“Bucs Are As Real As They Need To Be”
September 24th, 2025
Flashbacks to 2010.
Joe sees the stories popping up. It is to be expected when a team is undefeated after three games.
It sort of reminds Joe of 2010. The Bucs jumped out to a 2-0 start. Playoff dreams were starting to seep into fans’ minds after a horrific 2009 season. Then-franchise quarterback Josh Freeman was in his first full season as a starter.
Most of the national media smelled a fraud and chuckled that the Bucs would soon have their balloon busted when they faced a real team.
Sure enough, the Steelers came to town. Their Terrible Towel-waving fans took over the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway and the Steelers knocked the snot out of the Bucs — with, of all people, Charlie Batch (!) at quarterback.
That was a helluva wake-up call.
Now, national media types have begun typing the Bucs haven’t played anyone and still needed come-from-behind wins in the final minute to beat the dismal Dixie Chicks, who are panicking, the winless, punchless Steers and the jughead Jets.
Those three teams have a combined record of 1-8.
Without Mike Evans now, without Calijah Kancey, without Cody Mauch, without Luke Goedeke, without Jalen McMillan and maybe without Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs, have to face the defending Super Bowl-champion Eagles.
Uh, oh. Joe envisions the national media types cracking their knuckles and rubbing their palms together, ready to bang their keyboards about how much of a fraud the Bucs are.
For NFL columnist/humorist Mike Tanier typing on his Substack page Too Deep Zone, it doesn’t matter if the Bucs are perceived as legit or a fraud. They’re going to the playoffs if they play their cards right. Tanier believes the whole Bucs season is about not imploding and getting healthy.
Who They’ve Beaten: Falcons (pesky divisional foe), Texans (great defense, less-than-zero offense), Jets (jobbers who put up a fight).
Strengths: Lots of veterans with Super Bowl experience. Todd Bowles’ exotic, blitz-happy defense. Baker Mayfield, aging like single-malt bourbon in a toasted barrel.
Weaknesses: An offensive injury situation so bad that even the 49ers are sending get-well cards and Tupperwares full of baked ziti.
Sunday Nutshell: Coming off a tough Monday night victory without three starters on the offensive line (and still no Chris Godwin), the Bucs took 23-6 and 26-13 second-half leads but could not deliver a knockout blow. …
For Realsies or Fraudzilla?: The Falcons benched Michael Penix in a shutout loss to the Panthers. The Saints have already thrown in the towel. (Their towel-thrower has a $12-million cap figure next year and is under contract through 2031.) Even with half of their offensive starters injured, the Bucs are as real as they need to be in the NFC South.
And that’s just it. Would Joe love to see the Bucs jump out to a 7-0 start? Of course. But thank heaven the NFC South is down.
In the big picture, the goal (aside from winning games) is getting healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs. Hopefully, Jalen McMillan will be back by then.
If the Bucs just beat the teams they are supposed to beat, the Bucs will win their fifth-straight NFC South crown and have another home game to begin the playoffs in January.
September 24th, 2025 at 4:05 am
I’d rather us take it easy on this game, but as always Baker and the rest will want it….so go get it guys. We’re just getting started!
September 24th, 2025 at 4:36 am
Great way to start the day!
September 24th, 2025 at 5:44 am
Joe … ‘In the big picture, the goal (aside from winning games) is getting healthy for the stretch run and the playoffs.’
Yes, yes, yes … I’m with ya Joe; let’s all keep the BIG PICTURE in focus. With our starters, Bucs can compete with anyone. But as we all know, therein lies the problem: we’re missing a BUNCH of starters right now, and we’re only 3 games into the season. And if history tells us anything, it’s that there’ll be even more injuries before our season ends.
We’;; get at least some of our starters back eventually, but the key word IMO in the interim is DEPTH. And that’s obviously a mixed bag. Bucs have solid starters in certain position groups (Winfield & Tykee Smith at Safety are good examples), with decent experienced depth there (Izien & Merriweather), plus a newbie (Rashad Wisdom). But as we’ve seen, our depth isn’t nearly as experienced in certain other position groups (for instance, we’ve already added Rookie Elijah Simmons to our DLine, but did just also bring more experienced CJ Brewer back up to the active roster).
Still, we’ve had THREE 4th qtr comebacks in these first 3 games to go 3-0. And we’ve done it using LOTS of depth players who weren’t exactly household names prior to this. That says a LOT about coaching IMO, about the fortitude of our veterans to hold this together, AND about the grit of these newly-found depth players to jump into the fire & perform at a reasonably high level. Wins don’t come easy in the NFL, and these last 3 wins have been hard-fought to say the least.
September 24th, 2025 at 6:17 am
it’s a push so far imo. not top tier opponents but beat up pretty bad, so 3-0 for the first three is a very good outcome but sort of to be expected considering the talent and the pre season expectations.
September 24th, 2025 at 6:23 am
The Eagles are physical and often send opponents to the trainers. I wouldn’t mind Godwin and Wirfs sitting this one out. It seems like the Bucs are rushing them back? I’m not throwing in the towel without those guys, with a little progress from both the OL and pass rush, the Bucs will win this one. LFG!
September 24th, 2025 at 6:36 am
There is no “taking it easy” in this league. Every game is of equal importance. If you purposefully go easy for a single game there’s a chance that lackadaisical mentality could multiply into a collective of weakened minds. Teams that fall victim are heard vocalizing the defeatist cries of, “There’s always next week.”
Best to put up your best effort each and every week and let the chips fall where they may. This isn’t baseball with 162 games where a 10 game lead can be overcome.
In the NFL a two game lead is considered big. The Bucs have that with only 14 to play. Best to keep your foot on the gas.
September 24th, 2025 at 7:12 am
Bucs are going to fight no matter who is playing that’s the mentality of this team, that 4 game losing streak when our WRs were hurt, we were in every game against good teams
September 24th, 2025 at 7:21 am
A brutal 4-week stretch coming up. If we can just come out of the next 4 games at 2-2, I’ll be happy. After that we should be back to near full strength on offense. The final 10 weeks will be much easier with the 3 toughest matches against the Bills, Cardinals, and Rams. I predicted 12-0 before the season started, and I’m sticking with that, despite the current injuries. GO BUCS!
September 24th, 2025 at 7:26 am
Bucs are a top 5 NFC team when healthy. The 3-0 start is fools gold. Texans, Atlanta and the Jets are trash football teams. Bucs begin the season 3-5. Mark the tape.
September 24th, 2025 at 7:32 am
This would have been a great test if we were at full strength.
September 24th, 2025 at 7:38 am
I would be happy with 2-2.
Lets win both of the next 2 home games – especially if one of those 2 wins is against the Eglets. It is so much fun to beat them. No one should throw snowballs at Santa.
A long trip to Seattle is always difficult.
But we can beat the 49ers, especially at home when they are making the long trip.
The Lions would be nice too, and we’ve done it before, I just don’t want to get greedy – unless we do go 2-1 over 3 games, then I know I will get greedy.
September 24th, 2025 at 7:42 am
@Jeff, thank you for your ALWAYS inaccurate forecasts. Now that you have predicted the Bucs to lose their next, I feel good about them going at least 3-2 over those same 5 games.
And speaking of “trash” Jeff, you are a trash troll.
September 24th, 2025 at 7:46 am
The media won’t mention the holding call on the punt return which made the Texans game muscular closer than it needed to be or the one sided officiating and the dropped TD catch that made the Jets game appear way closer than it actually was but I digress.
The Bucs have showed gritt despite having to even beat the referees at times. There were times when we would let blown & bad breaks deflate us and cause us to loose games so o love the resiliency, that’s the trait of a championship team!
September 24th, 2025 at 7:52 am
The first part of this article was from when real players played real football. Now it’s played by Vegas gambling and yellow flag refs. Big difference. Still love my BUCS though. GO BUCS!
September 24th, 2025 at 7:56 am
They always forget to mention that the two OL (Barton & Bredrson) are playing out of position too. Being 3-0 considering the circumstances is unbelievable and everyone involved deserves credit for the success of the team. It’s hard enough to go 3-0 with a fully healthy roster. Go Bucs!
September 24th, 2025 at 8:10 am
Wow, three games in and talking about getting healthy for the stretch run.
Times have changed.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:26 am
So far so good! I suspect the Bucs will reach into their playbook and hope for several miracles come Sunday!! Maybe BM6 connects with Tez or perhaps Bucky on that go route! LFG!!
September 24th, 2025 at 8:28 am
Screw this. Eagles up next. Do what it takes to win this game. A win against the Super Bowl champs (Bucs being depleted as they are) would send shock waves throughout the NFL and give the Bucs a leg up in (NFC) in conference. Then they can worry about SF in a few weeks and take them out as well. The Bucs will get healthy over the coming weeks as there are guys coming back. We know who they are. Its the NFL and guys are gonna get nicked up.. In terms of Godwin, I have zero expectations. I dont expect him near 100% this week or by week 12. Hell, it could be Sept 2026 before he’s 100%. But I love Chris Godwin at 80 to 85% if that’s what it is and we will NEED him Sunday. All hands on deck. Eagles are coming to town.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:29 am
We have their number. Blow out by Bucs.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:34 am
Please please dont let it go to your heads.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Before the season everyone was touting the Atlanta & Texans game as big games. Well now folks want to adjust their thinking from the rear view mirror, kills me. That’s why they play the games. Some were saying they would be happy at 2-2 after the first 4 games. Well, we’re 3-0 how bout them apples. No team is unbeatable and these Bucs have pride and fight, not to mention talent. The Eagles or any team should not just be handed a victory, did the Jet’s hand us one? Point is it is a dog fight every game. I see us winning this game to go 4-0.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:44 am
4-0!!!!!!!!!!
we match up well vs philly….
GO BUCS!!!!
September 24th, 2025 at 8:48 am
Jeff who pissed in your Cheerios. Every game you predict the Bucs to lose.
September 24th, 2025 at 8:50 am
I’m with the crowd, I think this includes Joes, that are looking at the BIG picture.
What is the goal? WIN THE SUPER BOWL!
What is the best way to do that going forward? I get and accept the variety of opinions here.
I’m with the crowd that isn’t worried about ONE game but would rather protect chances for the rest of the run to the PLAYOFFS.
But Oh noes…somebody is spitting in his coffee this morning!!! Talk about ruining someone’s day!
Under strengths – Todd Bowles’ exotic, blitz-happy defense.
September 24th, 2025 at 9:04 am
need to beat a team that has a good OL at some point
September 24th, 2025 at 9:14 am
JA speaks the truth.
September 24th, 2025 at 9:53 am
Right on, JA!!! Go Buc’s
September 24th, 2025 at 10:08 am
Our injury situation is bad, but we will get jalen McMillan back, Godwin back, Evans back, Goedeke and Wirfs back as well. So with 3 wins, I think we are in the leaderhouse. Just one thing Baker has to stay healthy, I would play Bridgewater Sunday as soon it turns into a Bucs bash fest (which it may). No matter how it turns out, I have been very entertained with these Bucs.
September 24th, 2025 at 10:11 am
Honestly, given our injury situation, I think we’d be fortunate to walk away with a W playing the Eagles.
Can we beat them now? It’s possible, and I hope we do.
Even if we end up losing, IF our team plays well, I will be happy. Please limit the mistakes and penalties and if they can do it and somehow slightly lose, I won’t be that upset.
I’m looking for a competitive game from our team.
Go Bucs ! ! !
September 24th, 2025 at 11:04 am
“Weaknesses: An offensive injury situation so bad that even the 49ers are sending get-well cards and Tupperwares full of baked ziti.”
———————-
Still laughing. This Bucs team is gutsy as well as talented. They are a TEAM and believe in it, and their coaches. They’ll need it against the Eaglets and refs. Wirfs will be back, but not CG14. That’s okay. Chris and EE2 will continue to mentor each other. Go Gutsy Bucs!!
September 24th, 2025 at 11:18 am
Alright Jeff keep it coming every time you say we lose we win you are like our good Luck charm.don’t every pick us to win. Lol
September 24th, 2025 at 11:31 am
I mean looking at the last SB season, it took until week 11 for the team to gel.
This team already has the chemistry, we just need health.
The Bucs match up well against Jalen Hurts. He has a 1-4 record against Tampa.
Barkley doesn’t scare me with this line and Lane Johnson got a neck stinger during, “Wait for it”, the Tush Push!!!
I’m actually glad they came back and won against LA, because this game will be an L for them.
I think Godwin is gonna look explosive if he plays and Wirfs can block on one leg just fine.
Bucs win 34-17 after Hurts throws 3 picks and Reddick has that many sacks.
5-0 here we come!!!
September 24th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Warning: there is an algorithm protecting the yahoo called Aqualung. It’s easy to spot. Your comments won’t get posted. I can’t get a solid feeling on this game ‘cept I know it won’t be a wipeout. Go Bucs !!
September 24th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
Geez whiz.
September 24th, 2025 at 2:34 pm
My comment conveniently disappeared.
September 24th, 2025 at 3:30 pm
@orlbucfan
An algorithm named Joe 😉