Waving The White Flag

September 14th, 2014

If a team doesn’t trust its quarterback, then it has little shot at success. That’s just NFL Reality 101.

So what the heck was Lovie Smith thinking just before halftime, and on multiple occasions in the second half when he wouldn’t let Josh McCown throw the ball on sure third-down passing situations?

Near the close of the first half, Bobby Rainey busted off an eight-yard run up the middle to the Bucs’ 40-yard line, and with about 12 seconds left on the clock and timeouts in his pocket, Lovie didn’t want to run another play.

Why? Why? Why?

This is a passing league, with rules designed to benefit receivers, and the Bucs have big bodies they invested heavily in to throw to. Is there no 25-yard play, or even a quick out in the playbook? Of course there is.

The Bucs were trailing 10-7, not sitting on a two-score lead. If there’s that little confidence in Josh McCown to make a play, then what is he doing on the field?

As Joe Twittered during the game, the waving of the white flag there was very reminiscent of the lack of trust Greg Schiano showed in Josh Freeman, which began late in the 2012 season and continued into 2013.

But the flag-waving continued. Lovie was battling Rush Limbaugh and Alan Keyes for Conservative of the Year.

At 3rd-and-7 from the Rams’ 9 yard line with 27 seconds left in the third quarter, the Bucs handed off to Bobby Rainey for a run off left guard. Not surprisingly, the Bucs settled for a field goal.

In the fourth quarter, Josh McCown was again considered a bad option on third down.

The strategy never worked. So who was making the calls? Lovie? Or is this the Jeff Tedford offense? That mystery won’t end any time soon.

206 Responses to “Waving The White Flag”

  1. MadMax ™ Says:

    May as well be starting MG8!!!! Lets see if he’s improved over last year!

  2. Bucyou Says:

    Shut the site down Joe. Nobody cares anymore.

  3. LEv Says:

    This game made me sick.

  4. snook Says:

    JOE:

    This is an age old strategy. It’s called playing not to lose. And it never works. Did the same thing on 2nd to last drive. 3 runs in a row inside 20. No attempt or desire for 7. Settle for 3 and hope not to lose.

    I’m so pissed off.

  5. Mitch C Says:

    Man, that is just Lovies style. He needs a great defense to make up for the conservatism. We arent the bears of a few years ago and we are now very depleted. I wonder if McCown will keep throwing passes when hes getting sacked. Theres never a receiver around either.

  6. BucFanForever Says:

    the offense is offensive, so is the defense, and special teams are particularly bad. Good thing the bucs have new uniforms, they should have changed in 2009 to separate this team from the Super Bowl one.

  7. bucfan999 Says:

    For those of us who was here when Tony Dungy was the coach this type of play is straight from the Dungy playbook. Run the ball, don’t do anything creative on offense, keep the score close and let the defense win the game. I for one was sick of it at the end of Coach Dungy’s time here and I’m still sick of it today.
    Let the reigns off the offense and score some points!!!!!!

  8. JW Says:

    Thank you Joe… You took that question right out of my mouth… This coaching staff is marginal in knowledge of winning a game, combined with a huge lack of confidence in their choice of QB.

  9. stvcl Says:

    Somewhere Connor Barth is laughing his ass off.

  10. bucrightoff Says:

    Lovie learned nothing. Maybe he needs a Riverboat Ron like epiphany but his approach is how you lose more than you win. And Cover-2 is straight garbage. Should have kept Revis with no pass rush anyways.

  11. cmurda Says:

    If you search high and low, there is only 1 positive. Rainey. Nothing else. Special Teams = Garbage, Qb = Garbage, D Line = Worse than garbage. O Line was decent. Long year ahead. Thankfully, the Bucs didn’t tease me. I know from September that we will suck. I will plan accordingly.

  12. WalkdaPlank Says:

    This team has been trash since Garden was fired, it actually looked like Lovie was trying to lose.

  13. Trubucfan22 Says:

    McCown was playing very dang good to not trust him. He did make 1 mistake, but you can’t just turn away from him for 1 bad play out of the last 50. Makes no sense. I hoped that Tedford being an offensive guru would have greater influence on his offense. Apparently not. Lovie is doing what made all bucs fan hate schiano. Play to win coach… This is sickening. The players did enough to win. The coaching/play calling failed this team, the same way it did last year and the past 10 years.

    I hope this becomes a reality check for our coaches. We need to play to win, not play to just get by. Bull crap.

  14. ApatheticBuc Says:

    That is ALL Lovie- thinking he could outcoach a 3rd string QB- not with our GARBAGE DLINE (minus Mccoy and its a joke). This is what got him fired the first time- and the cover 2 scheme is outdated and archaic just like relying on a running game and strong D alone. Playcalling NFL wide last year- 60 % passing vs. 40% running- OVERALL- get with the times Lovie or we will be happy to hire you back as a LB coach.

  15. WalkdaPlank Says:

    *Gruden damn auto-correct.

  16. The_Buc_Realist Says:

    What choice does the coordinator have his QB is Josh Meltdown!!!! Hedoes the worst gamage passing. That is why he is running in TDs!

  17. Please Says:

    This looked like a bad football team that got a few lucky scores. Tough being a Bucs fan right now (sounds like a good # eh? #hardtobeabucsfan?)

  18. Andrew 1 Says:

    I wouldnt say they “waived the white flag”. That’s BS. They just took the ball out of McCown’s hands for fear that he would turn the ball over. They just dont trust McCown very much right now, and rightfully so. It’s tough all the way around.

  19. jo_mama Says:

    All you morons who were calling for Schanio to be fired. Are you happy now?

    Lovie Sucks.

  20. deathaneers Says:

    This is just hurting way too much. The Bucs are the only reason I watch Football. Im done ,,,, I will no longer give my Sundays away to this joke of a team. I am done. This is not good football at all.
    Ill keep up with the BUCS but I wont waste my time watching or cheering anymore. I will change my name to Suckaneers from now on!
    Exit!!!!!

  21. ryan Says:

    Lovie Smith is a TERRIBLE coach. He is stuck in the 1990s-early 2000s. You cant expect to win games by scoring under 20 points in this NFL. And he puts the game in the hands of a defense that isnt good. And that defense is missing like 4 regulars.

    The only difference between Smith and Schiano is that Smith is more likeable. Both are terrible game day coaches.

  22. jo_mama Says:

    Lovie Smith Picked Leslie Frasier because he did not want anyone to make him look bad.

  23. Theodore Says:

    It’s Lovie-ball. That’s why he hired a non-Mike-Martz to be his OC. He doesn’t want his offense scoring unnecessary points, he doesn’t want to be questioned.

  24. CB Buc Says:

    This has 0-16 possibility
    Worst team in the NFL.
    No question about it

  25. JC Says:

    I am a youth football head coach.
    I would have done a better job then Lovie…..

  26. killingMe87 Says:

    Arrggggghhhh, wtf!!
    I can’t tell u but my week is shot to shit

  27. Snook Says:

    “Somewhere Connor Barth is laughing his ass off.”

    ————————-

    No he’s not. Stocker missed the block. Any kicker’s attempt would’ve been blocked.

  28. Tackleblockwin Says:

    Way to conservative play calling on both sides of the ball. We have too many injuries too. The players that did play did as well as their talent would allow. Can’t blame the players too much except for Stocker completing missing his block on the FG and Josh’s (now normal) dumb 1st down pick.

  29. RastaMon Says:

    Hari Kari

    : ritual suicide by disembowelment practiced by the Japanese samurai or formerly decreed by a court in lieu of the death penalty

  30. SadBuc Says:

    What happened to this organization? We cant get anything right…coaching, players, strategy and whatever else needed to be a successful NFL team. I am truly disappointed with this organization and how poorly we have looked and performed. They should have never fired Jon Gruden. That was the demise of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 7+ years of pathetic

  31. Tackleblockwin Says:

    I’m calling it now…Doug Martin will be traded for a 4th rd draft pick…lol.

  32. bucrightoff Says:

    Lovie picks his co-ordinators based on who he can fire to buy himself more time. 4 offensive co-ordinators in 9 years.

  33. ToesOnTheLine Says:

    Unfortunately for the team I am feeling much more confident in my preseason prediction that Glennon will start bye week NOT because of any injury to McCown. Lovie knows he’s got 2 years at the minimum, so he might as well see what he has in Glennon. He’s obviously got a guy whose only good play is run it in from a few yards out in McCown.

  34. Warren Says:

    It’s arguably even worse Joe….first down at the 12…three runs in a row….then blocked FG. Late in the game, Rainey has a big run that takes us down to about the 28….three runs in a row and a FG leaving all the time in the world for the inevitable Rams drive. 80% of teams in the league can drive down with that time remaining and manage the clock well enough to win by a FG and the Rams did just that. Conservative??? We made the Taliban look liberal.

  35. Incognito Says:

    @ this point might as well start mg not that I’m part of the MGM but it really can’t any worse.

  36. Wesley Says:

    I’m not wasting another sunday.

  37. RastaMon Says:

    I wrote this after Week 1…saved it and will cut & paste until the cows come home…
    Lovie is in WAY over his head….I listened to his press conference yesterday and was underwhemled by his monotoned empty words…then by chance I listened to a long interview with #55 on all sorts of subject…a stark contrast in leadership and answering questions. Lovie is an empty suit that has been swept to this point in life by his association with the greatness of others. I don’t mean to be harsh…but that is what I see……

  38. killingMe87 Says:

    I didn’t understand the same running play on the goal line for the third time in a row. Wtf!!! That put bucs out of a chance to win

  39. WalkdaPlank Says:

    No way Bucs win against Ryan, Brees, and Roethlisberger if they can’t even put up a fight against shrubs like Derek Anderson and Austin Davis. 0-5 here we come!!

  40. MadMax ™ Says:

    But while WE SUCK, that 10 second run off rule SUCKS MORE!!!! WTF?!?!?!?!?!?

  41. NJBucsFan Says:

    What?!? We can’t trust a 34 yr old journeyman backup QB that wasn’t in football 2yrs ago?

  42. chargedcbh Says:

    Sell the team to Eddie and get a coach in here with some guts and either draft a QB or get a veteran who has been a STARTER!!! This team is a joke…. Hey it’s 1st down, 2 TE’s and VJax out wide, this is suppose to strike fear in the defense? FYI those toss plays don’t work!

  43. Incognito Says:

    We’ll said warren

  44. buccanAy Says:

    Disgraceful….where are all you McCown fans? He is who he is, which is a 12 yr journeyman backup Qb, and most of you bought into the garbage like blind sheep. McCown has had every advantage that Glennon didn’t, and looks much worse than Glennon ever did.

  45. Warren Says:

    It’s arguably even worse Joe….first down at the 12…three runs in a row….then blocked FG. Late in the game, Rainey has a big run that takes us down to about the 28….sub him out..three runs in a row and a FG leaving all the time in the world for the inevitable Rams drive. 80% of teams in the league can drive down with that time remaining and manage the clock well enough to win by a FG and the Rams did just that. Conservative??? We made the Taliban look liberal.

  46. jo_mama Says:

    With Schanio our first 2 games we had the lead and lost it on the last plays.

    With Lovie we were playing from behind.

    Schanio was playing with a guy he hated. Lovie is playing with “his guy”

    Result…….Lovie Sucks

  47. ForgotAboutDre Says:

    Between USF and the Bucs, I think I’ll be a much happier person if I take a break from the Bucs this year.

  48. Max Says:

    Is it me or does it seem like most of McCowns passes are from his back foot? Just doesn’t look all that he was made out to be coming into this season.

  49. RastaMon Says:

    If I was Glennon….I’d pay someone to break my leg…

  50. sam Says:

    im so sick of this bullspit team and these bullspit coaches. Leonard Johnson getting his ass kicked on that 3rd down deepball. I cant do it anymore, I cant. Shut this team down.

  51. Patrick Says:

    You know what’s hilarious?

    We fired Gruden for going 9-7 and we can only DREAM of going 9-7 now! Losers.

  52. FR Says:

    LOL its only the second game lol lol next week it will be its only the third game lol. Glazers how much money must u lose before u hire some real coaching

  53. Patrick in VA Says:

    Lovie’s first year in Chicago was bad. I’m hoping that’s what we’re seeing here and next year will be better. This year is a tragedy already

  54. ToesOnTheLine Says:

    @ Jo mamma

    “All you morons who were calling for Schanio to be fired. Are you happy now?”

    Right! I have said over and over I believed Schiano should have been given a third year to see if he could do a Ron Rivera year 3 turnaround. After witnessing just two games under Lovie I am now positive Schiano should have gotten a prove it or you’re out year. Lovie has this team looking almost as bad as 2011…that’s bad!

  55. WalkdaPlank Says:

    Put Glennon in. Not because he is the answer but if you wait all season with McClown and put Glennon in next year you will pass up on Mariota, Hundley, and maybe Winston. Give Glennon the ball now. Either he shows up to play and Bucs win, or he sucks and Bucs get a QB in the draft. If Lovie really thinks he is the “QB of the future” let him prove it. Otherwise Lovie will not last out his contract like Schiano.

  56. Jeagan1999 Says:

    Dear Coach Smith…at your post game press conference there is only 1 acceptable thing for you to say about this game…”I wish to apologize to Bucs fans for the terrible exhibition of football they were forced to watch today. I take full responsibility and I will make whatever changes need to be made to ensure this does not happen again!”….if he says anything other than that, he should be fired immediately!

  57. DallasBuc Says:

    The “DallasBuc ‘I told you so'” campaign is in full swing!

  58. iamkingsu Says:

    We don’t have enough studs on defense

  59. RastaMon Says:

    Lovie & Muschamps sitting in a tree…K I S S ing….

  60. Espo Says:

    Does anyone watching at home know if Evans really got hurt or if it was a cheap ploy to get the clock to stop?

  61. BirdDoggers Says:

    This is Lovie ball. Play it safe and rely on the defense. A defense that can’t stop a back up QB and a 3rd string QB to start the season. It’s a shame this team started the season this way. It does nothing to inspire confidence in the fan base.

  62. deminion Says:

    Season already over sad part is best thing about football season is the offseason and the dreams of playoff football what is being put on the field is crap not sure what to do tired of being let down every yr

  63. RastaMon Says:

    Leave TOWN LOVIE…….

  64. ctord Says:

    Um, Vince Lombardi couldn’t win with this team. Stop with the Schiano stuff. Move on.

  65. Razor123 Says:

    Same garbage. Another irrelevant season from an irrelevant franchise. Hello 0-6!

  66. MadMax ™ Says:

    Alright, Im done with the NFL because of this stupid 10 second run off crap…..they’re killing what could be a close game!!! I have better things to do with my time….FK you nfl….college is where its at anyway!!!

  67. Andrew 1 Says:

    Look, I completely understand why we are playing conservatively on offense when just the slightest bit of pressure and your QB will turn the ball over. And if the bucs dont trust McCown THAT much, then it’s probably time to make a QB change. BUT the most frustrating and inexcusable thing, that for the life of my I just cannot understand, is for our defense to be playing this soft! (especially with the kind of inexperienced QBs we’ve been facing!). When you’re going up against guys like Austin Davis at QB, you freakin man up on the outside and blitz his a$s!!! instead we sat back and let him look like Montana. I just dont get it.

  68. Broy3434 Says:

    HIRE HERM EDWARDS. YOU PLAAY. TO WIN. THE GAME.

  69. dusthy rhothdes Says:

    I hope someone asks lovie this question atvpresser after the game

  70. SeanyMac in SC Says:

    Man its hard being a Bucs fan. Last win was 12/8/2013 and counting. I’ve nothing more to say.

  71. gotbbucs Says:

    You suppose Sluggo Leftwich has anything left in the tank? If your going to sh!t the bed every week, you might as well do it all the way.

  72. Jesse Says:

    Cant be good for business Joe, sorry buddy. Sad to say I’m done, unfortunately!
    Unquestionable fan for far too long, hate that this team can’t respectfully compete.

  73. Nuc if u nuc Says:

    Well joe, wish we had found a way to draft Botles now?

  74. dusthy rhothdes Says:

    rasta man both lovie and muschamp are friggin asst coaches thats all and both of their teams are garbage

  75. Nuc if u nuc Says:

    Bortles that is

  76. sam Says:

    pshhhh bring back schiano, atleast he knew how too coach linebackers. Our linebackers look like hammered $#%^! including david, I thought nickerson was supposed too be a huge coaching upgrade!?

  77. Wesley Says:

    well said MadMax, the nil has too many bogus rules.

  78. JC Says:

    “Oh No, We suck again!!!”

    http://youtu.be/v4jGSvxCRp4

  79. Wes Says:

    I am with you Joe I said the same thing during the game, running on third down not trusting the quarterback. If you don’t trust your quarter back then he’s not your quarterback.

  80. Pierce Says:

    Wow. We’re that team. The team that loses on a technicality. The team that looks good for a brief second. Just enough to get our hopes up and then makes the most bone-headed play. We’ve got to be considered a laughing stock around the league. This is so ridiculous. Who the hell loses on an injury technicality? When was the last time that happened?

    And we lose to a third string QB???

    We’re a joke right now. I just hope that changes.

    Do or Die. Go Bucs

  81. JSmalls Says:

    You need a QB to take the reigns off the offense… We don’t have one.5

  82. Mr. Mudge Says:

    One of the advantages of living in Seattle is that I’d have to make a special effort to watch the game, and I’m not so inclined. You couldn’t pay me to watch a Bucs game. I probably should switch over to becoming a Seahawks fan.

  83. JBuc Says:

    Joe,

    Can you answer this question regarding the 10 second run off rule due to injury. Shouldn’t the team with the injured player be given either the time left on the play clock or the time left in the game to remove the player or for the player to try and line up or get off the field? After the completion and Evans was struggling to get up, the officials immediately blew the whistle. If he simply had the wind knocked out, they may have been able to stand him up or run him off the field before spiking the ball. It seemed like the refs took that opportunity away from them immediately.

  84. Mathias Says:

    Talking point for big dog

    McCown was just a little nervous during the 2nd quarter. All those people yelling and stuff or McCown is trying really hard to impress the fans.

    All of these injuries are affecting a “real Defensive mind” game strategies.

    Redford wasn’t fully back on last Monday, but when he gets a full week watch out, he will unleash the secret “shock and awe” offense.

  85. iamkingsu Says:

    @Joe

    Why is our defensive line always this bad? Lolol. We don’t even try and get better we just wish the draft picks of a previous regime pan out. I convinced if we had a free rusher at the qb we prolly stand there and wait to get blocked

  86. Mathias Says:

    Jbuc..

    That was a hit to the head. I think Evans was knock silly for a min. It should have been flagged

  87. Kevin#1 Says:

    I hate Lovie Smith Officially!!! Him and Jason came out and said they understood the fans of this city were tired of loosing. Well sir, if that is the case then why in the hell did you let our team walk off the field with our tail between our legs and three timeouts left before the first half???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Right before the first half ended…I looked at my father and said… ” We just gave up the game….we just lost to a backup Quarterback for the second week in a row.” LOVIE YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!!!!!!!! WHY???!!!!!! I am tired of being a fan of a team that gives up, I am tired of being a fan of a team that plays not to lose. What professional NFL coach goes into the half at mid field down with three timeouts???????!!!! WHO???!!!!!!! YET IT AMAZES ME THAT WE RAN OUT OF TIMEOUTS TRYING TO WIN!!!!!!! GO SCREW YOURSELF MAN!!!! MY SIX YEAR OLD DAUGHTER COULD HAVE MANAGED THAT GAME BETTER THAN YOU!!! Thank you for selling us all on the hype and losing the first two games of the season. First week I’ll give you knocking the rust off. THIS WEEK MY FRIEND IS ALL ON LOVIE….NOONE ELSE! ALL ON YOU!!! Thank you for making me look forward to another season of sucking. The team played just good enough to win against a backup QB and you still managed to lose it for us. I thought we had an NFL coach coming in here that would not make poor decisions like that. I’ll take a risk taker like Chip Kelly over a conservative PU$$YE any day. Thank you for destroying another season as a bucs fan and leaving us to wait yet another twelve months for some type of hope. Go home an bit$# slap yourself for being an idiot!!!

  88. Tony Says:

    McCown had 21 pass attempts. We had 30 rushing attempts. Correct me if I’m wrong, but outside of the bonehead interception, did McCown misfire at all? I was actually impressed with him today. He is very accurate and his arm is much stronger than I realized. Unleash the receivers for God’s sake. McCown knows how to put it where the can make a play on it. That’s what he did last year in Chicago with his big receivers.

  89. new name of this team Says:

    tampa bay “bunch of queers”

  90. DallasBuc Says:

    Go ahead mr magoo. Later

  91. RastaMon Says:

    Leeman Bennett has finally found a wingman….

  92. covertwo22 Says:

    Horrible play calling. Extremely predictable zone defense. If you don’t have faith in the QB, bench him and let the youngster get reps. I don’t see a win anywhere on the schedule if something doesn’t change.

  93. Kevin1 Says:

    And the saga continues lol.

    It just gets better and better lol

  94. Wes Says:

    I know we have a lot of injuries but I never liked the Tampa Two teams will just throw underneath all day moving the chains. We don’t have the personnel to run it.

  95. John Sapp Says:

    I think the game has passed Lovie by, I see coaches like the Harbaughs, Payton, Marronne, O’Brien who are doing innovative things on offense and defense. The Texans had JJ Watt catch a td pass today, reminded me of Gruden sending in Warren Sapp on 3rd and goal. These coaches know what they have on offense and work to the strengths of the team. They have faith in their players and it shows. What we showed today was we are now comfortable in passing within a close game. Take no chances, play it safe. That will translate into 0-16 in this league and in this time period.

  96. John Sapp Says:

    Should have said “NOT” comfortable in passing within a close game.

  97. meh Says:

    This game is just crushing. Smith learned nothing from his mistakes in Chicago. It is just really disappointing.

  98. Buccfan37 Says:

    Cheer up Buc fans. Did you hear McCown is only the second Buc QB to run for two TD’s in a game, the other being Steve Young. Extend McCown’s contract now. Puke!

  99. Aceofaerospace Says:

    On the bright side, how disappointing would 2-14 have been if we won theses 2 games. Now 2-14 is progress. Yippee!

  100. dusthy rhothdes Says:

    love it kevin!!!! awesome

  101. BucFan20 Says:

    I guarantee you have seen the most fans in the stands you will this season.
    What a DISGRACE this was to the Brooks Day!!

  102. jo_mama Says:

    Ten second run off has been around for 30 years +.

    Don’t blame that rule as the reason not to direct your hatred toward the entire coaching staff and ownership.

    No QB Competition!
    No Mike Williams!
    No Incognito Try Out!
    No Replacement of Offensive line!
    Chose to hire Leslie Fraser!

    Lovie Flat out sucks as a coach. He has shown this all Pre-Season and the first 2 games.

    I had them going 6-10 this season. But I also had them winning the first 2 games. I have no idea how many loses they will get now.

    Fire the entire coaching staff.

  103. Kevin#1 Says:

    AGAIN…THREE TIMEOUTS LEFT IN THE FIRST HALF AND WE WERE CLOSE ENOUGH TO BE ABLE TO MANAAGE GETTING A FIELD GOAL…WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN A GAME WINNER….WHY IS NOBODY TALKING ABOUT THIS????????????

  104. The Ether Says:

    Just unbelievable… Those of us who set our sights a little too high predictiing 8+ wins, but damn… Our D let a 2nd… then a 3rd string never has-never was take their azz to school…

    To the MGM, time to get off your Mike Glennon blow up dolls and suit up! Cause it looks like youre gonna get ur wish real soon…

    I dont even know that team that was out there today… Dont wanna know em… And I want nothing to do with that… Watching the ups and downs since Dungys first day… And all I saw were a bunch of flakes on offense, pu$$$ies on defense, and coaches that drew up the best gameplan, called the best shots, to put us in the best possible position to lose again with the lowest score possible.

    Lovie, the honeymoons over.

  105. Oahubuc Says:

    Don’t know. He’s the latest in a line of inscrutably moronic coaches. I am literally more excited about the draft than any game on this schedule.

  106. The Ether Says:

    @Kevin,

    one of the worst playcalls ever.

  107. Sealbuc Says:

    It is must likely the same think lovie had when he cut his best kicker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bonehead move.

  108. Wesley Says:

    worst part is the season is already over, this is why the NHL rules!

  109. RastaMon Says:

    Netflix ChicksFlix Channel holding hands and gabbering nonsensical YES replies… while holding hands every Sunday all afternoon…would be less painful

  110. Soggy Says:

    Put Coaching staff on IR with the rest of the guys, Where is all the “It’s just one game” mob?

  111. mark2001 Says:

    That is the Lovie I thought he was when I said I was very disappointed on him becoming the new HC. Of course, Tony and some former Bucs all gave him their blessings, but he isn’t Tony Dungy…or Jon Gruden either.

    BTW…speaking of JG…aren’t you all happy the way the local media…one person we all know was particularly vocal… helped drive Gruden out of town because JG wouldn’t kiss his rear? Man, I’m sure glad we did that…I was tired of getting eliminated early in the playoffs or just missing them.

  112. gotbbucs Says:

    Im trying to figure out what the point was of using our first three draft picks on offensive skill position players when the offense calls for players without any offensive skills?

  113. Wes Says:

    I predicted a 7-9 season the problem with that is I predicted they would win the first two games now I am looking at 5-11 and with this offensive juggernaut we will be lucky to win 3 games.

  114. Wes Says:

    At least Hockey Season starts in a few weeks.

  115. Kingpin1 Says:

    Let’s blame it on Schiano or W!!

  116. covertwo22 Says:

    This has nothing to do with the players on this team. This is 100% play calling. O-Line played well and McCown looked good when given the chance.
    If this team continues to call Tampa-2 all game, the Falcons and the Saints will drop 40+ each game.

  117. Bucanole Says:

    I’m tired of Lovie ball… Freaking sick of it!

  118. Rrsrq Says:

    I just want the D to produce a couple of 3 and outs

  119. John Sapp Says:

    For some reason I am giving them through the Atlanta game. Even though it means I will lose sleep going to work early the next morning. If they play like they have the last two games no more pro-football for me. College football until the NFL draft. This is heartbreaking, YES I bought into the hype. Literally danced when Lovie was hired. Feeling betrayed now. A pre-season plus two regular season games and this time has actually regressed from last year. I would take Josh Freeman over Mccown right now. Had my doubts about Raheem and Schiano, had confidence in Lovie but that is almost gone.

  120. WalkdaPlank Says:

    On a side note: We saw 3 more injuries today to pile on. WTH?? Were these players conditioned correctly or did Captain Fear sleep with the Football Gods’ mistresses????

  121. covertwo22 Says:

    Thursday Night will be an embarrassment.

  122. DallasBuc Says:

    When your strategy for “fixing” 4-12 is to spend for quantity over quality, this is what you get. Do-no-wrong and his lapdog Licht insisted we are not rebuilding and you lemmings bit that hook gladly. We let Revis go for Michael Johnson? We paid a guy like McCown to be our QB? We traded Zuttah and Mike Williams for stick of gum? We put guys like Herron out there to drop 3rd down passes?
    Shame

  123. Kevin1 Says:

    I’m not even mad it’s just funny at this point.

    Hilarious lol.

    Nest Friday night will be spent re-watching the game so I can get a good laugh at it.

    What a pathetic team/franchise/owners/ just everything.

    Where’s all the idiots saying “it’s just one game” you idiots. Maybe if you listen to those of us that can see with our eyes you would learn somethin.

    Just utterly disgraceful.

  124. Oahubuc Says:

    Wes, you’re a true fan. I admire your optimism. I’m at a loss to find 3 wins on this schedule.

  125. sho nuff Says:

    I’m tired if soft tampa bay teams…the bucs, rays and the lightning have soft teams…no edge or swagger…playing not to lose or by using a statistical spreadsheet is gutless….thank you bucs for giving me my sundays back..out

  126. DallasBuc Says:

    “Where is all the “It’s just one game” mob?”
    Soggy- weren’t you part of that mob last week? I distinctly remember it getting ugly between us….

  127. Kevin1 Says:

    Someone said it’s not the players on the field lol

    Another idiot.

    It’s cause the other teams have better players than we do. Plain and simple

    We suck and we have very very little talent on this team.

  128. iamkingsu Says:

    Of Course Josh looked good all off season he was playing against our defense. Do the ppl in charge factor that in too?

  129. RealityCheck Says:

    Joe, please hold these coaches accountable during the interviews. Every single fan around me at the stadium was talking about how we would lose the game due to the conservative play calling and crap defense and yet the coaches made zero adjustments. Pathetic.

  130. Buc1987 Says:

    The team is going backwards. Just bring Schiano back in, they are paying him anyways.

    “We don’t expect our fans to be patient”. — Jason Licht

  131. jo_mama Says:

    If anyone wants the domain name “fireloviesmith” the current bid to purchase it is $800.

    Need to start a kick starter campaign for it.

  132. Patrick Says:

    Horrible team.

    Hideous uniforms.

    Is there anything to not be embarrassed about right now?

  133. Incognito Says:

    Tedford? Bowers? McClown? We may not win a single game.

  134. GreatStuff Says:

    The rams had a more aggressive game plan with their 3rd string QB. That’s hysterical! This team can make an opposing QB more comfortable than a lazy-boy store! Clearly not talented enough to win scoring 17 points a game. But Lovie thinks we are and isn’t that encouraging news for the next 3 years…….

  135. Buc1987 Says:

    The Bucs suck. Been there done that. Still I love em like they’re family.

  136. WalkdaPlank Says:

    @87
    I feel bad for you, didn’t you see that clown circus in person?

  137. Goodolebucfan Says:

    Sorry the defense lost this game for us and you can’t blame Mccown for this loss. He was handcuffed by play calling.

  138. Buc1987 Says:

    Ha…WalkDaPlank…nope my mom bought my tickets yesterday on me. Ha I lucked out.

    I don’t know if I’m going to another game this season.

  139. MadMax ™ Says:

    But before I leave, thanks Joe’s for the site….hell of an idea you guys created and ran with. While I hate the nfl, I hope you guys continue to prosper and make money from them and that demograph …..sucks to be feeling this way, it’ll be hard to let go, but this is where I am….FK YOU nfl!

    Ya’ll take care of yourselves 🙂

  140. DallasBuc Says:

    Goodolebucfanboy- you are making excuses.

  141. RealityCheck Says:

    And I’ll say it again, the strength and conditioning program of the Bucs is a complete failure. These guys do not have their bodies ready to play football, which is why they are dropping like flies. When they guy across from you applies more force to you than you do to him, injuries happen. The whole “they just had bigger hearts and wanted it more” is nonsense. They’re bigger, stronger, and faster than you and they dominated you in the trenches.

  142. Andrew 1 Says:

    Lovie Smith, first year as bears coach= 5-11

    Lovie’s second year as bears coach= 11-5

    I know that L&L said that we should win right away, because in all honesty if they would have said “hey look, its going to take a couple of years” then half this shitty fan base would have jumped ship from the get go, so I understand why they said what they said. The truth is that it’s going to take time. The real question is, are bucs fans going to afford them the time that they need? It sure as hell doesn’t look like it, but I truly hope the Glazers tune out the fans on this one and let it ride out with Lovie.

  143. DallasBuc Says:

    “Buc1987 Says:
    September 14th, 2014 at 8:49 pm
    The Bucs suck. Been there done that. Still I love em like they’re family.”
    Well said man.

  144. GreatStuff Says:

    3 more years of Lovie ball!!! Yippee!! This style of play will surely sell more tickets and fill up Ray J. Who’s excited ??

  145. The Ether Says:

    Tonights loss was all on Lovie… (and as always, a little bit on Freeman & Dominik…somehow)

    But seriously, Lovie needs to get his team in line… Cause the players seem to be too comfortable in their contracts, sitting in floppy hats… So this is all on Lovie… get the best out of these dudes, or our memories of you back here in ‘the good ol days’ will fade faster than something that fades really fast…

    Get Your Sh**t Together Lovie!

  146. Soggy Says:

    @ DallasBuc No go back and read that, I said during the preseason I drank the kool aid and responded harshly to one of your comments but after I seen the first real game I knew i was wrong and bucs were in trouble, I did say sorry about that..

  147. JMN Says:

    This team for the past 10 years is like trying to get back together with an ex-girlfriend that dumped you and she keeps rejecting you. Just breaks your heart over and over again.

  148. Kevin1 Says:

    @goodolbucfan

    Mccown “handcuffed” by play calling lmao.

    Like he was just waiting to lite the world on fire huh lmao

    Funniest thing I’ve heard all day.

    Thanks

  149. RealityCheck Says:

    LOL @ Goodolebucfan. Ya that 7 points that McCown cost us with another retarded INT totally wasn’t his fault. Good thing we lost by more than 7….o wait.

  150. SAMCRO Says:

    Bring on the “CANNON”. At least for every 5 checkdowns he will go deep once.
    The opposing teams game-plans has been the same to this point. They just crowd the box. Until we’re willing to take our shots deep and push those safeties back this will be the standard for every team we face this year. With the P.I. rules the way they are we should try to use them to our advantage. We need to stop being one dimensional. Personally, I believe in Glennon. He has shown he can stand in there. He’s taken some sacs but he has also delivered his share of nice passes while under duress. Plus, I also feel this o-line, is better than last years. At least they are coming together. Imagine how well Glennon should play behind a better offensive line?

  151. WobbleBuc Says:

    Schiano didn’t pick Freeman whereas McCown is Lovie approved

  152. jasper Says:

    my buddy in chicago said .i feel sorry for you if you get lovie. glad to get him out of here. outdated.

  153. NewTampaChris Says:

    These are two of the worst losses I’ve sat through at the beginning of a season. So much hope — not for the Super Bowl or even the playoffs, but just for some competitiveness. Not sure how these games could have been worse with Raheem or Schiano running things.

  154. DallasBuc Says:

    Soggy- it’s cool man. Just mad as hell right now because I have been beating my head against the do-no-wrong-Lovie fan club for so long. And it’s not like I was predicting the future. I was looking at player resumes and gagging. All completely predictable this whole time

  155. RP Says:

    Tedford wasn’t calling plays. He was just holding his head in his hands saying “what I have I got myself into?” Hands off the offense Lovie! Learn from Dungy’s and your mistakes!

    Where were the tightends today? One pass I believe. Stocker is the invisible man, even on Special Teams.

    Why did the trainers run out on the field with less than 10 seconds left. To wave the white flag? The only thing Evans needed to to do was line up for the spiking of the ball. Guess that wasn’t gone over in the 100 degree training camp days.

    Build an indoor training facility. The guys are dropping like flies from muscle fatigue. We won’t have 90 degrees for the rest of home games. We won’t have any starters left either!

  156. Goodolebucfan Says:

    Yep your the authority Dallasbuc you know all. I will not waste my time with you. Keep spreading the doom and gloom. People like you chased Dungy and Gruden out of here. Now you can chase Lovie out of here after two games. It takes time KC was the exception not the norm.

  157. Gaboybucfan Says:

    I hate to say it but the Bucs are the worst team in the league…period. Going to get bitch slapped on national TV Thursday night. The defense can’t stop the run and can’t cover anyone. I will be shocked if we win a game this year.

  158. Buc1987 Says:

    Schiano won 7 in his first season as Bucs coach. Does anyone want to bet me that Lovie doesn’t win 5 games this season.

    I supported Schiano….then I hated him and wanted him gone, but had reservations about that too.

    I did not want to blow up the whole team and start all over again, that’s why I was reluctant to “Fire Schiano”. Now I know why I didn’t want them to blow the whole team up and start all over again.

    This team has a long long loooong ways to go and I don’t think Lovie’s the answer either.

  159. JBuc Says:

    saints are 0-2. They should probably fire Sean Peyton

  160. DallasBuc Says:

    Goodolebucfanboy- you are making excuses. Don’t blame me for being right.

  161. Andrew 1 Says:

    @ JBuc

    Lmao.

  162. DallasBuc Says:

    Gayboybucfan- you get bitch-slapped quite a bit, don’t you?

  163. Soggy Says:

    @DallasBuc, I know what you saying, I just did not want to believe it at the time, fans eyes are opening now.. I am able to go to the game in october 26 vs vikings but don’t know how excited i will be when no playoffs in sight..

  164. Buc1987 Says:

    Goodolebucfan…you do realize Lovie calls ALL the shots on this team right?

    This is his baby. He got rid of ALL those players. Then fans like you come in here and say. “Things are going to take some time.”

    Why do you suppose he got rid of all those players? Because they sucked worse than the ones we have now? Ahhhhhhhhhhh duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh wake yup people!!!!

    This team is going backwards….That’s right I said it. After 2 games.

    Where’s Capt Tim?

  165. JBuc Says:

    This team will get better.

  166. Buc1987 Says:

    Dallas… I was not in here this past summer., but I was reading you’re comments all summer long and kept agreeing with you time and time again.

  167. Goodolebucfan Says:

    Realitycheck maybe you watched the wrong game Rams didn’t get any points of the int we got the ball back.

  168. BucfaninMi Says:

    done wasting time on this team! and this site,doesnt work for $hit on mobile anyway.

  169. Buc1987 Says:

    JBuc Says:
    September 14th, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    “This team will get better.”

    Will that be 2016 or 2017?

  170. Buc1987 Says:

    I can start at QB for the Falcons on Thursday and beat the Bucs.

  171. Jeff Matherly Says:

    Where the hell was Pauly Shore? Because after what I just witnessed was a complete joke. Damn sucks to be a BUC!

  172. bucrightoff Says:

    Lovie gets the same two years Schiano got and the same two years Raheem would have gotten if not for that miracle 10-6 season. Anything less than 8-8 next year is fired based off the recent standard set for firing coaches.

  173. Goodolebucfan Says:

    I am not defending Lovie I blamed play calling and defense but it takes time to build a teams is what I am saying.

  174. Buc1987 Says:

    Goodolebucfan…I know what you’re saying man and I agree with you.

    How far off do you think it will be before they are any good? Judging by what you’ve seen so far…

  175. NorCalBuc Says:

    Another year of throwing close to 300 bucks down the drain to watch the Bucs lose to a 3rd freaking string QB at home!!!!!! You gotta be freaking kidding me!!!! And to think I was hyped for this season.

  176. KP'nATL Says:

    Come on Mr.L Smith, you are 0-2, losing by 3 or less and on your 2nd head coaching J-O-B!! Those numbers added together is worth 7 points, let the quarterback throw the ball. Trust your players, PLEASE!

  177. Mikebucsfan Says:

    I honestly can’t believe what I have seen from the bucs the first two games so far. The play calling is horrendous. The 3rd and 7 running play called in the redzone literally made me want to throw my remote through the television. How dumb do you have to be? Why even bother putting Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans out on the field? McCown actually doesn’t look that bad when he has some pass protection for more a second I don’t think he is an issue as much as some of the other problems we have. Lovie Smith was known to be a terrible game manager in Chicago and well.. It still is looking that way. We play complacent as hell all game and when things actually start working in our favor we manage to turn the ball over or slip up on special teams. Our defense which I thought was going to be the cornerstone of this team looks god awful. There is no pass rush, out safeties can’t cover anyone in the open field and banks/Johnson/Jenkins etc are all terrible (especially banks). Lovante David in my opinion is the best player on the team but every other linebacker is garbage. You have to have certain players on the defense to run the “Tampa 2” the way it should be but we just don’t have that. I just really needed to vent here because I am a die hard bucs fans and these past couple of years have been killing me. I don’t even care about making the playoffs anymore I just want a .500 team that actually will look good for once. There are so many other things I can rant about but I will just leave it at here for now. Lovie please find a way to get us some wins. PLEASE

  178. Soggy Says:

    @RP, Wow seeing tedford with his head in his hands like that, I know he is not 100% because of the heart thing but that was mind blowing..

  179. Goodolebucfan Says:

    I think we should see progress half way through the season. Offense always takes longer than defense but I am really disappointed with the play of the defense. I also thought they would open up the offense a bit more. This team has serious depth issue which is really showing with all the injuries.

  180. Aubpierce Says:

    I think Lovie slept in his basement last year.

  181. Mando Playr Says:

    In the last 8 games Schiano/Glennon were 4-4. Lovie/McCown are 0-2. This is not showing improvement.

    How many games do we have to lose before Glennon is given his starting job back??

    My guess is 4.

  182. Goodolebucfan Says:

    ^my comment was to Buc1987

  183. Goodolebucfan Says:

    Mando what was the first 2 games record with Schanio/Glennon should you compare that?

  184. Bill T Says:

    I never understood the fascination with Lovie. This town went crazy when they hired him. Why? He went to the a Super Bowl with Grossman…ok, he also had a great defense. His offenses were usually weak and his teams’ play calling ultra-conservative.
    His reasoning for benching Glennon and bringing in McCown was what? McCown is a 35yr old non-starter for a reason. There was absolutely no competition in training camp so please don’t b/s that McCown earned it. I wouldn’t have a problem if McCown has a 5 year future. That actually would be Glennon. So Glennon should be in & if there isn’t improvement on last year’s “good” season, draft a QB with a probable top 10 or 5 pick.
    Hate to say it, but Schiano/Glennon would not be 0-2 so far against Carolina & the Rams with their weak offenses

  185. JBuc Says:

    As I see it, the problem with this team is mostly on defense. They can’t get off the field and there is no pass rush. Almost any QB at this level can pick apart a defense if they have time. The front four has been very disappointing thus far.

  186. DallasBuc Says:

    Buc1987- “Dallas… I was not in here this past summer., but I was reading you’re comments all summer long and kept agreeing with you time and time again.”
    Thanks man. You know I was getting my ass kicked not going with the flow. I hate it so much that I was right but really it’s about my Bucs, not me and dammit this sht was so easy to see.

  187. JBuc Says:

    DallasBuc, not sure how you view yourself as a contrarian. Most people come here and complain like you.

  188. DallasBuc Says:

    Jbuc- you mean now?…after inexcusably dropping the first 2 games? It’s easy now of course. I was calling new regime out many moons ago when I was written off by all as a hater and not a real fan.

  189. Broy3434 Says:

    Mathias if you don’t think we’ve seen what we should expect from Tedfords play calling you have another thing coming. No coordinator waits til 0-2 to start calling your best plays. Wishful thinkng but idk man. And he’s McCown fucked up in the red zone. Again. But had a good day apart. Period no if ands or buts. The defense let us down and shldve given the offense more shots. And lastly the play calling was so bad I didn’t even realize it was 3rd down because I said that cldnt possibly have been the play call on 3rd and 7. Also guys: preeeeeetttyyy sure good ol McCown Cldve audibles out at any time. Like someone said he’s trying to impress and he’s digging himself a hole because he wants it so bad. And he’s got a good arm for sure. He’s not thinking properly. He realizes he has something to lose inline in Chicago last year.

  190. Buc1987 Says:

    Dallas…yeah I was laughing my ass off every time you put down lapdog GM. I knew it would drive people crazy on here with it. I was on the same page with you verbatim man.

    The GM hires the head coach. Not the other way around. I know it, DallasBuc knows it, and Joe most certainly knows it too.

    This is NOT how it’s supposed to work. That’s why we have what you saw on the field today. I hate being negative and I know things take time, but they have been doing things wrong from start.

    The proof is in the pudding. Lovie runs the whole show and Licht is the lapdog that makes the phone calls. How do you like the product so far?

  191. RJBucnut Says:

    I cannot believe how bad a Lovie Smith runned defense is. Even Lavonte David sux right now. It just seems like Lovie is not putting his play makers in position to make plays. No turn overs no pressure no nothing from this D. U can pretty much write this season off. No way we get back into it facing Ryan, Roethlisberger, and Breese. Lovie us to blame and don’t give me this Bull crap that they need time to jell. Football teams turn it around every yr ala the kc chiefs. How in the hell do u hv the ball 3 times inside the 10 yrd line and run the ball on 3rd down? Lovie got run out of Chicago for crap like this. What a let down this season has been. We will b 0-5 after this rd trip. Can u say Jameis Winston?

  192. Buc_Brother Says:

    Dungy ball is back in Tampa but the cover two is outdated!!! We don’t have the pieces yet to run it. They’ve all retired. We’re in for a loooooong season. *sigh*

  193. DallasBuc Says:

    87- “The GM hires the head coach. Not the other way around. I know it, DallasBuc knows it, and Joe most certainly knows it too.”
    Seems like majority of the “true” fanboy contingent now knows it too. Glazer boys miss their daddy. I do too…

  194. Broy3434 Says:

    You about done Kevin? U literally submitted the same post 3 times. Stop mocking the smart people who figured one game doesn’t equal a season(I’m not one of em. I knew first quarter week 1 this was it. Predicted them to lose today. In the fashion they lost. Strap in boys we’re the 20th century Boston Red Sox—however don’t attack the logical people.

  195. buc40 Says:

    Bad game plan. Bad execution. Very conservative. Regardless of injuries our defense kept us in the game. We need to blitz to create pressure period! How do you sit back in a soft zone all game long? Love ends to get his head out of his a%# now. There is no time to waste and any chance of at least finishing 8-8 is out the window. I see an 0 and 5 start!

  196. Buc1987 Says:

    Buc_Brother Says:
    September 14th, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    “Dungy ball is back in Tampa”

    NO it’s not. Dungy had to answer to a GM.

  197. Buc1987 Says:

    Broy3434…lol how fitting I’m a Sox and Bucs fan.

  198. Broy3434 Says:

    Ya same here Buc1987- my first experience as a fresh Red Sox fan and long time Yankee hater was a walk off homer off Wakefield in the Bronx game 7 Yankee stadium extra innings. Then I thought what did I get myself into being a Red Sox fan. Won it all that year. Similar story when I decided to leave my bills/Bucs debate between who was my favorite. My first experience: the NFC championship loss. Next year –Super Bowl same as Red Sox. However I don’t see the Bucs winning 10 more world titles in 10 years like Boston

  199. Broy3434 Says:

    Lastly for the night I’ll say this. IF. THE BUCS. DONT. DRAFT A. GOD. DAMN QUARTERBACK. IF. GIVEN. A. TOP. FIVE. PICK. I. AM. DONE. period no if ands or buts. It’s like trying to stack and offense and 3 defensive pairs in hockey and having a journeyman backup goalie try and lead the team. Ya good luck winning a Stanley cup without exception goalie play. Every year it’s the case. Same applies to the Superbowl(since the death of the Tampa 2) for the record anyone thought to mention how the cowboys Tampa 2(being run by marinelli and kiffin) is doing awful. It’s outdated. It was a running league in our glory days. Also we had hall of famers/pro bowlers everywhere

  200. Desanova Says:

    The cover 2 was novel 10 years ago. By now, all offenses know how to thrash it with crossing patterns and by sending receivers to the seams. When a third string quarterback can’t seem to miss, your system has problems. We do not have the personnel for cover 2 either – no DE pressure and safeties that would rather hit than cover. These 2 games are teaching me how ridiculous it is to have an emotional investment in this team.

  201. buc4lyfe Says:

    That loss was on lovie….. That had nothing to do with not trusting mcclown. It was some sick joke that was like schiano when he had the worst pass defense in the league deciding to put the game in their hands. We made that no name quarterback look like a pro bowler. Top 10 draft pick here we come

  202. buc4lyfe Says:

    That loss was on lovie….. That had nothing to do with not trusting mcclown. It was some sick joke that was like schiano when he had the worst pass defense in the league deciding to put the game in their hands. We made that no name quarterback look like a pro bowler. Top 10 draft pick here we come

  203. Buc1987 Says:

    Desanova Says: “These 2 games are teaching me how ridiculous it is to have an emotional investment in this team.”

    LOL Classic Buc’s fan stuff. This is stuff that can only be said by a Bucs fan.

  204. buc40 Says:

    Breaking news. Lovie is still in his basement with Tedford game planning for next season. He did not get the memo that this season has already begun. Looks like the bucs in training camp mode. Training and conditioning coach has yet to be found while players are falling like 100 bottles on the wall theme. Meanwhile in other news a 3rd string quarterback looked like Peyton Manning.

  205. BucsRokk26 Says:

    You worried about the defense now, Joe? I am…..!!!

  206. Warren Says:

    And we answer with a nicely paced drive. This is so beautiful to watch!!!