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Die-hard optimists

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2009

TAMPA - Fans had plenty to complain about after watching the Bucs give up a game-winning touchdown in the final minute of Sunday's game, dropping the team to 0-6.

The critiques hit ownership for not spending more and for getting rid of a proven coach, the defensive line for not tackling and the offensive line for not opening holes for the running backs.

Despite the complaints, hard-core fans say they aren't going anywhere.

"We were fans when they were bad," said Doug Egger, a season ticket holder from Bradenton. "We were fans when they were good. We will be fans when they get good again. Everything runs in cycles."

Not everyone is so forgiving, though: The stadium had nearly 20,000 empty seats Sunday.
Longtime fans have seen worse, of course. Tom and Sandy Callahan, who drove in early from St. Petersburg to set up their tailgating spot, have had season tickets since the early 1980s, when fans wore paper bags over their heads. This year is bringing back memories.

"I'm afraid if we don't win this one we might not win one," Sandy Callahan said before the game.

Neil Johnson and Jose Patino Girona

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