Five Things
January 4th, 2026
Lavonte David rows the boat to celebrate Jacob Parrish’s second quarter interception in last night’s win over the Stinking Panthers. The game may be David’s last of his spectacular career.
OK, this is weird. The Bucs won but Joe has a vibe they lost. The future of the Bucs is unclear — who may have played his last game, who may have coached his last game — including whether the Bucs will have a playoff game next weekend. All hinges on the Atlanta-New Orleans game this afternoon. So grab your coffee and let’s go.
And Now, We Wait
This is so odd. The Bucs won last night. Barely. But there really wasn’t much Joe in Mudville.
The win was OK, but what did it mean? There was no finality to it. It almost felt like the end of the season, but that won’t be determined until this afternoon when Atlanta and New Orleans play.
The Bucs need the slimy Saints to win. If Atlanta wins, the season is over. If the slimy Saints win, the Bucs will host a playoff game. The date, time and opponent would be released probably near the end of the Baltimore-Pittsburgh game tonight.
And that’s why last night’s game had a muted reaction. No one knows what to expect. No one knew how to act. The Bucs’ locker room, had the team clinched a playoff spot, would have been giddy.
The players didn’t know how to act. Should they celebrate? What should they do tomorrow? How can they root for New Orleans with a clear conscience? Where should they go to watch the game? Should they just stay home?
The scene and vibe was like something out of a “Twilight Zone” episode.
So Joe is like a bunch of players and fans. It’s wait and see. The win was more of a relief than happiness.
“This Joe” simply cannot root for the slimy Saints. If they win, it happens. But Joe can’t square it internally to openly root for a team Joe hopes would somehow have its NFL charter yanked by Roger Goodell.
Rooting for the slimy Saints feels so, well, disgusting. Guess the best thing that can happen is what Baker Mayfield said: Root for a tie. That way the slimy Saints didn’t win, you don’t feel guilty and the Bucs still make it to the playoffs.
Todd Bowles’ Job Security
It just feels like Todd Bowles, with last night’s win, won a stay of execution. As Joe has suspected, it seems Bowles’ get-out-of-jail card will be this season’s injuries to the offense.
That doesn’t mean Bowles will be retained. Again, with Team Glazer, “this Joe” has learned that the only thing predictable is their unpredictability. After reading defensive stats recently and seeing Bowles add to his resume for termination last night, yes, even in a win, Joe cannot see how Team Glazer can look fans in the eye and make the case that retaining Bowles is best for the organization.
And if the powers that be demand a new band of assistants — which, at minimum, is needed — might Bowles just up and resign?
Joe can say with certainty that Team Glazer has removed better head coaches for lesser sins than Bowles’.
The vibe Joe gets from Bucs fans, if Team Glazer retains Bowles for 2026, it may enrage and chase off fans to such a degree it may take years for the team to recover and for the organization to repair lost fan trust. Fans believe Bowles will continue the franchise spinning its wheels in 8-9/9-8 purgatory.
Joe has never seen Bucs fans want a coach purged like they do with Bowles. And as a former hardcore baseball fan, Joe knows fans only have so much tolerance.
“This Joe” got fed up with how the statgeeks had a hostile takeover of baseball. It continually irked and annoyed Joe to the point Joe gave up watching baseball. Joe found other things to do, became less stressed and hasn’t watched a game in three years.
Given how bitter Bucs fans are towards Bowles, that may happen to a good number of Bucs fans. Once an entity loses a loyal customer, it’s hard to get them back.
So it will be very interesting to see what Team Glazer does with Bowles. If Bowles is retained and serious changes like a new defensive coordinator aren’t made, fans won’t have to worry next fall about finding a ticket to a Bucs game.
The arrow, currently, is pointing down and not at an angle, either.
Mike Evans’ Goodbye?
Mike Evans’ contract is up this offseason. He said recently he is uncertain what he wants to do. Joe guesses what the Bucs want to do this offseason (Todd Bowles’ future, what the staff will look like) will play major roles in Evans’ decision.
Evans has previously said he considered going to Kansas City when he signed has latest contract with the Bucs. Evans wants to win and the thought of playing for Andy Reid and catching passes from Pat Mahomes intrigued him.
And yes, Evans still wants to win. So with the offense slipping badly under first-year offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, will Evans even want to play for Grizzard again? Joe doesn’t know the answer to that question.
It Seems End Is Near For Lavonte David
Bucs legend Lavonte David may have walked off the field of The Licht House one last time. Though David, like Evans, has not said if he will retire, it seems the handwriting is on the wall for the Bucs’ legendary linebacker.
David isn’t the same linebacker any longer. Oh, he is still as smart as they come, but the youthful speed has faded. David will turn 36 this month.
There aren’t many 36-year old linebackers in the NFL. David’s speech after the game to his teammates sure sounded like his fantastic career is nearing an end.
Yesterday David had six tackles and a key fumble recovery. Those six tackles tie him with Derrick Brooks at No. 6 all-time in the NFL and as the leading tackler in Bucs history, per StatsPass, though other sources don’t agree.
David’s fumble recovery was his 35th career takeaway. David now joins Pro Football Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher as the only players with 40 or more sacks and 35 or more since 1982.
David also has 21 career fumble recoveries, a franchise record, which is most among all active NFL players.
Is David worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Hell, yes!
Gene Deckerhoff’s Farewell
It was a touching scene at The Licht House on Saturday. It may have been Gene Deckerhoff’s final game calling a Bucs game on the radio.
Early in the game during a timeout, the Bucs’ public address announcer reminded fans of Deckerhoff’s pending retirement after the season. Then, the jumbotron showed Deckerhoff in the booth.
Fans began to cheer, which quickly turned into a standing ovation. Deckerhoff was moved. He stood up, waved to the crowd, bowed twice to thank the fans. Then…
Then he got choked up. His arms dropped. The smile disappeared from his face. His chin dropped to his chest and he fought himself not to break down.
Deckerhoff felt the fans’ love.
This past summer, Deckerhoff turned 80. He still lives in Tallahassee. So Gene, whatever you choose to do after the season ends, may all your wishes come true in your next chapter. You will be missed by thousands of Bucs fans.
Lavonte David is the definition of what it means to be a Buccaneer 🫡#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/9xvbXjfRSW
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) January 4, 2026
January 4th, 2026 at 1:51 am
yeah it hurts, but we gotta do it….WHO DAT? (ug, i just threw up a little)
January 4th, 2026 at 1:57 am
I don’t know how LV didn’t break down in tears, I sure did. Classy and phenomenal human being. Outstanding in football. I’m extremely proud to have met and worked with him. ME, Rhonde, Shelton Q. Truly inspiring men and players that have their heart and souls to the Organization. I’ll never be wealthy, but I’m richer for having just been around those guys for 5 seasons. Now Josh Freeman? He was a weird dude. We were in Dallas in 2014 to play the cowgirls. After the game everybody else was on the team busses to head to the airport back to Tampa. I had to get Josh wrapped up with his interviews. As we made our way to the bus, Josh asks me ” why is everybody telling me good game? He was dead serious. I just told him people like to hold up athletes they believe in to bring out their best. He just says “Oh” 😳
January 4th, 2026 at 1:58 am
Mike and Andy Reid I will cheer that
January 4th, 2026 at 2:08 am
God bless Gene Deckerhoff! Bucs fans were lucky to hear you orate our greatest moments. There will never be another like you sir! 🫡
January 4th, 2026 at 2:29 am
I want to start off with the great Gene Deckerhoff’s likely last broadcast. For you younger people: there was a loooong stretch of time when virtually ALL BUCS games were blacked out on TV. I had a family with 4 kids so I couldn’t go to many games 50 miles away…across Malfunction Junction with an old car and more pressing bills to pay. I occasionally got pairs of free tickets from one of my Bosses, Richard Rust, he of Crown Printing in Lakeland, but generally I had to listen on the radio I’d rather listen to the BUCS on the radio than watch whoever on the TV. My favorite moment was when Micheal Spurlock scored the first ever kickoff return for a touchdown against our immediate nemesis Atlanta. By then I had moved back to Orlando and I was listening through my car radio. I liked to turn it up loud so if felt like I was at the game. The only person celebrating more than me was Gene. God bless you Gene! I’ll write about this stupid game later.
January 4th, 2026 at 2:35 am
And, yeah…I’m rooting for the fxucking GXoddamned Aints this afternoon and I make no apologies.
January 4th, 2026 at 2:37 am
Can we miraculously win one more playoff game with Gene on the mike?
January 4th, 2026 at 2:47 am
I have a hard time picturing Mike Evans in another uniform. It happens – Jerry Rice did it after all. Still, I hope not. I suspect that part of the reason that nothing will happen with Bowles quickly is that the Glazers will talk to their top players and check their feelings on the subject.
January 4th, 2026 at 2:57 am
Dear Glazers… If you do not Fire Todd Bowles, then you need to publicly apologize to Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden and explain your actions. How can you let both of them go because you did not think they could move their respective teams further towards a championship and then keep Bowles who by their own definition has not shown any results to indicate improvement?
January 4th, 2026 at 3:06 am
I want the Saints to win or tie in the afternoon just because it would be nice to hear Gene Deckerhoff call one more game or to let LVD suit up one more time but if the ATL wins, well at least Gene called a win and LVD got a turnover in the finale. Joe, I think Mike Evans might consider going to Houston as he is from Galveston if he does not come back to Tampa or retire. There is suddenly a lot of uncertainty in KC nowadays. I mean it is not a given that the Chiefs beat Da Raiders today, meaning they could be 6-11, as bad of a free fall as Tampa in some ways……
January 4th, 2026 at 4:12 am
Can’t imagine anyone else other than Gene calling bucs games. I never wanted to hear the new guy in this job. Isnt this what AI was invented for. Can someone AI Gene to keep calling games.
LVD has given his all its time to retire a buc for life
Must resign Evans it would be a disgusting thing to see him in any other jersey. I think licht and the glazers will try and keep him. I learned the glazers thought it was a mistake to let hall of farmers leave and think u can replace them in the documentary. like Sapp and lynch.
January 4th, 2026 at 5:14 am
Fred McNeil- I get you! once the seat license expired, almost all Bucs home games were non sell outs so they weren’t on tv! and BEFORE the glazers came, the Bucs losing years of 83-96 also insured all but the home games vs Bears or Packers (or occasionally Steelers) were not sell outs and so no tv! Bucs radio with Mark Champion was what I grew up on, and then some new guy took over in 1989 and I wasn’t too happy about that, Human beings hate change! But he won me over with unique calls “Holy Toledo” and “Slobberknocker” TJ Reeves was groomed by the late great Steve Duemig to do radio call shows on afternoon sports radio, and is ready for the next generation of fans!
January 4th, 2026 at 5:22 am
Memorable fives things, Joe. So much heartwarming thoughts going on and the Lavonte locker room video brought out the tears in my coffee this morning. Well done. We need luck today for the Bucs, Gene, and all of us too.
Mike has been my favorite player, even before at A&M. He is the heart and soul of his teams. If he decides to leave, it will be a very sad day. Mike deserves better though whether he retires or goes somewhere else. We all will still be rooting for him.
Bucschamp – I could see that. However, if Mike leaves it may be for a team in TX. His other home. And if Todd goes, will that change other players to want to leave?
January 4th, 2026 at 5:46 am
Told y’all that Parrish needed 2 start over zyon. We might be able 2 push into the playoffs with his play. I’m done with Bowles tho. I was one of his biggest supporters but it’s over. Our team slowly declined since Arians.
January 4th, 2026 at 5:49 am
Such a great point about us fans Joe! What people are SAYING is if bowles is retained, they’ll skip out on next season. But in practice, once you cut something out of your life, you get used to it not being there. So maybe if they keep bowles, and it goes like EVERYONE WITH A BRAIN knows it would go, maybe those fans NEVER come back, even after he’s fired. Not every Bucs fan has 40 years invested. Some came during the Brady years, some are just young in general. A lot easier for those type of fans to give up on a subpar, utterly maddening entertainment product in today’s media & entertainment landscape. And the in-state fan base has always been a tepid proposition to begin with. I hope the Glazers use their heads instead of their hearts in making this decision.
You do what you did, you’ll get what you got.
Mediocrity.
FIRE bowles!
January 4th, 2026 at 5:49 am
Lavonte is my favorite Bucs player that has ever worn a buc uniform. Wish he will play 2 more years but sadly might be his last season
January 4th, 2026 at 5:53 am
Been a fan since 96. 30 years straight n faithful respect 2 the 40 year plus fans
January 4th, 2026 at 6:48 am
The Bucs won Thr Gong Show.
January 4th, 2026 at 6:56 am
He went out a winner today. Let’s keep it that way.
January 4th, 2026 at 7:15 am
2 words I thought I’d never say. Go Sa ahem. Let me try it again. Go . Nope. Can’t do it. LET’S GO TIE GAME!!!
January 4th, 2026 at 7:46 am
@J’s = You might need to explain what “Twilight Zone” is to some of the young’uns on this here website. 👽
January 4th, 2026 at 7:47 am
just mentioning lavonte X gene in a single thread…
it’s paying homage to buccaneer royalty X two…!
#RecognizeBuccaneerRoyalty
January 4th, 2026 at 8:35 am
Mike should end his career at home in Houston. He can hang with buddy JohnNy football. Fire Bowles and hire Alex van pelt. Keep griz but share play calling with alex. Baker has,one year to prove himself. Draft a QB.
January 4th, 2026 at 9:22 am
If Mike Evans had gone to Kansas City he’d have his 1k. He has zero incentive to come back and play for this trash coaching staff and he won’t run this back as it stands. He knows without a doubt he can win with the chiefs but Bowles’s will always be mediocre
January 4th, 2026 at 9:56 am
If they keep Bowles, Evans is gone, and I would not begrudge him one little bit.
You heard him in the tunnel after 3rd and 28.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:05 am
I quit watching baseball after the 1994 midseason strike. Ken Griffey Jr was going to win the HR title, the Braves were going to win it all, and pfft. Over like that. I never forgave MLB.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:20 am
Joe, it’s too hard to win in this league as we have seen this season. There are no apologetic wins. Bowles will stay with this win and yes, injuries have hurt this team. The one scenario you prompted with legs is that Bowles is asked to change some staff and his prior actions point to him not having an issue doing it. Maybe Rapone is ready to retire? Maybe Kevin Ross? We know the special teams coach should be fired. Whatever happens, no one on this staff has forgotten how to coach, when teams lose it is about players as it is when they win. Is Tom Moore an asset? Most would say so. Communication and comprehension is a vital piece to execute and there we have had issues on defense. How many veterans on the back end, really? Not many, and it shows. Coach Bowles will be back because as you say often, he is a good man, stands for the right things, and players like playing for him.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:30 am
It seems like we are losing a family member. Watching that speech made me emotional realizing it’s probably the end of an era for the Bucs. Sure sounded like a goodbye speech from Lavonte. I think I can speak for all Bucs fans when I say it’s been an honor cheering for Lavonte David all these years. He has always done it right and the man deserves to have his bust in Canton. Ira, five years and you may be presenting Lavonte David for induction to the Hall of Fame. Lavonte has done his part, now it will be the Glazers and the fans part in getting him over the finish line. We love you, Lavonte.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:31 am
What a bizarre day as a Bucs fan. An anticlimactic victory. LVDs possible swan song. Bowles clinging to his job. Mean Gene getting his flowers. Mike Evans giving “I’m out of here” vibes. Baker and Bucky running around in the pouring rain. And now we have to root for the Saints!? I can’t do it. I’ve accepted the reality. LVD, Gene, Evans AND Bowles are gone. This organization is truly about to turn the page. Six months ago I was totally thinking of a Superbowl run. Now I just want to know…. What’s next? Some huge, huge decisions to be made at OBP in the coming days and weeks.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:47 am
Don’t forget, Joe, if the game ends in a TIE Tampa will win the division.
In the anemic NFC south, a tie is not out of the question.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:49 am
If they keep Bowles and Grizzard but want to keep Mike, he’ll just say ” remember 3rd &28!” Then let that be the cost of keeping him 3 years 28 million all guaranteed.
January 4th, 2026 at 10:54 am
I want to give a shoutout to an unmentioned play that might have saved the game for us by a player who is engaged with my cousin. The play was the fumble on the kickoff. A panther’s player was almost certain to recover the fumble but Rashard Wisdom 38 dove in and tied up that player and allowed us to recover the Ball. Great play Shard!! We have soooo much talent many great players with big hearts being wasted in Bowles ancient scheme. Old coaches like Bowles, Author Smith, Lovie Smith etc. refuse to change or make adjustments. That’s why their win totals hover under and around 50%
January 4th, 2026 at 10:58 am
I was at that Spurlock game! The crowd went IN-sane! I was also at the Eagles game where Matt Bryant kicked a super long field goal to win as time expired! 62 yards, I think? Can’t believe I was lucky enough to be at both games, I’ve probably only been to 10-12 games ever.
-With the injuries we had this season, you cannot blame Bowles or anyone for the way the season turned out. It was a mess from the start and only got worse until now. Now there’s a chance Bredeson will be back in the playoffs and that puts us one step closer to a functioning offense! Let’s hope we get in!!!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:14 am
RE: Losing customers Football v Baseball. Baseball is a leisurely pastime (whose time has past) Football is an addiction! The same people here who say they will be done with the Bucs if Bowles isn’t fired will still be here daily to bi*ch about him. Those who don’t renew tickets are just looking for an excuse rather than blaming the economy.
January 4th, 2026 at 11:23 am
If Bowles stays I’m watching the Jags ( I know LC has a clue on how to coach a team and their in FL) and the Bears (I lived in the Chicago area for 50 years). No more Buc game tickets for me. No more watching this poorly run team!!!!!!!
I’ll drive over to watch Jag games!!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:29 am
@ infomeplease: You’re emotional and lying to your self and us. You’ll be back next year just to bit*h and complain (under a new name) and you know it!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:30 am
INJURIES ARE NO EXCUSE!!! Look at 49ers!!!!! Way more injuries and in a way tougher division!!!! And the still win 12 GAMES.. IT’S THE COACHING and lack of moves by the front office.
January 4th, 2026 at 11:32 am
Anthony…NOT SO MUCH!!!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:40 am
The only good thing to come out of this season is higher draft picks… that’s what you get with a losing season!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:48 am
@ infomeplease: See Ya next season!!!
January 4th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
I was at yesterday’s game, but my son and I left at halftime. We were both cold and wet, but it was a treat to hear Gene Deckerhoff one more time as we drove back to Orlando. It was great to hear Gene’s voice and exuberance one more time.