I overheard a conversation between two Bucs fans when walking back to the car on Sunday.

One guy: “Yeah! The Bucs are 1-7!”
The other: “1-7! Woo! It’s awesome!”

There was no irony in this conversation. They weren’t being sarcastic. This was two true-blue Bucs fans who were so thrilled to be off the snide, so happy to put the 0-16 fears behind them, and so relieved to have a small glimmer of hope for the rest of the season that they were thrilled–thrilled–to be 1-7.

And I’m right there with them. So I’m not Quitting a darn thing this week. You can argue that the run blocking was nil, that Josh Freeman had a great rookie game but not a great game, that the kicking was borderline atrocious. But please know that if you make those arguments I’m totally going to stick my fingers in my ears and la-la-la them out. This is the first good week after 11 bad ones, so it’s a total HIT IT.

Hit It. Josh Freeman had good numbers (14 of 31 for 205 yards and 3 TDs), but the best thing about his outing wasn’t what he accomplished but what it looks like he will be able to accomplish in years to come. All Bucs fans had heard about this offseason was what a terrible pick Freeman was. He was too young, too unpolished. He wasn’t even the best QB in a defensively-weak Big 12 conference. He had a bad work ethic and was terrified when put in games. Plus, Byron Leftwich and Josh Johnson were getting starts over Freeman, and given the talent of those two, well, who wants to play that third-stringer? But Freeman came into the game with poise and confidence. The Green Bay pass rush got all up in his face, but he didn’t even blink, just stepped aside and made plays. I expect him to have some really bad games this year, but the guy looks like a future franchise quarterback. And it’s been a long time since the Bucs have had one of those. (Doug Williams, anyone?)

Hit It. The secondary and defensive line. Did I ever think they’d make a Hit It list? Decidedly not. But three interceptions–including one for a TD–ain’t too shabby. Sure, the secondary still allowed some big TD plays, but whatever. Elbert Mack of all people had an interception. I can’t complain. And the D-line? With 6 sacks on Aaron Rodgers?! SIX?! I know Rodgers has had a sack-o-rific year so far, but the Bucs are notorious for making the least mobile QBs look like pre-jail Mike Vick. (Eli Manning running 10 yards for a first down? Embarrassing.) But not this time. And for that, they get a Hit It.

Hit It. Peanut Smith. His 83 yard kickoff return put Freeman in great position to score. Plus, he had 4 punt returns for 54 yards. This all on the first game back following his concussion suffered in the Carolina game 3 weeks ago. So glad he’s back and healthy.

Hit It. Sammie Stroughter. Josh Freeman to Sammie Stroughter for a touchdown. Let’s hope this is the first of many, many times we hear that.

Hit It. The fans. On Saturday, Father of Bucs Chick and I went to two different stores to find some creamsicle garb for the game. Both were sold out. (Except for the $150 jerseys, but I’m not a Jersey Girl because a) I think jerseys make me look fat, and b) they are way expensive, and c) I live in NY. Haha. Anyway…) When we got to the game, the stadium was filled with pastel orange. And the excitement went beyond just the garb. Fans were on their feet for every big play, chanting, screaming, and generally doing what it took to give the Bucs an edge. Apparently this was the first home game of the year that had a home-game feeling. And I have to say, it was one of the best games I’ve ever seen live. And I’ve seen some awesome games. But something about the excitement in the stadium was more heightened than in most games. Well, ok, it was probably desperation. But whatever. It worked.