“Wrath Of Todd”
September 21st, 2025
Huge win predicted.
A longtime Jets beat writer picks the score of his team’s game every week after breaking down the matchup.
So what does he expect today when the Jets, buoyed by their massive Tampa-based fan club and the Asmaniacs, march into The Licht House for the Buccaneers’ home-opener?
Brian Costello has covered the Jets for the New York Post since 2011 and he has the Bucs pounding the Jets 34-13.
And yes, he’s well aware of the Bucs’ deficiencies on their offensive line.
Like many Jets analysts, Costello sees the loss of Jets defensive end Jermaine Johnson (bad ankle), the 2022 first-round pick, as a serious blow. And he sees a Jets team that will struggle to score and deal with the Bucs’ litany of weapons.
Costello also referenced the “Wrath of Todd,” referring to Todd Bowles coaching the Jets from 2015 through 2018, and how rookie Jets coach Aaron Glenn called today’s game “personal” for him because of how Bowles has been a mentor.
“I would acknowledge that he’s a really good friend, first and foremost,” Glenn said. “And then back that up with how good of a coach he is. Very knowledgeable. I’ve had plenty of opportunities at the combine, other places, to sit with him and just talk football. And he’s one of the coaches that he doesn’t hold anything back when it comes to information.”
More of the same over at the Daily News in New York. Guess who their lead handicapper has as his top pick of the day? Yep, it’s the Bucs minus the 6 1/2-point spread.
Former Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason, a host on New York Sports radio, lamented how the Bills dared the Jets to throw last week by loading the defensive box against the run — and the Jets couldn’t pass with any success. Esiason said he expects more of the same today.
“The quarterback position’s a problem,” Esiason said.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:46 am
Obvious wins always make me nervous in the NFL. I have to believe that the Denver game from last year was played and replayed on all the screens and monitors at One Buc Place this week.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:46 am
Hope he’s right – I see it being another tight game. Just hope the O line holds up and we run the ball well
September 21st, 2025 at 6:55 am
One positive is that while we are lamenting all the injuries (no one more bummed than me) with the exception of KC they are all on offense. The defense is very healthy right now.
Heck, even Jamel Dean is still out there.
So far on the road they have given up 39 points, and 14 of those are on opening drives when teams run the script. A three and out or just a punt from the Jets to open the game would be a great sign.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:56 am
We win if Bowles does not keep it too close.
September 21st, 2025 at 7:10 am
THE WRATH OF TODD?
Of all the headlines you’ve produced over the years Joe, this one absolutely bowled me over. Kudos a thousand times over!
September 21st, 2025 at 7:14 am
Oh by the way, can’t see the Bucs scoring even close to 34 points with their beaten up OLine. Our best bet should be to protect Baker by running the ball as much as possible (well, with our RBs running the ball as much as possible, not Baker himself).
I could see something like a 17-13 final score in a game like this. Hopefully the Bucs own the 17 points.
September 21st, 2025 at 7:26 am
hey defense rules…
i see what you did there with the “bowled” over comment…
lol. punny af
September 21st, 2025 at 7:36 am
Defense and special teams today. The D line has to dominate and the backend needs to take the ball away. Let’s hope Chase gets back to form and Dixon can get the ball off on time.
September 21st, 2025 at 7:51 am
Another back up qb that will look like a all pro against Todd’s soft pass defense
September 21st, 2025 at 8:03 am
With Todd,s revenge c and the consistent 110% effort from Baker I don’t v think they will sleepwalk through this.
September 21st, 2025 at 8:06 am
We should def win. But is everyone really this sanguine about the game given our record against backup QBs???
I’m firing Garrett Wilson up with confidence today
September 21st, 2025 at 8:24 am
DR I will take 17-13 and good health with a big cheesy grin today
September 21st, 2025 at 8:37 am
Just get the W. Get out healthy.
28-13 Bucs win
Go Bucs
September 21st, 2025 at 8:41 am
Can we start with sirvocea Dennis not allowing an opening drive touchdown? Two weeks in a row his terrible angles have led to opening TDs. Maybe bench him the first drive. They will surely target him
September 21st, 2025 at 8:56 am
The Buc’s need their A game again. If they enter the game expecting to blow out the Jets they may very well lose. If they enter the game trying to improve upon their game from the past two weeks they will walk away with a win. Play hard Buc’s!! Don’t ease up!! LFG!!!
September 21st, 2025 at 9:02 am
I can see that 34-13 score, I can see the Bucs up by 4 TD’s at the half. Hopefully
September 21st, 2025 at 9:29 am
If the Bucs win, 12-9. Two touchdowns and two missed PATs. Three missed FGs.
But it feels like a Jets upset. Feeling it in the loins.
September 21st, 2025 at 9:49 am
Im hoping this game is McLaughlin’s ticket out of the doghouse. 15-9 Bucs. And both backs have >100 all purpose yds
September 21st, 2025 at 10:00 am
Betting With Buddha:
YTD: 6-5
Jets +6.5 Too many points
Texans +1.5. The better defense.
Saints +7.5
September 21st, 2025 at 10:02 am
Carberry is earning his paycheck again this week!
September 21st, 2025 at 11:05 am
NEW YORK POST is the NYC version of the NATIONAL ENQUIRER. Shows you what I think of it. No, it will not be a blowout. More like another dawg fight. I’ll cautiously take DR’s 17-13 cos McLaughlin will be back. Go Bucs (I hope)!!
September 21st, 2025 at 11:19 am
Aqualung continuing to give his/her ridiculous takes. At least try to be close to realistic with your trolling.
September 21st, 2025 at 11:45 am
Aqualung … ‘But it feels like a Jets upset. Feeling it in the loins’
Just a suggestion Aqua, try rubbing some Lotrimin on there. Stops the itching lickety-split. Then you’ll be confident of a Bucs’ win.
September 21st, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Wrath of the Sideline Stiff…..Funny.
September 21st, 2025 at 12:27 pm
No way Bucs are sleeping on the Jets this game.
No way the Bucs are over confident with over half the the offensive players out of place.
No way TB or HR are not highly motivated.
Whatever NY is going to do on offense they better do it early because TBs defensive adjustments will tighten up just like 7 of the last 9 games have proven.
Go BUCS
September 21st, 2025 at 12:48 pm
DR -LOL! I’ll try it.
BTW, you encapsulated Bowles’ defense very well in your post talking about how OLBs are used.
And to remind those who may miss the point – if/when I ever go team positive it’s the ultimate kiss of death for the Bucs. You want me on this wall. You need me on this wall.
September 21st, 2025 at 12:49 pm
It’s also kind of ironic that someone called “Permanently Moderated” is offering posting advice, ROTFL.
September 21st, 2025 at 6:45 pm
We won this one with a patchwork offensive line, and by getting ME 13, EE 2, SS 17, BI 7, and RW 1 into the game !! The defense did a fabulous job and scored 7 !! Another great Bucs win !!
Now we’re ready to upset the Eagles !!
Go Bucs !!