Gameday Tampa Bay
January 15th, 2024
Postseason Game 1
Wild Card Round
Eagles (11-6) at Bucs (9-8)
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN and WFTS-TV Channel 28, locally) with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge.
Streaming: ESPN+, NFL+. (Geographic restrictions apply. Subscription may be required).
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network WXTB-FM 97.9 in the Tampa-St. Petersburg region (Transmisiones de radio en español en WTMP-FM 96.1 y WMGG-AM 1470 en Tampa). Additional stations throughout Florida on the Buccaneers Radio Network can be found here. The game also will be broadcast on SiriusXM Channels 109 (Buccaneers Radio Network feed) or SiriusXM NFL Radio Channel 88 (Westwood One national feed).
Weather: Gloomy day in Tampa Bay. Expect rain on and off all day, per AccuWeather.com. Tailgaters will have to dodge intermittent thunderstorms with temperatures in the low 70s and high 60s. By kickoff look for a temperature of 64. While rains are expected in the second half, the chance for precipitation in the first half is right at 50 percent. A dense fog advisory has been issued to begin at 10 p.m. right about the time the rains are expected. Temperatures should remain steady in the mid-60s through the end of the game.
Odds: Per BetMGM, as of midnight, Bucs +3 (+125); over/under 43.
Referees: Adrian Hill and his gang will work tonight’s game. Hill and his outfit, per Joe Gibbs of Sharp Football Analysis, may be one of the NFL’s best referee crews working. His number of penalties called is average compared to most NFL referee crews. And the penalties are spread out evenly. From a short-term investment angle, home teams, per Gibbs, with Hill’s posse are 31-34-1 on the moneyline.
Injuries: Eagles — Out: WR A.J. Brown (knee), OLB Marquis Haynes (concussion). Doubtful: G Cade Mays (finger), K Eddie Pineiro (right hamstring). Questionable: LB Tae Davis (illness), CB Jaycee Horn (toe). Bucs — Questionable: LB K.J. Britt (calf), CB Josh Hayes (knee/quad), QB Baker Mayfield (ribs).
Outlook: Will the Bucs show up tonight? Seriously, Joe has doubts. If Joe has a major issue with Bucs coach Todd Bowles, it is his inability at times to motivate his players. No, Joe doesn’t give two sh!ts about Bowles’ reserved personality. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is full of stoic and stone-faced coaches that exuded all the personality of a telephone pole. But these guys had a way of getting their players motivated and focused. The fact that two weeks in a row with so much on the line the Bucs just showed up is appalling to Joe. Two weeks ago the Bucs acted like they were all hungover the way they got their arses handed to them by the slimy Saints. Last week the Bucs offense got pushed around badly by the worst team in the NFL. And the nerve for the Bucs to try to wave off this uninspired play because the Stinking Panthers have a good defense — they are the worst team in the friggin’ league!!! If Carolina’s defense was that damn good they would have won more than two flippin’ games! In Joe’s eyes, it all comes down to this: Is Baker Mayfield healthy enough to throw? He looked like a cripple last week. Maybe he shouldn’t have been on the field. But that is water under the bridge. Can Mayfield throw the ball? Of course, the Bucs need to throw the ball because that’s their strength. Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales doesn’t seem to care. He’s going to run no matter what. You may get away with that in the regular season but the postseason is no time to eff around unless people have nonrefundable deposits at all-inclusive resorts in Cancun this coming weekend. The objective is to win. So it may behoove the Bucs to use their best weapons and running back Rachaad White — a serious weapon only when he’s catching the ball out of the backfield. Joe thinks the only chance the Bucs have is for Mayfield to slice up the vulnerable Eagles’ pass defense. If the Bucs try to outmuscle the Eagles, that plan will explode in their faces. If that happens, Joe will be in offseason mode by midnight. Why is it so difficult for coaches to realize getting the ball to your best players on offense is not a mortal sin?
Fun facts: Bucs coach Todd Bowles became the first coach in Bucs history last week to win division titles in back-to-back seasons. The Bucs also won their third consecutive division title, a franchise first. … QB Baker Mayfield had career highs in 2023 in completions (364), passing yards (4,044) and touchdown passes (28). In two playoff starts, Mayfield has a total of four postseason touchdown passes. … WR Mike Evans became the fifth player in NFL history with 12 or more receiving touchdowns in five different seasons. … WR Chris Godwin had at least 50 yards receiving in each of his last five games. … C Robert Hainsey, RG Cody Mauch and RT Luke Goedeke have not missed one start or missed one snap all year long. They each have played 100 percent of the Bucs’ offensive snaps. … ILB Lavonte David, who in less than two weeks will be 34, just recorded his fifth season with 15 or more tackles for loss. … OLB YaYa Diaby (12 tackles for loss) and DT Calijah Kancey (10 tackles for loss) became second pair of rookies this century with double-digit tackles for loss. The last time this happened was in 2017 when Mike Hilton and T.J. Watt of the Steelers recorded this feat. … S Antoine Winfield led the NFL in forced fumbles (6) and fumble recoveries (4). He was named first-team All-Pro last week.
This is a rivalry aged to perfection. A matchup that never gets old.#RaiseTheFlags pic.twitter.com/zK1r4PwthX
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 15, 2024
January 15th, 2024 at 1:14 pm
The Bucs could for sure win this game even with Mayfield injured but, it depends on what Bucs team shows up and if Bowles mixes up his defensive play calling and throw a few wrinkles in his offense. GO BUCS !!!!!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
Today, everyone should be a BUCS fan. Put aside your love or hate for a single player/coach and root for this damn TEAM. I’ve been critical of both Bowles and Baker during the losing stretch and uninspired play over the last two weeks but here’s to hoping they right the ship at the most important time, go get em’ Bucs!!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
FU bakerhaters!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:20 pm
F the eagles
January 15th, 2024 at 1:23 pm
Fog! I was at the Bears- Eagles fog bowl divisional playoff game. Eagles lost!! This could be a good omen for the Bucs!!! I believe that was in 1988. Time flies when you’re having fun!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:24 pm
game is dependent on Mayfield’s pain tolerance and Canales’s Play calling
January 15th, 2024 at 1:27 pm
@Joe
The injury report above has the team names inverted, with AJ Brown in the wrong group.
January 15th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Another reason why we need a DOMED STADIUM
January 15th, 2024 at 1:30 pm
Clip their wings.
January 15th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
If the defense comes to play we have a chance no matter what the offense does. Go Bucs!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:42 pm
Injury report looks like some of it carried over from last week/Panthers listed. I don’t have a good feeling about this one. I was happy to see the Rams lose, however.
January 15th, 2024 at 1:43 pm
Hope we win but no matter what happens it was a great season. Another division title and in the playoffs. I remember to many years of not making the playoffs and being last in the division. Go Bucs!!!
January 15th, 2024 at 1:44 pm
The injuries section needs some editing. Panthers players from last week in the Bucs section, Bucs players in the eagles section. 🤔
January 15th, 2024 at 1:51 pm
We have a chance as long as Bowles doesn’t play CBs 15 yards off the line every snap and Canales doesn’t force the 1 yard runs every 1st down.
January 15th, 2024 at 2:07 pm
Imagine if either of these teams were to play GB or Lions!
Would have to take out a restraining order in Advance. lol
January 15th, 2024 at 2:33 pm
Leighroy…caught it.
Joe fix the injuries.
January 15th, 2024 at 2:37 pm
Last game of the season right here. If Mayfield were healthy, I might think we have a slight chance…but we all know Bowles won’t put in a healthy QB.
January 15th, 2024 at 2:40 pm
Canales will have to run a lot so long as Baker is in there. It’s the best way to protect him. RBs are going to get a workout, and I hope the defense is ready to play 45 minutes tonight.
If I had to guess…I would give us a 30% chance of winning.
Unless…Baker is healthy. Then it goes up. Or if Trask is put in.
January 15th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
LFG!!!
January 15th, 2024 at 2:45 pm
Rams losing lost us a shot at a home game next week
January 15th, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Its a toss up.
Can either team display hint of motivation today? If so, that is your winner. Go Bucs!
January 15th, 2024 at 3:02 pm
Let’s go!
January 15th, 2024 at 3:08 pm
Wanna get really drunk tonight?
Slam a beer every time Troy Aikman delivers one of his signature long and drawn out “ANDs”
Effing painful.
January 15th, 2024 at 3:09 pm
So, does anyone know if Mayfield is actually able to throw yet?
January 15th, 2024 at 3:11 pm
LGLG! Can’t wait until 8:15!
January 15th, 2024 at 3:12 pm
Go Bucs ! ! !
January 15th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
post more about the cheerleader
January 15th, 2024 at 3:26 pm
Which team shows up tonight? The Jacksonville game Bucs or the Saints game Bucs? I want to see fire coming from this team right from the get go.
January 15th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
Hopefully, BM will have his act together for the team. If he’s too hurt, let his backup start. This whole team is pumped. They and the Eagles might as well be in the same Division. They have been Bucs’ playoff opponents many times since 1979. Bucs won that one. If BM is too hurt, start the backup. The TEAM wins these games not one player. I’m still not over the way the Pack O carved up the Cowjerjs. I was rooting for the Pack.
January 15th, 2024 at 3:29 pm
*Cowjerks*
January 15th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
I can’t make anything out of the injury report. Half of our injuries are on the Eagles report and vice versa. Too many Bromosas before typing this? 🙂
January 15th, 2024 at 3:57 pm
Here we go with trash Baker fans already using profanities at anyone who post any negative comments on their trash qb. They are setting up the excuses for Baker before the game even begins.
Why is he even playing if he is questionable ?
Ok. Baker trash fans, he was a trash perhaps due to injury against Panthers. Why did the Toilet Bowl play him ?
Was he injured against Saints too ?
If he is really injured then Toilet Bowl needs to pull him on short leash if he misses open receivers. He didn’t pull him last week and it almost cost us a division title against the worst team in NFL.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:05 pm
Gameday fellas! Go Bucs, baby! LFG!!!!!
January 15th, 2024 at 4:12 pm
Tough game to call. Both teams are coming in with awful recent performances. However, the Bucs have only stunk it up in their last two while the Eagles have struggled mightily in their last five of six.
The oddsmakers have made the Eagles, who were dominated by the lowly Giants last week with a home field game on the line, a slight favorite. Hard to believe … in some circles. I had a delusional Eagle’s fan tell me that Philly lost on purpose last week because they’d rather play the Bucs on the road than Green Bay at home. Yeah, right.
If you’re a Baker fan you’d say the Vegas boys have no idea what they’re doing. My reply to that would be to bet the farm on the Bucs tonight. Conversely, if you toss aside subjectivity in lieu of objectivity you’d say the oddsmakers got it right.
Tough game to bet, but an easy game to show allegiance. GO BUCS!
BTW-if Baker can’t do much more than hand off and throw short passes (like last week), we will lose. If he’s healthy, we have a chance.
In the end, however, if Baker is as banged up like last week I’d rather have a healthy backup in there handing off. At least he’d, on occasion, be able to get the ball downfield.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
We may be the 28th best first quarter offense, and we don’t have a 1st drive of the game touchdown all year, but I believe that will change today. Baker and Bowles are going to come out swinging and stifle these birds. Go Bucs!
January 15th, 2024 at 4:15 pm
Go Bucs go! Let’s get one today.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:19 pm
Just a few more hours and TB zero is out like yesterday’s trash.
Get ready for a colossal meltdown at home, in the playoffs, in front of the nation.
Perhaps that is enough to send the diversity hire on his way.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
I look forward to listen to Gene…may be his last broadcast. Also JBF for the game comments.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:24 pm
Memo to Toilet Bowl/Trash Baker;
Eagles are 1-5 in their last six games with their overrated qb who has been nothing but trash lately.
Eagles are playing with their qb finger injury and their top receiver, Brown out. Also they are playing with their back up secondary.
Now: Conclusion:If you can’t defeat this trash team then expect to be dismissed immediately after the game on Monday. Wait, today is Monday. You will get an extra pay day.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
If we can Keep it Close we have a chance.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
I’d like tio see trask to start the game
Eagles have no doubt been preparing mostly for baker and if trask can pull one out then you have a rested healthy Baker agaisnt Detroit.
IF trask stinks up the joint then theey could bring in Baker knowing you have no other choice
IF Baker’s ankle is good enough and you must start him then for the love of God finally roll hin out like they did in Cleveland. Our OL is NOT good enough to keep the defense off him sitting in the pocket and he WILL get hit and it won’t be a light tap.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
Just hours away from it all being settled on the field. The only certainty about this game is that it won’t end in a tie.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:38 pm
David Says:
Now: Conclusion:If you can’t defeat this trash team then expect to be dismissed immediately after the game on Monday
——
you sure do like running your fingrs to post foolishness. You got no say and no insight into what the Glazer’s do. Neither they, Bake or Bowles even know you exist or cares. That was a memo to your imagination.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:41 pm
Can’t believe the hate for this guy or that guy. Cheer for the team.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:44 pm
Oh and David
Your guy should play today at some point. He’s healthy and more rested than God except for his butt cheeks
The eagles are already imploding so he better get the job done. Its the LEAST he should do againt a fading team taht lost 5 of the last 6. its his job to be prepared. NO excuses for Picks, losing the game, taking sacks or missing targets.
He’s not a rookie but a third year player. He needs to FINALLY earn his pay.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:46 pm
Man, the NFL had an amazing snow game ready for yesterday – would have been the highest rated game in NFL history. Now we get some boring Monday afternoon blowout.
January 15th, 2024 at 4:49 pm
Psycho David shows up, then Psycho Tony shows up, both only to talk about Baker.
But remember, they’re different people – not the same person making up accounts to argue with himself because he’s a nutjob Baker Boi who wants everything, 24/7, only to be about Mayfield.
January 15th, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Rod Munch,
This is what I posted.
“Eagles are 1-5 in their last six games with their overrated qb who has been nothing but trash lately.
Eagles are playing with their qb finger injury and their top receiver, Brown out. Also they are playing with their back up secondary.”
Addressing the HC and QB the most important members of the team.
Who else would you hold responsible for a loss or an under achieved results. The ballboys, the stadium housekeepers ? You must be a psycho if hold anyone else besides those two with their trash career records.
January 15th, 2024 at 5:25 pm
I have come to a realization today…
As much as I’ve been underwhelmed by the team and the coaching over the past two season, I will be all in for the Bucs today…
I hate the Eagles and I’d love us to go play in Detroit.
Go Bucs! Hope you pull a solid game out of your behinds today.
January 15th, 2024 at 5:57 pm
I want to know that cheerleaders name!!! And oh yea f#@k da eagles!!!
January 15th, 2024 at 6:01 pm
LOL 😂 the injury report got halfway better 😂
EFF it, let’s go bucs!
January 15th, 2024 at 6:14 pm
OMFG, got Rod telling Dave to STFU, LMAO, Dave, do self favor, go kilt self.
Go Bucs, Have to play they’re best game of season tonight. I’s say 40% chance.
Turnovers could definately dictate outcome
GO BUCS, THEY DESERVE IT, EAGLES NOT SO MUCH.
January 15th, 2024 at 6:37 pm
WELL, I can’t lay around in this bed all day, with # 60 pictured in story caption,
I’m like peterson, anybody remember his handle, AD /all day
GO BUCS
January 15th, 2024 at 6:57 pm
Doosh, I hear you about Aikman. However, I grew up during a time when we watch football on the TV, the sound gets turned down, the music comes on and the space shuttle bong comes out!
January 15th, 2024 at 7:03 pm
i GUESS I’VE BLOWN MY COVER, YES SOONER ALUM, GOT HURTS, LANE JOHNSON ON THE DARK SIDE, BM THE JEDI KNIGHT.
KNIGHT, GOES OUT AND BEATS BAMA IN SUGAR BOWL AND IS SITTING ON BENCH NEXT YR. KNOW WHY, BM.
LETS GO GET THE W AND KICK SOME EAGLE ASS
January 15th, 2024 at 7:16 pm
David Says:
January 15th, 2024 at 5:14 pm
Rod Munch,
You must be a psycho if hold anyone else besides those two with their trash career records.
———-
LOL…..It must be a good sign….the Kyle Cult is actually fighting with each other trying to claim the prize of who is the dumbest.
My vote goes to Mush. David might be obsessive but he’s never wrote such foolishness like – its 2023 in the NFL so running backs are obsolete
I do concede though – its neck and neck
January 15th, 2024 at 8:05 pm
Your celebrity spokesperson is Rick Flare!!! It’s not going to be a good night!
January 15th, 2024 at 8:06 pm
McCruzer,
That is an excellent plan!
January 15th, 2024 at 8:12 pm
Bakers a Doughboy