Chicks, I let the previous two weeks cloud my judgment. I had a momentary outburst of hope and thought that the Bucs might win a few more games this year. But don’t worry, a clobbering at the hands of the Saints followed by another stormy few days in the ranks of the coaching staff has cured me of that hope.

Hit It: The Bucs’ kick return team is still number one in the league. And both our win against the Packers and our near-win against the Dolphins depended on Clifton Smith and the special teams. (Which, really, could be like the name of a ’50s band.)

Quit It: Josh Freeman. I love you JF, but I was not pleased to see the return of the Bambi face.

Hit It: Um. So. How’s everyone doing today?

Quit It: The defense is putrid. Which is why, I suppose, Coach Raheem demoted defensive coordinator Jim Bates on Monday. When Jim Bates was hired, people said he might be something of a mentor to Raheem–an older, experienced guy with a lot of wisdom to share. As the season progressed, it seemed Bates was set on installing his own system, despite the fact that the team doesn’t have the personnel for it. So now Bates is out, and Raheem is the defensive coordinator. Which, gotta put it out there, doesn’t exactly instill confidence.

Hit It: At least the Bucs are going big. I mean, dropping Derrick Brooks in favor of serious mediocrity? Canning two new-hire coordinators before Thanksgiving? Losing 9 of 10 games, and 7 of those by double digits? Good grief.