Daily Bucs Links: Reviewing the game

Tampa Bay Buccaneers need franchise QB with No. 1 pick - ESPN
The way the Bucs cemented the pick is up for conversation. They had a 20-7 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Josh McCown realistic about his future - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Blog - ESPN
TAMPA, Fla. -- At the conclusion of a 2-14 season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown had no illusions about his future.

Inside Jim Harbaugh leaving the 49ers, Watt vs. Rodgers for MVP | The MMQB with Peter King
So late Sunday night, as the Steelers were winning the final game of the 2014 regular season, completing the last bit of the playoff puzzle, I had a well-placed 49ers operative on the phone from California, discussing the inevitable that had happened 90 minutes earlier

Smith’s Buccaneers Didn’t Tank – Or Did They? | Pewter Report
The second half of Tampa Bay’s 23-20 loss to the New Orleans Saints had the feel of a preseason game. A number of starters played sparingly after halftime, and media members at times had to refer to their game programs to look up jersey numbers to see who was in the game for the Buccaneers.

Shelton: Do You Believe It? The Bucs (Wink-Wink) Lose Again | Pewter Report
Award-winning columnist Gary Shelton points out that the Bucs tanked against the Saints and did what they do best – lose.

Most Disappointing Buccaneers vs. Saints | Pewter Report
The Buccaneers lost their 2014 season finale to the New Orleans Saints, 23-20. Here is a list of the most disappointing Buccaneers from that game.

Martin, Bucs effective on ground again | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune
For the second time in three weeks, Doug Martin and the Bucs displayed an effective running attack that chewed up yards and ate up clock.

Smith defends playing reserves in Bucs’ late loss | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA — Bucs coach Lovie Smith said Sunday he was just trying to take a look at 2015 when he sat several starters while the Saints mounted a late comeback to defeat Tampa Bay, 23-20.

Bucs’ late collapse one to celebrate | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA — They’re No. 1!

Hey, Bucs, try not to mess up this No. 1 pick | Tampa Bay Times
Hello, old friend.It has been a long time. Judging by the standings, maybe too long.

Good job: Bucs looked like a team trying to lose | Tampa Bay Times
Best lossDid the Bucs lose on purpose Sunday? It sure did look fishy.

Saints 23, Bucs 20: Tampa Bay locks up No. 1 pick in draft | Tampa Bay Times
TAMPA — Early in the fourth quarter Sunday, the Bucs led New Orleans 20-7, had intercepted the Saints' Drew Brees three times and were stomping their way to a season-high rushing game — and a probable third victory — to close out 2014.

2015 NFL Mock Draft update: Marcus Mariota to Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NFL - SI.com
Not all eyes were on the playoff race in Week 17. The 2015 draft order also sorted itself out, at least for those teams whose seasons ended on Sunday.