Pregame chatter on the ESPN NFL Countdown Special Edition show is sure to deliver a lot of anxiety to a lot of Bucs fans. [read more]

Lavonte David rows the boat to celebrate Jacob Parrish’s second quarter interception in last night’s win over the Stinking Panthers. The game may be David’s last of his spectacular career.

OK, this is weird. The Bucs won but Joe has a vibe they lost. The future of the Bucs is unclear — who may have played his last game, who may have coached his last game — including whether the Bucs will have a playoff game next weekend. All hinges on the Atlanta-New Orleans game this afternoon. So grab your coffee and let’s go. [read more]

So Baker Mayfield finished the 2025 season with 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and 3,693 yards passing. [read more]

Suggestion keys defense.

Did the Bucs win the game Saturday over the Stinking Panthers thanks to a suggestion from defensive tackle Calijah Kancey? Well, that’s what Todd Bowles thinks. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.

It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t decisive, but the 2025 Buccaneers weren’t ready to pack their bags Saturday. On the brink of elimination, they outplayed the Panthers in a 16-14 victory that extended their season — by at least one day.

Everyone in the Tampa Bay organization, including the people that sign the checks, will be glued to Sunday’s matchup between the Falcons and Saints in Atlanta. The winner of that game will determine whether Tampa Bay or Carolina will finish atop the NFC South. [read more]

Flash poll posted at 9:27 p.m. Poll closed at 11:40 p.m.

Difference maker.

As Joe pointed out, midget Stinking Panthers quarterback Bryce Young dropped back 35 times against the Bucs. He was touched once. [read more]

Joe did not appreciate Todd Bowles’ one-liner to close his interview tonight on the Buccaneers Radio Network. [read more]

Pick saved Bucs?

Bucs coach Todd Bowles preaches takeaways so much that periodically, Joe thinks lousy Lovie Smith snuck through the hole in the fence near the Glazer Shed. [read more]

Showed up when needed most.

You heard of a contract year? Cade Otton had a contract night. [read more]

Bucs edge rusher Haason Reddick.

So Panthers quarterback Bryce Young dropped back to pass 35 times, didn’t scramble for positive yardage all evening and the Bucs didn’t sack him once — and only hit Young one time.

It’s hard to win in the NFL without touching an opposing QB. [read more]

Passion.

This was a different Bucs team on Saturday night. [read more]

Something was missing in today’s Bucs win against the Panthers: the Bucs’ opponent didn’t break off a huge run or multiple punishing runs. [read more]

New Saints fan.

Lavonte David said it best. [read more]

There was good today on special teams but the troubles continued. [read more]

Hero.

How bout those Buccaneers!

They just finished this sad regular season with a “W” and an 8-9 record, polishing off a feisty but talent-challenged Panthers team.

Defense ruled the day. There was energy and fire for a change, and some plays made. [read more]

Will the Bucs show some pride for a change on this rainy regular-season finale in Tampa?

Comment all game long below. Please be nice! It’s easy.

Stick with Joe for plenty out of this game that could change the course of the franchise, aka get Todd Bowles fired for cause.