Jason Licht: “I’m Looking Forward To Wins”
September 15th, 2026
The 13-season leader of the Buccaneers wants to eat “Ws” and isn’t thinking much about style points on game days.
Yes, Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht is lookig for position groups to develop. But Licht kept that chatter to a minimum Sunday when Bucs play-by-play man Tony Castricone asked Licht what he was looking forward to seeing on opening day.
Licht laughed and then answered. “Pretty easy. I’m looking for wins. That’s what I’m looking forward to,” he told Buccaneers Radio Network audience.
The “W” didn’t come. “Disapponting, not crushing,” as Ira Kaufman put it.
Licht did say he would be gauging the physicality the Bucs would show on Sunday. He referenced how the front office added players who “naturally play with an edge” and that typically is “contagious” on a team.
But, Licht said, talk time is over.
“Week 1 isn’t about tallking about how physical you are, it’s about showing it,” he continued on the Buccaneers Radio Network. “And I’m really looking forward to them turning it loose when it happens here.”
Did the Bucs look like a more physical team than last season? Overall, yes.
But Joe needs to see more to know the team has rid itself completely of the “soft” label that defined it in 2025.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
This sky is not not falling. It was just the first week. Couple Patsies coming up let’s get some W’s start lining up.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:17 pm
Baker has to feel the pressure from all of his mistakes
September 15th, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Well, they sure as he!! didn’t quit when they were down!
September 15th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
(1) Baker needs to throw the ball way when there is heavy pressure
(2) Godwin needs to get over the nasty injury and play with passion
(3) The defense needs to cover the tight end
(4) VV got his bag – now earn it
(5) The offensive line needs to block somebody
There. All fixed.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:19 pm
The last time we lost the first game of the year was the year we win the Superbowl. Everyone needs to relax.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:24 pm
According to Joe and I agree, Todd had a poor way of showing off the new pass rush. Bengals Oline took their lunch. Licht got Tood what he wanted. Maybe on Sunday Todd will and us happy.
Baker better not lose the game for us again! SMH
September 15th, 2026 at 5:30 pm
Both times we won the Super Bowl we lost the first game of the season. Wild, huh? And those were extremely good teams back then. This is a really good one now too. I agree with the 1-5 list above, especially #5!
September 15th, 2026 at 5:31 pm
Jason Licht is the biggest fumbler of all! He kept Todd Bowles and let Liam Coen walk out the door. I’m sure that just like Mike Evans, Liam didn’t want to spend another season working for an arrogant and clueless Head Coach like Bowles. Licht shouldn’t get a pass on this sloppy team. We have way too many young and very talented players to be wasting this window by forcing them to play for a clearly incompetent HC. These players deserve a strong and smart leader. Bowles is neither.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:33 pm
Every game counts so miss me with this it’s only game 1 BS.
Losing is one thing, losing the same way on repeat is another.
Bowles is too stubborn and doesn’t learn from his mistakes.
We need a new direction and a fresh philosophy. This one sucks.
I’ll take inept decisions and soft defense for $1000. Answer: this coach didn’t earn his job, it was gifted.
Who is Todd Bowles!
September 15th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
Licht is 93-105 all-time as GM
Sorry, I’m just not that impressed. I don’t see any Bradys coming anytime soon.
This should be his last year as GM.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
physicality? Really not trying to be an A$$, but who? Not the offensive and defensive lines. I believe in this team, but I didn’t see a physical presence on either side of the line. Still think they’re winning the division, but after watching the entire game I came away thinking no one on this team was dominate.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
the bengals will probably make the playoffs if burrow stays healthy. the dumb mistakes are insane.
the browns looked really bad. if we lose to them, it’s gonna be just pathetic.
as of week one the Saints look like the team to beat in the division their quarterback and wide receivers are on the same page when he’s not throwing interceptions. It’s usually a touchdown. They came back from 21 to take it to overtime and try and win the game so the saints look really good. They will probably sweep us. Because they can dial up a touchdown at any point…
it’s hard to be patient but at some point this team has to turn on the way they turned off last year. It’s gotta flip the switch back the other way they’ve gotta get tired of losing and start playing smarter -just score more freaking points. It’s that easy.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:43 pm
Huge game for Bowles and a even bigger game for Baker, the fumble maker.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
No one else hardly ever mentions it but does Bowles and his OC’s know you can go to the hurry up offense before it’s the only option. When they were down 14-3 and even more they were taking their sweet a$$ time. and using all the clock. They could of had at least another drive with all the time they wasted once down over a touchdown. Also, you can’t just assume that if you score that the Bengals are not gonna score as well and you will need even another drive. This repeated itself over and over and over last year. Also was a clear opportunity to go for 2 points on that last Buc touchdown. The TE’s ran free in the middle of the field just like always.
Everyone’s trying to say that Bowles didn’t lose this game, but he did us no favors with his game management. It sucks as always. Color me disgusted! He never changes.
Try something different!!! If Anzalone or other LBs are struggling in coverage, pull them out in obvious passing downs and put in a 3rd safety and have them cover the tight end.
September 15th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
Come out running the damn ball then, heavy gap scheme and put Gainwell to work. None of this unbalanced split between the backs. No better way to get a front 5 confidence than giving them the opportunity to impose their wills on up front. That’s how you project physicality, not passing the ball sideways
September 15th, 2026 at 5:54 pm
LOL — Complaining about Bowles game management
September 15th, 2026 at 5:59 pm
Everyone is chill about this loss. I don’t disagree.
If they lose to Cleveland … Look out.
The narrative will change dramatically.
September 15th, 2026 at 6:08 pm
The whole “we brought in nasty, mean FAs with an edge!” is so overblown.
Over-the-hill A’Shawn looks mean but he was no offense maker in Carolina last year.
And since when did Anzalone, Mohamed or Gainwell ever have the reputation as being nasty dawgs? This was all just a false narrative presented by Gas Licht and the results spoke for themselves on Sunday.
September 15th, 2026 at 6:09 pm
*difference maker
September 15th, 2026 at 6:13 pm
I’m glad at least Licht admitted they did NOT show toughness in the opening game, but only talked about it. Respect for him saying that.
Now if we can get the Head Clown to stop making excuses like, “it looked like the first game for us”, ” we need to coach it better, the players need to play it better”, or “we had communication issues”, etc, etc, ad nauseum, we might actually be able to get somewhere with this team.
September 15th, 2026 at 6:15 pm
Oh shut up flesh light learn to keep your mouth shut and let the results talk for you. Sucks to have this guy as a GM and a soft head coach
September 15th, 2026 at 6:19 pm
This man no longer is in touch with the game and had no idea what he’s doing. He’s hoping rather than making things happen. Fail on al levels. This team is garbage. Poor ownership, failed management and non existent head coaching
September 15th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
1-1 after this week,, start slow , finish strong!! And for everyone worrying about week 1, week 1 is a game to get back at it ,, other good teams that didn’t look great, Cowboys , Broncos , Chargers , Houston’s #1 Defense ,,Carolina, Green Bay,,,Rams,,Colts, teams will be much better this week after clean up efforts
September 15th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
Looking forward to GasLicht and Kit Kat being let go..
September 15th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
I’m sorry, l hate to be Mr Pessimistic
But, it’s more than just one game
It’s the last 10 games——2-8
Baker played like he did during the last 9 games last season
Vita Vea was MIA like he was the last 9 games last season
Bucky Irving looked a little better, so did the OLine
Anzalone looked 10 times worst as Voss Dennis
Antoine Winfield looked like an average FS, just as he did last season
The early fumbles got us in a 21- 3 hole
And Zac Robinson had to abandon the run
But overall, their effort was a lot better than the last 9 games of last season
We can still win 12 games this season
If Baker Mayfield play up to his contract
And quit giving the ball away……like it’s government cheese
September 15th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
‘The last time we lost the first game of the year was the year we win the Superbowl. Everyone needs to relax.’
That ‘Last Time’, we had BA as Head Coach and some guy named Brady as the QB. Good one.
September 15th, 2026 at 6:52 pm
So are the fans, get rid of the virus
September 15th, 2026 at 6:54 pm
Not taking anything away from Baker, but I think the O-line may have hurt the Bucs worse. No one has seen Wirfs play worse than this past Sunday
I have always been of the opinion that the O-line very much needs cohesion and chemistry of playing together to function well as a unit – like no other unit in the NFL.
I am curious to see how the Bucs O-line progresses as the season goes on. With no playing time during the pre-season games, how can the O-line develop this chemistry? Our O-line is a young group, no way they are regressing. Lets see what happens Sunday.
Better O-line play, better Baker play.
September 15th, 2026 at 7:17 pm
Not worried yet. We looked better than last years opener even with the L.
We moved the ball and the chains despite it being via short passes (which some seem to think negates the success) for the most part. Lot of check downs but that’s better than Baker forcing throws into coverage IMO.
Corners played lights out!
D-line needs to gel. Anzalone needs to rebound.
4 fumbles lost = sloppiness but also just bad luck.
September 15th, 2026 at 7:31 pm
Mistakes killed us. Not softness
September 15th, 2026 at 7:38 pm
More physical than last years bunch of quitters, yeah. More physical than the Bengals, no. Baker’s fumbles were a result of the Bengals physicality, and our lack of it. Licht thinks he brought in a bunch of nasties. What he really got were other teams garbage. This team is toast.
September 15th, 2026 at 7:42 pm
Licht ain’t worried…he has unlimited job security regardless of results. He got duped by VV and took away any repercussions for Baker’s poor play with an extension. Future is Bright Licht…
September 15th, 2026 at 7:57 pm
BucsFan pretty much simplified it about as good as you can. I get mad at the Baker bashing, but it’s hard to defend 3 fumbles, along with the fourth by Bucky. I do fear that if Baker plays too safe that we’ll have another repeat of the bland 3 and out offense we had last year, resulting in a 9-8 season at best. However, Baker has to have a little more situational awareness from here on out. It was first and 5 when he tried to run that touchdown in. Sometimes, Baker has got to learn to live to play anothet down. I mean, the one where he got blasted from behind had a lot to do with poor blocking, but he has to have that internal clock in his head and know when to poop or get off the pot and make it up on the next down.
Only thing I would add is that the pass rush has to get way better than what we saw this week. It was horrendous!
I do believe this will get cleaned up this week and expect us to put a beating on Cleveland.
GO BUCS!!!
September 15th, 2026 at 7:58 pm
New GM, HC & QB, are needed quickly! 0-3, is on its way…….
September 15th, 2026 at 8:07 pm
Jason Licht’s 2026 negotiation strategy was essentially letting his locker room hold him hostage. If you want to make elite, market-setting money in Tampa Bay, you don’t even need to win a Super Bowl anymore; you just have to skip a week of training camp and tell the media that Jason hurt your feelings or you feel disrespected.
September 15th, 2026 at 8:14 pm
Jason Licht let Vita Vea and Baker Mayfield Strong-arm him
I would have told Vita and Baker stfu and earn your money
After last season collapse, nobody would’ve gotten an extension, or new contract
And that includes Mr Butterfingers (Cade Otton)
And l wouldn’t pickup Kancey 5th year
September 15th, 2026 at 8:14 pm
If it weren’t for Brady & Co coming to town 7 seasons ago, this guy would’ve most likely walked the plank 4-5 years ago. He should’ve been shown the door when Coen bolted town.
September 15th, 2026 at 8:34 pm
This is what we gotta pay these 4 players in 2027
Baker Mayfield –$50 million
Vita Vea—– $24 million
Calijah Kancey —$14.5 million
Cade Otton—- $10 million
That’s $94.5 million on our books for 2027, with these 4 underperforming players
September 15th, 2026 at 8:40 pm
Most of you are horrible fans. You cry and whine like little beetches. Start rooting for another team and get off this page. It’ll get figured out. Blocking wasn’t an option apparently
September 15th, 2026 at 8:42 pm
The good… CBs looked good, Bucky looked good, the WRs looked good, Trotter looked good, ST looked better.
The bad… Bakers ball security, the DL, the OL, Otton, 2nd half urgency looked the same as always.
Unfortunately the first 3 things mentioned under bad are what’s most important to winning.
Baker lost the game, but I’d argue the Bucs could have won that game and possibly not lost those fumbles had the OL and DL not decidedly lost their trench battles. Tons of pressure on Baker and next to none on Burrow.
September 15th, 2026 at 8:43 pm
Some might say that the GM is responsible for paying players to underperform.
Bowles got his bag, bust. VV got his bag, bust. Baker got his bag, super bust.
I could name others but we’d be here all night.
It’s just a poorly constructed, coached, and managed team.
Someone needs to inspire change.
September 15th, 2026 at 8:53 pm
Not gonna get many wins as long as IBS is the HC/Dc, dragging this team down in the dumpster!
September 15th, 2026 at 8:56 pm
1 game out of 17. I hate the preseason because the starting players do not get to play together to obtain continuity. They did score 27 points which was not too shabby. They did not punt once the entire game – which was incredible. Bakers qbr was better than Burrows. Take away the mistakes and they are in the game. I did not expect them to win this game. Better days ahead.
September 15th, 2026 at 8:59 pm
‘Did the Bucs look like a more physical team than last season? ‘
It was 24-10… Bengals were coasting 2nd half…
Never looked to be in any danger of losing their lead!
September 15th, 2026 at 9:04 pm
I think we need a better QB
We need a younger, more modern Head Coach
We need.a tougher GM, who can evaluate talent
We need a tough, hard nose Defensive Coordinator
We need a smart, high IQ Offensive Coordinator with vision
September 15th, 2026 at 9:27 pm
Look at the bright side, one more week closer till Bowles is fired, it my be another couple hundred weeks, but it’s still one week closer
September 15th, 2026 at 10:04 pm
Lakeland
Is that all?
September 15th, 2026 at 10:10 pm
Lakeland Says:
September 15th, 2026 at 9:04 pm
I think we need a better QB
We need a younger, more modern Head Coach
We need.a tougher GM, who can evaluate talent
We need a tough, hard nose Defensive Coordinator
We need a smart, high IQ Offensive Coordinator with vision
————————————————-
Lakeland: Given that we’re already half way through September, you might want to get a jump on the crowd by getting your list out to Santa right now!
September 15th, 2026 at 10:18 pm
I know Sunday was a disappointment but how do you think fans of the exalted, all-in, top-spending Rams are recovering from their in-division spanking by the rickety 49ers?
BucsFan 2023 has a 5 things list I like but would like to adjust a bit:
(1) Baker threw the ball away but needs to do so quicker and LEARN TO SLIDE.
(2) Godwin lacked passion? The old man of the WR room was ornery and effective as can be. He was straight choke-slamming fools with the ball secured and daring Bengals to catch flags after the whistle. Not sure we saw the same game.
(3) The TE was bracketed often on his catches but Trotter and Anzalone need to break on the ball. Joe Burrow fires lasers from a poker-faced stance like no one else in the league so I’ll give our new ILB tandem a pass for watching balls zip right past and between them.
(4) Yes Vea got his bag and is earning it. It’s nowhere near a big a bad as Dexter Lawrence got and he had straight goose eggs on the stat sheet. As far as big bag go, what are the Rams paying their CBs, the (so-far) ghost of Aaron Donald and everyone else on the roster and staff? For 7 lousy points?
(5) There was OL blocking just not how and where it ought to be. Licht built a gap OL. Robinson has them working that style most of the time but has them doing zone things that are creating lowlights for sure. After a rewatch I see now how good Bucky Irving is at reading those zone messes so I get what they’re going for but unless Baker gets to Bucky’s comfort level behind zone blocking in the next few games dump it and the dump offs on passing downs like Coen did.
September 15th, 2026 at 10:47 pm
Baker the fumble maker. Good one and sad. Is it too much to ask just to play good win or lose. But to play to lose is not the idea we’re going for here. It’s a Bucs life
September 15th, 2026 at 11:19 pm
The sky is not falling no.
However, the question has ALWAYS been can Baker take care of the ball.
After $165 million the answer is embarrassingly NO.
So far. He can absolutely turn the season around and it was a good game to lose in terms of AFC, every team losing in the NFC North and Atlanta bs NO will hibe us a guaranteed 2 loss team.
Now with Baker, all I have is HOPE because we are tied to him.
This team can win games without him being a superstar.
As far as Bain, that was sickening. If short arms are indeed a problem, Im lost with finding a pass rush. Walker couldn’t even play?
September 15th, 2026 at 11:29 pm
Licht and Bowles have overstayed their welcome. This franchise needs to get rid of old and overpaid players like VV, Winfield, Godwin and Anzelone.
September 16th, 2026 at 12:11 am
Since late October of 2025, the Bucs have gone 3-9. That’s right. Since the niners game of last year, the Bucs have a 3-9 record.
Jason, we have been looking for wins, too. Looking for wins for almost an entire year smfh.
September 16th, 2026 at 1:04 am
The Bucs were great. Take away Baker’s fumble house call and we win the game. Looking forward to the Browns! And a better Anzalone.