Five Things
October 27th, 2025
Bucs defense swarmed Alvin Kamara.
Hey, hey, Tampa Bay, your Bucs have just two losses headed to the bye. Few Bucs fans dreamed the Bucs would only have two losses entering the bye week. Grab your coffee and let’s go! Victory Monday, bay-bee!
Anthony Nelson Blows Up
Man, outside linebacker Anthony Nelson must be tired of coming off the bench. Given his first start of the season, Nelson exploded and in the process maybe the Bucs found their edge rusher.
Nelson has been a loyal, fundamentally-sound Bucs defender since he was drafted in the fourth round in 2019. He’s known no other defense than a Todd Bowles defense.
A smart player, Nelson sometimes makes a key play here or there. Often, physical teams muscle him out of plays. Joe always suspected that’s why Nelson has always been a backup.
Remember how he saved the Bucs’ bacon last year in Carolina, stripping the ball when the Stinking Panthers took the Bucs to overtime and appeared about to score?
Joe doesn’t know if Bucs coach Todd Bowles used Nelson in a different way yesterday or if everything is finally clicking for Nelson. But the dude was everywhere.
Joe asked YaYa Diaby if the slimy Saints were worried about taking him out and leaving Nelson alone. Diaby laughed and said he wasn’t sure. Joe asked Nelson the same question and he also laughed.
“I don’t know.”
Players like and respect Nelson. It’s for Joe to see. Every player Joe spoke with brought up Nelson. And you could tell they were really happy for him.
Nelson is sort of a quiet guy, not much of a comfortable talker with media. But if he plays anywhere near the level he played yesterday, more and more reporters are going to want to talk to Nelson.
Games like that, Bowles won’t be very anxious to pull Nelson off the field.
The Robbery Of Antoine Winfield
Yesterday, NFL zebras wearing a form of prison stripes seemed fitting because Bucs safety Antoine Winfield surely got robbed of a scoop-and-score and perhaps a pick-six, too.
Even with a win to head into the bye, Joe thought it was interesting Bowles was seething about the theft of Winfield’s scoop-and-score, admitting he was “p!ssed off” about it. He also said he’s calling the league office this week to try to get things straightened out.
It’s gotten to the point for, given the events of the past two Bucs games, that whenever the Bucs make a play, Joe expects the zebras or NFL suits in Control Center in New York to alter the play or reverse it.
Had the zebras not butted in so many times yesterday, Winfield would have had a historic day.
Pro Bowl Kicker?
Early in the year, Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin had a case of the yips. It sure seems like those are a thing of the past.
Yesterday, McLaughlin hit field goals of 55, 52 and 54 yards. Joe remembers a day when a Bucs place kicker was lucky to hit a 35-yard field goal. Now the Bucs have a dude who has turned 50-yard field goals into chip shots.
McLaughlin has eight field goals of 50-plus yards this season, 8-for-8 overall from that distance, including a 65-yarder against the Eagles, the NFL outdoor record.
That’s tied for the most in the NFL this season and os most among players without a miss from 50+.
Among players with 30+ career field goal attempts from 50 yards or more, McLaughlin’s 84.8 field goal percentage (39-of-46) from 50+ yards is the second-highest in league history, trailing only Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey.
This guy is an absolute weapon. And maybe an All-Pro?
Goal Line Offense Needs A Lot Of Work
Josh Grizzard needs to go back to the whiteboard. His goal line offense needs signifcant tinkering.
Maybe Rachaad White was hurt? Maybe Tristan Wirfs was hurt — he may have had his worst game as a pro. Maybe there is a blueprint out on Graham Barton now? Whatever the reason, Grizzard must go to the lab and redo his goal line offense.
It was horrible. The Bucs were a third-effort try by Sean Tucker from getting shut out on two separate drives beginning at the slimy Saints-1. That is inexcusable.
And the playcalling on those two drives was — to be polite — sub-optimal.
The one pass Grizzard calls is a 50/50 Mike Evans ball to Sterling Shepard? Really? Lucky that wasn’t picked.
And this Cade Otton as the lead blocker off motion is a telegraphed run if Joe has ever seen one.
Couldn’t the Bucs run a pitch? Couldn’t they have tried a boot? The Bucs have crowed about backup tight end Payne Durham being such a good red zone target. Where was he?
Did someone let Greg Schiano back into One Buc Palace? That’s what those two series of downs sure looked like to Joe.
Shoot, Mayfield has legs. Why not use them down there? Have Mayfield run the ball up Barton’s backside.
Terribly playcalling at the 1. Terrible blocking. The entire goal line offense needs to be torn up and started from scratch.
Yes, in late October.
The Second-Half Schedule
So the Bucs are 6-2 at the bye. That’s impressive. Congrats to the fans that had the Bucs with six wins at the break on their bingo card.
The Bucs are the beasts of the NFC South. The Stinking Panthers and Dixie Chicks both got clobbered. The Bucs have a two-game lead in the division with eight more games to play.
Something tells Joe the Dixie Chicks are about to collapse. Man, the four-letter sure has gassed this team up the past couple of seasons and for what? Remember last year when the four-letter basically had Atlanta penciled in for the Super Bowl? LOL
Joe wonders if Raheem Morris is on the hot seat. Pretty dismal to let Tua tear you up.
The Bucs have three tough games out of the chute to start the second half of the season (Patriots, Bills, Rams). After those, the rest of the schedule is a cakewalk.
If the Bucs can win two of the next three games, then Joe doesn’t know how the Bucs don’t win at least 12 games.
What a time to be alive!
October 27th, 2025 at 5:18 am
I just realized, did we just win a game with nobody new going on Next Game Injury Watch? Amazing
October 27th, 2025 at 5:34 am
The Bucs have 4 offensive lineman at their moment who are generally below average players at their position, then you combine that with the absolute bullshi day Tristan Wirfs had yesterday….gross. Losing Mauch and Goedeke is what has REALLY screwed this offense over. And GD I miss Ryan Jensen, what an animal. Thanks Logan Hall
October 27th, 2025 at 5:38 am
Your five things are all absolutely right on point! So much to think about too. Love the Schiano reference! A well needed laugh of those bad memories. We won’t ever forget. And don’t get me started on Whistle-Gate! We all saw that TD blatantly take away from Antoine. Ugh! Disappointed with Grizz play-calling yesterday. Too many times at the red zone and can’t score. All in all, we won and it wasn’t down to the wire!
October 27th, 2025 at 5:59 am
Was great to see the defense continue to step up. Baker was still not his 100% and miss a couple throws but the offense in general I feel is just way too predictable.
Grizz, please walk away from the goal line run up the middle. I understand it finally worked but 1/7 is absolutely absurd and that play should be kept in the deepest part of the trash can.
Back to the drawing board for the next couple weeks. Maybe Grizz got lucky and the offense was just hot to start the season and made plays in spite of him instead of because of him. Either way, huge spot for the bye week, adjust and finish the year.
6-2, getting excited Joe.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:02 am
Nice recap, Joe. Can’t wait for the upcoming podcasts. Gonna be a fun fortnight.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:29 am
On point Joe. Sure looked like Baker could have walked in to the end zone if one of those goal line plays had been an RPO. And the zebras? I’m not a conspiracy guy, but it’s beginning to look suspicious. Reminds me of an early John Lennon song. Let’s just hope the corruption we are seeing emerge in the NBA isn’t creeping into the NFL.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:31 am
Great win, great season so far! But the O-line did get bitch-slapped yesterday. They got manhandled at the goal line and Baker had dudes in his face pretty often. I’d hate to see the grades for each of them.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:33 am
We have come full circle. Of the 6 wins five were, Baker bailing out the lousy special teams,and defense. The last win was the defense and special teams bailing out Baker. As,we saw in Cleveland in 2022 Baker is a fine tuned,machine. Any injury b anywhere throws him off. Take two weeks off and heal..
October 27th, 2025 at 6:35 am
i would have liked to see otton take place of evans on goalline with some one on one fades.
nothing against the bucs but winning 2 of next 3 wont be easy. bills , rams are lions and eagles level and bucs havent been able to win against the top teams.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:38 am
If the mystery injuries to Godwin and Irving are longer-term, I think we need another WR. There are teams whose season is already lost that could part with an experienced WR.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:44 am
6th Thing:
Trade for AJ Brown
October 27th, 2025 at 6:46 am
Bowles had a hand in the way the offense was going about business this week. Said it himself that the Bucs were passing way too much for his liking. Problem is they are still short handed on the O line and are better built with Mayfield to throw the ball.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:48 am
Think Baker is seriously injured and the Bucs were just trying to survive on the offense by running the ball and trying to keep Baker safe. Baker was not scrambling and tried to stay in the pocket. Unfortunately the O line was terrible. Even Wirfs was getting owned. 7 times at the goal line and getting stuffed tells you how bad the O line is now.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:51 am
Grizz needs to spread em out at the goal line. Too obvious where those runs were going. With that said, Bucs oline needed to man the f@ck up and get a yard.
October 27th, 2025 at 6:58 am
Am I the only one who thinks Barton isn’t any more effective than Hainsey?
October 27th, 2025 at 7:10 am
LOL, I said the same thing out loud!
Yes, a very sub-optimal day for Grizzard.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:21 am
best part of yesterday? nobody got hurt
October 27th, 2025 at 7:22 am
If Barton continues to be a below average guard, maybe we should move him to guard? As good as guard as Marpet was, he was a below average center. I think if the Bucs can find a true center, they’d be solid at guard with Ben, and Bart. As much credit as Licht gets for drafting O line, he should get called out on not drafting for position. Not every college tackle can become a good NFL center, or guard. Need a center, draft a center is what I say.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:29 am
Just review all angles of video of every official on the Winfield play right before and after contact. If you do not see an official with a whistle held up to his mouth-YOU HAVE A HUGE PROBLEM.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:31 am
I agree w the comment Bowles messed w the offense this week. He made Grizzard feel uncomfortable w his comments about running the ball. He tried it. Wanted to let the o-line put the team on their back, but we don’t have the horses right now. That and he may be play calling trying to protect Mayfielld from getting more injured.
Either way, we accomplished our goal. 6-2 no injuries. Let’s get some players back and finish strong.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:39 am
Joe … ‘After those (Patriots, Bills, Rams), the rest of the schedule is a cakewalk.’
No such thing as a ‘cakewalk’ Joe. If the ‘good’ Bucs don’t show up, any team in the NFL can beat us. I’ll stick with coach’s approach … ‘One game at a time’.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:39 am
The Bucs get the Patriots at home (W) and then go on the road to the Bills (L) and Rams (?). I think the Bucs will probably get only one win out of those 3 games. Two would be fantastic. Either way they will be either 7-4 or 8-3 before entering the final 6 games against opponents they should be able to beat. I’ve been predicting a 12 win season, and that’s easily within reach. It all depends on how healthy the team is after the bye.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:46 am
I want the NFL to name the Official that blew the whistle.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:46 am
The entire Saints DL pushed the line of scrimmage back, it wasn’t just one of our OL struggling. Carbs has to get his guys to get off the ball quicker.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:53 am
you clowns claiming bowles “messed” with the offense are full of sh!t!!!!!!!!
the offense has been trash for 2 weeks in a row!!!!…thats all on grizz
dont blame bowles for holding grizz accountable!!!!!…thats what HCs do!!!!
6-2!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 27th, 2025 at 7:57 am
“No such thing as a ‘cakewalk’ Joe. If the ‘good’ Bucs don’t show up, any team in the NFL can beat us. I’ll stick with coach’s approach … ‘One game at a time’.”
Agreed, especially knowing at times we’ve played in a manner that helps teams beat us. False start on a 3rd & 2 turns it to 3rd & 7, is a small thing that makes a difference.
October 27th, 2025 at 7:59 am
Defense Rules Says:
October 27th, 2025 at 7:39 am
Joe … ‘After those (Patriots, Bills, Rams), the rest of the schedule is a cakewalk.’
No such thing as a ‘cakewalk’ Joe. If the ‘good’ Bucs don’t show up, any team in the NFL can beat us. I’ll stick with coach’s approach … ‘One game at a time’.
_________
Absolutely correct.
Why Joe would say that baffles me.
😤
October 27th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Vita Vea should be exempt from the all white uniforms.
October 27th, 2025 at 8:12 am
How wrong this comment was —
Aqualung Says—-
August 22nd, 2025, at 10:42 am
Jason forgets that the Bucs success has been in spite of the guy wearing two hats that don’t fit. 40 burgers are necessary for wins. Shame.
October 27th, 2025 at 8:14 am
We’re 6-2 with 9 more games to play.
October 27th, 2025 at 8:43 am
How about being just a little bit innovative at the goal line? We have a guy, Vea, who needs to be double teamed when he is launching from a couple feet away.Why not run him. I can’t imagine any team stopping him for less that a yard! Vea coming at you with a 5 yard head of steam? Guys are going to be just a bit hesitant to stick their face in front of that! Maybe even run behind him from a fullback position? If we are going to be innovative, let’s go all the way!
October 27th, 2025 at 8:57 am
If you watch the 4th down stop on the first Red zone possession, Tucker could have easily bounced it outside to the right after the handoff. Jamming it up the middle on repeat when it wasn’t working had some Leftwich vibes.
Also, the Winfield pick totally should have been a touchdown. There was no contact with a Saints player after he gained position of the ball. It’s a damn shame. Those kind of things can really affect your chances to make All-Pro I imagine.
October 27th, 2025 at 9:50 am
Should have been a pic 6 too for Winfield. By NFL standards he had not completed the catch until he hit the ground and was not contacted by any defender after completing the catch ynless the rule is any contact anywhere in the process.
October 27th, 2025 at 9:51 am
i’m glad grizzard did that at the one. how else you can get the players to play harder. they should have been max effort and locked in and weren’t. that’s on the linemen. great coaching to show them up like that. now get better. if we weren’t playing the Saints on a day that clearly they couldn’t move the ball well enough, maybe he doesn’t do it. But it’s no shame to pin a team at their one, especially that Saints offense, and it worked out great.
October 27th, 2025 at 10:23 am
“with eight more games to play”
9 games left on the schedule – not 8
I think the Bucs win 6 of those 9 games and get to 12 wins on the season
Even a 5-4 finish would get us to 11 wins – a guaranteed playoff spot and likely win the NFCS again which means home playoff game and no less than the 4 seed.
4-5? – 10 wins probably/perhaps still gets us all of the above….
Bucs are in a GREAT position to make sure they have a ticket to the dance.
And have gotten to 6-2 somehow during the tougher part of the schedule – with more injuries to key players than I have ever seen this franchise deal with….
Congrats to coach Bowles, Baker Mayfield and the entire team for figuring out ways to win 75% of the games thus far despite a lot of adversity.
This team is tougher, more resilient and obviously much deeper with back-up talent than the very good team we had just last year – which means a potential Super Bowl run is very much on the table once some players get healthy.
If we could somehow manage to get Evans, Godwin, McMillan, Egbuka and Bucky all on the same field together come playoff time – the Bucs would be an opponent that NO other playoff team would want to face…
Enjoy your week off Buccaneers. It’s much needed and well deserved. Rest up and heal up!
October 27th, 2025 at 10:59 am
The Truth about Anthony Nelson ….
He played great but his play reveals a few things:
1. Yaya, Braz, and Reddick aren’t very good.
2. The Coaching staff couldn’t see Nelson was better.
October 27th, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I actually think I saw Braswell in action for a few plays. Once, I think he grabbed the foot of Rattler that helped on a sack.
Amazing! I guess he will get resigned soon.
October 27th, 2025 at 12:10 pm
Please have Bucky Godwin and Goedeke practicing after the bye!
11-12 wins is easily there for us as long as Baker gets right.
Looking at the playoff picture, Bucs need to take care of business in those last 6 games and get a top 2 seed. Teams 3-6 are all gonna be good and be coin flip matchups. Playing the 7th seed likely means the 3rd best team from the West or North, possibly the Cowboys or Commanders.
3-6 looks like Rams, Lions, Packers/Eagles, Seahawks/49ers. Can potentially avoid all those teams with a top 2 seed.
October 27th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Guess my math was wrong there. In that scenario Seahawks or 49ers would be coming to town. Couldn’t avoid them all.
October 27th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
It’s hard to tell where we stand with Grizzard. The guy has yet to have a full healthy group. I mean, forget the WR injury issues, just having all 5-starters on the Oline would have allowed Grizzard to show if he could duplicate last seasons running success. So far, it has not materialized.
Even with Bucky, the run game, pass game simply has no rhythm, the fact that we have stacked up some nice scores is amazing to me given the situation. I would argue MOST of that has a lot to do with Baker, and his elusiveness to extend plays.
With the job Coen is doing in JAX, one could argue that he’s abilities are not a fluke. He appears to have the right mind/talent for NFL level play-calling. He’s doing what he’s doing in JAX plus being the HC. Really, I’m not going any where with this comment, other than I’m not sure if Grizzard will be able to live up to Coen’s creative play-calling and/or success.
October 27th, 2025 at 1:11 pm
I just don’t understand why we don’t see more bootlegs, quick slants or bubble screens! The goal line playcalling was ATROCIOUS and telegraphed like you said. Hope Grizz takes a hard look at his playcalling, cause this is 2 straight weeks of un-creative plays!
October 27th, 2025 at 2:36 pm
Yes Baker played but is he healthy? The last 2 weeks he has been off. The fire he plays with is just not there. You can see it in his eyes. I think injuries are affecting him. Play calling isn’t helping either. Rest up and get healthy Bucs