I have to admit that when I started writing about the Bucs this year, I had no idea what I was in for. I mean, sure, I didn’t expect much from the newbie team, but I did think maybe we’d win 4 or 5 games–a fate that seemed terrible at the time. 

Who knew that we’d be here, Week 13, facing a team that is currently 4-7 and starting an untested backup QB, and I’d still be unable to muster any enthusiasm or hope? Not me, that’s for sure. But I suppose this is a season for the Bucs to build their team and the Bucs Chick to build her character. So, I’m going to be very highly-charactered here and try to look on the bright side, despite my pervasive sense of pre-game dread.

I wonder if Monty Python would always look on the bright side of life if they were Bucs fans.

On the bright side, Matt Moore might not be much of a QB, considering how long Jake Delhomme was allowed to start in Carolina despite his approximately 55 zillion interceptions this year.

But on the un-bright side, Aqib Talib is questionable, and Derrick Roberson vs. Steve Smith does not sound like a pretty  picture, no matter the QB. Remember how Roddy White was held to almost no catches the entire game last week and then caught a game-winner at the buzzer? Well, Talib was out of the game on the last series.

On the bright side, our kick return team is pretty much aces and can potentially score us some points.

But on the un-bright side, Peanut Smith made the injury list today. (Blurg.)

On the bright side, we have a new punter (not from The Real World, alas), Sam Paulescu, and he can tackle. And the Bucs know it. (See why here.)

But on the un-bright side, the non-special teams Bucs have a seriously bad track-record of tackling Carolina running backs. DeAngelo Williams is banged up, but Jonathan Stewart always seems to have a monster day against the Bucs. 

On the brightest side, there are only 5 games left.

But on the least brightest side, there are still 5 games left.

Well, I tried.