Game Week Is Here!
September 1st, 2025
Reason to smile.
Joe is in ecstasy.
Game week has arrived, which means it’s just six days from a real kickoff Sunday afternoon in Atlanta. Practice resumes at One Buc Palace today and Joe’s team of 12 1/2 interns have reported for duty.
Will Tristan Wirfs be on a practice field today? It’s possible. We’ll find out this afternoon when today’s no-pads (underwear football) session starts at One Buc Palace. Todd Bowles will talk about 1:30 p.m.
Stay tuned for the feisty annual prediction episode of The Ira Kaufman Podcast. That should drop Wednesday night following the unveiling of the first official injury report of the season. If there’s a surprise on that list, Joe might be found vomiting profusely.
It’s official already, third-string right tackle Elijah Wilkinson will start for the Falcons on Sunday. Joe’s mind and eyes will be fixed there to see how Haason Reddick and Todd Bowles plan to wreck Atlanta’s running game and terrorize quarterback Michael Penix.
Ahhh, football is back. The long wait is over.
Sunday may not be a must-win, but a ton of respect will be on the line.
September 1st, 2025 at 5:18 am
After losing both games to them last year, it’s a must-win to me.
September 1st, 2025 at 5:48 am
LFG!!!!!!!!!!
September 1st, 2025 at 6:26 am
Yes, it is a must win! BEAT ATLANTA!!!!!
September 1st, 2025 at 6:30 am
It may not be a must win but a sweep of the Falcons this year could determine our season, We certainly will lose to someone in the NFC South. To be a champion we must beat some of the tougher teams. This game will be a litmus test.
Go Bucs!!
September 1st, 2025 at 6:38 am
So how good of a blocker is Kyle Pitts? I guess we’ll find out.
September 1st, 2025 at 6:55 am
It’s time to feast on the dirty birds at their house.
LFG!!!
Must beat Atl and set the tone for this season.
Super bowl or bust!!!
September 1st, 2025 at 7:02 am
If there was ever a must win game its the opener against the Falcons
September 1st, 2025 at 7:11 am
Sunday is a must win! Bucs have a score to settle.
September 1st, 2025 at 7:21 am
The Bucs are a great team to be a fan of. Some great older players. Interesting history. Haven’t had alot of great teams but 2 Super Bowls and a famous old defense is more than alot of NFL teams can say. Now the Bucs are getting more respect from folks than they have been getting the last few years. It’s because we’re good and getting better. One game at a time, keep grinding and stick together. Block, tackle, and hang onto the football. I’ve always been able to tell a good team at every level. I’m sure this is one of those teams. Not a doubt in my mind. It’s gonna be a banner year for Bucs fans worldwide. And I ain’t Whistling Dixie!!
September 1st, 2025 at 7:50 am
I am going to do everything I can not to overreact if we happen to lose Week 1.
Similarly, I will do everything I can not to overreact when we WIN this week!
September 1st, 2025 at 8:13 am
I am bummed Joe! I did not make the last intern slot at the 1/2 spot.
Oh well maybe next year…Meanwhile back to the gym to work on my punctuation… LOL
Go Bucs!
September 1st, 2025 at 8:34 am
Wait…what? You have 1/2 of an intern? I wonder of all of your interns does the one that only counts as half knows it?
September 1st, 2025 at 8:43 am
Ira’s predictions from last season we’re pretty off until you get down to Kyle Trask and Zion McCollum. I think he would have been correct on Chris Godwin if it wouldn’t have been for the injury. If he would have predicted a Chris Godwin season ending injury, then he would really be a sage.
Saying the Bucs go 9 – 8 versus 10 – 7 seems close, only one game, but that one game difference means everything. Ira always seems on the negative slightly (see Baker’s stats). Except for Yaya’s sack total and the Whitehead prediction, he was definitely glass half full on those… and very wrong. LOL Better luck this year! Tread lightly maybe?
September 1st, 2025 at 9:09 am
at ATL. W. NE. W
at HOU. L. at BUF. L
NYJ. W. at LAR. L
PHIL. W. ARZ. W
at SEA. L. NO. W
SF. W. ATL. W
at DET. L. at CAR. W
at NO. W. at MIA. W
BYE. CAR. W
12-5
September 1st, 2025 at 9:09 am
Atlanta embarrassed the Buc’s twice last season! For every Buc player who had to lower their head after those games this Sunday’s game surely is a must win!!!! The Buc’s will prevail!!! LFG!!!
September 1st, 2025 at 9:46 am
It would be too obvious for Todd’s genius reputation to attack the 3rd string OT. He’ll be really clever and surprise the Falcons by leaving him unmarked and loading up the opposite side, while dropping Reddick deep on obvious passing downs. Genius.
September 1st, 2025 at 9:48 am
12 1/2? You working on a Snow White sequel over there Joe?
September 1st, 2025 at 10:18 am
Joe,
Could we line Vita, Kancey, or Reddick up on the 3rd string right tackle? I’d love to see their answers for that.
Also, do you think the team will practice in the Glazer Shed this week to mimic the indoor environment, or is it best to get the work on grass and save the bodies.
I am pumped for this season, and pumped for Bowles. I believe he takes a huge step forward this year in becoming a top 10 coach.
September 1st, 2025 at 10:27 am
ROTFLMAO top 10 coach
September 1st, 2025 at 11:57 am
Bowles has a chance for coach of the year. Baker MVP. Egbuka rookie of the year. SWEET!!
September 1st, 2025 at 12:01 pm
Oh yeah. Reddick Defensive Player of the Year. Bucky Offensive Player of the Year. Now we’re talking business!! We probably need to be undefeated for this to play out but don’t try telling me there’s not a chance.
September 1st, 2025 at 1:48 pm
This is probably the most must win game in week 1 ever.
September 1st, 2025 at 3:16 pm
How is this a must win? Atlanta might win 5 games. Penix could be awful. So many unknowns.
September 1st, 2025 at 3:51 pm
Seriously…we’re all ready to get some payback from last year. LFG!!!