Will The Weather Matter?
September 20th, 2025
Every couple of years or so the Bucs find a home-field advantage at The Licht House courtesy of extreme heat.
That showed up last year against the Eagles in a big way.
During that FOX broadcast, it was announced that the heat index on the field was 108 degrees. And that was early in the game.
Eagles starting center Cam Jurgens left the game with cramps, so did spitter defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Other Eagles had cramps, too. Joe saw then-Eagles cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson soaking in a kiddie pool filled with ice water in the tunnel near the Bucs’ locker room entrance surrounded by paramedics and trainers after the game.
The Bucs beat the Eagles 33-16.
For years the Bucs have talked about how extreme heat at home games should be an advantage. That rarely proves to be true, but it does happen occasionally. (Joe wonders if the sports scientists gurus would say training in the heat all summer is a disadvantage.)
That brings Joe to tomorrow against the Jets. The kickoff forecast is 89 degrees for the 1 o’clock start, with a heat index of 95 degrees that will rise through the game. It hasn’t been that hot in New Jersey this week; that’s where the Jets practice.
Frankly, Joe is concerned about the Bucs’ offensive linemen holding up in the heat. Whomever lines up at right guard and left guard will be playing his first game of the season, and fill-in right tackle Charlie Heck hasn’t played a full game in 2025.
Still, Joe suspects the Jets defense, well-versed in losing, might struggle in the fourth quarter if the Bucs have pounded the will out of them to that point. And yes, Joe expects the Bucs to run often and throw a lot of short passes.
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September 20th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
I mean Heck only missed 12 snaps last week but your right not a full game but OLine has me nervous as well but we got smart coaches who will help the OLine by Running the. Ball an calling quick passing plays
September 20th, 2025 at 12:35 pm
The weather always matters….it does not favor anyone…it is just….the weather…it is equity to the T. Just play the game. Good Grief.
September 20th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
Run the ball we will be ok
September 20th, 2025 at 12:51 pm
It’s always a factor for northern teams. Still gota be more aggressive tho. The game ain’t gonna win itself Bowles!
September 20th, 2025 at 12:58 pm
Classic trap game that the bucs typically fall in to. Play down to the competition even when having a healthy roster. This game is gonna be a close battle unless they can finally force turnovers, or just start catching interceptions
September 20th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
Bet it all on the Jets.
September 20th, 2025 at 1:05 pm
We could definitely use some turnovers these next few weeks! Our D has been in a drought lately. Don’t think we have a turnover the last 3 games, going back to the WAS game. Turnovers are a great way to overcome the handicap of our injuries right now.
September 20th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
2 Turnover, 1 for a score and we’re good.
September 20th, 2025 at 1:36 pm
Although the Jets lack talent, I don’t think the lack football smarts. They are probably preparing for the short passing game as well. They might line up 8 or 9 in the box to stop the passing game, not the running game
September 20th, 2025 at 1:50 pm
This is the most present September in Tampa in recent memory. We never see this low of humidity or heat normally. It was 69 degrees a few mornings ago. Crazy nice weather. I hope the rookies understand that this is not the norm.
September 20th, 2025 at 2:00 pm
We’ve lost plenty of games at home in the heat. Last year Denver came in and punked us. Usually the best team wins no matter the weather.
September 20th, 2025 at 2:25 pm
The crowd needs to step up and create additional home field advantage! All you attending the game, needs to bring it!!!! I always do every year I come down for a game or two!
September 20th, 2025 at 2:26 pm
Plus, no hurricanes so far. We still have a few more weeks to go. I doubt the weather will affect the Bucs. The jets? Guess we’ll find out.
September 20th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
Man that is fall weather for us. Sweat the Jets till they crash.
September 20th, 2025 at 3:20 pm
They sure aren’t going to get any home field advantage from the crowd, especially with a NY team in town. I’m hoping this fact rubs Baker the wrong way and he goes off sparking an epic beat down by both sides of the ball.
September 20th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
As a gentle reminder…
We marched into Green Bay, Wisconsin a couple of Januarys ago, and with below freezing temperatures and piles of snow on the sidelines, won the NFC Championship.
We win tomorrow by playing better football than the Jets.
September 20th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
The Jets are in their dark green uniforms, get the IV’S ready.
September 20th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
its a good point it could affect jets in darker uniforms. good game to bring out the old school white unis
September 20th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
It will matter if Watson is signed…for him!
September 20th, 2025 at 8:12 pm
In golf you call this a gimme. Doesn’t matter if half the team is injured the Jets suck bad probably go 0-17.
September 20th, 2025 at 9:14 pm
Only advantage is the red glow from all the empty seats distracting the opponents. Advantage opponents since we wore out our team in training camp heat. See injuries. Bungling Bucs in the heat by 3. Nobody wants to sit in the sun in that heat for 3 hours. Most hide by the concessions by the 3rd qtr. They are missing out on so much money. Go Bowles!
September 20th, 2025 at 9:16 pm
Dear Tampa Bay:
This is a message from Cleveland to all Rays fans, please make sure the Rays beat Boston. We did you a solid by giving you Baker Mayfield, so it’d be spiffy of you if you could show your appreciation in this manner. Thank you! Go Bucs!!!🏈🏆🌎
September 20th, 2025 at 9:17 pm
Dear Tampa Bay:
This is a message from Cleveland to all Rays fans, please make sure the Rays beat Boston. We did you a solid by giving you Baker Mayfield, so it’d be spiffy of you if you could show your appreciation in this manner. Thank you! Go Bucs!!!
September 20th, 2025 at 9:17 pm
why
September 20th, 2025 at 9:20 pm
Dear Tampa Bay from Cleveland:
This is a message to all Rays fans, please make sure the Rays beat Boston. We did you a solid by giving you Baker Mayfield, so it’d be very awesome if you could show your gratitude for that gift. Thank you! Go Bucs!!!
September 20th, 2025 at 9:21 pm
why do you keep erasing my messages when I say Cleveland loves Baker and is rooting for the Bucs? You never erased any of my other posts here…