Bucs Can Withstand The Pain Of A (Big) Loss
July 4th, 2026
Difference-maker?
Joe hopes his readers got a chance to listen to the JoeBucsFan.com hour yesterday on WDAE-FM 95.7/WDAE-AM 620. It was a live broadcast and not just for an hour, but two!
The Joes and Ira fielded calls for two hours about the Bucs. Even long-time and regular commenter “Brandon” (from Philadelphia no less!) called in to wag a finger at Joe for being too harsh on Bucs coach Todd Bowles.
(Joe can only imagine what Brandon has to deal with if he ever goes to a Bucs-Eagles game at The Linc and the abuse he has to tolerate.)
Thanks to all who called in or texted.
Joe spoke often yesterday on the Bucs’ defense, both past (wretched) and future (too many ifs). One element that Joe has no issues with is the Bucs’ offense.
No, Joe isn’t positive what new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has in store but one thing we all know is at least he’s a veteran play-caller and that’s a good thing.
(Dave Canales, Liam Coen and Josh Grizzard were, when they came to the Bucs, rookie NFL offensive coordinators.)
In fact, Joe thinks the offense for the Bucs this fall could be dynamic. Could.
Joe brings all of this up because Matt Okada of NFL.com wonders about any short- or long-term ramifications the Bucs offense may have with Mike Evans bolting for much less money and much larger tax checks).
The move most Bucs fans will remember from this offseason was the one the team didn’t make: re-signing Evans. After 12 seasons with the franchise, Evans hit free agency and signed with the 49ers. Fortunately, Tampa Bay has Emeka Egbuka to build around at receiver.
Look, only a total imbecile would suggest the Bucs won’t miss Evans. You take a future Hall of Fame player at any position off the roster and there will be some step back.
But if any team can withstand such a hit at receiver, it’s the Bucs. The Bucs wide receiver room is still loaded (cross your fingers Chris Godwin can stay on the field). And who knows, maybe Ted Hurst will grow into a beast? He has the physical attributes to do so.
Yes, it gnaws at Joe that Evans left with gas in the tank. But if any team has the resources to withstand such a hit, it’s the Bucs.
July 4th, 2026 at 12:14 am
Zac will be lauded for an explosive offense in camp……because he’s going against a defense he owned with Kirk’s Farging Cousin. All the Pom Pom lemmings will point to Zac shredding Todd in his patented walkthroughs as proof that the offense is real, when in fact, it’s the defense that simply sucks that much vacuum. And not due to talent or “ injuries” or three dogs barking at a half moon.
It’s Tdod, Polly.
July 4th, 2026 at 12:47 am
And THAT’S the good news… Maybe. They for the most part are awful green….
But I Will concede that after they all gell for a year together…. Just still so green. Ebuka who? Mc Millian who? Tez Johnson who? Hurst who?
Hey hold up! I’ve heard of Godwin! I hear he’s Really Good when he’s on the field.
Even with that, I DO feel more secure and positive with this room, even being kinda green Vs other departments on the team, by a mile!
I think we’ll be ok there eventually this year. Maybe Even Really Good.
GO BUCS!
July 4th, 2026 at 12:51 am
Face it. This was a promotion for Zac Robinson. Perhaps not in money, but in potential to move his name up the coaching board. The promotion came with the offense that he inherited — a now-healthy top-5 and apparently in-shape line, and a full arsenal of weapons at his disposal.
Could be a fun year to watch!
Go Bucs!!
July 4th, 2026 at 1:22 am
One thing that made Bucs hot at 3-1 starts there was no tape of the Bucs offensive play calls and tendencies with the OC’s. Then DC’s figured it out and mid season slumps took place. Zac Robinson has tape and tendencies so I don’t think the hot start will be there, but the mid season slump won’t be there either to counter the difference. Unfortunately there will be injuries to the Bucs just like all other teams. I’m predicting the following players will miss 3 games or more. Benjamin Morrison, Josiah Trotter, Alex Anzalone, Calijah Kancey, David Walker, Ben Bredeson, Emeka Ebuka, and Kenneth Gainwell.
July 4th, 2026 at 6:34 am
The great Carnac.
July 4th, 2026 at 6:39 am
Hmmmm….I thought Zac Robinson was only an actual playcaller for 2 years with the Fowlclowns and was only an OC/playcaller in name only with the Rams (under Sean McVay) prior to that. Not sure I would call 2 years being a veteran playcaller.
July 4th, 2026 at 7:01 am
This is nearly the same group of players (swap Evans for Hurst) that was the #3 offense in the league 2 years ago, I’m not worried