Graham Barton Opens Up On Hard Loss, Bad Snaps
May 28th, 2025
Graham Barton is a stand-up dude.
What an answer he delivered to Joe yesterday.
Most Bucs fans have writhed in agony over Barton’s screwed up snap on 3rd-and-1 late in the January playoff game against the Commanders. Barton spit the ball out early and while Baker Mayfield handled the snap, the play timing got all messed up and Bucky Irving ended up with a 2-yard loss.
The Bucs settled for a game-tying field goal and never got the ball back.
Joe asked Barton about dealing with the loss after yesterday’s spring practice session.
JoeBucsFan.com: Was it hard for you to let go of the playoff loss given how all that went down?
Graham Barton: Yeah, absolutely. You know, this league, it’s a man’s league. And, you know, stuff’s going to happen, mistakes are going to be made. Obviously, it’s one that keeps you up at night for a while. But you know, obviously, you got to move forward. You got to continue to get better. It’s a new season, put everything in your past behind you. But what you’ve got to tell yourself, too, is it’s a team game, man. Everyone makes mistakes; things happen. Obviously I take full ownership of snapping the ball early down there at the end of the game. But as a team I don’t think we did enough to win that game and definitely should have. And, you know, that’s something we talked about. For as good as we were on offense last year, we still got beat at home in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. It just shows you. I think it’s another lesson, too, of what you can do in the regular season doesn’t really matter as soon as the playoffs hit. You know, it’s a new season from there, learned that lesson the hard way in Year 1. Like I said, happy to have some of that experience under my belt, continue to improve, and be in better shape to make a run this year.
Hell of an answer.
While Barton’s error was magnified on a huge stage, it reminded Joe a bit of Lavonte David’s bonehead personal foul with seconds left against the Jets in the 2013 season opener.
It cost the Bucs the game and the media was all over it because it was the hyped Darrelle Revis return-to-Jersey game Obviously, David shook off his humiliation and recovered in a hurry.
May 28th, 2025 at 1:49 pm
This guy is going to be a Stud for the next 10 years to go with Baker our Franchise QB. Go BUCS!!
May 28th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
All I remember is the D couldn’t get off the field
May 28th, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Barton is another Licht Gem.
Swiss cheese is good on a sandwich. Not so much for a pass defense.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:13 pm
I’m more excited for Graham this year than any other player on the team. He”ll have a PB year this year watch
May 28th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Graham is right and has a good attitude. Just like Lavonte and others. Lessons learned and go back out there playing to win.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:20 pm
The defense did do its job. Held them 4 and out twice.
We held them well below their offensive avg. 23 points.
It was our beyond reproach offense that scored 10 pts below avg.
Are you a new simple mind or is this just a new name?
The playoff game was a team loss. The defense is partially to blame – so was the offense.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Joe this story about Barton and the last one about McMillan. 2nd year guys. And Bucky and Tykee just 2nd year players? That was one impressive draft class! And if you put alot of stock in what Defense Rules thinks, as I do, then maybe this is the year for our second year defensive playmaker Chris Braswell to shine. If our rookie class turns out we’re going to be awful good this year.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
That one single David play changed the next five seasons for the worst.
Wasn’t that also the game where the offense used all of their timeouts on the opening drive of the season, or am I mistaken?
May 28th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
Yeah, Barton missed a snap. But I still can’t get by this:
From AI…
In Week 5, the Bucs defense failed to stop the Falcons from kicking a game-tying field goal on the last drive of regulation and then allowed the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Against Kansas City, they allowed a game-winning touchdown in overtime on Monday Night Football.
Before the bye week, the defense gave up a game-winning field goal drive to San Francisco.
In the Wild Card playoff loss to Washington, the Bucs’ defense allowed a game-winning field goal drive in the final minutes.
In total, the Bucs’ defense gave up at least four losses on last drives—three in the regular season (Falcons, Chiefs, 49ers) and one in the playoffs (Commanders).
In the 2025 Draft the Bucs overlooked this issue in the first round by drafting a wide receiver. Many, including high IQ fans like JA, thought this was a mistake. 😂
May 28th, 2025 at 2:48 pm
“All I remember is the D couldn’t get off the field”
That’s because that is what YOU CHOOSE to remember.
You could for example remember that in addition to Bartons’ bad snap there was the muffed Jet sweep that was also a critical blunder. You could remember that the winning FG hit the goal post and clanked through instead of wide.
You could remember that yes it was a disappointing loss but against a HOT team that also won their next game in the Playoffs! But that’s perhaps a bit too positive so stick to the negativity. That’s the ticket.
I remember a horribly disappointing loss against a good team on the rise. A game where the Bucs made some plays and missed some plays. A game that showed perhaps what the Bucs COULD be capable of if the draft picks work out and the year’s experience really helps. But again that would be positive and we can’t have that. Much better to dwell on what DIDN’T work than what did!
May 28th, 2025 at 2:51 pm
the play timing got all messed up and Bucky Irving ended up with a 2-yard loss.
– that series ending in a FG, a 1st half 3 and out and a second half turnover in their own red zone gave the Commanders just enough to eke out a game ending goalpost clanging win.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:54 pm
JA
I read your posts and I know you’re better than the last one.
“But I still can’t get by this:”
You could get by it IF you choose to do so. The Stoic philosophy addresses this very thing. We can’t control the crap around us, BUT we can control our thoughts and reactions to the stuff. I confess it takes work.
But if you learn to utilize your power it’s really quite amazing. I have/now had an IRISH temper. Road rage was always a challenge. Some mental midget cuts you off in traffic, or worse still a moron races up around you on the right only to cut you off because HE is in a hurry so scrw you. Used to be real triggers for me. Surely meriting a “bird” and some curse words.
No more…I now am thankful that I’m NOT THAT GUY. Wayne Dyer had saying that sticks with me….”choose your thoughts carefully”. And the Stoic would emphasize the choice is yours. Although I acknowledge it’s hard and I understand your feelings.
May 28th, 2025 at 2:55 pm
Good grief. The defense sucked last year, no excuses. That AI bit is but a sliver of the real horror show. If you want to improve you have to recognize weaknesses and implement change. Theee consecutive years of regression does not instill confidence in realistic, genuine fans.
We all hope this is the year Todd has the secret recipe to eat the Swiss cheese rather than put it on the field.
May 28th, 2025 at 3:18 pm
if you lose a ball game the defense gives up a ‘Game Winning’ whatever it is.
In wild card game defense gave up a game winning field goal but even AI would tell you that you can’t stick the ball in the WR’s A$$ on a jet sweep and expect it to stay there.
May 28th, 2025 at 3:29 pm
StPete—
It’s just football. Although I love the Bucs, for many years and through thick and thin I might add, I do not define myself by their success or failure. For me, this website is pure fun. The Joes do an exemplary job with their research, and I commend them.
But stirring the soup from time adds to the enjoyment.
So what if I disagree with Licht’s first round pick? Am I alone with this judgement? I think not. I love the player, but I believe the Bucs have more pressing needs. Should I be condemned to Hades for this near religious malfeasance?
To embrace redundancy, it’s all in fun, including my opinion.
BTW—as a youngin’ in 1979, I was there when the Bucs won their first ever playoff game against the Dick Vermeil Eagles, their fourth greatest victory behind the two Super Bowls and the Ronde pick six win, also a playoff game against the Eagles.
The Old Sombrero went absolutely crazy! Williams to Giles! Was a great day in Bucs history. So yeah, I think I’ve earned the right to be critical from time to time.
May 28th, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Washington played Detroit next…. They hung 45 points on them.
Was this because Dan Campbell was HC & DC? No, couldn’t be that.
Was it injuries? Supposedly that’s no excuse either.
Todd is a professional football coach. He’s held numerous positions. He knows how to critique his own performance and self scout. He knows how to delegate responsibilities to other staff/coaches. Those who continue to slam him have zero idea what his job entails or what he does as an a HC or DC.
I’d like to see, for once, one of his biggest critics actually show some kind of knowledge about the defense instead of trotting out the same, lame putdowns over and over. But that would take effort and intelligence and my guess is they are, mostly, unable or unwilling to graduate from trolling to actual discussion of football and the Bucs.
wishful thinking, I know 🙄
May 28th, 2025 at 3:50 pm
Defense allowed 17.4 pts per game from the bye week onward, including the playoffs loss.
I don’t know about the rest of you guys/girls but that sounds pretty decent to me especially considering issues at safety, corner, and ILB.
For the record… I’m not saying the defense didn’t have major issues, I’m just saying it’s not as simple as “the defense sucked last year”. They probably over performed.
May 28th, 2025 at 3:54 pm
We actually did a heck of a job shutting the Skins down on 3rd down ,,, it was 4th down that was a nightmare ,,, got to give it to their coach for going for it all those times
May 28th, 2025 at 4:13 pm
I read the title too quickly. I thought it said …
“Barton Open Up on Hair Loss”
Oh, this is a different kind of article. I wonder if he’s trying Hims?
May 28th, 2025 at 4:38 pm
Graham’s answer is textbook “I am that man”.
He took full ownership of his mistake.
That was a painful loss. I’m still sad about it.
But, Graham stepped up and owned his part in it.
Good man.
Onward and forward.
May 28th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
FanOfTheSouth…. Why are you here? You are a Falcons Fan, go over to one of there TardBoards and spew your gibberish.
BTW, I often wonder why McMillan has never taken responsibility of not timing the end around correct. For Gawds sake you can not run pass the QB to get the handoff, it was his responsibility to time it out right.
Barton is stand up guy and is growing as a player. I don’t think McMillan is and EE will surpass him this year.
May 28th, 2025 at 5:00 pm
I remember when David had the late hit out of bounds in 2013 versus the jets. I called 98 rock after the game and told Lavonte to not let it define him. I remember the blackout years very well, listening to Gene every Sunday was great
May 28th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
Skip the Swiss and try Fumunda…..
May 28th, 2025 at 6:03 pm
JA,
With you on all of it. No sane person would argue that last year’s defense was OK. It was pathetic and notwithstanding Egbuka being the second best receiver on the 2024 Buckeyes, it was shocking that Licht didn’t use #19 pick to select a top defender. I am afraid we are going to see more of the same dysfunctional defense as we get into the season. Moving Tykee Smith to safety is silly when he was successful in the nickel. If you want a top flight SAFETY, we passed on a great one in the draft.
May 28th, 2025 at 6:23 pm
@JA : Who would you have taken at 19? The 5th best edge? 4th best corner?
Injured line backer? or….(arguably) the best receiver?
May 28th, 2025 at 6:29 pm
Refresh me, HOW many offensive plays did the Redskins have in that game?
May 28th, 2025 at 6:35 pm
@Gipper
I don’t think anybody is arguing the defense was ok. Or that it doesn’t need to improve, specifically against the pass.
What some of us are trying to point out is there’s a reason for that, and its not just because Todd’s a shltty HC or DC.
And it wasn’t as bad as the Whine and cheese brigade would have you believe.
And we’re also holding the offense to a high standard and recognizing that it played a part in our losses too.
May 28th, 2025 at 6:41 pm
Anyhony—
The injured linebacker who the Eagles grabbed and couldn’t be happier.
Of course, injuries don’t heal, right?
So I’m probably wrong.
May 28th, 2025 at 6:53 pm
GoneGator—
Bucs allowed 21.7 points per game after the bye, including the playoff loss to Washington. Better recheck your math.
152 div by 7= 21.7.
May 28th, 2025 at 7:11 pm
JA
Well said! I take your point. I largely agree as well. You are questioning or decision, it was a single decision, you’re not calling Licht the worst GM in the world for that single decision.
I do not mind all the 2nd guessing because as you say that’s a big part of the fun. I think I’m simply triggered by disrespect for long time professionals.
As I mentioned I always read your posts and you’re not a negative nellie. I take responsibility for getting caught up in the other crap. Again your point is well taken.
May 28th, 2025 at 7:17 pm
JA, you need a calculator. Our final 8 games(including our playoff loss) we gave up 142 points. We had seven games after the bye last year. Now JA use your calculator and divide 142 by 8. Then give us that number instead of brazenly spewing misinformation.
May 28th, 2025 at 7:28 pm
Watch the film….. Geno Smith was inbounds when he pushed him …
May 28th, 2025 at 7:57 pm
What GoneGator said !!!!!!
May 28th, 2025 at 8:06 pm
@JA – I did.
I actually mistakenly included the SF game which was before the bye.
Regardless it still equals 17.something pts per game.
Our defense definitely had issues which need to be (and hopefully are being or have been) addressed.
BUT it’s hard to deny that the oft repeated refrain of Todd and/or the defense stunk up the field all year, and singlehandedly kept us from having a better regular season record, or going further in the playoffs, is misleading or misinformed at best.
May 28th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
I wonder what the excuse will be next year for another playoff bust?
May 28th, 2025 at 10:58 pm
What Jvato24 said. LVD did NOT execute a late hit out of bounds. This was back when the rule was, if a QB is “giving himself up” by going to the sidelines you could no longer tackle him. The rule was changed when QBs started taking advantage of the rule by pretending they were going out of bounds then running up the sideline.
LVD’s hit would not be a penalty today.
May 29th, 2025 at 7:10 am
Really, if the offense isn’t scoring a minimum of 40 points, they have to see it as a failure. Penalties, drops and a variety of other miscues happen multiple times per game and any one of them can be pinpointed as a game breaker. For some reason, we only harp on the ones that occur at the end of the game, though.
May 29th, 2025 at 7:53 am
Kickoffs potentially going to the 35 yard line this year. What a bunch of crap. Harp on D all you want, but NFL making it all about points. Waiting for them to just get rid of kickoffs all together and start teams at mid field. And with hitting getting to be limited more and more each year, getting to be like 7 on 7.