Bucs’ Postseason Road Got Easier
December 13th, 2022
Out.
Joe is all fired up for the playoffs. Who doesn’t like postseason football?
With only January wins against the we’re-trying-to-tank Carolina Panthers and the bumbling Falcons now led by rookie QB Desmond Ridder, the Bucs will lock up their second consecutive NFC South crown. That’s fact.
However, there are four games to play, so the Bucs have more options. Before facing Carolina, the Bucs head to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Christmas night.
Last night, Cardinals stud quarterback Kyler Murray blew out his knee and it appears to be quite serious. So it’s just about a 100 percent chance he won’t play against Tampa Bay.
Say what you want about the Bucs facing third-tier quarterbacks — they’ve lost to four of them this season — but the Bucs caught a break with this Murray injury. Joe apologizes to all the Colt McCoy fans out there.
Maybe, just maybe, the Bucs can clinch the division title before they head to Atlanta and mentally physically rest some of their old starters.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:39 am
Hahaha, nothing is easy, Brissett, Trubinsky/ Pickens, Purdy, PJ Walker. It’s never easy for a Tiolet Bowl run team. Shat in, shat out.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:40 am
We just made Brock Purdy look good. I’m sure we can make Colt Mccoy look Pro Bowlish.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:43 am
Bucs are the only NFL team to make back up QBs look like hall of famers.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:44 am
There should be no guarantee wins on the schedule. Not with this putrid coaching staff.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:47 am
Panthers will win the NFC South
December 13th, 2022 at 10:49 am
I’d bet the house on Colt McCoy at this point. Sad but true…
December 13th, 2022 at 10:51 am
Easier??? LOL….NOTHING is easy for this team under idiot Bowles (lack of) leadership.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:51 am
I will be surprised if this crap squad wins the division.
And if they do, they get blown out at home in a game they should be embarrassed to play.
The pathetic Bowles/Leftwich Bucs don’t deserve a post-season game.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:52 am
Colt McCoy will go Kirk Cousins on the Bucs!
December 13th, 2022 at 10:53 am
The way his team is coached and playing, they will go 1-3 and not make the playoffs. Hopefully the silver lining is the entire coaching staff gets canned the day after Atlanta game.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:53 am
Joe, haven’t we had enough of this clearly inaccurate trope of us being able to take advantage of a backup quarterback?! It’s almost like you’re trolling us at this point with a title like this.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:56 am
The Falcons also play the Cardinals on Jan 1 so their road also got easier.
December 13th, 2022 at 10:57 am
There are some people out there who think the Cardinals are better served with Colt McCoy as a starter anyways. We should no longer be looking past opponents and penciling in wins.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:00 am
Atlanta has a rookie QB? We’re sunk.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:01 am
At this point nothing is easy for the Bucs rookies, 3rd string or any other
December 13th, 2022 at 11:04 am
I’d take McCoy over Murray. Their coaches suck too either way they’re effed. You apologized to us Dan Campbell fans earlier this season too. Suddenly he’s not so bad
December 13th, 2022 at 11:06 am
Unless something changes on both sides of the ball. It really doesnt matter. The confidence meter on the Bucs right now is at an all time low. We’ve all been waiting for the light to come on. I blame coaching more than players. Coaching matters in the NFL…
December 13th, 2022 at 11:07 am
I hate this post season attitude regarding ‘things just got easier’. This is so insulting in my book. I am sure the teams we are playing are saying the same thing. “The season just got easier’… we’re playing the hapless Bucs.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:09 am
@R.O.: there are no lights to come on.
What we’ve witnessed the last 14 weeks is who this tram is: the most underperforming team in Buc history.
I would be surprised if this sorry team wins one more game.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:14 am
Good players can’t overcome bad coaching belichick said that a couple of years ago and those are cold hard facts.
One thing as well this team needs to fire it’s training staff. Never seen a team get injured so much as this team. Every year 🤦♂️
December 13th, 2022 at 11:17 am
I have no confidence in the ability of this team to beat Colt McCoy… The XFL kid from Carolina beat them, the rookie in Pittsburgh beat them…Brock Purdy – the list goes on. I’m tired.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:21 am
The Cardinals play better with McCoy anyway.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:24 am
Another All Star showing up again. Well at least they will make him look that way.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:25 am
After seeing what I have seen and the fact that Toddlet Bowles will always be exactly who you see now, it may be better that we find a way to blow the division. That will force the Glazers to act. I can’t ans won’t actually root for that but it porobably would be best in th elong run. This bumbling staff is blowing a talented roster and the sooner, the better that we find a competent coaching staff. Look at the young, talented coaches that are the difference in their teams success.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:33 am
Bucs have no pride. From the owners down to the players. Period.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:36 am
Bucs are not going to clinch the division and even if they back into a division title they are not going to make past the first round. The season is essentially over. Total train wreck.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:37 am
Its hard to believe that anyone could be talking playoffs. “PLAYOFFS, YOUR WRITING ABOUT PLAYOFFS”. Not with the Bucs you shouldn’t.
The Bucs are at the bottom 4 in the NFL in touchdowns scored. 22 touchdowns in 11 games! Only Texans, Steelers and Broncos are worse.
How can anyone count on them beating the Panthers (26 TDs) and Falcons (31). Teams quarterbacked by Marcus Marriota and Sam Darnold have higher scoring offenses than Tampa Bay.
The team is a total disgrace to its fans by playing without aggression and not getting younger and faster.
We get beat up by nobody quarterbacks because our team doesn’t have a killer instinct thanks to the horrific head coach and his out of touch offensive coordinator.
They appear clueless as an organization.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:40 am
McCoy looked good last night. There were some dropped passes but he is going to shred our D.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:42 am
Who cares! This team is a bottom dweller in the NFL, bailed out by a dumpster fire of a division. Playing aweful and losing on a weekly basis against bad teams. Epic failure on every level this season!
December 13th, 2022 at 11:57 am
We need some fire and passion from these coaches. I’d much rather have Dan “Bite Kneecaps Off” Campbell than disinterested, disheartening, and dull Todd Bowles. His pressers are listless, lethargic, loquacious, and lifeless. I can only imagine how the team responds to his messages. His after-win team speeches are just plain DULL! I’d rather work on my creative pencil-sharpening skills after a game than listen to him.
If dull is the opposite of sharp, and iron sharpens iron, then Bowles needs iron supplements ASAP.
SIGH.
December 13th, 2022 at 11:59 am
Cole Beasley came back out of retirement. LOL.
I’m guessing he didn’t like his role here and left. Good riddance.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:05 pm
No lambchop, the likely scenario is that he saw a lot of things wrong with this team and didn’t want to deal with all the drama. His role was fine. You say good riddance as if he’s missing out on something. He isn’t. Him “retiring” only to come back and play with Josh Allen is a huge indictment of this team
December 13th, 2022 at 12:05 pm
D-Rok…that was a good summary…yer funny!
Just like the team…listless.
Go Bucs!!!(Where? I have no idea.)
December 13th, 2022 at 12:08 pm
I guess Joe is insane, because he keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
We play worse against back ups and rookies, in case you haven’t noticed? Time to wake up Joe.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:15 pm
We don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. What makes you think we can beat any of the teams we have left. Most of the players heart has shrunk to the size of the GRINCH… Bunch of candy ass loafers…
December 13th, 2022 at 12:18 pm
Easier for Carolina….
Nothing is better for a backup QB than playing this year’s Bucs D
December 13th, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Another useless “backup QB” article. This is the true definition of insanity.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:21 pm
I’m sorry we have to stop with this. It truly doesn’t matter what QB the Bucs face this season. They have a historically bad offense and can be beaten with ease by literally any QB.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:24 pm
I love this site and I love your work Joe, but I truly don’t understand what reason you could have to be excited about this Bucs team facing a backup QB.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:28 pm
Bucs1987,
I was going to include Todd “Monotone” Bowles, but I lost interest. Wonder who else this year Todd “We Understand” Bowles has lost?
December 13th, 2022 at 12:35 pm
Joe seriously, JUST STOP IT 😂😂😂!!
I know you like playoff football but the Bucs won’t be in it this year bro!!
THEY WILL NOT WIN ANOTHER GAME THIS YEAR!!!
6-11 will the the result of this truly PUTRID, ABISMAL, DECREPIT, JOKE of a coaching staff.
I feel sorry cuz if it weren’t for injuries lately, the zincs had a decent defense.
It was hung out to dry EVERY WEEK though.
If the Glazers don’t have the common sense & cojones to fire this staff, I hope ALL Bucs fans boycott this team next season.
December 13th, 2022 at 12:36 pm
Bucs not zincs, lol
December 13th, 2022 at 12:42 pm
cards by 10
December 13th, 2022 at 12:46 pm
^^^I’ll take that bet!
December 13th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Panthers may make the playoffs , because they fired their coach
December 13th, 2022 at 12:54 pm
Bucs can be beat by ANY QB.
December 13th, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Mid December is when they need to make their move in to the post seasom. If Brady can get it going against the Bengals look out. The Bucs could go on a roll in to the post season. It is a possumbility that has to be considered.
December 13th, 2022 at 1:11 pm
Waiting to see how the ’’ Elusive ’’ McCoy will be able to avoid the pass rush of the Bucs with his Micheal Vick like mobility he will show for the first time in his career. Lets see how many times he will escape.
December 13th, 2022 at 1:26 pm
Colt McCoy will carve our defense up like Christmas turkey
December 13th, 2022 at 1:36 pm
I think Joe’s are just having fun, now. Facetiousness and humor go a long way to keep us interested. Thanks Joes
December 13th, 2022 at 1:38 pm
Joe, those tanking Panthers keep winning. They look like they’re tanking all the way to the NFC South title. All they have to do is beat us again! Right now that looks better then possible, and they’ll be hosting the Cowboys. Hopefully that will be enough to get Bowles fired. Hope they flex the Az game so we’re not on at night.
December 13th, 2022 at 1:42 pm
HC Grover. They’ve had 14 weeks to get it going. They have zero chance at success in the playoffs. You’re deluding yourself if you think they can turn it around.
December 13th, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Lets not forget we already lost to Colt McCoy.
He whipped us when he was with the stinking Panthers.
He’s probably looking forward to going against Todd Bowles on Christmas!
December 13th, 2022 at 2:32 pm
No playoffs – Please!
The last thing I want to see is 50k Dallas Cowgirl fans celebrating in our house.
Let’s put this season to bed and move on. Try and find “Your” new coach – if you don’t like the candidates. Instruct JL to trade and cut high priced aging vets…slam as much dead money into the 23 season…so that you can start clean for 2024…Ride T. Bowles for next season (even though you’ll be actively looking for his replacement)
Go Bucs!
December 13th, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Yeah, nice wishful thinking. Now if it was Matt Ryan, Kyler Murry and Cam Newton I would say we have a chance, but against Riddly or Riddler or whatever, Colt McCoy and P’Darnoldsamwalker or any person they can find who can throw a football, then we are screwed.
Nothing is normal this year. Only way out is to Costanza this thing. They need to think and do the exact opposite of whatever they have normally done, then maybe…in the name of Holy Festivus.. they can get themselves out of this. .. that is until they choke under the pressure of finally having things go their way and revert back come playoff time.
December 13th, 2022 at 3:08 pm
Dull is right D-Rok. Todd oozes dull. That was a great analogy.
December 13th, 2022 at 3:25 pm
The Bucs are capable of losing to just about any team. Personally, I’m just anxious for the offseason to get here. I don’t care about playoffs with this team, as they will be bounced in the first round. Just get this thing over with so we can see Leftwich fired as soon as possible and get to work putting this thing back together with competent leadership on offense.
December 13th, 2022 at 3:27 pm
Talk about blinders. Jeeez!!!! The Joe who wrote this article is beyond optimistic. Please stop talking about opposing QBs. If our D was only facing McCoy, we’d be fine. Problem is, there are 10 other players on the field that we have to deal with, and right now that seems to be too many for the Bucs to handle.
December 13th, 2022 at 3:40 pm
The Playoffs??????? What kinda acid you guys dropping, Joes? Let’s see, how about retiring their oldest player if he doesn’t start winning games?!
December 13th, 2022 at 4:09 pm
PSL, yet some morons blame Brady for this teams woe’s, right Oralbuc and Ttsucs?
December 13th, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Toddler.
December 13th, 2022 at 5:13 pm
It’s a pipe dream, or a vape dream nowadays I guess- that we will win more than 1 of our last 4 games – I hope I am wrong, but little evidence supports a sudden winning streak, we literally look worse now than we did in week 2
We have proven over and over and over and over Colt is plenty good enough to whip our D
December 13th, 2022 at 5:19 pm
Who knows if we could have salvaged this season if management had fired these clowns. Idk how anyone is confident with this staff. Does licht not see what I see every sunday? A team that always looks unprepared. That has quit etc. Shame cause the nfc i feel has beatable teams .
December 13th, 2022 at 5:47 pm
Bucs will finish under 500 and miss the playoffs unless they get a new QB and OC
December 13th, 2022 at 6:14 pm
I would not laugh at AZ backup QB Colt McCoy. The guy has been in the NFL for a very long time and for a reason. He has won a couple of games for the Cardinals. And Need I bring up our history facing backup QB’s.? Its not good guys. Bucs are going to have to go all out to beat the Cardinals in Arizona.
December 13th, 2022 at 6:16 pm
Ask Gruden about resting starters for 2 weeks.
December 13th, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Cmon Joe. Cmon man. Do you really have that much confidence in this team ??
December 13th, 2022 at 8:04 pm
Panthers and Wilks tanking?! Not a chance…they are running over teams. Wilks wants to knock Leftwich outta the league ( and so do most of us ). Wilks only season as head coach…1-15. Who was his leftover OC? Leftwich. Who killed Josh Rosen’s career before it had a chance ( he may have never been decent if we’re honest )? Leftwich. Love ya, BA…but you buffed the turd Leftwich for too long.
December 13th, 2022 at 9:37 pm
Joe NO!!!!!!!!!!!! you are wrong now the Cardinals have a backup quarterback we all know that is guaranteed loss for the Bucs
we are done season is over
December 13th, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Thisisouryear!!! Says
“We just made Brock Purdy look good.”
Not really. In truth, he made himself look good…that and the fact that the OC made sure he didn’t have to pass as much.
It was a dream game performance, and I’m happy for the kid. Last pick in the draft, and he instantly increased his trade value.
Of course, odds are against him maintaining that value.
December 14th, 2022 at 12:29 am
the only games that matter are carolina/atlanta. the division rankings will be the only way to get in. if carolina/atlanta have more wins in nfc, doesn’t matter. we need to win both nfc south games. win the division or go home.
December 14th, 2022 at 2:49 pm
Did y’all see the size of Gronks thighs on Sunday. I think he’ll be back starting the playoffs. He even said, he could step right back in and not miss a beat. 👍🏼
December 14th, 2022 at 2:50 pm
Gronk has not dropped any weight, WHY !!!! MMMM
December 17th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
Please please please quit running the sane damn plays every series. Fjrst down run up the middle. Second down pass bc were short gain or negative on first. It always leaves us 3rd and long and we wonder why were not mo ing the chains. Come on guys lfgo!!!
December 17th, 2022 at 3:34 pm
GRONK PLEASE COME BACK!!
December 18th, 2022 at 3:58 pm
All you guys are so depressing. Don’t you know this has been the game plan all long. Play like crap, win the division by a game or two. Then crank it in the playoffs. Run the 2 minute no huddle offense, let Tommy call the plays and throw the 65 time. We have all the playoff teams thinking we are a cake walk. Psychologically we have everyone where we want them.