David Walker Called Out For Loafing
August 20th, 2026
It was one thing when Joe noted second-year edge rusher David Walker, the super-hyped 2025 fourth-round draft pick, showed questionable effort in his preseason debut.
It’s quite another thing when two Bucs legends call him out.
The film doesn’t lie. And it caught Jon Gruden’s eye from the opening whistle.
On The Rondé Barber Show yesterday it was revealed that Gruden and Barber had a film session together, studying Bucs players in last week’s game against the Jets. Gruden and Barber were preparing to be in the broadcast booth for the WFLA-TV call on Saturday night at The Licht House.
“Coach and I were watching film, and on the very first snap of the game … Josiah Trotter, who I think is going to be a stud starter, chases this ball down. Well, [David Walker] goes up the field and starts jogging toward the ball. And I was like, ‘Jon’s going to call him out on that,” Barber said.
Oh, Gruden’s facial expression changed immediately on the show from a smile to a grimace.
Co-host J.B. Biunno reacted to Gruden and asked him if he was “going to keep it real”for viewers.
“No,” Gruden replied. “I’m going to keep it positive. I just pointed it out to Rondé but I know how these guys look at team pursuit on defense. It’s been a way of life here in Tampa Bay. “You run to the ball, you strain to finish players.
“When you watch Trotter on the very first play, you’re glad he’s a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. And don’t get me wrong, I love Walker. I love his upside but he’s going to have to learn to finish plays with authority. I got a couple of clips of Simeon [Rice,] Lawrence Taylor, some of my favorite guys out of the stack … Because that’s where you cause the turnovers. These receivers, they make a guy miss. The cut it back, and here comes Robert Mathis of the Colts. … I’m sure Todd Bowles pulled that play out and started the [defensive] meeting with it.”
Barber added that as good as Walker’s training camp has been, his preseason game was unimpressive.
Joe was stunned by Walker not playing with his hair on fire. But it was his NFL debut coming off a major injury, and he did admit to being “jittery.” So Joe is willing to cut Walker some slack.
But the Joe typing here remains scarred by Joggin’ Jamel Dean and other loafing on the Bucs defensive film last season. That cannot be tolerated.
August 20th, 2026 at 7:47 am
There’s ZERO tolerance for loafing on this defense. You don’t have to make the tackle, but you damn sure better be in the picture when it happens.
Trotter is chasing the ball like his roster spot depends on it. Walker’s jogging like he already made the Pro Bowl. 😂
If jogging is part of your game, San Francisco might have an opening—they seem pretty comfortable with players taking plays off lately. In Tampa, pursuit is the culture. Run to the damn football or run to another roster. 🗡️🏴☠️
🔥 LFG!!
🏈 In our DNA!b
August 20th, 2026 at 7:50 am
Good this occurred early for Walker…I’m quite sure he will be aware & correct…
August 20th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Meager potatoes
August 20th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Who hasn’t…
🙄
August 20th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Yeah, I am willing to give him some one-time slack on this one. Could definitely be nervous feelings after an injury keeping him out for a year.
But if that is it, there is no excuse for it not to be out of his system now.
Rooting for the guy.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:21 am
Making excuses for a professional football player not doing his job.
Those are the hallmarks of a Todd Bowles team.
Losers and Loafers.
Can’t wait for Jason to draft more of them next year. Draft guru. LOLOLOL
August 20th, 2026 at 8:32 am
You know what, you’re right. Let’s cut him now.
That would be smart.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:36 am
His loafing still had more of an impact than Braswell going 💯
August 20th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Sometimes you have to learn how to try hard, how to make that extra effort. It could be nerves, he could be a little unsure of what to do. He may have been caught watching the veterans play. I’m willing to bet he will be better this weekend. Maybe the preseason is not so worthless after all.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Playing his first NFL game coming off a season ending injury. I’m willing to give him slack for having jitters. He did do some good things this game and even admitted to trying to catch his second wind while being mic’d up.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:50 am
“That cannot be tolerated” True, but one of the hallmarks of the Bowles tenure is that loafing has been tolerated. Its who he is as a coach.
August 20th, 2026 at 8:52 am
agree with most…he gets some 1 time slack…improvement from game1 to game2 is what im looking for…he has the “jitters” out of the way and now its time to ball
GO BUCS!!!!
August 20th, 2026 at 8:58 am
Screw that. If the guy really is going to loaf, trade him for a corner. Heck, trade him for a mascot.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:01 am
“Zero tolerance for loafing”? In what universe? This defense loafs all the time and since Arians bounced its been the general rule not the exception.
August 20th, 2026 at 9:04 am
He’s perfect for the championship caliber Bowles defensive scheme.
Fail miserably, make excuses, empty platitudes, storm out, declare victory.
Oh the culture!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡