Insulting
September 22nd, 2026
Rock bottom moment?
Baker Mayfield should be insulted.
That’s the theme from Kevin Patra of NFL.com after he watched the Browns-Bucs game, which for Joe is the absolute worst loss in recent years. You might have to go back to the Lost Decade to find a worse loss, if you can.
(For Joe, a worse loss might be either the Tennessee-Ready game of the Capitol Collapse. Might be.)
Patra types that for Mayfield to be outdueled by the worst quarterback in the league, weirdo Deshaun Watson, that should send Mayfield to find a mirror and stare in it.
The Bucs’ offense has yet to find a groove, with the entire operation feeling herky-jerky. Yes, the D needed to play better in the second half on Sunday, but Mayfield getting outplayed by Deshaun Watson is about as big an insult as a QB can experience in 2026. Perhaps most surprising is Zac Robinson’s inability to get his top receivers involved. Emeka Egbuka generated just three catches for 16 yards (with a TD), while Chris Godwin had only three targets for three catches and 46 yards. That duo needs to butter the Bucs’ bread in order for the passing attack to turn the season around.
Well, Robinson needs to do a better job scheming these guys open. KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles suggested Sunday guys were getting double-teamed.
Joe has news for Bowles: He’s very likely to face secondaries better than the Browns’, perhaps multiple times. So either Robinson must start doing a better job of getting receivers open or maybe he should call his good buddy Liam Coen and ask him for a quick tutorial.
The Bucs face Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores Sunday. You do not want to go 0-3 if you enjoy job security.
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:02 am
For sure bucs going 0-3 with baker carr at qb
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:08 am
can we all agree that the Vikings is a must-win game ?
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:08 am
Now they have to take on that Minnesota flores defense 0-3 is real
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:12 am
The all 22 confirms . Very little separation . I bemoaned watching the rams scheme their receivers open with an aura of shiny daylight around them. Yes, baker missed many throws. He’s supposed to have some recievers a bit more open than he’s getting. Zac needs a canales Green Bay moment , when Dave scrapped what wasn’t working, and baker proceeded to thrash the packers, jags, and eagles . Goodwin over 8 catches equals an astounding win rate .
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:13 am
Godwin
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:17 am
Perhaps the wide receivers were only good when a true number one was on the field. If we had fired Bowles Evans would still be here.
Now we find out just how good a bunch of number two receivers are without a trying number one.
I like Baker but the third highest qb in the league is crazy. If he’s taking all of the money he damn sure can’t miss receivers who are open. He played like dog shot sunday.
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:19 am
It’s insulting that the Glazers signed this guy to an Extension
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:30 am
Start jaylon Daniel’s the season is.pvwr see what we got
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:30 am
Start jaylon Daniel’s the season is.pvwr see what we got
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:30 am
The Bucs retaining a well known bum as HC was the ultimate insult!
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:41 am
Needing an Ira podcast
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:00 am
Joe, he can scheme until he’s blue in the face but if the qb can’t hit open receivers what’s the point? Even when Baker completed passes to running backs the pass was so off they weren’t in any position to get any yac. I think the real talent was getting a massive extension in the midst of a 2-11 run. Believe me, with Flores defense, it’s gonna be 2-11 and it could get ugly!
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:05 am
Joe, the most insulting thing is how much of this article explains a coaching failure while the headline points at Baker.
Baker needs to play better. Absolutely. But you describe an offense with no rhythm, top receivers barely involved, and a coordinator struggling to get them open. How does that diagnosis turn into “Baker should feel embarrassed”?
“They were getting double teamed” is an explanation you pay an offensive coordinator to solve. Move them around. Create favorable matchups. Give your quarterback answers.
Baker owns his missed throws. Robinson owns the offensive plan. Bowles owns the team’s preparation and adjustments. Hold ALL of them accountable.
The Watson comparison makes a spicy headline. It does nothing to explain why this offense looks so unprepared. I want our quarterback playing better and our coaches giving us a reason to believe they can fix this. And YES THIS IS A MUST WIN or the 2016 season is over 3 weeks in. As optimistic as I want to be, that’s the sad truth.
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:06 am
Even a rotten quarterback will sometimes hit an open receiver. You prefer an inaccurate quarterback throwing to covered receivers?
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:12 am
We are 2 games into the season and 1 game out of first place. How exactly is the season over? Plus we play all these teams down the road. There’s still a long ways to go but we better get our sh*t together soon before we start falling too far behind to catch back up.
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:30 am
@Stpetematt
“There’s a long way to go” sounds reassuring until you look at history. Joe, please correct me if I’m wrong, but from 1990 through 2023, only FOUR teams made the playoffs after starting 0–3: the ’92 Chargers, ’95 Lions, ’98 Bills and ’18 Texans. Historically, roughly 97% of teams starting that way missed the playoffs.
Mathematically alive? Sure. But starting 0–3 means we’d need to go 10–4 just to finish with 10 wins, and even that guarantees nothing. That’s why I’m calling this a must win. We need urgency, because “plenty of season left” isn’t a recovery plan.
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:34 am
Speaking of a Carr we will be in line to draft one if this keeps on. Was hoping we didn’t resign baker and drafted CJ
September 22nd, 2026 at 1:46 am
Welp, that was kind of my same thinking… I sure would be. And, EMBARRASSED. The thing is… It doesn’t seem to bother him, now that he’s already been PAID. One of THE ‘dumbest’ most inexplicably unnecessary moves, and unforced ERRORS, that I’ve ever seen before, by ANY Franchise’s FO.
September 22nd, 2026 at 2:24 am
2 weeks in, and i seem to be seeing more of a grizzard-ian offense than a coen-like offense from our new OC…
this is quite an issue
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:17 am
I don’t think there is “groove” for this offense to find Joe. This is not even close to what Canales and Coen had going and the loss of Evans can’t be the reason everyone else but Bucky has disappeared. Time for some self scouting and some huge changes in this offense. As in quick, fast, and in a hurry.
Go Bucs!
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:26 am
Every year we have a new OC. It gets old after a while.
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:26 am
As in Basketball If they are double teaming a guy that just means that someone else is not getting double teamed and that dude needs to get the ball! Hit the open man. That was pathetic Todd/Zac. Throwing the screens is fine a couple of times a game this stuff is not. Heaving the ball deep is also fine but not to catch NFL defenses “off guard”. That is not a proven scheme. Makig an average defense look like a bunch of All Pros should ring some major alarm bells at On Buc.
Go Bucs!
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:48 am
Garro is right – no groove, no synergy, passing game looks disjointed and Baker doesn’t look good.
After last year Bowles did admit he had to concentrate on the offense and not pay full attention to the defense last year (yea, he backed that bus over Griz).
So, do you really think Bowles has given Zac free reign on play calling?
.
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:50 am
Since 2018, Baker Mayfield has thrown the most intercepted passes by a quarterback, with 102 interceptions.
Why on earth would an organization pay a guy that much money to throw interceptions? Jason Licht and the Glazier’s caved because of the pressure Baker put on them. Baker should have been made to play out his contract on a prove it basis. Now we’re stuck with a guy that has never really proved he’s a franchise QB.
Should we start wearing paper bags over our heads?
September 22nd, 2026 at 3:50 am
0-3…and it’s just the beginning of sorrows!
This is a heartless team with zero desire for excellence and terribly coaching!
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:17 am
This offense is worse than Grizzard’s. Nothing like Coen’s, thought that was what we were going back to? The only time Zac’s offense was clicking is when he was in Atlanta beating Bowles. I couldn’t believe he kept calling screens so close to the endzone where they are least likely to work. A screen pass should have an element of surprise, not be a staple of the offense. Oh well, we’re screwed. We’ll be talking regime change before Halloween. Good thing the Bucs aren’t on the ballot in November.
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:27 am
The Miami loss last year was worse! the Bucs trying to get to the playoffs lose to a tanking team which was in my opinion worse than this Browns game. At least the Brown’s were trying to win this early in the season. No excuse for that Miami loss last year!
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:28 am
The finger pointing cracks me up! You think the defense has a grove? Has a leader on either side of the ball shown up for a game yet? If this team was playing it’s butt off and losing, I’d be more forgiving. Picking on the Offensive Coordinator (Bowles hand-picked) and the QB (who has had success with Coen) is really missing the point. This ENTIRE TEAM has NO GROVE! This is on the head coach and no one else! There is no passion & no sense of urgency period! If the Bucs go 0-3 it’s time for the Glaziers to change their normal way of thinking and fire Bowles.
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:44 am
Let Baker call his own plays!
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:58 am
But Baker has a chip on a shoulder. Or multiple chips
September 22nd, 2026 at 6:35 am
#6 is Insulting….. 0-3 for Sure!
September 22nd, 2026 at 6:42 am
I was saying it all of the off season
I’m not concerned about the defense
Our offense will be our downfall
Our defense is ranked 12th in total defense
While our ( High Powered) offense has scored 3 TDs, 6 FGs
And this defense will get a lot better as the season progresses
I don’t see any improvement in this offense
September 22nd, 2026 at 6:44 am
Insulting is having the 3rd highest paid QB, but 24th in passing……
Insulting is having to find a limited head coach to fix Baker in 2027
Mike Evans Knew
September 22nd, 2026 at 6:44 am
You can’t tell me if he didn’t get paid when he did, he’d be playing this poorly, especially against the Browns. What a stupid decision see how the guy plays, then if you offer him that kind of money, he would take it. No one else is gonna give it to him for the very reason he showed at the end of last season and the beginning of this season. I like Baker, I like them a lot. But protect the d@mn football.
September 22nd, 2026 at 6:51 am
It’s insulting we have to listen to Mayfield a no accountability moron. Why does it feel like the Bucs are a depository zone for old NFL players waiting for a payday, with no responsibility of team play in them. It’s disgusting, and yes Joe the fans are insulted not Mayfield, freakin moron
September 22nd, 2026 at 7:26 am
Stupid article.
Mayfield played against Watson? I missed that
I saw our 11 offensive guys fail against the weak Cleveland Browns defensive 11
Then I saw our 11 defensive players absolutely COLLAPSE against the worst QB, and worst offense, in the NFL.
We were winning by 4, with 2 minutes left.
And just like so many games last year, our defense gave away a game we had one.
We can’t pass block. We can’t Pass rush. Weak Wr room. Film of Godwin and McCollough taking of plays, when the game was on the line.
This is a bad team. Just like I said it was since spring- while everyone was predicting playoffs.
Evans knew. Lost money to escape
Need to Fire Bowles,Robinson, Licht today
It’s gonna be a loooong season
September 22nd, 2026 at 7:43 am
Holy garbage people complaining about Baker and his contract. “Third highest paid, wah wah wah”. He is also the 8th highest paid because his contract is tied with others.
Also, have a basic understanding of contracts in the NFL. You all act like every qb in the league gets lined up every year and the money Josh Allen got a few years ago is the same as the money Baker got two weeks ago.
Use a little common sense and realize Baker’s money is now what a team-established starting qb makes. It is the new ground floor. Hopefully ya’ll will feel better when the upper tier qb’s sign their new deals.
Now the question “Should we extend Baker” is completely different. Months ago I said last year ended with the perfect opportunity to fire Bowles, get a new HC and that guy gets to walk in with a starting caliber qb on a one year deal. It was set up perfectly to let the new HC not flounder with God knows what at qb and decide for himself if Baker is his guy. But no, two years in a row the Glazers had legit reasons to replace Bowles (keep Coen) and let it slip through their fingers.
So yes, hate the fact that Baker is here a few more years all you want. It’s been pretty tough to defend him lately. But get over the money. A day at the stadium was a brutal kick in the wallet when Baker made 4 million
September 22nd, 2026 at 7:43 am
Baker isn’t the cause of all problems on offense. He has a weak offensive line who offer little time, receivers who run incorrect routs and an offensive coordinator with no imagination. Maybe he needs a little help.
September 22nd, 2026 at 7:59 am
Average boy baker ain’t it, I’ve been saying it for years now
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:01 am
We lose this week and you can bet the owners will start lining up interviews which personally i believe we will struggle against the Vikings. Kyler Murray will be back and Bowles struggles against mobile QBs that he hasn’t got much tape on. The Vikings HC is a QB guru that will craft a game plan that emphasizes getting the ball out quick and keeping Murray on the move. This game will really come down to our OC putting up 25+ points….that is the key to the game because i dont see our defense doing much of anything.
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:04 am
This fantasyland about “double teaming BOTH WRs” is laughable and just not true, of not impossible.
Funny, I watched the Rams game last night and their top WR, Puka, was out. So the Rams essentially had one WR worth a spit in Davante Adams. All he did was catch 8 balls for almost 200 yards and 2 TDs. Not only did McVay scheme him opened, Stafford actually saw him opened and made the throw!
Wow..what a concept.
But somehow the Bucs have 3 good WRs on the field at the same time and you’re telling me on every play they are covering them ALL??
Go watch some more film of both Bucs games. WRs are running open and the midget QB either isn’t seeing, seeing ghosts or too busy getting happy feet right away and going full scramble mode often times for now reason.
Blame the OC, blame the WRs, blame it on Evans not being here..but heaven forbid you blame it on Baker.
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:17 am
Watching the All-22 from the Cleveland game, it was frustrating to see how slow Baker was at identifying the pre-to-post-snap looks. Whether it’s pre-snap disguise or just locking onto a primary read too long, he wasn’t dictating terms to the linebackers and corners of the Browns.
Usually, to be a good team, your QB has to be one of your best players and again Baker was nowhere close to that.
I also think that while fair to focus on our OC Robinson, Kevin Carberry as a coach is getting a full pass.
Every year since he became our primary OL coach — the pass protection has gotten worse and worse.
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:19 am
The Glazers insult us all. They run this sh@t show.
It’s their team, their money, they hired the GM who hired the coach.
Every day we see Bowles on the sidelines is an insult.
Watching the Swiss cheese defense get shredded by the Browns is an insult.
Baker whining like a bitch about a contract then playing like he’s blind is an insult.
The offense is worse than last year and it’s an absolute insult.
Bud Licht can’t draft players capable of playing complimentary football is an insult.
Typing that 0-3 is bad for job security then reminding us over and over that Bowles won’t be fired is an insult.
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:31 am
Bucs getting beat my DOUBLE-DIGITS this weekend!!
TAKE THAT TO THE BANK!!!!
Baker will throw a minimum of 8 screen passes for 12 total yards, lol!!
4 deep passes with zero completions 🙂
0-3 here we come!
Woot woot 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:58 am
What’s insulting is that Team Delusional didn’t clean house after last years collapse. This is all on ownership. 100%
September 22nd, 2026 at 9:15 am
The brownies gave the nfl the defensive playbook for beating the bucs, same as lat year with Detroit, going to be a long season Minnesota is a much more physical team that Cleveland it is shaping up to be a fugly sunday
September 22nd, 2026 at 9:57 am
Trying to defend Baker and make excuses every year is becoming tired.
It’s the oline
It’s the OC.
It’s the WRs.
It’s the injuries.
Yep, no other QB deals with any adversity, just poor Baker.
September 22nd, 2026 at 10:04 am
CosmoKramer Says:
September 22nd, 2026 at 8:19 am
The Glazers insult us all. They run this sh@t show.
It’s their team, their money, they hired the GM who hired the coach.
Every day we see Bowles on the sidelines is an insult.
Watching the Swiss cheese defense get shredded by the Browns is an insult.
Baker whining like a bitch about a contract then playing like he’s blind is an insult.
The offense is worse than last year and it’s an absolute insult.
Bud Licht can’t draft players capable of playing complimentary football is an insult.
Typing that 0-3 is bad for job security then reminding us over and over that Bowles won’t be fired is an insult.
I completely agree, a total clean house is necessary, I think a 4 win or less year is what iss going to happen.
September 22nd, 2026 at 10:37 am
STRATEGIC LOSS
The Browns and Bucs could be tied with 1-2 wins at the end of the season. The Bucs hold the tie breaker for the better draft pick.
September 22nd, 2026 at 10:44 am
The loss to Quinn Evers and the Dolphins last year was as bad or worse, considering the Bucs were in the hunt for the playoffs.
Baker hate had turned into a circlejerk. No one is defending his performance Sunday but he just signed a big contract and is not going anywhere. Grab your tom-toms and take it to the woods, lol.
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:12 am
Being a weirdo does not equate to being the worst quarterback in the league. Did anyone notice that the Browns did not take one deep shot in the entire game and yet were still able to carve up the Bucs with the underneath stuff. That means that Bowles never tightened up the coverages. The Browns on the other hand, had the deep stuff covered pretty well, regardless of the overthrows, while still managing to do a good job covering the underneath stuff, including the screens. They were also still able to get pressure with minimal blitzing.
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:28 am
You don’t lose a pride game against the team that left you at the alter. There’s no excuse for that loss. None. Baker has a LOT to prove to his supporters and detractors.
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:44 am
I need Baker’s agent. He’s a magician. Better than Houdini ever was!
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:47 am
@Fanofdabucs,
I will disagree on the point that no other qb gets this treatment.
Justin Herbert gets the same passes every year. Baker isn’t put into that supposed “elite” clubhouse people want to shove Herbert into when at least Baker has done a little something in the postseason.
Other than that, yeah this Baker Boi has been having a rough go of it lately.
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:49 am
Hard to type a comment. Which means it’s hard to care. Sure it is only week 2, but we all know it really isn’t. This just the same story as last year. This is garbage. Coaching is garbage. QB is garbage. Scheme is worthless.
Draft Manning. Hire the best coach for him. Rebuild.
September 22nd, 2026 at 11:58 am
Fanofdabucs,
I watched the Rams game also in its entirety. Not only were his receivers, particularly Adams, were wide open. In addition, Stafford had enough time to say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 4 times while playing paddy cake before throwing the ball.
September 22nd, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Baker got beat by Deshaun Watson and Justin Herbert got beat by Jacoby Brissett and Kirk Cousins in successive games, Caleb Williams got beat by supposedly washed up Carson Wentz and Lamar Jackson got beat by Tyler Shough at home. Maybe it a little more complicated than quarterback vs quarterback in an NFL football game.
September 22nd, 2026 at 4:23 pm
I can’t see the Bucs winning this one. I hope they do, but given how they have played in the last two weeks it doesn’t appear they can pull it off. For the Bucs to win either the Vikings need to have a massive collapse or our offense and defense need to play much, much better. I’m not saying that the Bucs can’t do it but it would require a huge reversal in not only play but in grit and determination.
September 22nd, 2026 at 5:35 pm
If the Bucs play like they have yes we will be 0-3 but if you’re saying the season is over 2 games in you don’t know football. There’s a whole season left to play.