“We Were Embarrassed”
November 24th, 2025
Choice words for his defense.
Apparently, Lavonte David had a talking-to with his teammates after the game. And the message was specifically directed at his defensive teammates.
Joe spoke with David after Sunday’s dreadful game in Lipstick City. David wore a cap that was emblazoned with “Legacy” on the front. Joe asked him what he needs to do to keep up the legacy he has built with the Bucs — and for the team to live up to the legacy of Bucs’ teams past.
Apparently, David’s chat with his teammates was not pleasant.
“I’m going to tell you the good version,” David told Joe. “I told them that we were embarrassed tonight. It was an embarrassing performance all around. We have to look ourselves in the mirror. It’s not about what type of team we want to be, but individually.
“Personally, what type of player do you want to be? We have a lot to play for. The name on the front of the jersey and the name on the back of the jersey. You’ve got to have purpose.
“[Sunday], we didn’t play with no purpose.”
And remember, that was what David referred to as the “good version” of what he told his teammates.
Joe is wondering if there is a locker room issue or at least, a defensive issue. Have players thrown in the towel? Are they just playing for themselves?
Think about it: Baker Mayfield hollered at his team a couple of weeks ago for not having a killer instinct. The offense got better, the defense got torn up by Josh Allen and couldn’t make a play to stop a drive.
Then last night, the Bucs looked like they were sleepwalking on defense and played with little heart (other than Baker Mayfield and Tez Johnson and Chris Godwin) on offense.
Did the Bucs look like a remotely good team to you last night? At all?
For both David and Mayfield to tear into this team, that tells Joe that something is not getting through. Or perhaps guys on defense just don’t give a s(p)it.
Something doesn’t seem right in that locker room. At least the offense has excuses. They’ve been ravaged by injuries. What’s the defense’s excuse?
November 24th, 2025 at 3:55 am
Lavonte and Baker are accountable, now I am not too sure about their teammates and I really do not think Bowles is able to make any changes, that will have to come from somewhere else as his coaching has been abysmal since the bye and at least in public Bowles has never been accountable either. Hopefully the Glazers are taking notes.
November 24th, 2025 at 3:56 am
Honestly, I don’t care what this team does for the rest of the regular season. For the first time in my life, I actually hope the Bucs lose to the Panthers so Bowles will finally be fired. I’m worried that if we make the playoffs, he’ll be given every excuse in the book. I’m done. He has literally sucked the joy out of football for me. In 30+ years—even during the lost decade—I’ve never felt like I just wanted to stop watching football, but this year is the first.
November 24th, 2025 at 4:12 am
Thank God Bowles had the wisdom to keep ol popgun arm Teddy over Trask. What a joke, he looked a 100 years old there. Glad we lost J Mac for this has been. Another great move by Bowles. This defense has quit. The offense trough in the towel tonight also. Bowles has lost this team. It’s time we start the coaching search.
November 24th, 2025 at 4:12 am
I kind of feel like Josh, it is not fun watching a team that Bowles has fashioned in his own image, the team is dull, lacks imagination and with the exception of a few guys, unaccountable which equals not fun to watch. You know if the negative sentiment toward Bowles could hit the Glazers in the wallet, they would be more inclined to make a change but as long as they earn revenue from a home playoff game, sell tickets (does not even have to be Buc fans in RayJay like the Pats game) and get their share of the TV coin, they are complacent.
November 24th, 2025 at 4:34 am
This team has zero to little grit. They have Want To issues, which is based on the players they have drafted. This is the same team for the past few years. GM hands out big contracts too early.
Like many have said they have takenon Todd’s attitude.
I’ve been neutral on him but he’s gotta go. The last 4 four losses is an incitement on him.
No way do they play for this guy. Lack of effort, same mistakes, etc.
November 24th, 2025 at 4:51 am
someone really blew up the spot on what’s really going on with the team, last night on tkras’ late night post game show on wdae…
i heard it, and i’m sure many others heard it as well…
now it’s out there for the dots to be connected by the ballsiest of reporters
November 24th, 2025 at 4:56 am
“Little heart” is it. Feels like the “Grinch that stole Christmas.” I still think not having Evans is crushing for the soul of the Bucs. He is so missed.
The Rams knew Baker was hurt and kept getting to him. No protection. Horrible to see Baker banged up so badly. And because he stayed in the game after the initial injury, he may have damaged more.
It pains me to say, it may be time for a clean-up on aisle 9. All – Bowles, Grizz, Licht, … New coaching and GM. We are not prepared for night games either. It’s been for a long time and is well known. The Glazers have the money. They donate large amounts to various people for different things. Bucs need a rebuild too.
November 24th, 2025 at 5:02 am
Guess this happens when you over pay for people that are average at best-Winfield Zion I thought I was watching White again.
November 24th, 2025 at 5:13 am
@adam from ny,
Not everyone listens to radio at night. Why don’t you just write what was said instead of beating around the bush.
November 24th, 2025 at 5:15 am
When I saw Jordan miss his block and then slam into baker’s shoulder, I quit watching.
November 24th, 2025 at 5:18 am
I guess Baker won’t be able to carry the team on his shoulders now that his shoulder is shot
November 24th, 2025 at 5:38 am
Usually when you say I’m not making any excuses like I am starting this statement it’s making excuses. With that said, the bucs had one hella of running game last week. Bowles starts white over Tucker thats bad coaching. White is not a bad guy or running back most coaches know you should go with the hot hand? Lets talk Josh Gazzard, he’s hand cuffed because of Bowles, go back 3 or 4 weeks ago Bowles said something to the effect of changing the offense to be more conservative/vanilla why because he doesn’t trust the players in there the backups. Name the backs that replaced Mike Evans, Buckey Ervin and Chris Godwin? So Josh G. Had to revamp the entire offense Liam Coen left. Last but not LEAST Bowles is a horrible head coach, he is not able to delegate to his coaching staff. He is a very good defensive coach when that is his only responsibility. In this league or any league of Football you can’t give up 28 to 40 plus points in most games and expect to win. Even me as simple minded and only played pee wee football 1 year knows this. Love the bucs scents 1976 I never want to see someone loose their job. It’s time to let Mr. Bowles go. Thats my 2 cents worth.
November 24th, 2025 at 5:47 am
The theme of the Bowles era is an embarrassing prime time blow out every year!
November 24th, 2025 at 6:11 am
Spill the beans @adam from ny. If I remember I’ll look it up, but if you heard it, go for it.
Several things tho from what I can gather. Bucky getting hurt for the first time being depressed that he can’t play. Jmac getting hurt in pre-season. Wirfs injury. Evans not getting 1K. Upset with defenses scheme (Reddick specifically) complacency from lack of competition. I mean where was the last one? CB?
Idk what it is but after losing to the Bills and everyone saying we got it and then pulling this crap? That’s ridiculously delusional