A massive turnaround for Lovie’s defense this fall?

Even though the Bucs got pounced on by the Brownies last weekend, it’s easy to forget the Bucs had five 3-and-outs on defense. Not too shabby.

Last year, the defense started horribly. It did improve, but to be honest, it had nowhere to go but up. (more…)

If NFL offensive lines are really as bad as some believe, then Lovie should be able to develop a pass rush, no?

Yes, yesterday, Joe brought word from various sources that the Bucs may not be nearly as bad on the offensive line as some believe after watching the jailbreak that was the Cleveland pass rush Saturday.

For example, spreadsheeters of Pro Football Focus contend the Bucs are no worse than sixth-worst during this preseason along the offensive line, without factoring the Bucs started two rookies (who will only improve) and camp meat (who won’t start in the regular season). (more…)

Steve Duemig

Joe climbed into the cage with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig, this evening on WDAE-AM 620.

The “JoeBucsFan Hour” was in full swing. (more…)

Bucs C Evan Smith can breathe a sigh of relief over the stat geeks’ data.

Bucs fans are so unnerved by the play of the offensive line against the Brownies last week, they actually have been visiting Hemlock Society sites.

As bad as the offensive line looked — think about it, only two full practices to prepare with two rookies on the line — perhaps Bucs fans can find solace in other fanbases’ freakout. (more…)

Lovie Smith today revealed that last year’s kicker, standout rookie Patrick Murray, has a knee injury. (more…)

Bucs DE Jacquies Smith hopes to play in the regular season opener.

The closest thing the Bucs have to an edge rusher was acquired last year when Tampa Bay went dumpster diving and maybe found a jewel by pulling Jacquies Smith off the street after he was released by the Bills.

Smith racked up 6.5 sacks last year — by Bucs standards for defensive ends, that’s Reggie White territory. (more…)

Lovie Smith offered a telling one liner yesterday when it came to the good and the bad of his defense.

Joe asked Lovie about the health of Jacquies Smith and what defensive ends are looking strong. (more…)

Bucs CB Leonard Johnson, a Largo High product, pictured in happier times. He was among the Bucs cuts this morning.

Tampa Bay made more roster moves this morning and the Bucs’ careers of Leonard Johnson and Robert Herron likely have come to an end.

Also cut were Josh Allen, who made the most memorable non-block Joe has ever seen in the NFL, and of course Michael Koenen got the boot, literally and figuratively. (more…)

Lovie Smith smiled a lot when Tim Jennings was one of his starting cornerbacks

When Joe asked Lovie Smith about Tim Jennings yesterday, it initially seemed like the coach wasn’t sure who Joe was referencing.

Today, Tim Jennings is visiting the Bucs, per the team’s website. (more…)

Bucs rookie right guard Ali Marpet

Welcome to the Bucs’ opening drive on Saturday night, starting from the 20 yard line.

On 1st-and-10, Doug Martin runs left but Logan Mankins is blown up. No gain. (more…)

Ronde Barber says a Bucs safety eclipses John Lynch when it comes to movement.

Joe believes Ronde Barber often is selling on the airwaves what lurks in Lovie Smith’s brain.

So Barber’s insight is telling when it comes to the eventual makeup of the Tampa Bay roster. (more…)

Lovie knows bad quarterbacks.

Fascinating discussion at the overrated Grantland.com by statgeek Bill Barnwell.

Just what NFL coach has been cursed by the worst quarterbacks? It’s a neat mind teaser. (more…)

Gone.

Michael Koenen is no longer a Bucs player. The overpriced punter was cut loose. Joe sheds no tears.

Koenen was signed by the Bucs to a heralded six-year, $19.5 million contract. The Bucs have been horrible ever since. (more…)

A key member of the Bucs offense drew the ire of a former Buccaneer following Tampa Bay’s beating at the hands of the Browns. (more…)

Former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik is scared for America’s Quarterback.

Bucs fans have hit the panic button after the matador blocking of the Bucs’ offensive line Saturday night. It isn’t so much the bad blocking that has fans freaking out, it is for whom they are supposed to be blocking.

And that is America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston. (more…)

Publicly, Jameis Winston, “America’s Quarterback,” has played the role of one-day-at-a-time, “I-just-want-to-be-better-every-day” rookie since arriving at One Buc Palace.

But Jameis assured Joe today that he is still the big-talking guy who jawed about winning this season’s Super Bowl and entering the class of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. (more…)

America’s Quarterback listens to a question at his weekly presser today.

Joe gets why coaches always use the same tired phrase “game-by-game.” They claim they are lockstep in razor focus for only the next opponent and try to feign ignorance of the future schedule.

America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, punctured that balloon today. (more…)

Basking in praise

Joe’s been hard on Evan Smith, but the starting center is on offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s happy list today. (more…)