Monday, September 29, 2008

Tryson Triumph for Bucs and Bryant

By JC De La Torre

You're simply not human if you don't feel good for Matt Bryant this morning. Suffering a personal tragedy that no one could ever imagine (except for those who have had the unfortunate luck to experience it), Bryant helped kick the Buccaneers to a 30-21 victory over the Green Bay Packers. His 3 month old son Tryson died last week. The Bucs #3 kicked 3 three point field goals, and three extra points. 3's were all over the place for Tampa Bay.

After spotting Green Bay a 7-0 lead, the Buccaneer defense put on a clinic, harrassing and battering QB Aaron Rodgers into 3 interceptions and 3 sacks. The Bucs took a 13-7 lead into half time thanks to Bryant's 2 field goals. The Bucs would add another score, this time by the defense to take a 20-7 lead.

That's when Brian Griese decided to be give the Green Bay defense Christmas in September. A horrible Griese interception set up the Packers for an Aaron Rodgers to Greg Jennings touchdown pass to cut the lead to 20-14. Then, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Griese telegraphed a pass intended for Warrick Dunn in the flat, Pro Bowl corner/safety Charles Woodson broke on the ball, picked off and went to the house. A 13 point Bucs lead evaporated to a 1 point deficit in just two throws.

But the resiliant Bucs wouldn't be denied. They began pounding the Packer front 7 with power back Earnest Graham and sprinkled in scat back Warrick Dunn. They allowed Griese to attempt "safe" passes to keep him out of trouble. The Bucs would move into field goal range for broken hearted Matt Bryant. Bryant drilled the 24 yd field goal to put the Bucs up 23-21, looking up and blowing a kiss to his son in heaven.

After a Gaines Adams interception, Earnest Graham finally cracked the worn down Packers run defense, busting loose on a 47 yd gallop that should have counted as a touchdown. Unfortunately, replay did not reverse the call, but Graham would get his just rewards on the next carry, plunging into the endzone from a yard out and give the Bucs an insurmountable 30-21 lead.

The defense played superbly and deserves all the credit in the world. But this day belongs to Tryson and the Bryant family. Rest in peace, young man. Rest in Peace

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