Five Things
October 6th, 2025
Lavonte David walks off the turf of Lumen Field, perhaps for the final time, a happy, victorious man after the Bucs beat the Seahawks on Sunday.
Welcome to Victory Monday! Bucs coach Todd Bowles was so happy how his team fought through so much adversity he gave players today off. But Joe doesn’t have such a luxury. So much ground to cover and Joe isn’t sure it can be squeezed into five elements. So grab your coffee and belly up to the bar. Here goes:
Old Man Lavonte David
Yeah, Joe knows Bucs icon Lavonte David won’t be around much more. Shoot, he may hang it up after this season. It hit Joe while uploading the photo above that David very likely, unless it’s a playoff game, will never again play in Lumen Field, home of the Seahawks.
And wow, what a bang he made in making sure his likely last game there meant something. His pick with seconds left was the only way the Bucs were going to win that game yesterday. Joe is convinced of it.
Whether Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold was that good or the Bucs defense was that bad in the second half, Joe was confident the only way the Bucs defense would get a stop was if Seattle was forced into a mistake.
That’s just what happened.
Joe knows some fans have groused that David has regressed. And yeah, Joe has seen a few plays that the young David would never get caught in. Still, at 35, there really aren’t many linebackers Joe would rather have.
David is so smart that his head often makes up for what his body can no longer do. That was the case yesterday when David was in the right place at the right time to pick off Darnold and set the Bucs up to kick the winning field goal.
Did anyone see how Baker Mayfield, the moment Chase McLaughlin kicked the game-winning field goal, went straight to David to hug him? Mayfield knew. We all know. That win happened because of David.
As long as David is on two feet, he will somehow find a way for the Bucs to succeed.
Joe heard someone in the press box of Lumen Field yesterday early in the game, after David made a play, said, “Man, Lavonte David is still out there making plays.” The man said this with respect in his voice.
Joe doesn’t know how many games David has left but it isn’t many. Savor whatever David has left in the tank for the Bucs.
Such A Good Offense
Though they didn’t show it, Joe maintains Seattle has a solid defense; 2025 MVP candidate Baker Mayfield simply shredded it.
There was so much to like about the Bucs offense:
* Mayfield, of course.
* Tristan Wirfs destroying Seattle defenders on running plays. The first touchdown from Rachaad White was beautiful. Wirfs smashes a defender at the line on the snap, wipes out a defender on the second level, then throws a defender away on the third level. Joe really doesn’t know why the Bucs don’t run behind him more.
* White. Though he and Bucky Irving are friends and White is a team guy, beneath that smiling exterior Joe knows White still burns about not being the Bucs’ No. 1 back. Yesterday, he got a chance to prove he deserves more touches. White almost ran angry. He certainly ran with purpose. On the final drive, Joe thought for sure White was going to score a touchdown on the ground when he pulled up and slid to make sure the Bucs could still eat clock.
* Emeka Egbuka. Joe is running out of superlatives for the rookie from Ohio State. He just gets better and better and you can make a helluva argument that right now, on Oct. 6, 2025, Egbuka is a top-five receiver in the NFL. Joe just wants to backhand those clowns in the national media that called Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht “Millen” for drafting Egbuka. How friggin’ stupid does that look right about now?
This offense is missing so many pieces to the puzzle (Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan, Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch, Bucky) and still it tore apart Seattle, racking up 426 yards. Wow.
Just wait until most of those pieces return.
Cade Otton Surfaces
For the first few weeks of the season, Cade Otton had mostly been invisible unless you watch All-22. The Bucs entered the game with the lowest percentage of targets to their tight ends in the league.
One reason, said Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, was a desire to hold back the tight ends to block with the Bucs’ offensive line ravaged by injuries.
Joe knows some fans were grumbling. Last year, when the Bucs had both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin missing time, Otton stepped up and carried the Bucs’ passing attack.
We saw a little bit of the old Otton yesterday. He had five catches for 81 yards, second only to Egbuka.
Otton, who is in a contract year, is what former Bucs coach Dirk Koetter called a “glue guy,” a type of guy teams need to be successful. They may not be flashy but they do what they are asked.
That’s Otton.
Before, he was asked to block and he did. Pretty well, in fact. He didn’t grumble, though you know he wants to put film out there proving he’s a weapon because that means revenue. Otton didn’t say a peep. Just did his job.
Then yesterday, the Bucs asked Otton to be a key cog in the passing game. He came through. Again.
A New Edge Rusher Won’t Do Any Good
Now for the depressing stuff. No, the Bucs didn’t get anything yesterday from their edge rushers. Do we really believe that would change by the Bucs swinging a trade for one?
“This Joe” maintains until Bucs head coach and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles embraces reality and understands how critical an edge rush is, only then can the Bucs resolve this stain on their team.
Joe thinks it is virtually impossible to expect someone who doesn’t value an edge to have an epiphany before Week 6 and suddenly take the position seriously. It is just human nature for a person not to ever succeed at something they don’t value (or appreciate?).
Could the Bucs use an edge rusher? My goodness, yes, just rewatch yesterday’s game, It was almost criminal how little pressure Darnold faced. “This Joe” is simply convinced as long as Bowles controls and runs the defense, this team will never again have a feared edge rusher and will never develop one.
The Good And Bad Of The Special Teams
Last week, Bucs special teams coach Thomas McGaughey stood at a podium, delivered an opening statement and vowed to repair his atrocious special teams. Joe thought then and now that was a total stand-up move.
And yesterday there was progress. No kick or punt was blocked. Hooray!
But my goodness, the kick team. Woof! No wonder Seattle scored touchdowns on five straight drives yesterday. Seattle started every drive it seemed at the 50 because of pathetic coverage and tackling on the kick team. Brutal! Just brutal!
Joe didn’t know what was worse yesterday, the Bucs’ defense or the kick team.
So while McGaughey apparently has, for the time being, stopped blocked kicks and punts, now he has to get the kick team to start tackling. Even good teams will be hard-pressed to win games when the opponent constantly starts drives at midfield because the kick team can’t stop anyone.
Bonus: Joe likes to highlight people who do good things for a total stranger like Joe on the road. Like the guy who helped Joe find his rental car last year in Los Angeles at the gigantic SoFi parking lot.
Today, Joe highlights a nondescript security guard at Lumen Field.
At every road game, except ones Joe goes to regularly like Atlanta or New Orleans, finding the locker room is an adventure. Joe enters the bowels of a stadium fully lost, and often has to ask a security guard where the locker room is.
The common response is “over there” and the man/woman points. So Joe walks until finding another security guard. This process repeats until a familiar Bucs face is seen and Joe knows the locker room is close.
Lumen Field is a maze. So Joe was asking more than a couple of security guards where the Bucs’ locker room was. Then Joe met a security guard by the name of “Jeff.” Guess he could tell from Joe’s face after telling Joe to “go here, go there, turn here, walk around that… ” that Joe needed help.
Bucs players rarely waste time leaving the locker room. So time is short. Have to get there quickly and talk to players before they bolt.
So Jeff the security guard tells Joe, “I’ll show you. Follow me.” And he guided Joe through a labyrinth of hallways and tunnels to the Bucs’ locker room.
Never has a security guard done that for Joe. It was a kind and unexpected gesture — and very much appreciated. So much so Joe told Jeff he would mention him in this here column.
Thanks Jeff.
Always remember folks, it doesn’t cost a nickel to be nice to someone. And even a small gesture and limited effort can go a long way.
Pass it on.
What a moment for Lavonte David. pic.twitter.com/4xMdkUt1xD
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) October 5, 2025
October 6th, 2025 at 5:10 am
Glad someone was kind to you, Joe. Some days it hits harder and carries with you longer for some reason. Pass it on, brother.
Let’s try not to worry too much about edge rushers. It’s a long season and there’s some games on the schedule where some edge rushers sacks will hopefully come in bunches to help win a game or two! But what a game today was! Go Bucs!
October 6th, 2025 at 5:39 am
I almost got misty from that Jeff story Joe.
😀
October 6th, 2025 at 5:45 am
I thought it was a great game with so many parallels for both teams. Two decent defenses getting shredded by two reclamation projects to name but one, er two. The biggest difference is the Bucs remain hampered by so many injuries. Fully feel we haven’t come close to seeing the full potential of this team.
October 6th, 2025 at 5:48 am
Without legit edge rushers, don’t hold your breath for too long there Ron Potter. Reddick and Diaby are no JPP and Shaq unfortunately, and until opposing QB’s fear a legit Bucs edge rush, we will continue to see more opposing offensive performances from legit offenses like yesterday. The reality is Bowles cannot blitz his was to a Super Bowl, much less hope to win one.
October 6th, 2025 at 5:56 am
Shout out to Jeff! Thank you, Jeff!!
And, thank you, Joe. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Thank you for stating the obvious. A New Edge Rusher Won’t Do Any Good.
My blood pressure was going up as a read the other posts and comments calling for a trade, better play from our current edge rushers etc.
I don’t see the “epiphany” happening, lol.
The only way it could happen is if Jason Licht or the Glazers issue a flat-out directive to Todd Bowles.
“Change your scheme so that our edge rushers start rushing”, or “We’re trading for an edge rusher and we’re telling you to change your scheme so that we actually have a serious edge rush”, etc.
Todd Bowles has stated publicly that he doesn’t value the edge rush. He doesn’t see it as a priority.
To his credit, the HC has made some other changes that he needed to make and have benefitted the team.
But, he can also be stubborn as a mule and he’s certainly showing it in this situation.
Grrrrr… SMH.
Go Bucs!!
October 6th, 2025 at 5:56 am
David might have lost a step, but Dennis doesn’t have a step to lose. Why Bowles loves this guy is beyond me. The couple of times he blitzed he tried juking around the RB instead of running through him. He does not play with a physical edge, he’s all finesse. He’s made some tackles, but after 5 games no splash plays. No OMG he killed that guy, or what a sack, how about that pick? Nothing. He isn’t getting burned as bad, I guess that’s a good thing, but there’s no wow there. Bucs need a fire starter at MLB, a difference maker. That will never be Voss. He’s not the answer at MLB, and YaYa, Reddick are not the edge rushers the Bucs need either.
October 6th, 2025 at 5:57 am
it doesnt cost anything to be polite. so true.
the bucs flash greatness here and there from week to week. its obvious to anyone watching. they just need to work on consistency and get healthy. if they can get peak health and some consistency into the playoffs, look out. that was a tough place to play and they handled it.
October 6th, 2025 at 6:25 am
Talking about special teams, the Bucs averaged 25 yards a return compared to the Seahawks 28. Either both teams are really bad, both teams are really good, or the new rules force a reevaluation of what is good or bad.
October 6th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Why exactly is Bowles against edge rushers.
October 6th, 2025 at 6:39 am
Always have a $20 handy
Old school….
October 6th, 2025 at 7:17 am
There’s lots of ways to generate sacks in Bowles’s defense. It doesn’t have to be edge rushers and they sometimes have responsibilities other than to sack the QB.
October 6th, 2025 at 7:53 am
Wins disguise warts.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:00 am
Lumen Field, Sofi…..yet Joe can’t bring himself to mention Raymond James stadium….home of the Bucs…..petty
?? Joe references stadiums the way Joe talks about them in everyday life. Joe doesn’t say “Raymond James Stadium” and has no desire to toss out free promotion for no reason. Joe also never typed the name of the Steelers stadium this preseason (Joe would have to look it up), and there are other facilities Joe wouldn’t reference by their given names.–Joe
October 6th, 2025 at 8:02 am
How about a shout out to Grizz! Thought he called a damn good game, the offense had to keep pace with Seattle and they did just that.
Wrote a whole story about Grizz. https://www.joebucsfan.com/2025/10/josh-grizzard-hits-a-new-level/ He’s answered the bell. –Joe
Bucs three game stretch is wild. Vs Eagles both teams 3-0, vs the Seahawks both teams 3-1. Now we have the 9ers both teams are 4-1 and there’s a good chance when we go to Detroit both teams could be 5-1. Hell of a time to be a Bucs fan, Go Bucs!
October 6th, 2025 at 8:23 am
But Joe,
We did have feared and very effective edge rushers when we had JPP and Shaq Barrett out there at the same time and Bowles was the DC then, so I dispute your assertion. It’s gotta be the personnel just not getting to the QB.
Anyway, I love this team and I love how we’re still winning despite all the injuries.
Hopefully, we get better and healthier throughout the season and go on a run this year.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:26 am
When it comes to edge rushers, there are only a handful of them. I know it’s cliche, but they don’t grow on trees.
Two years ago the Chiefs won the Super Bowl with All Star defensive tackle Chris Jones and edge rushers that were no better than ours. Vita Vea was a beast yesterday. We just have to make due with what we have. That means Bowles will be dialing up blitzes and hope to God that our secondary can cover.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:27 am
That person in the press box realizes that LVD and Bobby Wagner came into the league the same year, but LVD is still doing it with the Bucs, while Wagner is off to DC, making plays
October 6th, 2025 at 8:34 am
From a historical perspective, yesterday’s game was interesting as well. 50th season for both teams. The Bucs and Seahawks came into the league together in ’76. In fact, the Bucs were in the AFC that first year and the Seahawks were in the NFC and then they flipped the following year. And then for the game to play out as it did as a back and forth affair. Very memorable and a special game for two teams celebrating their 50th season.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:37 am
Thank you for recognizing the issue with Bowles and pass rush. Unless the secondary is 100% healthy and humming, he won’t turn the dogs loose. He’s too scared to get beat over the top.
Bowles is pretty good the secondary players, but he has no idea how to set up front 7 players for success. Thats why he leans on the blitz as a crutch.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:43 am
JPP comes to mind as a “feared edge rusher”…
the defense is flexible when it comes to edge rushers…if we have them great!!..we’ll rush 4…but if we dont, bowles will create pressure thru his blitz packages….worked yesterday!!!!!
on the bright side, im sure we’ll draft an edge rusher, sign an edge rusher in FA and also bring back walker and Kancey lol…
GO BUCS!!!!
October 6th, 2025 at 8:53 am
Well, if Reddick isn’t going to be used as an edge rusher, he needs to hone his cornerback skills. He let Barner run along the back of the end zone for a touchdown yesterday.
Pointing the whole way.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:55 am
I woke up this morning thinking they stole that win well deserved but still they had no business winning that game and the only thing I can think of is Antoine Winfield Junior that’s two games. He’s won us this year. I mean it’s not all just him but he forced a red hot quarterback to make a big big mistake and props to Todd for not blitzing for the whole game until the end of the fourth quarter he saved the best for last like he knew he was gonna need it.
October 6th, 2025 at 8:56 am
What I don’t get, is all the stories leading up to the game said that Darnold did not do well against blitzes. And it didn’t look to me like we had nearly as many blitzes yesterday. So if Bowles was trying to cover for the back end, he didn’t do a very good job of it. Receivers ran rampant.
October 6th, 2025 at 9:03 am
Reddick is washed. Reddick got two hands on Darnold on the 4th down play, one on the shoulder and one right on the top part of the foot and could not get it done. Reddick has 1 sack and plays a lot of snaps-wasted money. Diaby on the same play made a nice swim move on the same play and had a nice angle on Darnold with only the off arm of the tackle attempting to restrain him. Diaby should have gone low to go under the arm and grabbed Darnolds’ feet making the play. Diaby is still learning and improving and gets a ton of pressures, so there is a much higher ceiling for him than Reddick who is overpaid and not productive.
October 6th, 2025 at 9:36 am
You have the buccaneers to blame for Reddick. They bring him in here, pump him up with all this crazy media attention and interviews, like he was the saviour hero for us. The man has been 100 percent ineffective. Our other guys on the line are better than him. I don’t know of any other good edge rusher the bucs could possibly get.
October 6th, 2025 at 10:00 am
Loved the last story Joe. So kind of you. I’m so tired of all the anger and hatred and division in our country. Great to see a model of human decency
October 6th, 2025 at 10:08 am
I think it’s more about not being able to develop edge guys than anything and feeling like he can only rush 4 traditionally if he has studs everywhere. When we had JPP/Shaq/Suh/Vea he let us rush the front 4 a lot more in a traditional sense when it came to the DE’s/OLB’s.
October 6th, 2025 at 10:12 am
Ya’ll who talk about edge rushers, don’t understand football…or the defense that we run, we run a 3-4 …the men playing on the edge are LBs their job also includes covering flats areas in some zone defense and the man out of the backfield on man defense…the rush by most defenses is supposed to be accomplished by 4 men, Bowles just uses different 4 sometimes he brings LBs, corners, safeties, to attack. But when you bring secondary somebody must take their area so it is usually a rotation type call with someone rolling out to cover those open areas. Now don’t think I wouldn’t like more production from the defensive front, I would but some of that comes with a tight coverage in the secondary. Truth is pressure is sometimes more important then a sack especially on early downs on third down the sack is most effective in stopping the drive, but in the early downs pressure make the QB throw off time which can lead to turnovers. Let’s be happy for the wins and stop complaining because it’s not a perfect game. Let’s go Bucs
October 6th, 2025 at 10:23 am
Amen to your last paragraph. Helping others and kindness is in short supply these days sadly.
October 6th, 2025 at 10:31 am
In 2011 I witnessed Lavonte David playing for Nebraska against U. of Washington in Seattle. He was spectacular and had a key interception in that college game in Seattle. I was standing in a roped off area at one end zone with other Husker fans and after the game several Nebraska players sprinted 100 yards to our area to thank the fans. Lavonte came over to me and shook my hand and thanked me for traveling to Seattle for the game. 14 years later he does the same thing for the Buc’s in Seattle. He’s an amazing player and deserves to be in the HOF..
October 6th, 2025 at 10:33 am
In 2011 I witnessed Lavonte David playing for Nebraska against U. of Washington in Seattle. He was spectacular and had a key interception in that college game in Seattle. I was standing in a roped off area at one end zone with other Husker fans and after the game several Nebraska players sprinted 100 yards to our area to thank the fans. Lavonte came over to me and shook my hand and thanked me for traveling to Seattle for the game. 14 years later he does the same thing for the Buc’s in Seattle. He’s an amazing player and deserves to be in the HOF..
October 6th, 2025 at 10:56 am
Joseph C Simmons, 2 years ago the chiefs won the super bowl with Chris Jones being a monster AND a combined 30.5 sacks from their edge rush group (DE/OLB). They’re light years ahead of what the bucs have, my friend. 2nd half of philly game was deceptive, as they’re still tinkering with their O-line. Bucs won’t win it, until they consistently pressure the QB. No one has ever won it all without front four disruption. The number of blitzes is a useless stat to celebrate. If you don’t get home in January…you’ll be home in February. Until then, go Bucs!
October 6th, 2025 at 11:01 am
Perfectly written, Joe. Yes, so happy for no blocked punts!
Beautifully done at the end of your post. Kindness is free, doesn’t cost us anything. Nice story about Jeff the security guard. Sounds like a good guy too.
October 6th, 2025 at 11:11 am
if we had a pass rush? We would be unstoppable…PERIOD.
October 6th, 2025 at 11:21 am
Move over, Derrick Brooks. Lavonte David is joining you in Canton.
October 6th, 2025 at 11:30 am
I would love to give props to whatever talking head on TV said look for Cade Otton to have a big day. He discussed how good Seattle’s defense is, but said they have an issue in the middle of the field covering tight ends.
Nailed it.
LVD = HOF
I know special teams is being addressed at every aspect of it, but it is not too late in the season to make a coach accountable and look for a new one
October 6th, 2025 at 11:43 am
Well, hopefully over the course of the season we’ll get similar productivity. Because neither Shaq nor JPP are walking through that door.
October 6th, 2025 at 12:19 pm
I think Darnold was trying to throw at the WR’s feet on that last pass, but the combo of Winfield throwing him off balance, and the assist to Hall’s helmet gave LVD the opportunity. He is an all-time great Buc. Savoring the days he has left in uniform.
On the White TD with Wirfs blocking… if you go back and watch the angle from straight behind: Wirfs blocks the second guy completely WITH ONE HAND. Like he was swatting away an irksome fly. He is a beast.
October 6th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Just sucks because if ck was in the game I know he would have effected the game big time
October 6th, 2025 at 1:31 pm
I dont understand the” “bucs will never have an edge rush because we dont want one argument”
If they spent 19 million on one, was that really about being left alone or did they want 4 th quarter sacks?
Does that joe want a 4 -3 defense?
Need more than opinions even if the opposition is correct
October 6th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
give credit to todd for the win also saving the best blitz for last, sending awj caused the pick at just the right time
October 6th, 2025 at 4:42 pm
Some people would prefer 1-4 as long as there’s a different coach
October 6th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Another squeaker come from behind when and the final minutes of the game. If Levante David hadn’t made the interception, it might have been the Seahawks who would have won that game. The Bucks can’t keep doing these close games. They’ve been pretty lucky so far and luck ran out against Philadelphia. They need to get ahead early and stay ahead and finish off the game without resorting to Bakers heroics in the final minutes of the game.
October 6th, 2025 at 5:24 pm
Watch around the league
It’s not just tackling on kickoff returns
The better game plan is trying to get the ball to bounce in the catch zone
The eagles have perfected it
October 6th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
you’re gonna make me cry Joe… also, I think you’re right. no edge rush until Bowles leaves. it’s systemic.
October 6th, 2025 at 9:12 pm
Great article. Just nailed it. And glad you got that escort to the locker room.
October 6th, 2025 at 10:48 pm
It’s gonna be a great day when Jason hires his next full time HC, who will have full time coordinators and care about seeing that the players know their bloody assignments.