Path To The Playoffs Still Very Rocky
September 25th, 2026
Bad team, currently.
Please, save your Jim Mora takes for if the Bucs lose Sunday.
Given how bad the Packers looked last night and knowing they have to deal with the heat of Florida a week from Sunday, if somehow the Bucs can beat the Vikings in two days and save their season (for now), it is not nuts to see the Bucs 2-2 a week from Sunday night.
Things look very bad for the Bucs now. Very bad. But until the house burns down, the house is still standing. Right now The Licht House is erect with a cracking foundation.
Austin Mock of The Athletic, who traffics in stats, decided to see how the Bucs might be able to navigate the rest of the schedule and still be in a hunt for the playoffs.
Mock thinks the best bet for the Bucs is to hope the rest of the rancid NFC South landfill loses and Tampa Bay sneaks in by winning the division with an 8-9 record.
Still, Mock typed, the Bucs are a bad football team right now.
I mean, any time you lose the Browns and let Deshaun Watson have his best game in a Cleveland jersey, there’s reason to be concerned. That was supposed to be a win, and now the Bucs face the 15th-toughest schedule the rest of the way, while their NFC South rivals Carolina and New Orleans face the 22nd- and 30th-toughest schedules, respectively. The Bucs are going to have to make up some ground in the divisional games, that’s for sure.
IThe Bucs just have to worry about the team in front them. Lose to the Vikings and the season is just about done. The only thing left is to find the nails for the coffin.
Joe is really, really, really down on the Bucs and for good reason. Combine bad, gutless coaching with bad play and you get the lousy Lovie Smith Bucs circa 2014.
So if you are looking for a glimmer of hope, here is a bread crumb: Baker Mayfield is 2-0 facing a Brian Flores defense.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:06 am
who is going to be held accountable by the owners ? the GM/HC or the players ? I think we know the answer to that one
September 25th, 2026 at 9:07 am
In one defense the Bucs never have a winning record against afc. Going back to 2023 we have been 2-3 every year vs them. And have had a winning record against the nfc every year. Since 2023. So we played 2 afc teams who there is a pattern we don’t play well against. I think we will be fine we will win the next 3 games. Be 3-2 with it then being a brand new season we could be in first all alone or at least tied for first in the division. But remember are two losses don’t hurt as bad because afc games don’t go against tie breakers. The saints panthers have nfc losses and the falcons have a division loss
September 25th, 2026 at 9:07 am
“Very rocky” = roughly a 12% chance of happening.
Yeah… rocky.
0-3? Pack it in. The team is done and so is Bowles.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:08 am
Worst team now in our division, by far. Probably the worst team in the NFL honestly. Signed 2 guys to an extension who didn’t deserve it. What is it going to take to get Bowels and Licht canned? Are we all the delusional ones? Guaranteed the home stands will be half full for the rest of the year and the majority of those fans will be the visitor. Back to the decade of depression. Thanks GLAZERS!
September 25th, 2026 at 9:09 am
Mike Evans’ psychic advisor is looking like a genius now…
September 25th, 2026 at 9:14 am
We all know why Evans left now, he smelled the Bucs Life coming from the moment Bowles was retained.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:19 am
Bet heavy on Minnesota. They’re going to boat race the Bowles led Yucs.
It’ll only get uglier each Sunday. After the record hits 0-5 perhaps the truth will be spoken.
Bowles plays not to lose, thus putting the opponent in position to win.
He thinks FG’s are democratic. TD’s are fascist.
9-6 halftime leads make him giddy. He’s a worthless idiot.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:21 am
If Baker couldn’t play well against the Browns who cares if he is 2-0 against Flores. Agreed Joe, this team is rancid right now!!!
September 25th, 2026 at 9:22 am
its not the same nfc south moore and stefanski are coaches now, raheem the dream failed again hes not around anymore to stink up the joint only bowles is. #coachingmatters
September 25th, 2026 at 9:27 am
Career Record: 61–76 (.445) as a head coach.
12–48 record against teams finishing with a winning record.
Coming Off a Bye: 1–7 career record.
Trailing at Halftime: 16–52.
Post-Tom Brady Primetime Games: 2–10 record.
3–10 record over the last 13 games.
2025 Pass Defense: Ranked 30th in the NFL.
2025 Red Zone Defense: Ranked 32nd (dead last) in touchdown percentage allowed.
2025 Defense vs. Tight Ends: Allowed 100 receptions and 12 touchdowns.
4-Man Rush: Generated the league’s lowest organic pressure rate in 2025 without blitzing.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:32 am
Joe, I have sort of an unthinkable question/ scenario. Matt Lefleur seems to have worn out his welcome in Green Bay especially after he signed a new contract as the same with Bowles in Tampa. Lefleur still seems to be a good NFL offensive mind. Is it possible if Bowles leaves at the end of the Glazers pull off some kind of a trade or an agreement to take the rest of Lefleur contract and bring him in as the next Bucs HC? Sometimes change of scenery makes a big difference. Just see Andy Reid and a couple of more NFL coaches. I think but not sure, he sort of runs the same offensive as the Bucs. Just thinking out loud
September 25th, 2026 at 9:36 am
If you bet $10 on the Bucs losing against the spread starting 11 games ago and used the winnings on each successive bet you’d have $12,271 – all from your initial $10 wager.
They’re 0-11 against the spread since the bye last season. When even Vegas sportbooks get it wrong that often it means the team is a consistently underperforming train wreck.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:40 am
We have the quintessential Government employee Head Coach. A nice guy that everyone likes and is just good enough to not get fired. If I have to hear about winning this pathetic division 3 years in a row when NONE of the other three teams had a starting QB who’s name you can ever remember is his claim to fame. Fire this super nice guy tomorrow and get his stench out of the locker room and start the process and talking to new HC candidates. IT SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED LAST YEAR. Even if this team gets its act together and somehow scrapes out a division win we will go nowhere in the playoffs with our Hot/Cold Very Immature QB. We are what we are.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:41 am
Bowles please stop dropping DEs into coverage;
290 snaps where DEs dropped into pass coverage.
90% Completions rate by QBs finish when targeting DEs in space.
Zero interceptions recorded, and 1 Pass breakup registered across all 290 of those snaps.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Tony1775:
Where did you get these stats? Would love to use them for a story. Will give you credit for digging them up.
September 25th, 2026 at 9:52 am
Another lose doesn’t mean the season is done pull your head out of your ass
September 25th, 2026 at 9:56 am
Come on, Glazers! Don’t wait until January to fix this mess! Think about your long time fans and think outside the box for a change!!!
September 25th, 2026 at 9:58 am
It’s unlikely to improve until players and coaches quit gaslighting themselves about how close they are. They haven’t been a good team since last year’s bye week.
September 25th, 2026 at 10:08 am
No playoff talk. Theyre not winning the division this time. Probably last place
September 25th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Panthers schedule will get tougher, saints schedule is light but they play from behind every week so are they really that good? Things aren’t looking great but I’m not out on the Bucs yet
September 25th, 2026 at 10:31 am
Playoffs? It’s not about that. Play with passion and heart. People are too results oriented. The Bucs are great regardless.
September 25th, 2026 at 10:34 am
Dang, Joe got ahead of me on the Jim Mora reference.
September 25th, 2026 at 10:47 am
Tony1775 – amazing stats! Even Shaq Barrett’s pick 6 was when he was rushing the QB!!
September 25th, 2026 at 10:49 am
I stand corrected, Shaq had a pick against the Eagles were he dropped into coverage. wild stuff
September 25th, 2026 at 10:51 am
As of today:
-Worst team in NFC South
-Worst yet most expensive QB ( by far ) in NFC South
-Worst head coach in NFC South
Otherwise the team is in great shape.
September 25th, 2026 at 10:52 am
Joe Says:
September 25th, 2026 at 9:46 am
Tony1775:
Where did you get these stats? Would love to use them for a story. Will give you credit for digging them up.
@joe you would think that the Glazer’s being savvy business people would be all about these numbers and use this information to make proper decisions about their team, but obviously they are not. What motivation would they have to purposely devalue the team? its crazy!
September 25th, 2026 at 10:52 am
Beat the Vikings and Packers and the ship will be righted…
September 25th, 2026 at 11:07 am
Two victories against Flores is hardly a credible sample. The Lichthouse will need viagra (100 milligrams thank you very much) to remain erect against the Vikings.
🐓
September 25th, 2026 at 11:14 am
No chance
September 25th, 2026 at 11:22 am
If we lose to the Vikings, by:
-less than acceptable QB Play-turnovers, missing open receivers, panicking and bailing from the pocket
-soft serve zone defense, allowed by the QB to have a picnic setup with minimal pressure and allowing a 8+ yard cushion
Then, I’ll be like Joe and turning a page toward the draft. It’s exhausting to see the aforementioned occur.
September 25th, 2026 at 11:24 am
Well, it’s more credible than no sample. It’s not like this is some fiction; it actually happened.
What, should Joe have consulted with the tooth fairy for a sample?
September 25th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
That was a 7-10 Minnesota Vikings team
Baker Mayfield even beat Kirk Cousins in that game
The next season Kirk Cousins came to Atlanta
Swept Baker and the Bucs, and dropped a big 500 on them in one game
……You like that…..
September 25th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Those of you who still can’t see who the elephant in the room are just as blind or delusional as he is about his pass defense! Dont believe me, watch his press conference on Wednesday. And those of you who say I’m not a real fan because I’m tired of this coaching can just STFU I’ve been supporting this team for over 20 years and I’m tired of seeing people settle for this mediocrity b*******!! We’ve gone from Superbowl Champions to a laughing stock and you guys still dont see it. I mean!! Are you even watching how bad we look or yall just satisfied with only winning once every twenty years!! I’m once and always a Bucs fan, but I want a coach that’s gonna put a smash mouth football team on the field!! I’m done with this bum and his soft zone defense that just flat out sucks.
Please prove me wrong Todd.I’m begging you 🙏
Bring back the Bucs that nobody wanted to fu** with, cause this sure the hell ain’t it.
September 25th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
It is a good thing we do not play the Raiders this year. I could see Kirk Cousins dropping 800 yards on this Bowls defense and maybe 70 plus points.
September 25th, 2026 at 1:16 pm
Stop with the they’ll have to deal with the Florida heat BS. In case you haven’t noticed our home record Joe, we have no advantage playing in the heat! It’s a load of crap. Gonna be hot this Sunday, won’t make a bit of difference, because it don’t. Home record don’t lie Joe.
September 25th, 2026 at 1:39 pm
JOE we can tell your really down on the Bucs. Even at 0-3 the season isn’t over. Not saying it will be easy but look it’s only 3 games. There’s 14 games left. Lot of football. It’s the landfill of the nfc south.
September 25th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
#1bucsfan,
I wish I shared your optimism. At 0-3, we are cooked. Look how bad we faded down the stretch last year, and carried it right over to the regular season. Brutal.
September 25th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
I hear ya but the thing is anything can happen yea we lost to the browns but the packers just lost to the falcons. Everyone wants to talk about it’s an easy win but the fact is it’s the NFL there is no easy wins and anything can happen on any given Sunday.
September 25th, 2026 at 2:08 pm
I think “Meaty_Hawg Says:” has it all figured out in his comments above.
I am not even sure it will matter if we somehow manage to win Sunday. 2-9 in your last 11 games with a supposed defensive specialist head coach who can’t coach his team up to tackle, cover, or communicate. Bowles time has come. I had them at 7 wins, not dropping it just yet, but eventually I will. I will endure the pain of the season to finally get rid of Mr. Personality and his garbage defense.
“We gotta coach it better”……….you’re a useless tool. Go away.
September 25th, 2026 at 2:14 pm
We read all offseason how horrible the saint, panthers and falcons were. Celebrations for injuries that would mean the death knell of their chances. We had the best roster and QB.
Many of us stated that the division was improving and indeed it has. While i certainly thought we had the best QB coming into the season i knew we had the worst coach.
Now it’s clear that Bryce is improving, Shough looks like the best qb in the division and penix went out there and carved up the packers. Does anyone think that Baker and the team would have fared as well last night? And the packers are completely mediocre.
Three younger offensive HCs in the NFC south and we have Todd who is so far out of his depth as a coach and manager.
It’s early yet, but if 65% of what has happened so far stays true, the saints will have 9 or 10 wins, the panthers somewhere around 8 or 9, the falcons probably around 8 iand we’ll be lucky to get to 6.
Goodness. You don’t have to be a hands-on owner, but you can be absent.
September 25th, 2026 at 4:18 pm
Quit talking about playoff odds. It insults our intelligence.