The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are sitting at a dismal 1-5, and after Sunday’s epic meltdown against the Steelers, tackle Tristan Wirfs isn’t mincing words about why Raymond James Stadium was packed with opposing fans. Steelers fans didn’t just show up, they absolutely overwhelmed the stadium, boosting their team’s effort to overcome not just a 13-0 halftime deficit, but a shocking 16-3 deficit in the fourth quarter. It was an absolute gut punch, and Wirfs gets why the home crowd was M.I.A.
“Can You Blame Them?” Wirfs Calls Out Lack of Home Support
Wirfs wasn’t shy when asked about the glaring lack of in-person support from Bucs fans, saying it directly: “Can you blame them?” He followed up by acknowledging the team’s abysmal performance leading up to the game. “You know, we’re 1-4 and haven’t really given them much to cheer about.” The reality of playing in your own building with more opposing fans than your own is brutal, and Wirfs felt it on the field. “So, yeah, it sucks. It sucks when you’re going damn near silent count at home.” He’s not wrong though; teams have to earn that home-field advantage. “But you’ve got to give [fans] something to cheer for,” he added.
The “Insanely Frustrating” Collapse and a Dire Record
After that brutal loss, the Bucs are now officially 1-5, all alone at the bottom of the “N” (presumably their conference or division, per the source). The failure to close out games is becoming a pattern, and Sunday was just another painful example as a double-digit lead melted away into a loss. Wirfs was asked if the issue was physical or mental, and his honesty was raw. “You know, I don’t really know, to be honest,” he said, clearly searching for answers. “We’re up by 13 and, I don’t know. I don’t have anything. I’m not going to say anything right now.” The frustration was palpable, ending with a curse and a clear indictment of their home performance. “It’s insanely frustrating. You know, to be up 13 at home. We haven’t won a f***ing home game yet. And to not be able to finish out the game is really frustrating.” This team was on the brink of extending their winning streak to two, and it all just fell apart. When your own players are this frustrated and honest, you know things are bad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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