Five Things
September 14th, 2026
Emeka Egbuka celebrates a first down early in the Bucs’ loss at Cincinnati yesterday. He vanished in the second half.
What a depressing Sunday. What a letdown on opening day. Grab your coffee and let’s roll and power through what should be a sad week.
Some Things Don’t And Won’t Change
What a range of emotions: the highest of highs is the anticipation of football returning, someone you have sorely missed for seven months. And then — SPLAT! — like the hot chick in the bar belted you for looking at her.
That’s what yesterday felt like to Joe with a hint of Groundhog Day mixed in. We’ve seen this before. And Joe’s guessing we will see it again this season.
Joe is not going to overreact to Week 1. Joe expected the Bucs to lose, so Joe is not and will not be calling for anyone’s head after yesterday. That’s just crazy (after Week 1).
Joe got a Twitter right after the game from a Bucs fan and it hit home. The fan typed (Joe is paraphrasing), Todd Bowles has had seven years to craft a defense in his image. How has yesterday’s defense looked any different than when he first took over in 2022?
Joe thought the guy had a point.
It seemed to Joe that most fans concluded that drafting the Miami Mauler, Rueben Bain, would magically change the Bucs defense. Joe kept reminding people who was calling the shots on defense and that hasn’t changed.
Joe actually thought the defense played decent and good at times. Some players. But overall, yeah, same as the old Bucs. Still no pass rush. And bad tackling.
Secondary Played Well
That’s right: Joe didn’t think the Bucs would win yesterday. Why? Joe thought it was a bad matchup.
You had maybe a Hall of Fame quarterback, certainly a top-five quarterback, with the best one-two punch in the game at receiver going against the Bucs’ thin and shaky corners. Well, Joe did not like this. At all.
If before the game Joe told a Bucs fan, “Pppsssttt… Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins won’t get 72 yards receiving combined and neither will score;” you’d think the Bucs would have won the game.
Well, Higgins was held to 59 yards. Joe swears he never heard his name until late in the first half. Chase? He had a grand total of 12 yards. Just 12!
So yeah, Joe thought Jacob Parrish, Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison played really well Sunday. They shut down Chase and Higgins.
Problem was, the Bucs forgot about a journeyman tight end named Mike Gesicki.
What a Game By Josiah Trotter
So much for not being able to defend the pass. Bucs rookie Josiah Trotter had predraft haters all over the place swearing he cannot defend the pass, and they killed Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht for drafting him in the second round.
What did Trotter do yesterday? He only went out and got a pick-six and jump-started the Bucs’ comeback.
Trotter set a Bucs record yesterday with 10 tackles in his first start and he made his mark in NFL history, too. But the coolest of them all?
Trotter is really, really tight with his family. He always thanks his dad, Jeremiah, for making him the football player he is today. Trotter, in his very first NFL game, got a pick-six (and a sack!). Trotter’s pick-six — in his first game — is half of what his dad got in his entire 11-year career.
Jeremiah Trotter only had two pick-sixes.
Joe typed all summer how the Bucs defense was different with Trotter on the field. Now it wasn’t much different yesterday in Cincinnati, but at least the corners showed up along with Trotter.
Interesting to Joe is Trotter broke a Bucs record held by Derrick Brooks and Mason Foster for most tackles in their first NFL games. Both of those guys turned out OK.
We all know what Brooks did, but Foster was a solid linebacker. When Lavonte David was a rookie, Foster took David under his wing and the two had many brainstorming sessions going over the Bucs’ defense into the wee hours of the night. Foster started at inside linebacker on a playoff team in Washington. But he wasn’t good enough for lousy Lovie Smith.
Trotter’s 10-tackle day with a sack and a pick-six is the new standard for Bucs rookie linebackers in their first NFL game.
Free Ted Hurst!
Bucs rookie receiver Ted Hurst was damn near a no-show until late in the game when the Bucs needed to score in a hurry.
Baker Mayfield hit Hurst on three straight passes for 16, 8 and 12 yards. When the Bucs woke up and someone told Zac Robinson the end zone, where points are scored, was down the field and the end zone was not located on the sidelines, the Bucs offense hummed.
Joe hopes folks pulling the levers on offense learned from this: Get Hurst on the field and use him downfield rather than playing footsie with passes behind the line of scrimmage.
Baker Mayfield’s Bad Game
Mayfield’s game yesterday was worse than bad. But Joe got a laugh out of the reaction to Mayfield putting the ball on the ground three times in Cincinnati.
Common feedback was, Baker must learn to take care of the ball. Buhahahahahaha! Guys, Mayfield’s been in the league for a decade. This is his 11th season. He’s 31.
If he hasn’t figured out turnovers are bad by now, this just in: He never will.
Mayfield is like America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston. Mayfield, like Jameis, is a high-wire act. So long as the tightrope walker gets to the other side, it is fun as hell. But if the tightrope walker slips, it’s a disaster. That’s Jameis. That’s Mayfield. This is who he is.
You just have to roll with the bad times because the good times will come.
Mayfield tied for the NFL lead in fumbles in 2024 and in 2025. Most of those, however, didn’t turn into turnovers. Three did yesterday.
Remember, Mayfield has said repeatedly that one reason he fell in love with Tampa is because the Bucs’ brass is the team that told him to be himself. Not counting the Rams, every other team he has been on has tried to change him and he’s resisted.
Yesterday was the wrong side of the double-edged sword that is Mayfield.
From Elias: Josiah Trotter is the first NFL rookie with a pick six and a sack in his NFL debut since sacks became an official stat in 1982. He is also the ninth player in NFL history with a sack and interception in his NFL debut since 1982 https://t.co/Nu7KZIny3N
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) September 13, 2026
September 14th, 2026 at 5:35 am
It was just glorious to see football on tv and our guys on the field. Lots of bad. Plenty of good. Let’s let this dust settle and see how we come out next week. Bain’s shoulder looks like a real issue. He should sit and we should see AQM until Bains ready. Slash up the Browns, I’ll be a happy Krewe.
September 14th, 2026 at 5:43 am
How does this team look any different from the team during the 2-7 slide to end the 2025 season? Who are the common denominators? We’ve been told all off-season that adding a few defensive rookies, an ex-Lion LB and Robinson at OC would make this team look different.
This plan of being scared to draft and develop a QB and rebuild the roster will come back to bite the Bucs.
September 14th, 2026 at 5:45 am
If last seasons collapse didn’t happen I’d say it was just one game Joe, but what I saw was a continuation of last years ineptitude. It’s not going to change. The difference yesterday. One team has a franchise QB, ours has one who’s paid like one. The Bengals revamped D line got after it, ours sucked yet again. Our top 5 O line is really a bottom 5 O line. This team is a bunch of frauds, coached by a fraud, put together by a fraud. Lastly, township are a bunch of gullible buffoons.
September 14th, 2026 at 5:51 am
On the early touchdown by Gesicki, the commentators were commenting on the Bucs defenders being too far off from Gesicki and the group looking confused.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:00 am
Joe should add that one of the reasons Gesicki looked like Gronk in his prime was that Anzalone played a horrible game, it looked like he was a step slow and was wesring the wrong cleats. A second is that Bowles’D, collectively, cannot get a stop on third down, only forcing one punt with lots of soft zone which Burrow burned.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:05 am
Bee, if the Bucs play as poorly as they did yesterday for the next 16 games, the Bucs will have a high enough draft pick to be in the Manning sweepstakes or they will be able to trade that pick for a king’s ransom to a team who will want a top shelf rookie QB. Plus Bowles would certainly get launched if that happens but now the Bucs have 165 million reasons why they have to stick with Baker.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:18 am
Someone should do a wellness check on Floormatt and Stevie Vag. 🤣🤣🤣
I bet they’re at home clutching their Turd Bowels dolls.
He’s the best coach in history!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
September 14th, 2026 at 6:19 am
Anzalone was awful yesterday. We got that guy specifically to COVER on passing downs! We still have a problem covering TEs and guys out of the backfield. I’m not giving Bain any hassles, Warren Sapp had 2 sacks in his first season. The rest of them, however, Burrow had time to eat a sandwich back there.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:33 am
The Bucs lost bc of the turnover. As one fool on here constantly says, this loss “is 100% on Baker”. Not much more needs to be said.
BUT, the thing that disappoints me more is I was anticipating a friggin pass rush. I wanted VV to get that contract done bc I wanted to see what this front 7 could do. Bain, Yaya, VV, Kancy… Who are you going to double? LOL
Did VV play? Did Kancy get hurt again? NO STATS for either of them. NONE. NADA. ZIP.
As pointed out, the DBs were a good surprise. They played well against some of the best. BUT the front 7 sucked.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:34 am
I remember at some point later in the game Mike Gesicki came out of the game and I said out loud in my living room, to none one, “Thank God”
September 14th, 2026 at 6:44 am
1 thing – Fire the coach.
September 14th, 2026 at 6:45 am
I doubt this has been brought up, but the team captains (all of them) cost the Bucs the game yesterday. The ONLY one who (maybe) did ok was Winfield.
Mayfield: 3 turnovers
Wirfs: False starts & sacks given up average at best.
Anzalone: NO SHOW middle of the field wide open
Vea: NO SHOW dominated by lesser talent all day
Godwin: little to no impact average at best
Winfield: NO game changing plays although someone helped with Chase.
Team Captains are counted on to change the course of games, not cause losses. Congratulations to Trotter though welcome to the NFL. Maybe the Bucs should have considered him as a team captain.
September 14th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Bee what kind of fan (or of what not Bucs,team) are you when your plan is to lose 17 games,and hope a college kid who has,switched colleges 5’times chasing NIL money will win the super bowl? Good luck with that. Ask The Falcons,about Michael Penus Jr. They started,a life long backup instead.
September 14th, 2026 at 7:17 am
Burrows is overrated and certainly not a top five or Hall of fame QB. His pick six was unforced and a pass to the wrong guy. Pop Warner play. Furthermore, Over rated Joe has been mostly injured the last two years while Baker has not missed a game. The Bungles have missed the playoffs 8-10 years. Baker was bad but his errors were forced. He,was,chased, harried, and hammered from behind. The fumble at the goal line was master class ball stripping technique.
September 14th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Coaches don’t make people fumble the ball. Baker and Bucky should both know better. Bucky especially since not fumbling is a huge part of his primary job. It’s the O-line’s fault on 2/3 of Baker’s fumbles. I’ve never seen them have such a hard time in pass protection against what should be a lesser team. Dexter Lawrence gave us fits.
But he plays for a big paycheck too.
Im proud of how the corners played against two ultra-stud wide receivers and hope this springboards us into an excellent season. The O-line needs to meet and tune up big time.
September 14th, 2026 at 7:40 am
We’ve been avoiding firing bowles for a long time as DC then all of a sudden he’s named head coach? Nobody else was interviewed they just gave it to Bowles.
DEI hire nothing more
What has he done. Gave Tom Brady his only losing season ever made him retire. Ran evans out of town. Evans has to be smiling ear to ear not being under Bowles. I bet licht wanted to fire him last year but the glazers said no.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Marky Mark
Look at what Chicago did. They drafted a QB high and let their offensive HC mold an offense around him. They out up 50 on the Panthers. Andy Reid did it. The Eagles are doing it. There are plenty of examples of it working but so many fans including the ownership are scared of change. This plan of paying a vet QB who hasn’t had success anywhere else isnt working. Hes making the same mistakes he always makes. At least a young player would have an excuse.
They will eventually have to draft a QB high, only now they’ll be paying Baker to either ride the bench or play elsewhere. So stupid.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:11 am
4th quarter,3time outs, game on line,play clock ticking to 0, what does coach do stands there with arms crossed, next 5 yard penality,next strip sack,any coach worth salt would have called time out , brought team over and talked to help regroup,this guy needs to go,
September 14th, 2026 at 8:13 am
Dang Joe you come up with 5 Things and Not one of them is Coaching
WE have seen several games where the Bucs were simple NOT PREPARED just like yesterday and No Mention of Coaching
DONT just listen to Fans ASK Mike
BUCS #1 problem is Bowles WE will have another mediocre year BECAUSE OF BOWLES
Joe could repost articles he wrote two years ago and they would fit today
Bad start but team had some good points, players didn’t execute, we have new players in new positions!!!!
YEP and so did Cinn AND THEY WLAKED US FIRST HALF
UNPREPARED TEAMS LOSE PERIOD
September 14th, 2026 at 8:19 am
People can amd do make personal and professional breakthroughs in their 30s…amd 40s, and 50s, for that matter. Especially given Baker’s new contract, he owes the Bucs (and himself) a serious, ongoing effort to fix the weaknesses in his game.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:25 am
As long as players stay somewhat healthy it looks like the Bucs have the skill and depth at corner to toss the soft zone looks into the trash heap where they belong.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:27 am
Egbuka looked great!
September 14th, 2026 at 8:29 am
I will go with others.
5 things should include coaching.
The further away from offensive line coaches of Gilbert and Goodwin and the further into Kevin Carberry’s regime that we get the more we see he cannot coach pass protection.
Many of the finer points that Gilbert and Goodwin brought to the pass protection scheme are apparently lost on Carberry.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:29 am
Get used to this. Baker is Baker. He’s never going to change being reckless. Why should he, it got him a 165M contract. Combine that with mid-level talent and with subpar coaching and this schedule you get 7-10. BTW: all you sack-master dreamers, did you see the Bengals average, veteran tackles completely stuff, push around, and shutout Yaya and Bain with ease? Get used to that too.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:32 am
Tough game on the road against a very good Cincy team. Turnovers definitely hurt but I’m not that discouraged. Saw some good things with the bad. Hopefully Todd will put some wrinkles in the defense to play to the skills of his individual players rather than that predictable same old same old Bowles defense that the league has figured out years ago. With sad sack Cleveland coming in next week odds are in the Bucs favor to be 1 and 1 next week. LFG!
September 14th, 2026 at 8:37 am
Bee, Chicago, Philly, and kC did not tank.on purpose. I agree,the next draft is so QB rich they can do the Aaron Rogers Plan and have the kid sit for 2 years and learn. I think the Buckeye kid will still be,around for the,Buccaneers.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:41 am
I love the positive posts
Tough team on the road
Saw some good things
First game not the season lost
YALL are just reposting the same saying you have used since BOWLES
Why do we see great plays
Players have good games
AND YET BUCS LOSE
Bucs win that game on the road against a tough team WITH A PREPARED TEAM
September 14th, 2026 at 8:42 am
Once again, people commenting that Wirfs had a bad game and caused Mayfield’s sacks, NEED TO OPEN THEIR EYES AND REWATCH!!!!!
Mayfield himself caused the sacks….
Pass blocking on those 2 fumbles while he was in the pocket and the other one while he rolled out to the right, was definitely sufficient. YOU CANT HOLD THE BALL AS LONG AS HE DID!!!
O-line gave him well over 4 seconds here on both those plays….
Wirfs guy ran all the way around the outside and came up to hit Baker.
How long do you actually expect Wirfs to have to hold his block??
To Baker, Here’s a crazy idea…
DO SOMETHING!!! GET RID OF THE FUKING FOOTBALL!!
September 14th, 2026 at 8:43 am
Anzalone was worse than sirvocea. That hyped up defensive line was just that, only hype. O line is definitely not as strong as they like to advertise. Turnovers. Godwin doesn’t look anything like what they were saying all preseason. This team gets hyped up every year and then craps all over the TV. Rinse and repeat. Consistently finds ways to lose
September 14th, 2026 at 8:43 am
KENTON SMITH still a no show lol
GO BUCS!!!!
September 14th, 2026 at 8:54 am
Baker is all balls and no brain, worse performance by Wirfs by far, no pressure by d-line, every play went down to one second before snap, Anzalone missed five tackles, promising start by secondary, Bucky, Trotter, Egbuka, ST looked good. Same crappy Todd Bowles.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:56 am
Joe,
To your point about Baker learning and that “he never will.” I watched the Cowboys vs Giants game and Dart changed his play with better foot work, progression, and when needed he took appropriate risk. This was after a year he took a lot of hits. Coaching that WORKS can change a QB and a team. Baker has been doing his own thing because he has never had a consistent OC and a HC who held his feet to the fire to change. Coach Harbaugh had Dart change and prepared his team to be physical while our team had issues. I see the loss as a coaching issue and things won’t change until we get a coach who is tough and forces discipline. As others have said, Baker not willing to change may be a deal killer for a good coach coming here.
September 14th, 2026 at 8:57 am
Which 2 players had the worse game? The 2 the Bucs gave an extension to when they did not need to nor should have.
Vea – No pressure up the middle and Cincy RBs ran right up the gut.
Baker – He is an Idiot. Always been an Idiot. Will always be an Idiot. Exciting but not a consistent winner.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:10 am
FortMyersDave … ‘it looked like he (Anzalone) was a step slow and was wearing the wrong cleats.’
I suspect the two go together; I was watching him slide all over the place on cuts, etc.
IF we were actually using THREE Linebackers, yesterday’s game might’ve turned out differently. Burrow kept repeatedly hitting the space BETWEEN Anzalone & Trotter it looked like, and just about every time they’d seem to go for 1st downs. I kept seeing Scott out there, and thinking that Bowles was trying to use him to fix that ‘hole’, but I never saw Scott influence any plays. I did see him miss at least a couple of tackles though.
I don’t know how much we used Nickel formation yesterday, but I’m rapidly deciding I don’t like it. To get that 5th man into the Secondary, Bowles always goes down to 2 on the DLine, and keeps 2 OLBs & 2 ILBs out there. I thought what I’d see out there periodically was RNR & Roberts out there, but would have to relook at the game to confirm that. Would love to know how Cincy responded to that formation (light on the beef?).
September 14th, 2026 at 9:11 am
Bucnjim
Is Godwin supposed to throw it to himself? Did he drop balls?
Godwin was the only one who didn’t look like $hit yesterday.
Weird take bruh.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:20 am
They are suffering from not playing in the preseason. Looked confused and rusty. Not sharp at all. Wirfs looked below average and the QB just trying to do too much and prove he’s worth the $$. It better be a lot better next week or it might be a long season
September 14th, 2026 at 9:26 am
Terrific article, Joe.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Bucs have 4 fumbles yet come away with 27 points. How does that happen?
September 14th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Mayfield will continue to lose us games until the media keeps reminding him about his turnover records, his ego won’t like that, keep the pressure on him.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:47 am
Baker will not win anything. What a waste of money. The worst part of all this is that we are stuck with him until 2029. I have been a Bucs fan since 1976. Not sure if I can go through this again.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:48 am
The Bucs fumbled 4 times yesterday and didn’t recover a single one. The football gods were not on their side.
As bad as that is, I saw a lot of positives as well, even from Baker, who had an 82% completion percentage.
September 14th, 2026 at 9:50 am
I have to admit that I was one of the people who thought Bain’s mere presence would change our pass-rush. After one game, “yawn!”
Was Anzalone wearing roller skates?!
Trotter had a decent game. I don’t know if it was scheme or bad angles but, getting torched on what three straight TE seam/ post plays is concerning long-term.
Baker? I love the way the guy plays the game, I really do! It’s those TOs though!
I wasn’t a fan of the gimmicky play calls with Tez and CG on the sweeps. Bucky was running well, except for the fumble of course. Why did we abandon the run-game?
Overall, I thought there were some positives. Since we’re no longer undefeated, 16-1 baby!
September 14th, 2026 at 10:09 am
Bucsfanman Says:
I have to admit that I was one of the people who thought Bain’s mere presence would change our pass-rush. After one game, “yawn!”
———————————————————————————-
I’m confident that Bain’s presence WILL change our pass-rush. But it’s a bit premature to judge him after a single game. There have been many elite (and even some Hall of Fame) pass rushers who made little impact in their rookie seasons. Michael Strahan who had a season with 22.5 sacks had 1 in his rookie season. There are many other examples, including Sapp here in Tampa.
September 14th, 2026 at 10:17 am
@ Marky mark Says: “Bee, Chicago did not tank on purpose.”
They absolutely DID. Not going into that season from the jump, but all of that changes and goes completely out the window, post trade-deadline. Once all the dreams and delusions are OVER… It then IMMEDIATELY, become a race to the BOTTOM, and for THE #1-Overall Pick (draft position and stockpiling draft-Capital is THE ONLY GOAL… NOT winning). The SMART franchises make the determinations, and address WHO they really are by the Trade-Deadline, and then ACT accordingly. And, the SMART teams are truthful and ‘realistic’ (with themselves), on WHO they really are for the following season, as well… THEN, they work towards clearing up as much available cap space for the future, that they possibly can. It’s called “Quiet TANKING,” when literally EVERYONE KNOWS IT. It’s called being logical.
September 14th, 2026 at 10:32 am
I mean, this FO was DELUSIONAL, for thinking that they could ‘win’ 4-STRAIGHT “Playoffs Games,” with this type of QB-play. And, I don’t believe they are delusional. I do believe that ‘winning’ was NOT “their play” here, with the Baker Mayfield extension. It’s ALL only about remaining just decent enough to maintain fan interest, and to keep butts in seats. They are SCARED TO DEATH for a rebuild, because they don’t know WTF they’re doing. They DON’T have enough faith in themselves, OR THEIR GM. And, they are SCARED TO DEATH of stomaching EVEN a season or two, worth of a handful of lost ticket sales. They’re WEAK. Know absolutely NOTHING about the modern day game, and therefore don’t have the instincts, or the GUTS. So, settling for mediocrity and the status quo is totally fine with THEM, just as long as they continue receiving those checks.
September 14th, 2026 at 10:34 am
“It’s called “Quiet TANKING,” when literally EVERYONE KNOWS IT. It’s called being logical.”
Quiet tanking? Bro they’ve had TWO winning seasons since firing Lovie Smith back in 2013, you think THAT was intentional?
I think you’re confusing their circumstance over the years with what you specifically want this team to do. No NFL team wants to be cheeks for 13 years man.
On Another note, Austin Simmons would cook with what we have on offense, but nooooooooooo
September 14th, 2026 at 10:43 am
Same old Bucs getting down early then the furious comeback that comes up short. This is literally what “Its a Bucs Life” means to the average fan. Slow starts, turnovers, and both lines got pushed around. Much more of that than not the last 50 years.
September 14th, 2026 at 10:47 am
When, the reality is… They are only further delaying the inevitable, while digging themselves an even deeper hole, and making it just that much difficult, to get out of. Virtually, guaranteeing another Lost Decade. Cause, if NOT for being in the NFC South Division, THIS team would NOT have even made the Playoffs, since the 2021 season… Brady’s 2nd season, and Bruce’s last. It’s all been FAKE. Nothing but Smoke & Mirrors. Losing Coen was the total game changer. Franchise altering. It’s Babe Ruth to the Yankees LoL.
September 14th, 2026 at 10:52 am
The Bucs were a better team, the turnovers killed us.
End of story.
(this is why starters need to play in pre-season, the turnovers looked and felt like guys not transitioning from practice to game)
September 14th, 2026 at 10:57 am
I dont think anyone is upset about the numbers the Bucs D gave up against Chase and Higgins. How many TE’s will we make look like All Pro’s this year. Anzalone was horrendous yesterday. Between poor angles and bad footing (change your cleats man!) it was a forgettable debut for him.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:00 am
@ WBL – The Bears might not have TANKED during that particular season to get Williams… They are one of my least favorite teams, and do not follow them that closely. But, it is absolutely what teams do, and it is OBVIOUS. And, I don’t know what you’re talking about… I never said that ANYONE was tanking for 13-YEARS!? That’s absurd. I’m talking about what teams do BEFORE the trade-deadline… And, that is NOT “quiet tanking.” But, what the Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and a couple of others, for sure are. Everyone already knows it, but THEY are just not going to admit it. And, when the 2026 trade-deadline rolls around, there will be even more teams added. Especially, with THIS upcoming draft-class. Yes, it’s a REAL THING.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:06 am
I thought Austin Simmons looked VERY impressive on Saturday, and Missouri can go on a nice little run here, with THEIR schedule. If he keeps it up… I was thinking Saturday, that they are a potential Playoff Team. Especially, with Oklahoma’s Offense STILL looking the same. PATHETIC Offense. I know it might be a stretch and very early right now, BUT he could really be a high high-pick.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:14 am
It’s not just ONE game…this is multiple seasons of the same.
Pretty rough start.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:16 am
Let’s play Devil’s Advocate for a minute. If I’m the Bengals today and I was the recipient of four fumbles yesterday and only won the game by six points and actually could have lost the game in the last five minutes I’m not feeling that good about this team. Conversely the Bucs almost overcame complete ineptitude by their overly rambunctious QB and barely lost the game. So there’s that.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:16 am
I saw the game after the fact, as I couldn’t watch it live… so knowing the outcome, I was hyper focused on key plays. There was so much goodness that got overshadowed by the turnovers. Robinson’s offense is good, no 3 and outs. We didn’t punt, however we most likely would have on the first Baker fumble.
What will tell me if this team is different? We don’t play down to an inferior Cleveland team at home. We have to score points and stop them on 3rd downs. Monken is no slouch as an offensive playcaller, but I just don’t think Cleveland is talented enough to overcome the challenges we will present.
Keep receipts, losing this week 1 game will set us up for the remainder of the season, in a positive way, that of course if we stay healthy. Mentally, we’ve gotten too high after early success. To start this season off playing a bit messy with uncharacteristic turnovers, and I mean “excessive” turnovers, and still climb back and keep it within a 1 score reach, I’d say we have better games ahead.
September 14th, 2026 at 11:50 am
How can it be too early to react to the same inept defense we’ve had for the last 6 seasons???
September 14th, 2026 at 11:59 am
“But, what the Jets, Dolphins, Browns, and a couple of others, for sure are. Everyone already knows it, but THEY are just not going to admit it. And, when the 2026 trade-deadline rolls around, there will be even more teams added. Especially, with THIS upcoming draft-class. Yes, it’s a REAL THING.”
You had me until you mentioned the Jets, I think there’s a pretty noticeable expanse between franchises that are poorly run and teams that are put together poorly. Yes, I believe there’s a difference.
Jets are one of the few teams in this league(like the Raiders and/or Cardinals) that are good at doing both at once. Outside of that 1 year with Al Groh and parts of the Rex Ryan era, Jets have been perinnially bad for about the last quarter century. So it’s a real thing, but I also think teams that have been struggling to put a decent on-field product for years are kind of like us as a team yesterday-dug a hole w/o a way out
“I thought Austin Simmons looked VERY impressive on Saturday, and Missouri can go on a nice little run here, with THEIR schedule. If he keeps it up… I was thinking Saturday, that they are a potential Playoff Team.”
Simmons has been my newest favorite QB to check in on along with Lincoln Kienholz. I think at least one of these guys raises their stock by the end of this year, but I think Simmons plays with a much better all-around team and is ridiculous from the pocket. There were a few plays he made where his target was straight up covered, and the lefty still managed to thread passes into cracked open windows.
September 14th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
The Miami Mauler (RB Jr) is not going to come in here and record 20 sacks. PLEASE stop with this non-sense that he’s going to wreak havoc across the NFL. He’s a rookie. It’s like Jim Harbaugh saying Justin Herbert is the GOAT at QB. Lets just hopes he and the the other rookies get better with each game. Stat wise, if Bain can finish with 8 to 10 sacks, I would be very pleased. But then again, I have NO FAITH IN TODD BOWLES and his lame defense. We can never get off the field.
September 14th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
You’d think that after multiple disasters last year, the DC would have spent some time during the offseason figuring out how to cover a TE. And here we are, right where we left off.
September 14th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
BucsFanSince1996- Yeah, I get it. He’s a rookie and at that position, it can sometimes take a while. I was hoping to see something though, anything. Maybe a nice bullrush or swim move. To me, THIS game, he looked undersized and outmatched.
I’m not giving up on him. Hopefully we’ll see more and more as the season progresses.
16-1! Go Bucs!
September 14th, 2026 at 12:22 pm
Luca- Agreed 100%! We still had a chance even with those TOs!
September 14th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
Baker is responsible for the loss of 3 Buc touchdowns yestereday. Thats three. To be honest, he may have lost the game for us. Whatever it was, get it out of your system 50 mil per year man!
September 14th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
A few things
1 that linebacker Alex A just loves to run himself right out of plays . So much so , that he slips and falls way way too much .
2 where is this supposed revamped defensive line ? You give burrow time he will pick you apart . I remember 1 sack from our rookie lB yesterday . Frigging 1 ! Gotta be coaching!
3 if otton don’t start wearing stick em gloves I’m gonna flip out ! Guy drops everything !
September 14th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
Looks like a Super Bowl winner to me.