third year in a row, the Buccaneers are playoff bound, and division champs for the second year in a row. The team that showed up against Carolina is a team we can proudly ride to the playoffs (and Super Bowl). The Bucs week 17 matchup against the Panthers was hard fought by both teams. Both looked like they wanted a win. The Buccaneers defense showed up when it mattered, as did punter Jake Camarda during the botched punt. There's been debate whether the Bucs should even play their starters Week 18 against the Atlanta Falcons, as Bucs clinched the division already and the Falcons are playing for draft position at this point. Is it worth the risk of injuries to our starters? The point will certainly be raised should a key player actually suffer injury during the game, but Todd Bowles does not seem concerned, and Ralph agrees. Bowles said in his press conference that injuries happen at all times during the season - practice, the preseason, the first game. You can't play scared of injury because it's part of the game. Some have argued this game is meaningless and not worth the risk. This game is not meaningless to the Bucs - we can earn a winning record with a win. Further, we've seen teams rest starters and come into the playoffs flat. It doesn't guarantee an advantage come playoff time. Speaking of playoffs - the Buccaneers will play either the Dallas Cowboys or the Philadelphia Eagles at home in the wildcard round. Who would you rather play? Comment below.

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