Todd Bowles: Jalon Daniels Still Expected To Start Against Steelers — “Right Now”
October 10th, 2026
Thumb update next week.
Remember when KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles, in the immediate days after Baker Mayfield suffered a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand, was clear Mayfield was out a minimum of three weeks.
Bowles didn’t say three games.
So it seems, maybe, Mayfield could play a week from tomorrow when the Bucs host the Steelers it what should be an invasion of Steelers fans. Yesterday in his day-after presser in the wake of the Bucs’ win in Dallas on Thursday night, Bowles was asked about Mayfield’s status.
“He has a smaller grip (splint) on it,” Bowles said. “I will know more when he comes in (next week).
“Right now we plan on starting Jalon against the Steelers.”
Bowles sure left the door open for Mayfield to come racing out of the black curtain.
So should Bowles go with the hot hand, as he always references, or will the $165 million dollar man get his start back?
October 10th, 2026 at 12:05 am
Dude can’t even make the right call to kick a field goal, he’s hopeless, and so are the Bucs while his access card still works
October 10th, 2026 at 12:21 am
This is another reason why the $165 million dollar contract was a huge mistake.
Now the “HC” has no leverage to keep Mayfield on the bench and play Daniels.
If he caves and Mayfield loses the game against Pittsburgh, we could have big problems in Tampa.
Imagine the fan backlash if they went 0-4 at home because of a bumbling idiotic decision to prematurely sign Mayfield to a contract he isn’t close to being worthy of.
October 10th, 2026 at 12:56 am
Jalon Daniels > Baker Mayfield.
Todd is dumb, so he’ll prob start Mayfield asap and the losing will commence again.
October 10th, 2026 at 1:00 am
Jalon is a younger, better version of Mayfield. What can Baker do that Jalon can’t ? Has he ever beat Dallas at Arlington in prime time? «Baker has slain his thousands, Jalon his ten thousands. » but oh don’t expect this guy to go down quietly…
October 10th, 2026 at 1:02 am
Todd, if Vita can hurt his back, so can Mayfield…
October 10th, 2026 at 1:51 am
It only took me reading through just a handful of random comments to see that the complete DELUSIONALISM has been allowed to creep back in again, for the usual suspects Lmao. I had them BEATING the Steelers at home waaaayyy before the season had started (for only their 2nd ‘win’ of the season, and at 2-4). The reason… Because, I had to find at least a couple of ‘wins’ SOMEWHERE, and the Steelers ROSTER is on a ‘similar’ level of TRASH as the Bucs. AND, it is at Home. It’s like ole Dan-O said on “Get-Up” this morning (and I mentioned last night, but without these stats)… The ‘all-time’ BEST single-season passer rating in NFL HISTORY, is 122.5 by Aaron Rodgers, back in 2011. 15-YEARS AGO. Well, the Cowboys as a TEAM Defense so far this season, has allowed opposing QB’s to a passer rating of 120.5. THINK ABOUT THAT. Annnnddd, on top of THAT… They also have THE WORST (32nd in the league) “Run Defense” in the entire league, surrendering about 170-YARDS PER GAME. Also, of course, they are THE COWBOYS LoL… At home in a ‘primetime’ game against a sub par opponent, where they were HUGE overwhelming favorites. It was just a VERY ‘typical’ COWBOYS performance, that should not have ‘surprised’ anyone. A horribly coached football team. A perfectly executed Bucs game-plan.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:02 am
Annnnnddd, it’s why you don’t pay $50-$60 MILLION+ for QUARTERBACKS, outside of a very few. Outside of maybe just a HANDFUL, it’s a total LOSER move. Get the right COACH, who can call his OWN PLAYS. STACK. THE. ROSTER. Then, plug n play.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:04 am
Paying OVER $60-MIL to Dak, and $55-MIL for Baker LONGTERM, is STUPID. REAL DUMB.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:07 am
Thanks for the laugh about Daniels being better than Mayfield. Hilarious.
October 10th, 2026 at 3:11 am
Wyoming Joe its not sbout Daniels being better than mayfield, because everyone knows baker is better… but Daniels is getting paid $900K vs bakers $55 million… and to be honest, the money gap is much larger than the gap between these 2 QBs skills
October 10th, 2026 at 3:44 am
I’m with Wyoming Joe. The only reason I’m sorry about Baker’s payday is that every mistake or misfortune that happens, that money will be held over his head. I liked Bowled decision to go for it instead of kicking a field goal. The way our running game was going all night made it a worthwhile risk and, we won anyway, so it seems like it was a good risk to take. Unfortunately many of you this are born to hate, so nobody or anything will ever be right for you.
October 10th, 2026 at 4:09 am
melvin on the pipe and writing novels again….didnt read
anyways, let Jalon play the next 2 or 3, and let Bake heal and watch….this is GREAT for both….let the troops rally behind Jalon for now….theres always two, QB1, QB2!!
October 10th, 2026 at 5:10 am
We all know that Baker is chomping at the bit to play, mostly IMO because like every starting QB he’s concerned about losing his job. Yes he’s got a guaranteed contract, but Brady replacing Bledsoe back in 2000, and never relinquishing the starting role, put every starting QB on notice forever after.
Jalon Daniels is playing well. Forget the rookie thing, he’s completing passes at a 70% clip. He’s mobile and running at a 5 YPC clip. He’s making fairly good decisions. The team appears to be rallying around him.
Baker showed me what he’s got this season in those first 3 games. His OLine was playing bad, and he had no answers for that. Three games started, 5 turnovers on him, 13 sacks taken, and 0 wins. That was horrific.
Daniels may come back down to earth next game and we might get trounced. Or he might stay hot and lead us to another win. Personally I like staying with the hot hand.
October 10th, 2026 at 5:19 am
You can bet that $165M will not be standing on the sidelines, regardless of who’s playing better.
October 10th, 2026 at 5:22 am
There’s no “for now” about it. He won’t be coming back for the steelers game. JD goes in there plus well and beats the steelers, they will let baker sit longer and heal completely up. By the time he’s healed up and ready to come back, and if JD is still playing well and winning games, then baker won’t be coming back! Glazer’s just gonna have to eat it man. Besides, I don’t like that cocky, hubris, and arrogant baker anyway! He needs a good butt whooping!
October 10th, 2026 at 5:30 am
The fans want Daniels! We’ve seen enough of Baker already.
October 10th, 2026 at 5:31 am
Wow, I can’t help myself this morning. Not my fault. As represented above, we have two completely different species inhabiting the same comment section.
Defense Rules: Calm, rational, statistically grounded. Presents an argument, acknowledges uncertainty, respects the reader’s intelligence.
MelvinJunior: A man who apparently believes the CAPS LOCK key is a substitute for a compelling argument.
Today’s “12 Things” List: The Defense Rules vs. MelvinJunior Roast Battle Royale:
Defense Rules brings facts, context, and perspective. MelvinJunior brings CAPITAL LETTERS and the emotional stability of a shopping cart with three bad wheels.
Defense Rules makes you reconsider your position. MelvinJunior makes you reconsider whether universal literacy was such a great idea.
Defense Rules uses statistics to support his arguments. MelvinJunior uses CAPS LOCK to compensate for the absence of one.
Reading Defense Rules is like attending a football seminar. Reading MelvinJunior is like being trapped in an elevator with a malfunctioning car alarm.
Defense Rules understands that intelligence doesn’t require volume. MelvinJunior apparently believes whoever shouts the loudest wins the internet.
Defense Rules offers thoughtful football analysis. MelvinJunior offers a hostage situation involving punctuation.
Defense Rules writes like a man who’s studied the game for 40 years. MelvinJunior writes like his keyboard owes him money.
Defense Rules can make a point in three sentences. MelvinJunior needs three paragraphs, eleven exclamation points, and a fresh CAPS LOCK battery.
Defense Rules invites intelligent debate. MelvinJunior arrives wearing a championship belt from an argument nobody knew was happening.
Defense Rules analyzes what happened on the field. MelvinJunior analyzes how many ways he can announce that he predicted it first.
Defense Rules understands the difference between confidence and certainty. MelvinJunior has apparently never encountered a thought he didn’t consider historic.
Defense Rules presents evidence and lets readers decide. MelvinJunior presents himself as evidence and demands applause.
October 10th, 2026 at 5:59 am
no rush bake make sure the thumb is 100%. this isnt like last year where well, lets not go there lets stay positive about the backup qb situation this year unlike last year where it was, errr, nevermind.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:10 am
Daniels did well against a very bad defense. Let’s not get ahead of our skis. Would’ve been a different narrative had that Cowboy DB not dropped a bunny he should’ve taken to the house. If you watch that play Daniels did what rookies do, locked on to that out route. A veteran like Mayfield would’ve seen Hurst wide open for a TD. Daniels showed well, but let’s not lose our perspective. I will say, I wouldn’t rush Baker back.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:19 am
Let’s stick with Daniels. When things fall apart, he seems more capable of making a smart choice. He also made some throws that Baker hasn’t been able to make in quite a while.
Ceiling is also higher with Daniels.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:20 am
Jaylon Daniels seems to have impressive tools at this stage of his development. Would Bruce Arians be interested in being a quarterback whisperer for this kid? A year or two perhaps watching and learning under Baker Mayfield might result in the Bucs not having to play Russian Roulette on a future QB draft pick.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:24 am
Jalon Daniels has a whole lot to prove before he is better than Mayfield.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:31 am
Todd, DR is a mature commenter and MJ just likes to troll. Just remember, DR wasn’t impressed with the 49ers at the start of last season so nobody’s perfect. For instance, I actually defended Leftwich on a couple of posts. Those comments aged so badly that I changed my non de plume.
Now about Jalon, my hope is that he starts the next game. Just for the simple reason that Baker will be even more healthy by sitting another week. If Daniels plays well again, that gives Baker even more incentive to make smarter decisions about his body and taking care of the ball. Make no mistake, Baker is the starter and has earned his role. I just don’t see this as being a Bledsoe Brady situation. If I’m wrong, I’ll be making extra popcorn for the Panthers game.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:37 am
I smell a Wally Pipp coming on!
October 10th, 2026 at 6:44 am
Ride the hot hand, it’s not rocket surgery.
October 10th, 2026 at 6:50 am
I hope Bakers thumb is 100% before he returns. Daniels has proven he can run the team as a solid backup. I like seeing his mom on TV too. I see no need to rush Bakers recovery. I thought I noticed more double tight end sets this week. I also noticed Baker on the sidelines looking very coachly. Perhaps his coaching input is helping too. I’d love to see the old 22 personnel and power T packages used. Having two tight ends and two or three backs in the game provides extra blocking when needed. Our tight ends can block and catch, our running backs can sort of block, they all are good runners and and all catch the ball fairly well. Using these old school sets will catch defenses off guard. I’d enjoy watching one of our more athletic trench guys lining up as full back every now and then too. I like Baker’s involvement on the sidelines. He is helping and learning while recovering. There was something good going on with our offense this week. I hope it continues with the Steelers. Go bucs
October 10th, 2026 at 7:03 am
Great post Todd. I did have a moments thought that maybe you were Defense Rules writing under a pen name. Regardless, the post was spot on.
Look, my opinion is that we are lucky to have found Jalen Daniels and he very well could end up being our future QB (emphasis on future). But for now and the next few years, we are more fortunate to have Baker as the leader of this team. JD seems to have a load of raw talent and the attitude to be a positive leader, but Baker will always have the edge because he is so damn smart. A quick mind makes for quick decisions and that separates the Mohomes from the Tagovailoas. The same thing that pisses off a lot of people about Baker is the very thing that gives him those “intangibles” everyone talks about.
JD is no dummy for sure and probably average or slightly above in that regard, but it will take him a few years for his cerebral knowledge to catch up with the rest of his raw talent. That’s why these few games now are going to be so helpful to him. And frankly, this is great for the organization as well as for Baker. Won’t it be nice knowing that Baker can be Baker and when he does hurt himself, we’ve got a player that can step in and keep things from going completely off the rails as Baker takes the time to recover.
Yes, Baker hasn’t been great this year so far, but I suspect this break gives him some time for reflection and time to adjust to all the last minute flurry of no contract/new contract/new teammates/new season, etc.. And don’t forget he has a newborn at home…anyone remember how that was? So basically, I believe Baker will be back to his old self again soon, and all this discussion will be forgotten. JD will continue to learn and improve and develop into a fine backup with the potential of a great future.
If you doubt what I’m saying, watch that Cowboys game again. If you are honest with yourself, you will notice how all the pre-snap stuff looked a little shaky. The motion looked awkward, the timing seemed off, and it just didn’t have that mechanical precision that the experienced QB’s exhibit. More than likely, that was the root cause of many of those pre-snap penalties. The good news is, all that will improve in time and why again, these few games as starter will be great for JD.
So lets all take a breath and feel good about our situation without throwing the baby out with the bath water.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:06 am
So JD is 1-1 and has played like a quality back up should . I’m pretty sure Trask , Stick or whoever could have won that game against Dallas , 240 yards rushing always makes the QBs job much easier . That coupled with Bucs D holding the Cowboys vaunted O to 16 points is equally impressive. Looking back Robinson should have tried to run more against GB cause the game was there to be had .Baker plays when he can grip a ball and throw , JD is our Ty-God Taylor (shout out to Marine)
October 10th, 2026 at 7:12 am
Im def changing my strategy for the next draft from trying to find a back up QB….we got him already.
Im going DT Echols, then C (move Barton) and RG (sorry Mauch, sign cheap maybe) Kade and Ipani
October 10th, 2026 at 7:15 am
I thought Daniels played a fairly good game, especially for an undrafted rookie. And I agree that he should start against the Steelers. But let’s face it, the kid threw for a 189 yards, 64 of which was because a Dallas DB fell allowing Tez to catch a deep pass. I won’t even mention the almost fatal pick 6 that another Dallas DB dropped. Just sayin’ …
October 10th, 2026 at 7:24 am
I want them to keep Daniels in. He can make the deep pass and he doesn’t over throw wide receivers like Baker does. That pass to Tez Johnson against Dallas I am not sure Baker makes that throw without over throwing him.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:26 am
@ LightningVinny
LOL!
“Ty-God Taylor” – awesome…
I would like to see JD start against the Steelers.
I’m a bit concerned because Baker was already struggling with making throws over 20 yards…
I highly doubt that a dislocated thumb on his throwing hand will help him complete those passes.
JD gives us the best chance to win next Sunday.
But don’t worry folks – our star fullback will return soon enough…
October 10th, 2026 at 7:43 am
Daniels is a rookie with one win against the non performing Cowboys. While he has real talent, let’s not get too giddy and excited. Let Baker work when the o-line gives him some protection (for a change) and he’ll deliver.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:45 am
Doubt he gets stitches out that soon.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:48 am
J.T. O’Sullivan broke down Jalon Daniels’ game against the Cowgirls. Even shows some love to Robinson for some of his pass concepts as well. It’s a good watch if you like this type of stuff.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:52 am
WalkDaPlank
100% agree. It would be entirely irresponsible to allow Baker to play. We’ve all likely dislocated a digit — but not all of us have dislocated a thumb on our throwing hand, nor are we a professional NFL QB. No fricking way that Baker will have the grip strength required to be the best he can be.
Take another week or two.
Who cares the outcome at this point.
October 10th, 2026 at 7:52 am
“and the emotional stability of a shopping cart with three bad wheels.”
BWHAHHAHAHAHA!
October 10th, 2026 at 7:53 am
i’ve been riding with Baker for years now , and I hate that he’s been given five new offensive coordinators in five years. And 10 offensive coordinators in nine years……. But, I want Jalon to play till Baker completely healed. I like how
much more mobile Jalon is when the pocket collapses. he doesn’t panic.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:02 am
Todd, that was brilliant. 😂 You nailed the contrast between Defense Rules’ thoughtful analysis and MelvinJunior’s all-caps outrage. I agree with every word—especially the shopping cart with three bad wheels. That one deserves a spot in the Bucs comment-section hall of fame.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:03 am
Yeah I don’t want to see Baker until he is completely healed. None of this selfish hero BS where he doesn’t come back 100% and holds back the team. It really is sad how this UDFA making only his second start has shown more poise than frantic Baker and his happy feet
October 10th, 2026 at 8:11 am
Coaches need to make decisions on who gives us the best chance of winning. The medical staff is responsible for clearing players to play.
Daniels has looked good, and the team is responding. It appears we’ve got 2 good QBs. I’m thinking Mayfield could use at least another week to get to full strength.
Dallas has allowed 16 TDS this year. The Vikings have allowed 4 TDS this year. The Browns and Bengals have allowed 8 and 9 TDS this year. The Packers have allowed 13 TDS this year.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:14 am
Jaylon Daniels did well versus a bad defense, that helped extend drives with penalties. Played smart overall (pick 6 was dropped), but played with composure, overall he played excellent for a person making 2nd start, in Prime time, first start ever on the Road in a place the Bucs were 2-13 lifetime.
Baker would do well to stop playing skitter scatter thinking and actions, leading to just dumb play, holding the ball and making mistakes.
Hey Baker maybe learn how to win, not just “lay it on the Line” holding the ball and making dumb plays.
Learn how to win, get the ball out quick, if the play is not there, throw it away, on to the next play.
Enough with hero ball and getting beat up and injured.
With Coen, Baker got the ball out quick, whatever happened???
Back to the basics, this is not rocket science.
When Brady came, my first thought was how he would improve the O line, just because he gets the ball out quickly, and it proved out immediately.
Baker has one of the strongest arms in the NFL, he can make all the throws.
GET THE BALL OUT QUICKLY BAKER, QUIT MAKING IT HARD ON YOURSELF AND THE OLINE
1+1 =2
GO BUCS!!!!!
October 10th, 2026 at 8:17 am
#99
Yes, the ‘shopping cart with three bad wheels’ for the win! 😂
October 10th, 2026 at 8:21 am
Baker is a bridge quarterback regardless how you guys feel about him this fan base celebrate meadicory . To say Baker is a franchise quarterback tells me everything I need to know about this fan base. This guy is on his 4th team and he’s shown you why the other teams moved on from him . He’s a glorified backup quarterback and next year he will be 32 years old and he’s trending down because of father time.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:24 am
The only way to handle this for Bowles is to stick with Daniels against the Steelers and if Baker is medically cleared, have him be the backup since he will not have practiced for 3 weeks. The extra week of strengthening that hand won’t hurt. He plays though if Daniels is struggling and the game is still within reach.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:25 am
August 1976. Baker got exposed last year in the Patriots game and every team is doing the same thing to him . Blitz up the middle take away his first read and put they’re hands up because he can’t see over the line and that’s why he was bad the second half of the season and in the first 3 games of the season Baker is 0-3 with a 4th ranked defense .
October 10th, 2026 at 8:30 am
It’s not because of the talent,that #6 has,its because of the contract that he has, that will make him the starter once again, BIG MISTAKE!!!! We all know, who’s the better QB! Rather lose with #6, than to win with JD10!!!
October 10th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Daniels was THIS close to a disastrous pick 6. I know the hate for Baker is hot on this site, but pump the brakes a bit.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:36 am
A dislocated thumb on the throwing hand that required surgery? I cannot believe this is only a three week injury.
And the kid looked good. Confident. Calm. Actually, much calmer than Baker ever looked this season.
Todd, you just got one win. Don’t F it up by putting Baker in before he’s ready and while the kid is still playing good.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:38 am
Oneilbuc, Stop with the 4th team BS! The Browns moved on because they’ve been bungling for over 25 years. The only good years they had were the years Baker was there. Then he gets shipped to the Panthers, who were the second most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL at the time, behind only the Browns and with a coach on the hot seat. Is a 5 game trial fair for any quarterback to turn that team around? The Rams just signed Baker because they needed a quarterback to finish out the season respectably because Stafford and practically the entire team was injured. They were glad that they did. They didn’t keep him because he didn’t want to be a backup to Stafford so soon in his career. And the the Bucs are the fourth team. That’s the truth regardless of how you feel about him!
October 10th, 2026 at 8:56 am
He needs to be able to grip and throw all game long. Baker will convince staff he’s fine even if not. Baker is QB1. Rest another week. Daniel’s has the hot hand Todd.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:56 am
What do you think Joe, money rules the world and the NFL is certainly neck deep in love with money.
Mayfield holds the largest money contract so you can bet your last dollar Mayfield will be on the field ASAP. No if’s ands or but.
October 10th, 2026 at 8:58 am
Todd, that was awesome. Best post of the year.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:01 am
Happy that the kid played well against the Cowboys. He has more speed then then Baker that helps when your not playing well as a line. He also limits us in the passing game he throws a few balls a week right to the defense we got lucky and the guy dropped a sure pick 6 this week.
Right now all things considered I would say Baker gives us the best chance to win if both are healthy. Now if Daniels takes another step up from week 2-3 in performance then ladies and gentleman we will have a full blown Qb controversy on our hands.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:10 am
tom thumb will be holding the clipboard again…
and whalen jaylon will be maneuvering, dipping & dancing away from good ole boy tj wattoossi…
also i wouldn’t doubt that aaron fudgers gifts jalon a package of ayahuasca via the mail this week too
October 10th, 2026 at 9:14 am
Just checking this site seeing if Bowles is gone yet.
Baker is currently, today, better than Daniels. BUT – Daniels plus $50M in free agents would’ve been MUCH better than Baker.
Terrible move by the front office. Baker is not that guy.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:20 am
Ok the throw to wide open Tez was not good. He had to completely stop running to catch it. He was just that wide open. I get the Baker slander, but Jalon isn’t that amazing, he’s just being a bit smarter with the ball. I appreciate him sliding and running out of bounds on scrambles. But that also should have been a game wrecking pick 6. That was a horrible decision. We’ve got a really solid back up but those of you suggesting he has a higher ceiling than Baker are crazy to me. Baker’s arm talent is better. I hope Baker sits another week and gets his head screwed on right.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:22 am
look people if you like jalon daniels…
and i do…
you keep him around…he is literally dripping wet behind the ears right now tho…
you let him grow over a couple years, into the position more…
get seasoned, if you may…
and do a slow process of “changing of the guard” at the qb position…
you let big bake run the show for a couple more seasons after this…
unless he is flopping out hard…
and let jalon slide into the role in a slow and seamless fashion…
sounds like a good smooth plan…but then again, things often don’t go smoothly…
for the next year or so after this, he should be the back up, while getting seasoned…it’s a good problem to have actually…
and yes he does have a similar type skill set to baker…maybe better in a few areas and worse in others…
he really is a great story…
NOW IF HE WOULD ONLY STOP TALKING SO FAST AT THE PODIUM, WE COULD ALL RELAX & CHILL
#MachineGunMouth
but at least it’s not complete gibberish like good ole DW spewed at the podium a few years back, when he got a lot of podium play…
or grizz’s premature ejac podium speak of last season
October 10th, 2026 at 9:34 am
We had a good plan against the bad Cowboys defense. Bucky and the O line looked better because the competition was worse. No Daniels is not better than Baker. But let’s let Baker fully heal and see what Daniels can do against a legit Steelers defense when we can’t run the ball again. If he plays well against the Steelers then maybe you have an argument. Just don’t forget the pick 6 Bland dropped or the outcome of that game would have been different
October 10th, 2026 at 9:48 am
Whatever decision comes to Todd’s mind, the team should do the exact opposite.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:52 am
200 yards rushing , I can be the qb
October 10th, 2026 at 9:55 am
It was a short week on the road with not a lot of film on Jalon against a bad, bad, bad, defense. l predicted the Buccs to beat the Cowboys so the win came as no shock as the Buccaneers are not as bad a perception based on their winless record. Listen, I love Jalon as much as the next fan in here but he does not give us the best chance to salvage the season. Green Bay has a bad defense, too, and Jalon struggled with two picks. The line played horribly that game , and did overall for the first four games. Let’s not forget the Jalon nearly threw a pick six at the end of the Cowboys game to Deron Bland. Pittsburgh is tenth in defensive EPA per Sharp Football and the film will be out on Jalon so it won’t be as easy people fantasize. Jalon will get the start pand play OK and the Buccaneers will win because the Buccaneers defense is outstanding (sorry Bowles haters) and the Steelers offense is meh (a lot worse than the Cowboys, Bengals, etc.) with a dinosaur QB throwing downfield at the highest rate in the league in the heat. Advantage Bucs.
Bake will and should get the start away vs. Carolina in a pivotal must win game. As far as the first three games with Bake? On the road the first game with little preseason play and a long layoff (last full game was January) against a contending team with a revamped defense that was jacked up at home is a tough draw especially with a new coordinator. We still had a chance to win that game but played sloppy whether it was Bake being careless with the football going in for a score, the line giving up immediate pressure with penalties to kill drives, Bucky putting it on the ground, Otton dropping a wide open pass for a big gain, etc. We were running the ball effectively and abandoned the run and most likely win that game without the turnovers/penalties. Vs. Cleveland it was a rain game (not advantageous for any QB) and that was a game we were in control for much of the game. Yet again, we saw disastrous line play and Bake was holding onto the ball too long as evidenced by him having the highest adot ofant QB on the week, and missing open receivers that he usually hits (I tend to think his shoulder got dinged up and it threw his accuracy off the second half). We were effective running the ball and again stopped running thr ball in the second half and after the rain delay where we probably could have scored playing smashmouth football. You also had Bake dropping an absolute game winning dime in Hurst’s hand but for whatever reason (the rain, the defender making a good last millisecond recovery) he didn’t come down with the ball. Minnesota is by far the best defense so far in the league and they pretty much wreck every defense and we paid for it so you can toss that performance out of the window. Even then, if not for a special teams breakdown we are talking about a possible win in that game, too.
At the very least the Buccs should be 3-2 and quite possibly 4-1 despite playing very sloppy in four of the five games. The defense will continue to keep us in games, and I feel the offense will regress to the positive with better line play, less penalties, and fewer turnovers that will give the team a chance to get back into the mix provided we take care of business vs the NFC South teams. If the Buccs come out with the same fight, ntensity, focus, and attitude as we did vs. the Cowboys this team can and will get on a run.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:57 am
Darengibo Says:
October 10th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Daniels was THIS close to a disastrous pick 6. I know the hate for Baker is hot on this site, but pump the brakes a bit.
Even so, If the DC/HC had did the correct thing and taken the 3 points, We would still be in front and getting ball back. With and opportunity to score or run the clock down or out. So, a lost would have been entirely on the DC/HC not the Rookie QB who was doing everything correctly in order for the Bucs to come out with a Win.
October 10th, 2026 at 9:58 am
@ Steve V
“200 yards rushing , I can be the qb”
True.
As long as you don’t fumble 3 times in one game – like our useless fullback did during game #1…
LOL!
October 10th, 2026 at 9:59 am
@ Steve V
“200 yards rushing , I can be the qb”
True.
As long as you don’t fumble 3 times in one game…
October 10th, 2026 at 10:27 am
Sorry for the repeat folks…
Dats how it goes at times at the old JBF Bar and Grill.
October 10th, 2026 at 10:39 am
I absolutely love the kid, but Jalon still had two bad interceptions vs. a terrible Green Bay defense. The difference in both games was that we were running the ball effectively and the line protected much better and made the proper adjustments (even against the worst defense in the league sans maybe Detroit, you still have to execute). We didn’t ask Jalon to do too much either keeping a lot of stuff underneath. I want Bake’s experience in reading defenses and big play ability to get the ball into the receivers that has Bake has worked with the last three years in games where we must win ala the upcoming games vs Carolina and Atlanta. As long as his thumb injury isn’t too serious (he didnt need surgery just stitches) to where it affects his throws and/or grip. The layoff may have been great for Baker and the team overall to let Bake rest his shoulder (I feel his shoulder got dinged up vs. Cleveland) and solidify better protection schemes and play calls knowing teams will heavily blitz us. A refreshed Baker with an edge along with more attention to detail on the offense is advantage Buccs.
“Even so, If the DC/HC had did the correct thing and taken the 3 points, We would still be in front and getting ball back. With and opportunity to score or run the clock down or out. So, a lost would have been entirely on the DC/HC not the Rookie QB who was doing everything correctly in order for the Bucs to come out with a Win.”
October 10th, 2026 at 10:55 am
Oneilbuc Says:
October 10th, 2026 at 8:25 am
August 1976. Baker got exposed last year in the Patriots game and every team is doing the same thing to him . Blitz up the middle take away his first read and put they’re hands up because he can’t see over the line and that’s why he was bad the second half of the season and in the first 3 games of the season Baker is 0-3 with a 4th ranked defense .
That was not with Coen running the offense.
It is not complicated, get the ball out quick, and things will go alot better. I am not a Baker boy, but I am also a realist, he would be fine if not doing all the extra crap. Is Baker a great QB…not a chance. But is he more than capable to run an offense yes. You can say bridge QB, but that fact is he going to be here for a while thx to mgmt having 165,000,000 reasons for that. With what I said about Baker, doing well in Coens offense, I do not trust him to lead this team to a Super Bowl. So the 165,000,000 dollar bridge will be in place for at least 2 seasons and who knows about the 3rd season of his contract. As a fan since 1976, I would love Baker to prove me wrong about winning a championship, but until further notice Baker, Sorry playing QB like a chicken with its head cutofff is not going to cut it. He will just get hurt more hold a clip board more if he does not change, and many more losses will happen.
October 10th, 2026 at 10:57 am
I would ask Baker, what is more embarrassing- sitting a couple more weeks, or getting benched mid game for the rookie who leads em to a comeback win?
October 10th, 2026 at 11:02 am
Daniels play improved from the GB game to the Dallas game on a short week. I would like to see him continue to improve.
The whole team, both offense and defense played their heart out for the rookie.
October 10th, 2026 at 11:12 am
Baker starts 0-3
Jalon goes 2-1
Baker goes 0-3
BYE WEEK
then what ??!!
October 10th, 2026 at 11:17 am
can-we-get-rid-of-Licht-now-please Says:
October 10th, 2026 at 11:12 am
Baker starts 0-3
Jalon goes 2-1
Baker goes 0-3
BYE WEEK
then what ??!!
First clue 165,000,000 reasons.
October 10th, 2026 at 11:21 am
PalmettoJoe … ‘watch that Cowboys game again. If you are honest with yourself, you will notice how all the pre-snap stuff looked a little shaky. The motion looked awkward, the timing seemed off, and it just didn’t have that mechanical precision that the experienced QB’s exhibit. More than likely, that was the root cause of many of those pre-snap penalties.’
Fantastic analysis! I wasn’t looking for any of that, but you’re spot on. That MAY have been the cause of many of those pre-snap penalties. Mega kudos
October 10th, 2026 at 11:35 am
There is no quarterback controversy. Baker Mayfield is the starting quarterback and he will start as soon as he is released medically.
Do you think they will let him play if he’s not throwing darts? Baker has the better arm and runs as good or better than JD.
Kudos to Todd Bowles for making the decision to go with JD as the backup quarterback. Great decision Todd!!
Now that the Oline is playing better you will see a more consistent offensive performance with Jalon or with Baker you’ll see.
Go Bucs !!
October 10th, 2026 at 11:40 am
JD was a high prospect ,only the injuries and how he threw his body around made him an undrafted player,thats it…O’Neil you got your preferred qb color ,just go with it!!
October 10th, 2026 at 11:42 am
The kid was thrown to the wolves,and passed with flying colors,however Mayfield is the starter and was paid to be one..He’ll be back…
October 10th, 2026 at 11:46 am
Licht is going NOWHERE!!! GET THAT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULLS!!!
ITS THE COACHING!
October 10th, 2026 at 11:50 am
PalmettoJoe … ‘I suspect this break gives him some time for reflection and time to adjust to all the last minute flurry of no contract/new contract/new teammates/new season, etc.. And don’t forget he has a newborn at home…anyone remember how that was? So basically, I believe Baker will be back to his old self again soon, and all this discussion will be forgotten.’
Solid points & I truly hope you’re right. As good as Jalon has looked … for a rookie … it’d be very premature to view him as the ‘franchise QB in waiting’.
Baker is a warrior, and he’ll rush back into the battle PREMATURELY if Bowles lets him do that. Baker playing hurt last year and always being less than 100% for multiple reasons proved to be catastrophic for the Bucs. Daniels is 100% healthy right now, has a relatively ‘hot hand’ AND we’re a miserable 1-4 to date. I’d much prefer to see us ride with Jalon against the Steelers and let Baker’s thumb heal up to 100%.
Oh and by the way Palmetto Joe, I’m Defense Rules and that’s it. No additional handles; never borrowed anyone else’s either. I wouldn’t want to embarrass anyone like that.
October 10th, 2026 at 11:52 am
The quality of posts is rising. Keep it up 👍
Thank you. Go Bucs!
October 10th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
David … ‘At the very least the Buccs should be 3-2 and quite possibly 4-1 despite playing very sloppy in four of the five games.’
All the rationalization is great, BUT … NFL says that we’re 1-4. When it comes playoff and Super Bowl time, theirs is the only vote that counts.
And we’re 1-4 BECAUSE we played ‘very sloppy in 4 of the 5 games’. Actually we’ve been sloppy in all 5 games; our opponent was just sloppier than we were in the 5th.
The Dallas game surely gives us something to build on, but we’ve got to really improve on eliminating giveaways, minimizing sacks & penalties especially. We’ve already shot ourselves in the feet enough to last a whole season.
October 10th, 2026 at 12:09 pm
Steve, he wasn’t a high prospect , now maybe he should have been higher but as Matt Simms said people missed for 2 distinct reasons , he’s short and he played for Kansas ,,,, Lucky for us , Someone realized he could play and had great qualities. If Baker is cleared he will play against Steelers , if not JD ,,, but I do think it did Baker some good to watch the game Thur night,, now if we can rush for 200 yards next Sunday we may just have found our recipe for winning and truth is Bucky was averaging 5 yards against Vikings and Cinci and Robinson abandoned the run, Maybe Robinson learned we are better at run blocking too, if we can cut the penalties down , keep the turn overs to a minimum , we will be a tough team to beat going forward
October 10th, 2026 at 12:09 pm
I’m
Convinced the reason baker started this whole contract mess is because of Jaylon Daniels, he knows Jaylon is just as better and younger, baker pulled one of the greatest heist move in sports history Tampa needs to cut their losses and trade him to a team that needs a qb (Minnesota) right now!
October 10th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Jd almost lost the game with a pick 6. Baker doesn’t make that throw. In 3 plus seasons, baker has 1 pick six, and that one otton had, and the ram db ripped it out if his hands and went to the house. Be happy we gave a nice back up, but stop sipping the kool aid.
October 10th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
In looking at both Jalon Daniels’ & David Walker’s performances this season, I see 1 thing in common: neither plays like a rookie. And I suspect that’s because BOTH of them got much more experience in college than the average draft pick does. For some, that might be the best way to build their football experience. Leaving college early like some have then trying to ‘make it’ in the NFL seems to have counter-productive for many.
Daniels spent 6 years (2020-2025) at the University of Kansas, and David Walker spent 5 years in college, 2020-2021 at Southern Arkansas then 2022-2024 at Central Arkansas.
October 10th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
“get the ball out quick”, “Baker holds the ball too long”.
Since Detroit debacle of last year, teams with a decent db backfield are playing press man against us. Saw two such examples the other night, we had 3 guys running routes and all 3 of them had ZERO separation, kid had nowhere to go. I don’t know if that’s lack of receiver skill, or bad scheming
October 10th, 2026 at 12:40 pm
Some of you have no idea what what you are talking about.
So I’ll help.
We won Thursday night, in spite of Jaylon Daniels. Not because of him.
He’s a Rookie. Hes not reading the defenses correctly.
But that’s ok. He’s a rookie. He’s not going to.
But he does show real promise. I really like him.
But we won, Because we ran. The backs ran the ball. Ebuka ran the Ball. Daniels ran the ball.
Zack Robinson finally realized that, while we are incapable of pass blocking, we actually run block pretty well.
I think we trade Mayfield.
Jaylon is probably 2 years from being a good NFL starter.
It will take a new GM and Head Coach 2 years to fix the issues this team has.
Why waste Mayfields time, on a rebuilder!
We can get a fortune for him- if we trade him as soon as possible.
More #1 picks will let us build with great players, instead of good players.
Jaylon Daniels may never be a good Pro QB. 10 fail, for every one that succeeds.
But either way, this team needs 2 years to become truly relevant again.
Might as well take a chance on him.
I like what we’ve seen so far.
We’ll just keep getting an aging Mayfield injured, if we try to hang on to him.
October 10th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
941bucsfan 💯, Jalon value negates Baker’s play, Jalon has higher upside as well.
October 10th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
We won, we ran the ball because the oline played much better. JD had more time and Bucky had the holes to run through and make the first man miss.
Oline plays well, Bucs win.
Oline plays bad, Bucs lose.
Go Bucs !!
October 10th, 2026 at 1:17 pm
Beeej Says:
October 10th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
“get the ball out quick”, “Baker holds the ball too long”.
Since Detroit debacle of last year, teams with a decent db backfield are playing press man against us. Saw two such examples the other night, we had 3 guys running routes and all 3 of them had ZERO separation, kid had nowhere to go. I don’t know if that’s lack of receiver skill, or bad scheming
Go watch Baker with Coen, its different. Coen gets to Jax and Trevor is now playing like expectations.
Baker was asked during the preseason when Coen was here about what is different, and he said he “has answers” with Coen, compared to 2023 with Canales. Baker was asked this same question during 2026 preseason and Baker did not even answer the question. This really sticks out to me. With Baker looking to much like a chicken with his head cut off, really question whats going on with Baker and the offense. Baker should have said right away that there was answers, instead of not really answering the question at all.
October 10th, 2026 at 1:27 pm
If Baker starts playing badly, will the “Jalon” chants be raining down?
October 10th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
I love the set up, it’s bakers team to lose. There is no qb controversy, but baker now knows there’s a talented guy behind him. That hopefully motivates him.
October 10th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Regarding trading Baker, what team would take on a $165M contract? Extending Baker will handcuff this team for at least the next two years. The Glazers did this to themselves by forcing JL’s hand and getting involved in the negotiations. If the owners had not stuck their noses in the negotiations, the Bucs could have either franchised Baker or walked away at the end of this year. Instead there is an albatross hanging from their neck.
October 10th, 2026 at 1:59 pm
@Let Em Bake
Lmao Baker doesn’t make that throw? Really lol? The guy that leads the NFL in turnovers since entering the league is above throwing picks in that situation? Baker is a seasoned vet and still commits bone head turnovers and creates his own sacks. At least with Jalon we can give him some grace bring a young player making only his second start.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Here it comes, that piece of garbage Mayfield is going to be “ahead of schedule” in returning from his soft benching… errr, I mean severe injury.
What a brave, brave, man.
And you just wait, when he’s healthy, you’re going to see he’s the league MVP!
Just wait until he’s healthy.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:28 pm
Capt.Tim….nobody wants Baker, especially at 55 mill per season.
October 10th, 2026 at 2:36 pm
“…like being trapped in an elevator with a malfunctioning car alarm.“
Hilarious, @Todd. Spot on.
October 10th, 2026 at 3:01 pm
Rod Munch Says:
October 10th, 2026 at 2:15 pm
Here it comes, that piece of garbage Mayfield is going to be “ahead of schedule” in returning from his soft benching… errr, I mean severe injury.
What a brave, brave, man.
And you just wait, when he’s healthy, you’re going to see he’s the league MVP!
Just wait until he’s healthy.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
No matter what is said by any Bucs official or any other, The sad reality is there are 165,000,000 reasons Baker will play if they can drag him on the field. Mgmt now saddled this franchise for at least 2 years of his 3 year contract.