Hurting.

The Bucs are headed out onto the practice field as Joe types.

Presumably, one of those players practicing will be the stalwart of the defense, Gerald McCoy. (more…)

A perfect season?

Cam Newton is much better than he was last year, when the Buccaneers lost twice — twice! — to his understudy, Derek Anderson.

Newton entered this season healthy, and that much smarter and comfortable after another year in Mike Shula’s system. (more…)

Gerald McCoy says Panthers guard Trai Turner is one of his nastiest matchups

Gerald McCoy inspired Joe to shine a spotlight on the Buccaneers’ 2014 draft plan last night.

As Bucs fans remember, the Bucs were in need of offensive line help entering that draft, but opted to snag Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Charles Sims in the second and third rounds, respectively. (more…)

Kevin Pamphile

With rookie left tackle Donovan Smith saddled with a knee injury Lovie Smith led many to believe was significant yesterday, that means 2014 fifth-round pick Kevin Pamphile jumps into the spotlight. (more…)

Jameis considers Stinking Panthers QB Cam Newton a role model.

In some ways, Cam Newton had it rougher than America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, in his path to the NFL.

Like Jameis, Newton became a hero if not a living legend in leading his college (Auburn) to a coveted national title in his first year starting, all while being raked over the coals for public (mis)perception. (more…)

There is no conspiracy theory in negotiations to upgrade the Den of Depression.

The news broke last night that, as part of negotiations to pay for substantial upgrades to the Den of Depression, in order to make the stadium more fan-friendly, the Bucs seek permission to play up to two regular season games away from Tampa.

Not only was/is this part of the standard give-and-take of contract negotiations, such a clause has not been agreed upon. (more…)

One way to overcome a soft defense is to build an offense.

Yesterday, Joe came across fans disgruntled by Lovie Smith’s defense. Understandable. Overall, the Bucs are third-worst in rushing yards allowed.

Red zone defense? Worst for allowing touchdowns once opponents reach the red zone. (more…)

The Bucs could be playing fewer home games in Tampa if a proposed deal to renovate the Den of Depression goes through.

If the Bucs get their way in negotiations to renovate the Den of Depression, then beginning with the 2018 season, the Bucs could only be playing six regular season home games in Tampa. (more…)

It was time for Joe to jump into the steel cage again with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620.

A heated evening was in store. (more…)

Knee injury.

Bucs coach Lovie Smith informed the Tampa Bay pen and mic club minutes ago starting left tackle Donovan Smith has a knee injury. (more…)

Will Bobby Rainey continue to be the go-to guy returning kicks and punts? (more…)

Bucs OC Dirk Koetter sort of understood, perhaps, why Mike Evans had hands of stone Sunday.

Yes, Joe already wrote about how Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said, in so many words, “Catch the damn ball,” in response today to  the many questions about receivers treating passes as if the football was doused with Ebola virus in the loss to Houston. (more…)

Jameis believes the offensive line has been unfairly mocked.

Yes, Bucs fans and Joe have had harsh words for the offensive line.

While fans have raged over the line dating back to the halcyon days of former Bucs commander Greg Schiano, Joe has tempered his thoughts this year because the Bucs are breaking in rookies up front. (more…)

Dirk Koetter gets all amped up answering Joe’s question about drops

Joe asked offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter about drops today.

Drops maimed the Bucs on Sunday, in addition to lousy special teams and the mighty Alfred Blue carving the Bucs like a Thanksgiving turkey. (more…)

America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, seems mighty sick of the orders he’d had from Buccaneers veterans to relax and be a rookie and don’t worry about leading.

Gerald McCoy led that chorus, one of the silliest songs Joe has heard in years. (more…)