“The Buccaneers Deserve Absolutely Nothing But Ceaseless Scorn, Contempt And Ridicule”
December 29th, 2025
Scorn earned.
Joe’s good friend, NFL columnist/humorist Mike Tanier, was appalled by what he watched yesterday, and he’s not even a Bucs fan.
Tanier saw an alleged playoff team, the Bucs, get worked over by the likes of rookie quarterback seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and a bunch of dudes Tanier (and most NFL fans) never knew existed.
But that is the state of the Bucs, who have resumed their sad tradition of being the NFL’s version of a “KICK ME” sign taped to the backside of an unassuming junior high school boy’s jeans.
Going completely into the tank since the bye, their only win a three-point victory over a trash team like Arizona and being fully embarrassed on two nationally televised games in primetime, Tanier cannot believe a team that has a real shot of the playoffs would lay down like the Bucs did yesterday.
The Bucs have no dignity after yesterday, Tanier typed.
Against Mike McDaniel no less!
Miami Dolphins 20, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17
The Buccaneers lost to a team quarterbacked by Quinn Freakin’ Ewers. They validated a Mike McDaniel managerial decision, which in and of itself is an unforgivable sin against the sport of American football. With Jaylen Waddle hurt for much of the afternoon, they allowed 10th-string tight end Greg Dulcich and an undrafted rookie receiver named Theo Wease to score long touchdowns on them.
Baker Mayfield threw two interceptions and fumbled (with an interception and a fumble on back-to-back fourth quarter possessions). Todd Bowles punted on fourth-and-1 near midfield against a defense that hasn’t wanted to tackle anyone since 2023.
The Buccaneers deserve absolutely nothing but ceaseless scorn, contempt and ridicule, followed by Week 18 playoff elimination at the hands of the Panthers, who at least stink with a little bit of dignity and panache.
The Bucs haven’t been this much of a punching bag since Dirk Koetter panicked and gave up on America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, and thought rotten Ryan Fitzpatrick could save jobs.
Oh, and then there was the matador defense of Mike Smith, too. Fun times!
Joe thinks Tampa Bay is close to being the bungling Bucs once again, laughed at by the NFL community as a whole when the Bucs stick their noses out of their burrow for their annual belt-to-ass punishment on Thursday Night Football, staining America’s vital public fiber optic cables.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:14 pm
Don’t forget the entire nation will be watching our beloved Bucs as we have the Saturday 4.30pm game……….
December 29th, 2025 at 12:15 pm
We’re in the Anger stage now…
Next up is Apathy…
I’m flying Saturday and normally I would change my flight to catch the game. Not this year.
I hope they WIN and ATL wins out so they still miss the playoffs.
#BUCSLIFE
December 29th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
The Bucs haven’t been this much of a punching bag since Dirk Koetter gave up on America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, panicked, and thought rotten Ryan Fitzpatrick could save jobs.
——–
Oh man, remember all the dummies in the comments here that wanted to lock up Fitz to a long-term deal after he had a good game vs the Saints in week 1, and were panicking about how if they didn’t do it right away, the Bucs would never be able to afford him? LOL! The same people were saying Nelson suddenly developed into an ALL-PRO after having a big day vs the Saints. And Tucker, well, he’s worth a 1st round pick after having a big day vs the Saints.
So who will be the next overnight sensation after playing in New Orleans? We should have some sort of betting poll before the next game there.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
At this stage, it is simply beyond embarrassing.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:18 pm
If Baker and Bowles are on your team you know you’re going to eventually lose.
Look at their careers. Where have they won consistently in the NFL? When have they been clutch in the playoffs?
How often does Bowles out-coach anyone? How often does Baker out-play the opposing QB?
When you have losers as leaders, how can you motivate anyone?
Notice how Baker and Bowles were the only ones talking about “killer instinct”, yet they are the two making the most mistakes.
Lol…pathetic.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:21 pm
He’s 💯 % right!
THE BUCS DESERVES NOTHING!!!!!
……..except a spot on the couch watching the playoffs
…….this is such a historical collapse
December 29th, 2025 at 12:22 pm
I hope nobody tunes in this coming Saturday……. it’s gonna be another embarrassing game again
…….feels bad to even be a Bucs fsn right now too
December 29th, 2025 at 12:23 pm
We are magnificently atrocious lol!
😂
I will root for a victory on Saturday, and will be ready to unload a piss poor season’s worth of frustrations if we lose.
Change the damn script:
-don’t get beat with crappy zone.
-Baker, score more than 20 points and quit giving the ball away, especially late in the fourth quarters. You’re better than that.
-Licht, trade for Maxx Crosby so we don’t have to watch you crow about your lame draft picks: Braswell, JTS (2nd and 1st rounders) who do absolutely nothing.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
I don’t want us to put a bandaid on it and call it good, if Licht refuses to change his plan and bring on a legit pass rusher, then I want a new GM who will do that and/or draft guys who are actually good up front.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Forgot to mention that Bowles declined to challenge the fumble as a pass
December 29th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
Buc in VA Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:24 pm
Forgot to mention that Bowles declined to challenge the fumble as a pass
————
While I’ll whine about the refs when they deserve it, that was pretty clearly a fumble. Additionally all turnovers are reviewed automatically.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
“their annual belt-to-ass punishment on Thursday Night Football” omg hahahahhaha this is the line of the year!! I just don’t understand how we crap up the joint like this so about face like. Anyone want Chucky back as coach?
December 29th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Yes
December 29th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
%100
December 29th, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Just wait another 5 years when all the transfer portal prima donnas infest the game of professional football.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Bold prediction: Bucs will flip the switch, beat Carolina and move on to the NFC championship game…and Todd Bowles will be given an extension through 2030!
Bo Bucs!
December 29th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Nowhere to go but up…
This team is a dumpster fire.
Plenty of blame to go around.
– Bad head coach
– Bad DC
– Bad OC
– Bad QB
– Bad special teams
Seriously – can you name one positive facet of this team the past two months?
December 29th, 2025 at 12:36 pm
Bucs R Cooked
December 29th, 2025 at 12:38 pm
Lmao @joe that last part was so accurate
December 29th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Marine Buc Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:34 pm
Nowhere to go but up…
———-
I remember when all the dopes out there were chanting MVP in week 6, and celebrating winning the week 6 ESPN Power Poll, I pointed out there was nowhere to go but down… and now we’re here!
Legit question, has Baker had the biggest in-season fall of a QB that isn’t due to something off the field or drama with coaches, etc? To go from leading the week 6 MVP to only starting because Teddy Bridgewater is the back-up is about as big of a fall as I remember.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
I think we can all agree either way this didn’t get as planned and what pisses me off is not address the lack of pas rush during the trade deadline window..back to Chucky. How possible is it to actually get him back for a round 2?
December 29th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
DOES LICHT HAVE THE BACKBONE?
Arians dumped Bowles on us (and ruined a great team). Licht took it because he’s friends with Arians. That’s the tail wagging the dog.
Can he fire Bowles?
Can he draft a QB replacement with Baker on board?
He can’t even fire the worst ST coordinator in the league. I don’t think Licht has it in him to make the hard decisions.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:47 pm
UGotRobbed Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
Bold prediction: Bucs will flip the switch, beat Carolina and move on to the NFC championship game…and Todd Bowles will be given an extension through 2030!
Bo Bucs!
——-
With as silly as that sounds to most, I just can’t rule it out.
Baker has single handedly lost 4 games in a row – if he was just a Mike Glennon level passer this last month, the Bucs would have already locked up the playoffs and would be playing for a 2 or 3 seed on Saturday.
With that, however, still comes the faint possibility that Baker suddenly gets hot and goes on a tear. For all the drama leading to this point, if Baker only has 3 or 4 games in a row where he can play well, now is the time for that to happen, and if it did happen, it would carry the Bucs deep into the playoffs.
Obviously very unlikely at this point, but still not impossible.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:50 pm
Very
December 29th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
At this point I can’t see any scenario where Bowles isn’t fired
December 29th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Matthew Lawrence Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:45 pm
I think we can all agree either way this didn’t get as planned and what pisses me off is not address the lack of pas rush during the trade deadline window..back to Chucky. How possible is it to actually get him back for a round 2?
————
During his seven seasons with the Bucs, Gruden’s offense had an average NFL ranking 21st – at 20.4 points per game – which is even worse than this year where the Bucs are 18th at 22.8 points per game.
Gruden only won because he was handed Dungy’s team, and because that came with a bunch of HOF’ers and Monte Kiffin. So unless they got some sort of resurrection ritual they can perform, the chances are zero.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:53 pm
Fire the problem. NOW. Don’t wait. Send the message.
I mean, a coaching change MUST be made today. This second.
A coach who says “the coaches have done all they can” needs to be fired. A coach who knows of specific players who are cancers but does nothing, should be fired. A defensive genius who has fielded the worst pass defense in the league and makes the same mistakes every week, needs to be fired. Oh, but t least he can’t correct horrible special teams yet doesn’t fire his special teams coordinator. At least he’s no help at all to a rookie offensive coordinator who would be beaten by a 10 year old in Madden 2005.
Fire the problem. Fire s second. Don’t wait.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:54 pm
They look wayyy wayyy worst than the 1976 Bucs
Back when Steve Spurrier was throwing to Publix bag boys
And the defense was loaded with plumbers, truck drivers
This team is the “Ultimate” Yucs
December 29th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
Bet everything on Carolina… no brainer
December 29th, 2025 at 12:56 pm
Dbbuc711 Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
At this point I can’t see any scenario where Bowles isn’t fired
———–
Win vs the Panthers, make the playoffs, and don’t get embarrassed.
Baker’s $42M fully guaranteed deal for next year is the big thing that will keep away top coaching candidates as no one wants to tie themselves to a QB that just lead a historic collapse and got his coach fired – so you end up with nothing but middling candidates – and if that’s the case, why bother making a move that just leads you back to 7 or 8 wins next year. Wait a year, see if injuries really were the issues this year, then after next season you fire everyone, do a full roster reboot if they still lose.
That is the scenario how Bowles is back next year.
December 29th, 2025 at 12:56 pm
I agree certainly not impossible but the defense has to stop giving up TD’s immediately after we score one- seemingly every time!
It’s going to take more than just Baker to carry this team. Maybe they have a defense can at least force some turnovers in the coming games? That would make a big difference….
December 29th, 2025 at 12:56 pm
It’ll be a good day when the Glazer family hits the reset button so that we can start over (hopefully they hit the reset button as soon as the game on Saturday is over).
December 29th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Jon Gruden offense didn’t win a Super Bowl
Sapp, Lynch, Brooks, Barber, Kelly, Rice, Quarrels etc won it
Monte Kiffin deserves more credit than Gruden
December 29th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Rod Munch Says
December 11th, 2019 at 5:20 am
Winston will be here next year. Said it I think yesterday, but I’m guessing the Bucs can get something like a 5-year $160m deal done
December 29th, 2025 at 12:58 pm
Joe, after that characterization of the state of the team and its projected future image, do you still possible believe Licht deserves a pass. He produced this crap show and you want to keep his name on the marquee?? JL has to go
December 29th, 2025 at 12:59 pm
GaBucinRh Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
Bet everything on Carolina… no brainer
———–
The Vegas line is Bucs -3. I can’t ever bet against the Bucs, but Panthers +3, that would be hard to resist.
If you’re that sure about that outcome, go bet the mortgage on a moneyline Panther’s win, that would be quite the payout.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:02 pm
Geno711 Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Rod Munch Says
December 11th, 2019 at 5:20 am
Winston will be here next year. Said it I think yesterday, but I’m guessing the Bucs can get something like a 5-year $160m deal done
———-
I’d give him that deal right now over seeing more of Baker turning it over three times while putting up just 10 points.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:04 pm
It’s going to be brutal for Bowles if he leaves the field a loser. Well even if we win he’s still a loser 8-9. Let’s hope it’s his last game coaching in TB. No, I don’t want us to make the playoffs.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:06 pm
Great discussion here! Who would be the answer as the next Head Coach if not Gruden?
December 29th, 2025 at 1:09 pm
Tanier and every Buc fan had to wash their eyes out with soap after the game yesterday.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:10 pm
Kubiak or LaFleur
December 29th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
Only person I can think of is Monken…I’m not smart enough to come up with a great pick but I’m smart enough to know Bowles should be out…hoping that info comes out who exactly are cancers in this locker room and they are tossed
December 29th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
think there are some heave integrity issues!! Bets for relatives, Vegas Gods have the Bucs spinning!! It’s so obvious, this team is trash. watch Bills and Eagles all 22 hitting AND ferocious tackling in the snow and rain!!! Someone is the culprit, will never know!! I can bet on it, no PUN Intended.. Go Bucs
December 29th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Lakeland Says:
Jon Gruden offense didn’t win a Super Bowl
Sapp, Lynch, Brooks, Barber, Kelly, Rice, Quarrels etc won it
Monte Kiffin deserves more credit than Gruden
^^^^^^^^^
What’s interesting is how much credit Monte Kiffin gets for the Tampa 2.
It was actually Tony Dungy that created the Tampa 2. He based his defense on the Cover 2 developed by Chuck Knoll for the 1975 Pittsburg Steelers. Tony laughs a the term “Tampa 2” because (in his words) “I really didn’t change much to Cover 2.”
Monte Kiffin, Lovie Smith, and Mike Tomlin helped Tony evolve it. Lovie Smith actually played a version of “Tampa 2” while he was in high school.
Kiffin gets so much credit because he was the DC but it wasn’t his idea. Sorry if I just told you all Santa isn’t real.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
#1
How in the world did AW31 make the pro bowl ? If I was a betting man , I’d say he’s one of the players that loaf most of the time & his bags ha e been packed . Ever since he got paid . This defense is some of the worst I’ve ever seen . Our GM is back & like but boy he better hit the next draft with edge rushers & a good FA ! The only way you can get the most out of those players is if toilet todd is gone ! Also get this second rate OC out the door..toilet todd & co. Can NOT out.coach anyone & at this point I’d much rather watch a fully rebuilt team than any more of this.bull spit…it’s insane how putrid this team has become
December 29th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Joe thinks Tampa Bay is close to being the bungling Bucs once again, laughed at by the NFL community as a whole when the Bucs stick their noses out of their burrow for their annual belt-to-ass punishment on Thursday Night Football, staining America’s vital public fiber optic cables.
^^^^
That sums it up perfectly Joe. I won’t ever be a fan again until the owners sell the team to a credible buyer. I’ll continue to follow JBF for while for chuckles at the ineptitude of the organization.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:20 pm
Doesn’t have to get to that.
The glazers have made good hires in the past and can again. If they do, there is enough here, with good draft spots, to win in the double digits next season.
Allow Bowles back in the build after next Saturday and indeed apathy will set in.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:21 pm
SlyPirate,
I know it was Dungy defensive schene
December 29th, 2025 at 1:21 pm
Lighten up! We can get 13th pick in the draft and have a new beginning. I believe bad leaders have somehow ruined this team. Maybe owners will make wiser choices in the future. But my family will always be Bucaneer . fans and sometimes that is very tough. Leaders sometimes do dumb stuff and hopefully. Our leaders will feel the pain and make some smart decisions!
December 29th, 2025 at 1:24 pm
Back into Buccaneers Cove we go!
December 29th, 2025 at 1:29 pm
Mayfield will get hot again when he isn’t injured and he will be ranked #1 again when he’s not hurt. And let’s not forget coaching matters Munch. I know that goes against you haters narrative but it does. And this is obvious to anyone without an axe to grind a severe lack of coaching/leadership.. There will be changes made this time around.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
The owners deserve EVERY SINGLE seat EMPTY every game until they go out and get a Brillant OC to make the Bucs next HC!
December 29th, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Why would a new coach be “stuck” with Baker? What’s to keep him from obtaining his choice of QB by draft, trade or free agency?
What is really needed is a solid Earl Moral type back up so Baker doesn’t have to play hurt.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:38 pm
@ Rod
I didn’t buy that hype either but I never expected the putrid display we have witnessed over the past two months.
Fire everyone involved including the GM.
Licht is not innocent either folks…
This team is a mess.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:38 pm
Just fire todd after the panthers game…
Even if we win (we wont) just get him out and let someone else do the job….they could say at least they tried.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Coaching matters, yes that’s true
But players matters more
John McKay a prine example, he couldn’t win nothing until he got better players
He went from 2- 26 to the NFC championship game in 2 years
December 29th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
Fire Todd
December 29th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
For all in attendance Saturday afternoon, you are encouraged to wear bags. That is how you really embarras the ownership on national TV. 📺
December 29th, 2025 at 1:45 pm
We didn’t kick in to the end zone just ONE TIME…. 50 + yard return. That’s as big an indictment as anything Big Boy Bowles, Happy feet Mayfield and the two hand touch defense did yesterday.
Bowles and this pi$$ poor staff gotta go. It’s also time to look back to 2018/19 when Bud Licht was about to be run out on a rail for being one of the worst GMs in football.
He never changed, he just blended into the TB12 background.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:46 pm
When you have a team loaded with soft players
You’re not going to win much in the NFL
I don’t care about how athletic, fast they are
If you’re soft you don’t belongs in the NFL
Go play some beach volleyball with the girls
December 29th, 2025 at 1:51 pm
Only one Bucs defender could start for Rams, Seahawks, Lions. Defense is consistently lousy with a combination of bad scheme and bad talent.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:55 pm
What I wouldn’t give for Houston’s defensive front!
Sad thing is, other than Will Anderson Jr., Licht could have had them all!
Might be time to reevaluate Licht’s drafting prowess, or lack thereof.
He’s so concerned with ‘squeaky clean’ church choir types he passes on those who might be a little rough around the edges.
And don’t tell me about Antonio Brown. That was Brady’s pick, and it got us a Super Bowl before Brown’s brain exploded into full psychosis.
Look at this current defense— replete with nice guys intent on finishing last.
Yes, pass on drafting the hardened criminals, but passing on guys who’ve made a mistake or two in their early 20’s is just wrong.
Look at Egbuka—great start, but was that the position that needed attention? When I saw him laughing it up with his Falcon’s buddy after we blew that 3rd and 28 game I almost threw my beer at the TV. But I’m sure he’s a nice guy, just like Morrison.
December 29th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
This weekend will decide who gets the NFC South participation trophy titled, ‘Cream of the Crap’.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:04 pm
Time to bring out the paper bags – YUCKS! And, I don’t think we’re going to be debating the retirements of Mike Evans and Lavonte David and longer. Why would they want to come back to a team that will be in the rebuilding mode. They played this year because they thought the team had a realistic expectation of making it to the Super Bowl. Sad times, indeed!
December 29th, 2025 at 2:05 pm
Hawk, you mean ‘Creamsicle of the Crap’
December 29th, 2025 at 2:06 pm
JA,
That was word among GMs about James Pearce JR
The guy was a beast at Tennessee, tearing up the SEC
Super strong, super fast, he got the total package
But we rather draft another WR, cause of Pearce so call character issues
The dude got 8 sacks with the Falcons, in 300 snaps
We have veteran Edge Rushers giving us 2- 3 sacks in 700 snaps
December 29th, 2025 at 2:09 pm
I wouldn’t be so sure that a young offensive coach that comes from a high quality organization wouldn’t want an HC no. With the Bucs, especially if the Glazers would agree to drafting a new quarterback. There are going to be many players leaving the team which should open up the salary cap.
It’s actually a good coaching job. You have owners who have proven they will stick with coaches for years and not meddle on a the football side.
They just need to pick the best offensive coordinator from the best team. The good thing about hiring Rams OCs is McVay calls plays and no OC will get a chance as long as he coaches. Same with Shanahan coaching staff.
Less taxes in Florida and as soon as the Bucs get a good QB prospect and new coach they will improve.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
Bucs beaten by STREET MEAT
December 29th, 2025 at 2:11 pm
James Pearse Jr got 8 5 sacks in 302 pass rush snaps
But 516 total snaps
December 29th, 2025 at 2:11 pm
Send in the Clowns. Led by Bowzo.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
Spot on.
Could not have said it better myself.
And if the Glazers keep Bowles after this, they deserve empty stadiums at every home game next year.
This organization is pathetic.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:16 pm
Munch , anything else you want to say about Baker ,, you want to kick his dog, you want to slap his baby?? Baker ain’t going nowhere , 3 year extension is already in the works , he was good w Canales , he was great with Coen, He’s a bum with Grizzz,, Lawerence was a bum the last few years now he’s great , Darnold was a comedy line with the jets but he is great with KOC and Kubiak,, Caleb stunk it up last year now he’s amazing ,, Shanahan makes any QB look great , Geoff was amazing last year and now is a bum also,Drake Maye so so last year , MVP type this year , it’s not rocket science even though your trying to make it so! Get Baker a great playcaller and he will be great again,, Grizz was a reach and is in over his head and has 1 (or 2) games left being an NFL OC
December 29th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
What will really be a hoot is the lack of butts in the seats at Ray Jay on a beautiful Saturday in January. That should say it all. And if the Bucs do make their way into the playoffs, they will get boat-raced by Rams… that will be the cherry on top for Team Licht/Bowles. EPIC way to celebrate Bucs 50th season. FREAKING DISCUSTED with this team.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:27 pm
Pretty obvious, what is going to happen. Glazers and Licht have all ready slyly brought our new HC. We lose the next game and Coach Bowles is fired. Teddy is hired as HC. His experience coaching immature high schoolers is the perfect resume to shape up the Bucs players.
December 29th, 2025 at 2:35 pm
I’ll take Kevin Stefanski
December 29th, 2025 at 2:37 pm
Don’t forget, Toilet Bowls hung Tom Brady’s only losing record on him, 8-9, then a first round playoff loss. He should’ve been fired long ago.