Five Things
September 21st, 2026
Painted into corner.
That was one of the most atrocious losses in years for the Bucs. Joe is shook. So let’s get this over with.
Cleveland-Ready
Yesterday had to be KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles’ worst loss since he took over the team.
The previous worst was in 2022, when the Bucs traveled to Pittsburgh and Mike Tomlin had so many injuries at corner he was literally pulling dudes off the street to play against the Bucs.
So with Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, what did knothead offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich do? Pound the ball against one of the stingiest defensive lines in the league and basically left the corners alone.
It was the most irresponsible game plan Joe had ever seen. But you know what, Bowles could have easily got on the headset and told “fantasy” Leftwich to start attacking the secondary with Evans and Godwin. To the best of Joe’s knowledge, that never happened.
But at least the Bucs lost to a decent team. Yesterday? The Browns’ friggin’ quarterback was three hours from being benched as leaks out of Cleveland said the Browns had reached their limit with Watson after he blew chunks last week against Jacksonville. Facing the Bucs was his final option before being benched, likely permanently.
And he rose up to beat a Bowles’ defense.
Joe believes, like the Tennessee-Ready game on opening day of 2015, yesterday’s loss will have Team Glazer discussing what their head coach’s future. A loss later this year like the Capitol Collapse (also 2015) would then seal Bowles’ fate come January, provided the Bucs miss the playoffs.
Todd Bowles Not Going Anywhere For Now
Joe might as well address the elephant in the room because that is likely all that you will hear on WDAE-AM 620, WDAE-FM 95.7 today. That is, Bowles’ job security.
Most Bucs fans are screaming for Bowles’ head. Joe gets it, but “this Joe” strongly believes that won’t come until January if the Bucs miss the playoffs.
Team Glazer has *never* dismissed a head coach before the end of the season. They didn’t do it under all the chaos with former Bucs commander, Greg Schiano. They didn’t do it with Raheem Morris despite losing 10 straight games.
And Joe doesn’t believe Team Glazer would do that to Bowles, who they like and respect.
Team Glazer may give Bowles his walking papers — but not before the end of the season. That’s just not how Team Glazer rolls.
Expectations Splattered
Joe cannot remember being so down after one loss. The Bucs completely handed a game to the hapless Browns on a platter, the worst team in the NFL with the worst quarterback in the NFL, a guy three hours from likely being benched, probably for the rest of his career.
And the Bucs have talent. It’s one thing to lose a game. Or to lose to Joe Burrow and the Bengals. But the Browns?
The loss yesterday hurts worse than the many, many losses in The Lost Decade. The Bucs had realistic chances of making the playoffs and a notch on the belt was expected to be the Browns. But someone turned the tables.
The reality of the Bucs was like a punch to the face yesterday. This team isn’t very good.
OK, Joe could go on and on and on about how the Bucs slapped fans square in the face by crafting a game plan that ensured the hapless Browns stayed in the game and gave them a chance to win.
But how about fun with numbers as we wrap up this here column?
Bucs Have Become A Lead Pipe Lock In Futility
Joe knows wins and losses mean more than covers. Joe would be so happy to get a horrible back door cover in an expensive bet if that meant the Bucs would win the Super Bowl.
Well, after watching that shameful display of poorly coached football yesterday, at least Joe took solace after following by taking the Browns and the points. Why? KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles is now 0-11 in his last 11 games against the spread.
Not only is that damned difficult to pull off, that is also a sure sign of a team that regularly underperforms.
Think about it, even the sh!ttiest teams will cover once in a while. Most won’t go 11 games without covering.
But not the Bucs. Thanks to the Bucs sleepwalking through the loss yesterday to the Browns, Tampa Bay extended its streak to 11 straight games where the Bucs cannot cover.
That’s really bad. And Joe’s going to keep riding that wave until the Bucs start pretending they can and at least appear to look like they are trying to win games.
The Curse of the AFC North Continues
Here’s one for you: Since Bowles arrived in Tampa to take over the Bucs’ defense in 2019, the Bucs are winless against the AFC North. Yesterday’s loss bumped that streak to 0-8.
And since the Bucs have yet to play Pittsburgh and Baltimore, Joe expects that number to grow to 0-10.
How can a team be that bad against one division? The only answer Joe can think of is those teams in the AFC North play physical football. The Bucs have a habit of wilting in a physical game.
It’s one thing to be physical against the tripe that is the NFC South landfill. It’s quite another to beat up the bullies of the AFC North.
Lastly: If you hand a win to the worst team in football with the worst quarterback in your own crib because you couldn’t get your s(p)it together on offense, what does that make you?
September 21st, 2026 at 9:08 am
I usually make my annual trip to Tampa with my son, not this year!!! WOW, Jason better grow some Bal#@! and convince the Glazers Bowles needs to go! immediately. Promote McClendon to Head coach Players do not want to play for Bowles, it’s so obvious!! I have more fun watching my sons High school games then this crap, very stressful!!! Go Bucs.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:10 am
They need to fire him ASAP. This clown show has got to come to an end sooner than later. The team will not be any worse off without him.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:11 am
The letter “C” on the chest of captains stand for “C”(you)nt. They are quite possibly the worst examples of professional NFL performances in that locker room atm. Sans Godwin, whose limitations are OC and QB derived
September 21st, 2026 at 9:11 am
Look, I get it that the Glazers have never fired a coach midseason, the last time that happened was in 1990, Ray Perkins. However, the Glazers did force a head coach to fire his DC back in 2018; Smitty for gross ineptitude and mailing it in. Could they force Bowles to give up play calling?
September 21st, 2026 at 9:11 am
Joe – It may be time to recognize our Bucs as the worst team in the NFL.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:12 am
Glazers need to chalk it up as an expensive learning lesson. Plus you could have got Bakers production from a guy like Jameis Winston for much much cheaper. This product on the field is pathetic.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:13 am
One thing!
Clean house!
Jason too !
Hire Gruden today!
I’m not a big Baker fan but he’s the best we have
I’m not a big Gruden fan but maybe he has grown.
The worst Jon Gruden is still better than Thorazine Bowels !
My God this train wreck could be seen years ago but
Jason is paid to keep us out of the weeds !
Fire Jason too !
Make Ronde Barber the new GM
TODAY!
September 21st, 2026 at 9:14 am
I just watched the hilights. I noticed about 4 big downfield misses by Baker that Brady would have easily made. Then what was that on the last play of the game? Yeah, I get everyone was covered, then throw a 50/50 ball for a 50% chance to win. Trying to get a 14 yard run to win was not too bright..
September 21st, 2026 at 9:15 am
The only way to right this ship is to fire all involved
That includes Bowles, Licht, Arians
And let the.new HC, GM decides which players to dump
I assume would be 80% of the roster
And let the new administration hire a new coaching staff
September 21st, 2026 at 9:17 am
The Glazers have replaced a manager/head coach midseason at ManU.
Just sayin’……………….
September 21st, 2026 at 9:18 am
My Six things.
1) This is 100% on Team Glazer (Team Delusional). You reap what you sow. Enjoy this season Team Delusional.
2) Watch what happens to Ray Jay over the next several weeks – will be home games for MINN, GB and PITT. Their fans will take over. Enjoy that Team Delusional. Then again, you probably don’t care because the ticket was sold and you made your money.
3) Fire Fabio today. Alex Anzalone has missed more tackles than he has made in two games. You want to shake things up a little after this start? Cut your high priced free agent that stinks. SEND A MESSAGE.
4) This team severely lacks the basic fundamentals of blocking and tackling. Where do you even start? OL play is horrid, specifically in pass pro. While Baker has played horribly, he has no time. Play calling is atrocious. Tackllng is even worse. Defensive scheme? You made Deshaun Watson look good and beat you. And where is the pass rush? Pathetlic.
5) Baker you have more turnovers since 2024 than anyone else in the NFL. Yet Team Delusional gave you the $$$. Like I said in No. 1 you get what you deserve Team Delusional.
What sucks as a Bucs fan and have been since 1976, we are two games in. We have 15 more train wrecks ahead of us. Then again, maybe I just choose not to watch anymore. I certainly will NOT be spending money coming to your stadium any longer.
Finally, No. 6 – I TOLD YOU SO!
September 21st, 2026 at 9:18 am
Hire Gruden today!
Scrape this dog sheet off my shoes
September 21st, 2026 at 9:18 am
ST are definitely better…..Disappointed in the defense….we gave up a 10 point lead and were totally dependent on Mayfield to win it for us…..
Exactly like last year.
Watson threw for 80 percent….rarely pressured….
Horrible tackling…..
September 21st, 2026 at 9:19 am
Most atrocious loss in years. That says a lot. You had plenty to choose from the back half of last season.
I was surprised they kept him after the playoff loss to Quinn, a rook qb, at home and the d did not make Washington punt.
Nada will change until the HC is changed.
The team has checked out. Zero energy, hustle, and want to. Listen to their voices and watch their body language. It’s the same attitude as the back half of 2025.
Outside of Bucky, Tybee and a few others, bad body language. They know it to.
Very few Dawgs on this team, still.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:19 am
I dont know anyone who will go to any games until a reputable, quality HC is in place ….
Maybe the owners want empty stands ……
September 21st, 2026 at 9:22 am
I’ve tried so hard to be optimistic that this team can turn it around after last years collapse but I’ve officially thrown in the towel on this season. I can’t support this mess or nonsense anymore. My Sunday football will be comprised of games in which either my fantasy players are playing in or a great matchup. I’m done consuming this trash of a product, at least my sundays opened up the opportunity to play some more golf I guess. I implore all the other Bucs fans who are as unhappy with this team as I am to do the same, when writing in my favorite show goes down the tubes I stop watching, when my favorite football team fields a team with a bunch of players who are just showing up for a check it’s no longer entertaining. Uninspired is how this team plays anymore, no urgency offensively or defensively. I’ll still support jbf but I’m done supporting this team in its current state
September 21st, 2026 at 9:24 am
This team is soft, unorganized and not efficient at any phase of the game. Plenty of blame to go around…..Not just Bowles, not just Baker, and not just the OC. Almost every player is pooping themselves consistently on gamedays. Need a hard reset like Detroit a few years ago, but I don’t trust the Bucs to draft a quarterback and develop him. The Franchise has faired well when employing a brash, aggressive offensive minded coach and a veteran QB with talent throughout the roster. There are a lot of young coaches out there but who is the right one to bring the Bucs back to playoff level football.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:25 am
Joe might as well address the elephant in the room. You must be talking about Bowels. He’s an elephant without a brain cell.
The Bucs are a bottom five team. Since week 8 of 2025 they are 3-10.
Only the Commanders, Cardinals, and Titans have been worse in that span.
Let that sink in a minute. Marinate on the futility of our situation.
The Bucs have started 0-2 a total of 17 times in their history and only made the playoffs one time in a strike shortened season. 1982!!!!
The only thing left to do is a full boycott. Let the stadium fill with only opposing fans. Send a message the Glazers actually care about. Their bottom line.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:25 am
My five things:
1. Terrible look for Mayfield to play the contract situation the way he did and come out looking the way he does. I want the guy to do well because if he does well, the team does well, but right now he’s stinking the joint up. Bigly.
2. This Buccaneers team is 2-9 since the bye last year. The team is in freefall and Bowles is completely clueless on what to do to fix it. I’d say his staff is clueless, but he fired his entire staff. There’s only one head left to roll.
3. Zac Robinson is definitely not the answer for the offense. Clearly a bad hire.
4. I’m trying not to get jittery about Bain being completely shut out because, after all, it’s only his second game, but it was also Scott’s second game and he got a sack. It was also David Walker’s second game and he made plays. It was also Trot’s second game and he made plays. I feel like that meme of the guy holding a stick, nudging something and saying “Come on… do something.”
5. The team that took the field for the last two weeks isn’t going to beat Minnesote or Green Bay. Or Dallas. Or the Steelers. Or Carolina. It might be November 1st home against Atlanta before we see the first win this season. And if that’s the case, we’e looking at a 4-5 win season.
3.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:27 am
Well, before yesterday, the Browns were considered the worst team in football. However, sadly until proven otherwise it appears the Bucs are. The offense is not good and pretty boring. The defense, still has no pass rush, leaves the middle of the field open and does not tackle. The defense also can’t stop the other team to keep a lead. Right now the only other team that may be worse, maybe is ATL. I guess Atl and the Bucs may fight it out for the first round draft pick next year. I think these Bucs are broken. I can’t put all this on Bowles, but you have to start somewhere. It appears a lot of changes are going to need to happen. The only real constant thus far appears to be Irving on offense. On defense it appears Trotter and Scott are the only ones who want to play defense.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:27 am
Welp…..
DUH!!!
Somehow this seems like retardation. It certainly LOOKS like a duck…
The “glazers”… The glazers are THE problem. Nice people. Have a great business otherwise. However… when it comes to sports… Particularly AMERICAN SPORTS..
So the glazers need to retire themselves. Sell the team to another nice family that DOES HAVE passion, particularly for the sport of “AMERICAN FOOTBALL”, collect their funds at go, and have a nice life. Likely just as it is with the exception of to NOT have to CONTINUALLY EMBARRASS THEMSELVES AND THE PLAYERS, AND THE ENTIRETY of the fan base…
And THAT concludeds this entire college course on “futility” (with the spelled out answers to the test) They did pay for the answers. They just didn’t bother to look at them…
September 21st, 2026 at 9:27 am
What’s so freaking frustrating is, we have great players on both sides of the ball and yesterday has to be one of the worst I’ve seen from a Bucs team in 2or 3 year’s. Play calling was bad, OL was bad, Mayfield was terrible and over all the entire team was just right out flat. Gonna be a long frustrating season.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:30 am
Megoat, I enjoy watching 49rs and Purdy. Reminds me of Brady with the Patriots and Brady with Arians (notice I left out the Bowles year).
I still like to follow the Bucs because I know the team and just to see what a team should not do.
About 50% of the fan base knew Bucs were heading to the cellar when Bowles became head coach. It was just a matter of when. When is now.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:30 am
“The bucs have talent.” – DO THEY? To me it’s fan speak or the way a mother thinks their son is way more talented than he actually is. The Bucs supposedly elite offensive has been awful. All 5 of em. Baker Mayfield – AWFUL. And I’m a “Baker Boi” (thanks Rod, you fat POS) but I’m happy to call a spade a spade. The turnovers, the inaccuracy, can’t throw a deep ball to save his life. Where is the Bain of my existence? Where is YOYO? Where is the captain Vita Vea? Where is ANYONE? The only person that has moved the needle at all has been Trotter. We are not as talented as we desperately want to believe. Not only that, the sideline reporter talking about how we were as quiet as a library coming out of the tunnel following the rain delay tells you all you need to know. We have no juice, and that’s tarts with leadership
September 21st, 2026 at 9:31 am
we don’t have a pass rush, Oyr new LB who Jason gave 10 million too. doesn’t have it.
our o line is average in its best day.
EE was over drafted.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:31 am
Maybe the Glazers had a good idea of why they were holding out on Mayfield’s contract. Since getting paid he has to be one of the worst starting QBs in the NFL
September 21st, 2026 at 9:32 am
And where’s it written the Glazers are not allowed to fire a coach mid-season? Just because they haven’t doesn’t mean they won’t. Maybe they’ve learned their lesson. Schiano followed Raheem, Lovie followed Schiano. How’d those next coaches work out by holding off firing mid-season?
Hire Gruden as interim coach and see if he can work magic. Nothing lost this season to then hire who you want in January, while making the rest of the Bucs season worth watching to see what he does.
To answer your last question, what’s that make you? LOLLYGAGGERS
September 21st, 2026 at 9:33 am
Anybody want to buy my tickets for the December 20 game against the Saints? I fear it will be bloodbath. I hate the Saints. I live six hours away and usually make the trip for one game every year. I don’t want to waste my vacation and my hard earned coin on an AirBNB to come see this crap show. At least my wife and I can enjoy some good local food and our favorite Venezuelan bakery. Might even get to wrestle once.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:33 am
I always look forward to your 5 things and 10 takeaways articles. This may end up being a season defining loss. Watson may have been the worst QB in the NFL before yesterday’s game, but I thought he looked pretty sharp. Not only may this be a season defining loss, but this may have been a career saving win for Watson.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:35 am
If you fired Bowles now, who do you put in as acting HC? Zac? Bwawawa!!!!
Danny Smith is the only coach that is getting anything out of his players.
But who is to blame for hiring Zac and bring in FAs that can’t play. How does Licht never get torch like Bowles does. This crap is a team effort.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:35 am
hey guys maybe our talent is overrated here’s a thought haven’t seen vita or Winfield make a play in years it feels like yaya needs to be gone asap worthless Bain isn’t as good as the other short armed rookie for the Bengals and baker is all in his head right now he has chris open all game over the middle he’s seeing ghosts and that’s on him and the interior of the o line being absolutely shameful
September 21st, 2026 at 9:35 am
From the hilights, I’d say BM is close to the worst. About 4 missed downfield balls that wasn’t even close for the receiver to make any kind of play. Then that hairbrain decision to run on the last play of the game instead of throwing a 50/50 ball for the win.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:35 am
The Bolts know what they’re doing, Coop fields competitive teams year in, year out and the arena is packed. The Rays, despite all of their stadium dysfunction, have produced competitive teams this decade.
The Glazer’s are business-minded, they’ll understand things better when their bottom line is affected. Stop going to games. Don’t renew your season tickets. Stop buying the carnival slop at the concession stands. Stop buying the junk merch. They clearly know once every 18-25 years how to produce a winner but they product their putting out now for consumption sucks.
Don’t worry though, eventually they’ll be out with their hat out seeking public money for a stadium soon enough.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:36 am
At this point it would be nice to have Gruden as an interim coach it would literally give a spark to the players.
It’s a no watch rest of the season for me, unless I feel like having a good laugh at Anzalone fly around aimlessly. What a waste.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:36 am
Here’s another little tip..
The “PLAYERS” haven’t forgotten A THING concerning last season…. Why WOULD THEY be juiced up to continue on THAT path? Well the geniuses over in the castle towering above One Buc, MUST HAVE missed “something” for YEARS!
How do you NOT see this coming??? You want to talk about what being in your own “BUBBLE” means? Just ask the goofy glazers…
September 21st, 2026 at 9:37 am
The game is won in the trenches. We all know this. Our interior OL is horrendous, the law office of Bredeson&Barton is a leaking sieve and allowing rushers into Bakers face all day. As a result, he isn’t comfortable and is getting jittery, and can’t step into throws. Robinson is actually calling a good game, if Baker hit on a few of those shots we easily put up 28 to 31 points a game. The line is ruining any chance of offensive success.
On the other side, our $25m mistake VV is loafing, and takes himself out after 5 plays. There is no interior rush on our d-line, and therefore, we cant get the pocket disrupted. Bain and Diaby would be a lot more effective if the QB was being pushed to either side.
Until we get better play on the lines, we will continue ti lose. Simple
September 21st, 2026 at 9:38 am
I felt Winfield was overrated when he gave up those big end of game yardages in th Rams playoff. He was punching above his weight and I felt he’d come back to earth. He has but at least he got a fat contract.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:39 am
Todd should’ve been fired 2 years ago; I’m lost for words as to why he’s still here. I think Bruce Arians has a lot to do with it. Todd inherited a nice red Farrari when he became HC and crashed it. I can’t say that I’m surprised; you are what your record says you are and Bowles has always been a below .500 HC and he’s doing it again here in Tampa. Fire his @ss!…
September 21st, 2026 at 9:39 am
Let it go. Bowles is not going to be fired mid season. What would it accomplish? Name me one example over the past 30 years where firing a coach changed the season. Heck, I think you’d be hard pressed to find an example in the Super Bowl era.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:40 am
@joe honest question, when Baker finagled this contract from the Glazers do you think the other teams in our division (and the rest of the NFL for that matter) were bummed and frightened or do you think they laughed and celebrated that we will get walked over for years? I’m pretty sure its the latter.
Neither. Mayfield commands respect around the NFL, but not to the level that inspires fear.–Joe
September 21st, 2026 at 9:40 am
“This team isn’t very good.”????
Really good?
No… This team is really bad.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:41 am
Sorry for the typos – I’ll coach myself up better on the fundamentals of keyboarding with my thumbs while on the crapper on company time.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:41 am
One of the characteristics of the “lost decade” was absolutely unwatchable games. Yesterday’s game was just that. You KNEW that the Browns were going to come back and win, you just knew!
Where is that defensive fire we heard about all off-season?! Why can’t they make simple plays, like tackling for instance?!
Lastly, I can’t help but speculate that Baker’s arm is not 100%. There are no excuses for missing that many open WRs.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:43 am
So, the Glazers have never fired a coach in mid season? Remember;There’s no change if there’s no change
September 21st, 2026 at 9:43 am
@MonsVIP
Already inacted. Gave up my seats that I’ve had for YEARS! I MEANT what I said.
Not one freaking PENNY! Almost spent money for exclusive watching rights and then snapped out of it and decided to listen on the radio… I appreciated my restraint. BEST decision I’ve made in Years
September 21st, 2026 at 9:44 am
The positive part about firing in season is that it gives you an opportunity to get ahead of the other teams
You can interview in house options in season.
Other than that there not really any benefits other than providing your fans with mercy.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:44 am
AnonymousBucs, that’s such a good apology. I was scratching me head too and still scratching my head why they continue to make bad decisions. Yes the Bucs were like a shiny red Ferari. WHT didn’t they hand the wheels to someone who can drive it like a race car instead of someone who drives like their grandparents Toyota Corolla. Safe and reliable lol.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:45 am
@D Rome
Satisfaction. THAT’S WHAT. It can’t BE any worse than it already IS…
September 21st, 2026 at 9:50 am
• No Confidence
September 21st, 2026 at 9:54 am
Astute of the Joes to highlight the record against the spread.
The gambling community is heavily resourced to find spread numbers that split risk over time between segments of bettors.
The fact that the Bucs’ lines are consistently high relative to performance means that Vegas is over-estimating the Bucs. Their algorithms focus on player stats, but are likely not capturing the impact of the passive “play to not to lose” approach this staff takes. Vegas is also likely expecting the random errors (turnovers, penalties) to revert to some kind of a mean, but because there is no accountability or consequences with the Bucs, those mistakes continue to happen.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:56 am
Sell the team, Glazers.
September 21st, 2026 at 9:59 am
Not as down on this loss because it is still very early in the season. Last year, the toilet running in the second half of the season was more frustrating. Since we know this is a week-to-week league, as evidenced by the Eagles having to score a last-second TD against the Titans to win, anything is possible. The Bears put up 59 one week and 3 the next, and not wishing injury on anyone, we saw what happened to the skins, errr Commanders, when their QB went down; a close game became a blowout (that was coaching too.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:02 am
I see what’s happening here …But do the Bucs want Arch Manning THAT badly?😉
September 21st, 2026 at 10:05 am
gruden
September 21st, 2026 at 10:06 am
Should have fired bowles 2 years ago and kept cohen,he lost 9 out last 10 games
September 21st, 2026 at 10:06 am
Bowles didn’t have Anzelone miss multiple tackles with one resulting in a touchdown. Bowles didn’t call a mediocre offensive game where we wastes tona of downs w bad calls paired with a qb who couldn’t hit the open receiver on multiple occasions. HCs gonna get some strays but 2 weeks in a row there are other places to point.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:08 am
Where is the post from Joe titled, “We have a Baker Mayfield Problem”
It’s the most glaring issue with this team right now. Not Bowles or Licht. Not Anzalone (although we DO have an Anzalone problem too)! And not, where is Reuben Bain.
Mayfield is killing this offense. His (not) decision making is absolutely destroying this offense. His turnovers, are killing our defense. Baker alone is responsible for 17 points scored against us this season.
How many times do we have to watch Baker hit his back foot on his 3/5 step drop, stare at a wide open receiver, look down to see if the pass rush is coming, hold the ball, then try to “escape” pressure.
Of course the OC is going to call throws behind the LOS. His QB won’t throw to his OPEN first or second read. It’s terrible. Even if we forgave him for all the missed downfield throws, which we shouldn’t, the inability and unwillingness to execute the simple first read is unfathomable from what is to be considered a franchise QB.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:09 am
The whole team sucked. Having said v that bad luck played,a role. If it were not rainy Hurst would have caught the td with almost no time left. The only good news is we wont start fast and fizzle. Now,we can start slow and finish strong. Of the oc that got away… Jacksonville lost and Carolina won. The thing that still worries me is our backup QB has,no real game nfl experience. Look at Minnesota and Chicago. Vikings,hired the experienced guy drafted by philly long ago. 5’10 very slim Kyler ( HeavyF you owe me a nickname) got killed by a big lineman. The backup stepped in 2-0. Chicago list it,s QB and all they had,was,a nobody with little experience. Daniels doods are willing to lose while he learns I am not.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:10 am
There is no fixing this – our fate was sealed when the Glazers/Licht decided to retain him in January.
I’ve always thought Licht was an above average GM but he’s tied his future to Bowles and they both need to go.
The team had leverage on Mayfield, they didn’t need to extend him. Doing so, and at that price, now limits the HC candidates to those who will take Baker. Bad, bad move.
The team is a mess and only a housecleaning can fix it – and that’s not a guarantee.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:11 am
Bad teams can many times have hope for the future that fans can rally behind. Possibly a developing QB, new coach trying to install his system, etc…
This team has none of those things. Highly paid veterans that arent producing and young players not developing. Its impossible to even judge the talent level of the roster one way or another. This is currently a boring team to follow. Wins mean very little because they are fleeting and losses are just expected and almost a foregone conclusion.
At this point, spatered wins here and there only mean dropping in the draft order, but given the current situation, the draft means nothing as well given who is tasked with coaching those players.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:14 am
Mike Tomlin
September 21st, 2026 at 10:14 am
The Saints and Panthers are by far the 2 best teams in our division.
And as of right now, it’s not even close. They are both way better than us and the Falcons.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:20 am
Also the going commandos also lost a,QB but Marriotta is there and played well in relief over the years.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:23 am
This is to Ryan,accountability starts at top so if anzelone misses tackles that’s on Bowles as well,he is defensive coach but the defense been bad several years in row, and it’s not 2 games the team stunk second half last year,do agree with u on offense and baker underperforming now that he got paid,bottom line Bowles in charge that means u own this trainwreck
September 21st, 2026 at 10:23 am
Tomlin hates Baker. Bring back brady to coach. He would have to sell his raiders share.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:26 am
Bucs are exactly what I’ve said they were.
And I’ve said it for MONTHS.
Time to change tradition.
Fire Zack, Licht, and Bowles today.
Sit Mayfield. This line will get him killed. Give him the year off.
Save him until the team is in more competent hands.
This is a bad team, on both lines.
Bad lines make everyone else look bad.
Can’t be fixed this season. We are playing for high draft picks at this point.
But this won’t happen.
Because this isn’t about winning, as much as it’s about making money.
Throwing in the towel- they believe- would tank ticket sales.
Like I would buy tickets to want this slop.
I knew this would happen. I didn’t buy a single for this season.
Wise choice.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:27 am
well, HOU started off 0-3 last year and still won 12games lol….
but yeah, its time to clean house…fire Todd and promote Danny to HC for the rest of the year…
if you dont do it now, Todd will win 4 of his last 5 games and folks will think the ship is turning
GO BUCS!!!!
September 21st, 2026 at 10:30 am
No wonder Evan’s left he knows a sinking pirate ship when he sees it
September 21st, 2026 at 10:35 am
One thing which Rick Stroud mentioned makes an argument about why the Glazer will not can Bowles until January. Stroud says firing Bowles mid-season would give the coaching staff an incentive to put their coaching duties on auto-pilot and start looking for new gigs as they know they will likely get canned.
I disagree, sometimes change is good, in MLB, look at the Red Sox, worst to playoffs after they launched their manager. Out in Vegas, Tortorella had a playoff run after being named coach just weeks before the playoffs. Sometimes a shake up at the head coaching level will get things going, now whether that extends to football, well, one way to find out and let’s face it, could the Bucs get worse if Bowles was not head coach?
I still say yank his play calling duties, the dude’s schemes are not working, how many tight ends look like pro-bowlers against his Swiss Cheese flat schemes????? If it is the talent (Anzalone) then why doesn’t Bowles adjust the scheme? Does he know how to????
September 21st, 2026 at 10:35 am
I believe the glazers are smart, I
Also believe the plan all
Along has been Mike Tomlin Hc
Ronde Barber GM
September 21st, 2026 at 10:36 am
Now I project 4 wins on the season–the Browns game was going to make it 5 but Bucs were impotent and here we are. 4 WINS top 5 pick perhaps even #1 pick Falcons may get off the mat and fight back versus Bucs
September 21st, 2026 at 10:36 am
60 million a year really?
September 21st, 2026 at 10:43 am
Scott. Coaches coach and players play. A.A. has been in the right position via scheme to stop 2 if not 3 touchdowns now. We’ve lost by 1 each game. Go ahead and blame the coach because he is too old to make the play himself.
Baker had open windows to hit wrs all day and chose the deep ball or check down. We would never run hot hand. Where was the wr schemes in the ENTIRE first half but hey blame Bowles.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:46 am
Can we finally, for the love of God, fire Bowles? How much more sample size does someone need? The GM needs to let the ego go and admit the mistake. But, let’s keep losing and see.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:46 am
Same story. Different year.
September 21st, 2026 at 10:53 am
You ever went into work and you (or you heard a co-worker) say “man, I just don’t feel like being here today.” That is what a lot of players body language looked like, not all but a lot. There was even talk of running up the score! My son is a big Vikings fan (actually just Justin Jefferson) so I promised him we would go. I am not looking as forward to it as I was just 24 hours ago. By the way, anyone with decent seats not going, let me know.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:02 am
Bringing in Tomlin isn’t the answer. Be like when we hired Lovey. Feel good story without a happy ending. Find the next Coen, Joe Brady, Ben Johnson. Someone with an offensive background.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:27 am
The Bucs have now lost NINE in a row. Great coaching Todd!!!!!!!!!
September 21st, 2026 at 11:39 am
There is clearly a glaring leadership vacuum. Like many I have been patient with Todd. I wanted changes made to the coach last year but it didn’t happen so I supported the other changes. I was also leaning towards letting Baker play the year out before extending him. Obviously that didn’t happen and two games in, so far it seems like a horrific decision. There are 15 games left. Obviously we could dig ourselves out of this hole. Will we? At this point I would be very surprised. Bordering unshocked. But they play the games for a reason. The rookies have looked pretty good outside of Bain who has been as invisible as any player could. If we were winning and that was happening, I would chalk it up to his obvious inexperience playing against pros. Are free? Agents have been terrible outside of Robinson who has played about as expected. But the leadership vacuum exists. From the GM. From the head coach. And from the quarterback. There is plenty of time to clean up this mess, but with so many moving parts that are in disarray, it would seem miraculous if that happened. But in an oddly sadistic way, I’m curious to see how it all pans out.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:43 am
Worst team in the league..Bring back Gruden right now and we win the division with ease. Just like Lovie, just like Mike Smith. Just like Leftwhich, just like Schiano…Bowles will never coach in this league again not as an assistant, a coordinator or any position on a staff. If it wasnt for Brady we’d still be hanging our hat on 2002.
Bring back Gruden and just dont give him GM power. This is more than embarrassing this is incompetence from the top down.
September 21st, 2026 at 11:59 am
Let the glazers enjoy an empty stadium.
September 21st, 2026 at 12:31 pm
We’ve been calling for it for years Joe. And if nobody goes to the games they surely will do it in season. That much is certain
September 21st, 2026 at 12:38 pm
I get that e won’t fire Todd but again we made a 3rd rate QB look like a solid pro. When will at least fire the defensive coordinator. The Browns suck because their offense is atrocious. Yes the offense stunk yesterday, but the defense was the real stinker. The browns shouldn’t score over 20 on a high school team. Take the defensive play calling away from Todd!
September 21st, 2026 at 12:59 pm
I’m glad fans are venting but will it ever make the ears of those who can do something
September 21st, 2026 at 1:06 pm
My 5 things:
1. Zach Robinson’s gameplan was atrocious. Small flare out patterns to Running Backs and Wideouts never win Games in the NFL.
2. Bowles’ defensive gameplan was horrible as always. I don’t want to hear about how well they played in the first half. Once Cleveland saw what Bowles was doing, they adjusted and moved the ball at will. Bowles never adjusted (as always). The usual culprits: bad tackling and wide open receivers with nobody around them and soft cushion coverage by the corners.
3. Where was Sean Tucker? I guess it would not have mattered much because all of our backs combined for 20 carries, but still….
4. Not only was the pass rush MIA, but it was a very bland and routine rush with the same token blitzes. How about throwing in some different/additional Twists and stunts from the D-Line? This may give Bain a cheap sack and boost his confidence.
5. Graham Barton is a bust. I was screaming at the TV on draft day in 2024 for the Bucs to trade up to pick 18 to draft Jared Verse who had fallen considerably. Instead we drafted a guy who looks no better than Robert Hainsey. Two Holding calls yesterday and every time he is challenged with a guy over him, he seems to be getting beat 90% of the time.
September 21st, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Joe 0-11 against the spread. A $50 bet and letting ride each week would be $102,400.
September 21st, 2026 at 2:08 pm
Past 2 games on Baker I’m a fan but he’s got to play better
O line sucks, new O coordinator, too many plays for losses, lots of blame to go around but if he’s our franchise QB ( which I believe he can be) it ends with him
September 21st, 2026 at 2:18 pm
Article could be called Fifty Things and still not cover all the ills this team possesses. Good grief. Another year of joy.
September 21st, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Sean McDermott is available.
September 21st, 2026 at 3:48 pm
That was one of the most atrocious losses in years for the Bucs. Joe says. We have been saying that for far too long now. 3rd and 28 on and on. Blows needs to gos
September 21st, 2026 at 4:14 pm
Barring the grace of God Almighty coming down and blessing Todd with a miracle, playoffs are not happening. And honestly Joe, playoffs should NOT save him. Only way he keeps his job, if I’m one of the Glazers is a super bowl appearance. I will be changing my response for polls from “little confidence” to “no confidence”.
September 21st, 2026 at 5:21 pm
I legit enjoyed watching preseason hockey more than Bucs football yesterday