RML Coach Interview: Bradley Ifcher Discusses Tampa's Phenomenal Season
by patriotsfan543 | 7 years ago | 0 Comments
Today we talk with Coach Bradley Ifcher(What a phenomenal first name by the way) about his Bucs' great season, his previous playoff woes, and preview the upcoming playoffs. The Bucaneers have been a force to be reckoned with every season of RML, but have yet to put it all together in the playoffs. Tampa lost to Green Bay last season in the Divisional Round, Arizona the year before in the Divisional Round, and to the Cowboys in the inaugural season in the Conference Championship. Tampa Bay has gotten so close every season, but has yet to put it all together. Will this year finally be the year?
Q: Let’s get started Coach Ifcher…So you currently sit atop the NFC standings with a phenomenal 12-1 record, how have you gotten to this point?
A: Well I think you can win games by controlling the trenches and by protecting the football, and this team has done a great job so far this year. I believe this defense leads the league in rushing and has done a great job at pressing the opponents and creating turnover opportunities. My run game has gotten better and we’ve been able to protect the football for the most part. These two things will put you in position to win most weeks.
Q: Yes your defense is ranked #1 in Points Allowed and Rushing Yards Allowed and #2 in Passing Yards Allowed. A juggernaut of a defense indeed. So with that said you have 3 games remaining this season against the Raiders, 49ers, and Panthers. Do you believe 15-1(and therefore the #1 seed) is in your future?
A: Well I play three great players in Raiders, Dan, and Mother Load. I’m trying to take it one game at a time with this team, but despite those records these are three great players that can beat you any week. Being the #1 seed would be a great team accomplishment, but I know it will be tough given the playstyle and talent of opponents remaining on the schedule.
Q: I’d say right now you’d be the favorite in all of those games, but we just saw what Raiders could do a couple nights ago(against Chiefs). You are obviously a lock for the playoffs and have been a perennial playoff contender, but never seem to put it together when push comes to shove. What are you planning on doing differently this year to finally get over that hump in the playoffs?
A: I seem to always fall a game short in the playoffs and I think the biggest goal for our team has been taking the next step. Continuing to build the team and get experience has been important to understand what to do in those big game situations. Staying within my game plan, protecting the QB and playing smart hopefully can get us over the hump. This roster is built to win a Super Bowl and hopefully as a coaching staff can get this talent where it needs to be.
Q: Yes something definitely seems to be clicking in Tampa, but everyone is wondering if you guys can finally put it together in the postseason. Continuing on with the postseason conversation…are there any teams you want to face in the playoffs and are there any teams you would prefer to avoid?
A: Well when you get to the playoffs every team is a quality opponent that deserves to be there by doing something very well. As a team we have to be ready for any opponent we face and know if we don’t bring our A game we won’t be playing the next week.
Q: Predictable answer, but I don’t blame you coach. Well we wish you the best of luck and perhaps this year could finally be the year that the Bucs can put the cherry on top!
A: Thanks, it was a pleasure talking to you.