Last Call For Leadership
September 27th, 2026
Bucs captains Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield, Alex Anzalone, Baker Mayfield, Tristan Wirfs and Chris Godwin, where are you?
Todd Bowles, you too!
Over and over and over and over Bucs officials, players and coaches have talked about the team’s great culture and the quality of its leadership.
So Joe thinks it’s very fair to wonder where the hell it is, or if it exists at all.
Vea and Mayfield demanded more money in the offseason and made a stink about their value. What’s going through their heads now at 0-2? Joe fears it’s whatever was going through their heads at 0-1.
Winfield has gone 14 games without a forced fumble and 7 games without an interception. Winfield used to be a feared blitzer; he’s got 2 quarterback hits in his last 16 games and hasn’t had a sack in over a year. He’s another captain playing way below his market value and a guy who needs to raise his play.
Anazlone, who turned 32 last week, may be washed out. He’s certainly played like it.
Wirfs bounced back after a rough Week 1. Godwin isn’t getting the ball enough. Are those guys elevating the play of those around them?
Joe hopes the captains, including Bowles, skipped watching some college football yesterday and got together (or last week) to talk about how much they’ve failed their teammates and fans and why.
If today Joe sees more jogging Buccaneers, dumb penalties and offensive linemen not playing through the echo of the whistle, then Joe will know little or nothng has changed.
September 27th, 2026 at 8:16 am
The response…
(insert cricket noises here)
September 27th, 2026 at 8:40 am
What leadership? If the Bucs are below .500 before the bye week, it’s time to trade some players, starting with AWJ. Since he got his money he’s been mediocre.
September 27th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Just pass out a few more letter Câs
That should do it
September 27th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Donât know if itâs Bowles, Licht, Robinson, or something else.
But Wirfs, Vea, and Godwin are mailing it in.
The video out there, of Godwin jogging the wrong way during a play, is exactly whatâs happening with these 3.
The video showed more examples of Godwin quitting during plays.
They could make similar tapes of Wirfs and Vea.
This team has to clean house. From Licht down to the janitors.
This is a bad team. Worse, the few above Average players we have are not contributing.
When people are blaming rookies, for the teams failures, you know the team sucks.
September 27th, 2026 at 8:47 am
Lead by example, play with passion, discipline, intensity, desire and perseverance
September 27th, 2026 at 8:53 am
Bowles doesnât even know whoâs playing on defense, he praised Parrish for âcovering wellâ last week but he didnât even play. He has lost his mind. Not the kind of leader anyone wants to play for.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Even with a loss, it would be nice to see a close game. I just dont see them bouncing back today. âčïž
September 27th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Counting their money?
September 27th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Last year some of the so called leaders were at the podium multiple times talking about guys just not playing like they cared at all. And the first 2 weeks, look exactly like last season.
From Bowles cussing publicly out of frustration, to Baker saying things, and Lavonte saying things, and yet week after week, lifeless performances and pissed away the season
When you have a coach saying you cannot coach effort. WHAT!!!!!!!!
If you do not play hard, then there is the bench, or their is the door, BYE, that seems like a way a coach can get more effort????
This funk has been there for a long time, this is not about talent, its simply about playing hard, actually honoring the contract you signed…..
September 27th, 2026 at 9:13 am
When what needs to happen, happens this afternoon, I will be satisfied.
Us âbad fansâ understand that there is no world in where Todd Bowles gets us to an nfc championship, let alone playing on Sunday in February.
He has to go so we can modernize this franchise. Kyler Murray and JJ will make it obvious today.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:15 am
Theres no leadership….everyone is drunk and hung over…doing whatever the hell they want…
Its all good though, all good.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:18 am
A picture is worth a thousand words.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:18 am
MadMax says “….everyone is drunk and hung over….”
Hey, this ain’t my fault!
September 27th, 2026 at 9:19 am
Bowles is coaching for his career but he’s not willing to sit players who aren’t delivering.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Perhaps the Bucs can dust off some old lawn chairs and bring them back and make them captains! Now thereâs an idea!
September 27th, 2026 at 9:29 am
@Drunk, yeah i hear you…but yeah it is, we aren’t “fanning” enough according to someone (wont name)
September 27th, 2026 at 9:29 am
All overpaid đ
September 27th, 2026 at 9:32 am
At the time of the announcement of the 2026 Captains , the lameness reminded me of picking a class President at Buchanan Jr. High in the early 70âs . it was a popularity contest. All you had to do was promise a Coke vending machine in the cafeteria and you were President . Actually , the Bucs Captainâs may be lamer than that .
September 27th, 2026 at 9:35 am
The Coke vending machine never materialized and neither does the promised Leadership.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:36 am
Offense and defense are confused about what to do in the scheme.
The upgrades done by Todd to the defense keeps making the players more confused. We are still seeing open flats.
Baker is taking forever to throw and when he does it makes you cringe.
No rhythm on neither.
Leadership is this team is a joke. Nobody respects Bowles. The energy on this teams feels like last December. Remember 3-28âŠ.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:38 am
They all have their bag and they know Bowles is toothless. These guys are playing to stay healthy this season. They know Bowles is a walking dead man.
They watched Bowles fall on his face last year, retain his job, fire everyone around him, and replace them all with JV coaches.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:45 am
Willy Wonka: “You get nothing! You lose! Good day, sir!”
The reality of it is you’ve got a bunch of kids in their 20″s and early 30’s someone labeled as “Pros” and gave them millions $$$$$ no matter if they win or lose. Maybe the contracts should stipulate payment only on a win. More motivation when the bills come due for the fancy lifestyle.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:46 am
It didnât take long for the newcomers to realize the ship has holes and its sinking. And thatâs when leadership disappears. The coach already knows he is out the door. He is probably making retirement plans. And he got his son a nice paycheck on his way out. Like all Lovie did.
Mike was smart. I wish him the best.
Loyalty does not make you forget yourself and it goes both ways. Keeping Bowles showed no loyalty on your players.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:49 am
Izien was just as good as Winfield. At 1/20th thé cost.
Safeties are easy to find in Round 2.
Winfield is overpaid. Period.
If he doesnât step it up, he will be a cap casualty next year.
Zion also. Yaya will also be allowed to leave.
I think Bowles is burnt out.
We need fresh blood next year.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:51 am
Izien is going to start today for the Lions.
I guarantee he will have a good game
September 27th, 2026 at 9:53 am
Even bad teams have players who step up and make game changing plays. Might not win the game, but there is motivation and effort. Not one player (captain) has taken the lead on the Bucs and said I’m making a difference.
September 27th, 2026 at 9:56 am
These so-called captains are too busy spending the Glazers money
It seems like football is the last thing on their minds
September 27th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Seems to me this head coach isnât held accountable and heâs just passing that down the line to captains and players. The guy got 8 wins out of Tom Brady. 8. Why is he coaching anywhere above High School?
September 27th, 2026 at 10:15 am
The day Tom Brady left OBP for the final time
That was the day the winning stop
It’s back to the YUCS for us
Break out them old paper sacks, and wear them proudly
September 27th, 2026 at 10:17 am
If the players don’t believe in their coaching leadership then fundamental change and improvement will not happen. ME said what the entire team is thinking because he made the decision then and there to leave. The other guys on the team are using media and retired player proxies to aire their grievances. Bowles has to go! If they lose today the Glazers need to break tradition, but I doubt they will.
September 27th, 2026 at 10:18 am
Last call for the head coach you mean? Leave the players out of it, this is all on Bowles. When we get a new coach then we can evaluate the players.
September 27th, 2026 at 10:19 am
I know one thing…Mr Sapp and Mr Brooks would be holding a mandatory meeting with some dudes. Not sending messages through the media or some sports guy in an office someplace.
Go Bucs!
September 27th, 2026 at 10:49 am
Lol!!! While reading on my phone, I thought Joe finally called it like it is….’Todd Bowles, you TOOL!’ Leadership starts at the top. Has Licht gone into hiding yet?
September 27th, 2026 at 10:56 am
Look at the production Licht let walk (Izien, Evans, White) and look what he brought in (Anzalone, Gainwell, and some 2nd tier DL/LB help. When Licht makes a splash, it’s a belly flop. I’ll be forever grateful that BA used JL in order to retire in FL. JL is the ultimate TOOL. If you want his opinion/input, just ask the Glazers so they have time to shive an arm up his @$$ so to make his mouth move
September 27th, 2026 at 10:56 am
The leadership starts with the ownership
They are the owners, the big bosses, everyone else are beneath them
With the Bucs, the owners are not getting it done
Too much wasted capital on useless players
A Head Coach that’s not holding players accountable
A GM that continues to sign washed up free agent bums
Only the owners can fix this mess
That’s all the leadership this team needs
September 27th, 2026 at 11:05 am
As a Baker fan, whatever else happens, I want to see him step up and lead. We’ll know soon enough…
September 27th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Team is finishedâŠ.absolutely no way they win today⊠culture sucks and new coaching staff is needed⊠some players need to be sent packing
September 27th, 2026 at 11:19 am
They all got paid đ€Ł. Vita is the malingering Captain with a “back” injury. GM is a push over, who wants to be liked. That never work he should of traded Vita, and waited until end of season to figure out Baker.
September 27th, 2026 at 11:19 am
Bucs players were saying that Tom Brady created a stressful environment
Baker Mayfield was saying the players are more relaxed with him
They were calling Tom Brady a perfectionist
Tom Brady said he thought it was stressful to not win a ring
The players want the bag, but they’re not willing to put in the wotk
September 27th, 2026 at 11:22 am
the thing that didnt change from then was brady was upset at the time spent by the coaches game planning
September 27th, 2026 at 11:23 am
the being relaxed starts with the coaches
September 27th, 2026 at 11:23 am
If they had leaders we would have seen them by now.
September 27th, 2026 at 11:26 am
Bowles is great, Licht is great, Baker is great, the defense is great.
Pom Pom waive, Pom Pom waive, Pom Pom waive, Pom Pom waive.
Just wanted to speak out for the lemmings that can’t see the truth.
September 27th, 2026 at 11:28 am
Nothing i can do,but move on to wk 3 ..Go Bucs!
September 27th, 2026 at 11:31 am
Teacher man is correct. Im not a fan of paying a safety big money unless, he a Lott, Atwater, Teed or Chancellor. AWJ was not even close to them. Safetys can be found in round 1 oe 2 every year. I never liked AWJs contact. Plus hes too small.
September 27th, 2026 at 11:37 am
These losers think they can promote this failing organization by hyping up this team during the off season and in training camp. Week 1 shows up and reality kicks in. “We’re changing the culture around here by signing guys with attitude and nastiness.” ” I really like this team.” ” This defensive line is going to reek havoc with all these playmakers” Just a few of the garbage quotes that came from Lichts mouth. I’m not a defensive guru by any means, but when you blitz and bring the house but then play 10yds off the receivers, how do you expect the rushers to get there when quick passes are wide open?
September 27th, 2026 at 11:56 am
đ€đ€đ”đșđșđșđș
September 27th, 2026 at 11:58 am
This game will seal Todd Bowles future.
September 27th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Tampa giving up 3 yards a carry, Murray 1 dimensional keep him in the pocket, they can cover Jefferson watching the cincy game..No turnovers, tampa wins ! No drops
September 27th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
It will be the same pattern as always. They will play well on Offense but end with FGs. Defense will play tough for 2 plays and then give up a big play.
0-3.
September 27th, 2026 at 12:36 pm
I went to a menâs breakfast at my church
Over 600 men attended. The pastor prayed for a new coach. Thatâs what everyone thinks of Todd Bowles. Lol
September 27th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Joey Porter
September 27th, 2026 at 12:38 pm
I just want to know, do we win any games this year? The schedule is going to be pretty tough!
September 27th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
The Bucs are like having the head of old law firm gone soft, hiring a couple promising kids right out of college, expecting them to right the ship. Yeah, the new kid is who I would want to win my murder trial.
September 27th, 2026 at 12:57 pm
Mr.âs Sapp & Brooks wouldnât wait for a meeting to put cleats in a$$e$.
September 27th, 2026 at 1:00 pm
When Baker and Vita punked out Jason Licht
I knew then it was over for this team
If Jason had only held firm, and played hard ball
September 27th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
Win or lose the direction of the team going in the wrong direction, make the change now. Might be able to salvage a playoff spot. Otherwise a wasted season waiting for Bowles to turn it around
September 27th, 2026 at 1:35 pm
Your either a leader or not you can’t manufacture leadership period!
September 27th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
josh allen has turned the ball over 3x today in the game against the chargers. he must really suck. better replace him!
September 27th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Fire TB now…bring in the entire UF coaching staff! What a display of energy and coaching imagination the Gators displayed yesterday!
September 27th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Remember Trevor Lawrence a few years ago. He looked lost at out there and was making terrible decisions. He did not look like the leader of the offense. He is clearly the leader out there now. He now sets the tone for the entire team. You all say what you want, coaching matters. A lot!
September 27th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
Some hinted, Lakeland just called it right out….
It’s the glazers that ARE the problem. Anybody suggesting otherwise just Don’t live in the “real world”. The boss….. IS the guy signing the checks! If you believe differently, then you must work for the government. (Until you realized that your particular boss will Far More than just fire you. They’ll literally make your financial life… GO AWAY, and find some way to trump up charges against YOU just for fun, AND PRESS THEM AGAINST YOU! LOL.. Hope you got a lawyer.. And I hope for your freedoms sake it NOT a rookie! O man… lol
The goofy glazer goombas …. As Stupid as they honestly seem to be, I’m pretty sure THEY sold ALL of us out!
I’m not sure what the prize was but it MUST HAVE been substantial to have destroyed the market value of their own team by BILLIONS of dollars!
Or, someone lost One H3!! of a bet! There’s also the “seemingly VERY POSSIBLE proof of” video that would BURY one or more of them to have “bent themselves So FAR over”!
This Really DOES begin and end with the glazers “FORCING” some of the Dumdest decisions apon their own wallets and pride (if they have any) and at the risk of losing THE 50 YEARS worth of loyalty of ENTIRE FAN BASE…. Why?
Well… maybe they REALLY ARE just THAT stupid… It’s possible.
Now THAT’S a book worth reading but you’ll NEVER find a copy. They have enough money to buy off the truth… And What a bunch of @$$ holes!
September 27th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Via got paid and turned into Gerald McCoy, a nice guy that doesnât do squat from the snap of the ball until the whistle. Baker got paid and itâs not looking like it was worth it. Not sure if he is pushing too hard or what there. Season was was a waste anyway when they kept Bowles. They should hire Mike Norvell and at least help out FSU so that the big 3 can all be relevant again!!! HaHa. I guess I should state that the last sentence is sarcasm.
September 27th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
2-9 in your last 11 games âŠ..Todd and Baker, whats next? I think I already know the answerâŠ..keep making those commercials Baker, the more I see you in commercials, the worse your play becomes on the field. Bowles for sure is a waste of our time and the I talk too much Baker is headed that way too âŠâŠ.wake up owners, your franchise is going to hell with these guys
September 27th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
Just a game
September 27th, 2026 at 3:21 pm
Slacker Says:
when you blitz and bring the house but then play 10yds off the receivers, how do you expect the rushers to get there when quick passes are wide open?
Exactly! This seems so simple, but after 8 years Todd still doesnât seem to grasp this concept. These QBs have 3 wide-open options every time. They can get the ball out with ease in 2 seconds. Of course the blitz isnât going to work.
September 27th, 2026 at 3:25 pm
I said it with Love on Thursday and now today with Drake Maye, 80% of u on here would take either over Baker, especially with Maye going to super bowl last year….kid looks like crap out there, the type of game where everyone would be calling for his head and to be cut, benched, or traded immediately!!! Josh Allen has 3 turnovers today as well, just sayin, all your beloved replacements have their moments
September 27th, 2026 at 3:30 pm
Not a lot of sense posting my thoughts this year on the Bucs. You guys are mostly posting what I have said for years. This franchise is rotten at the top.
1. Lousy GM with questionable rafts and keeping his pet projects (see JTS and Braswell)
2. Playing players without talent or drive>>>>TB.
3. TB
4. TB
5. TB
6. Stupid owners keeping this rotten at the top management.
And so it goes.
September 27th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
Iâve read all week about bad coaching. Is talent the problem? No. By all stretches of evaluation, the talent is there. The defensive scheme? Seems stale and way too complicated. We donât have enough experience to critique the offensive scheme. One thing is in common though, coaching, particularly on defense. The Glazers are a politically driven family. What we are seeing is the failure of the latest and hopefully soon ending DEI virus. The NFL used to be the goal many coaches prepared for or at least hoped for. It was a meritocracy. A coach worked hard, took his lumps, grew in the profession, networked, and if he was fortunate enough made the big game. Here? Anyone remember last yearâs OC? Never was a coordinator anywhere, yet he was installed as OC. Look at the defensive coaches, few, if any worked as a position coachâŠmaybe as an assistant, but not the main guy. And, of course, the HC/DC. A sub-.500 record. Winner of the NFC South 4 timesâŠwhoop-d-doo. The point? No team can rise above its leadership. As long as the Glazers are involved in politics, donât expect better.
September 27th, 2026 at 3:34 pm
Hey Glazier’s…you paying attention to the Jags today!?
Morons!
September 27th, 2026 at 3:39 pm
Jags destroying New England!
September 27th, 2026 at 3:47 pm
At least number 3 is out out out,
September 27th, 2026 at 3:49 pm
My theory is Baker, Tristan, Vita, Anzalone, would rather be playing with their kids than playing football.
September 27th, 2026 at 3:49 pm
Them jags rolling again!!
September 27th, 2026 at 3:51 pm
You want leadership it starts with Bowles
Lots of QB turnovers in early games, Herbert, Maye. Allen, etc
It just shows playing QB in this league is hard. Coaching matters, and so does confidence. Only one coach in the NFL has sold out his QB despite the turnovers
Bowles has already started selling out his QB
Losing coaches should do their talking in practice and film room, not to the media
September 27th, 2026 at 4:08 pm
You know what doesn’t change if the players jog on plays, take multiple plays off and/or mail it in? Their paycheck doesn’t. All of these guys cashed in and got their bag. They have no intention of playing hard and risk the chance of injury that may carry consequences in their retirement years. There is no one in the organization to force them to change their ways. Not the owners, “head coach”(lol), General Manager or their “accomplices”! If they win any games, it won’t be because of effort, it’ll be because the other team shot themselves in the foot.
September 27th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
Thanks Big Z.
You are also exactly right.
Too small. Too expensive. And easily replaced in the 2nd round.
By the way.
Izien had 2 TFL and Ă pass defensed today.
With 9 tackles
September 27th, 2026 at 5:53 pm
Why, would anybody step up to display leadership characteristics on this team? Coaches donât! Owners don’t! GM doesnât either! Theyâre following the examples set by their leaders