TAMPA, Fla. -- Thoughts on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 48-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.
What it means: This was as bad as it gets. The Bucs (1-5) appeared to be coming home from a three-game road swing with a little momentum. They had won at Pittsburgh and were close at New Orleans. All week long, coach Lovie Smith and his players talked about how they wanted to put on a good show for the fans. They also said they were a better team than when they last played at home, against St. Louis in Week 2.
Guess what? The Bucs aren't a better team in any way. This one was even worse than the 56-14 loss to Atlanta, since it was at home. The honeymoon period is over for Smith. He now is fair game for criticism from fans and media.
A spot in history: Tampa Bay's 38-0 halftime deficit was the largest by any home team since before World War II, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
Stock watch: Cornerback Crezdon Butler has been bouncing around the league since 2010, but he didn't get his first career start until Sunday. It didn't go well. The Ravens came out targeting Butler, who was playing in place of the injured Johnthan Banks. With Alterraun Verner covering Steve Smith, the Ravens continuously threw slant routes to Torrey Smith, who had two touchdown catches in the first quarter.
Game ball: Rookie wide receiver Mike Evans, who had been listed as questionable with a groin injury, gets this honor. Evans scored Tampa Bay's first touchdown of the game and had four catches for 55 yards.
What's next: The Bucs have a bye next Sunday. They will return the following Sunday with a home game against Minnesota.
