So two guys employed by the NFL sat around talked about how special Bucky Irving is but were just fine ranking him as a middle-of-the-pack starting running back.

What? [read more]

Deion Jones has Devin White’s number.

Don’t you dare throw shade at the Bucs’ inside linebackers corps. [read more]

Dodges sacks at high rate.

Baker Mayfield didn’t face a ton of pressure last year, though he was sacked 40 times (10th-most in the NFL). But when Mayfield did face pressure, he did a really solid if not strong job of avoiding disaster. [read more]

Regression doesn’t mean bad.

Not everyone is on the Baker Mayfield bandwagon. [read more]

“Dean, Zyon, the boss says these dudes are comin’ for you.”

Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht tries hard to contain his swagger publicly when talking about the Tampa Bay roster.

It’s an effort. [read more]

Watch it, Ben Solak. The Disney Fathers don’t like employees taking potshots at their corporate brethren. [read more]

Leader of YAC.

One thing that drove Joe nuts about Rachaad White’s running (or not running) was his lousy YAC numbers. [read more]

Rookie Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.

New Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard was the architect of the team’s elite third-down conversion rate last season. [read more]

Shilo Sanders

Undrafted rookie Bucs safety Shilo Sanders may need a miracle to secure a spot on the Bucs’ 53-man roster (the Bucs love fellow undrafted rookie defensive back J.J. Roberts), but he’s already a superstar on YouTube and has continued his online game in Tampa. [read more]

Solid numbers.

From time to time, Joe sees commenters slamming Zyon McCollum as a bad corner. Joe just doesn’t get it. [read more]

Two of the best.

Yes, the Bucs are deep at receiver. Here’s an example: [read more]

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Factory pricing is in effect for EVERYONE in June! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their great everyday prices. Just ask! Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

In honor of a half-century of Buccaneer football, I’m counting down the Top 50 players in franchise history, based solely on their accomplishments with the franchise. This week, we continue at No. 35.

No. 50 – Mark Cotney
No. 49 – Mike Washington
No. 48 – Richard “Batman” Wood
No. 47 – Aqib Talib
No. 46 – Ricky Reynolds
No. 45 – Keyshawn Johnson
No. 44 – Ricky Bell
No. 43 – Vincent Jackson
No. 42 – Mark Carrier
No. 41 – Donnie Abraham
No. 40 – Cadillac Williams
No. 39 – Joey Galloway
No. 38 – Kevin House
No. 37 – Davin Joseph
No. 36 – Shelton Quarles

No. 35. Michael Pittman
Pittman played four years with the Cardinals before the Bucs signed him as a free agent in 2002, shortly after Warrick Dunn departed for Atlanta. Pittman played a key role on a championship team, saving his best for last by rushing 29 times for 124 yards in the Super Bowl rout of the Raiders. He led Tampa Bay in rushing in each of his first three seasons as a Buccaneer and still ranks sixth in career rushing yards and ninth in career receptions. [read more]

Another summer spectacular at Tampa’s first family of Ford, an iconic third-generation family dealership since 1960.

Can run block, too.

He just keeps getting better. [read more]

Bucs GM Jason Licht gets another backhanded slap.

NBC/Rotoworld analyst Patrick Daugherty, who is tasked with ranking NFL general managers every year, came clean on the Sharp Angles podcast this week.

“Jason Licht is the one; he really does just fry my brain,” Daugherty said. [read more]

We’re about one month from the reveal of the annual ESPN survey that asks team executives, coaches and scouts to name their top players at each position.

ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler produces the July feature, but he let one cat out of the bag early. [read more]

“Don’t worry Graham, you’ll crush people this year.”

This is a pretty good sign that your offensive line is getting the job done on the ground. [read more]

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Click above to shop the tremendous June factory pricing at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Full Bucs weekend buffet. No siesta for The Sage as training camp is five weeks away. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Watching history.

Joe doesn’t believe there is a person on the planet who would have the nerve to suggest Randy Moss wasn’t one of the best wide receivers to ever lace up a pair of cleats. [read more]