Click on through to shop the incredible September offers at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their sale prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

What a way to kick off your 50th season.

When I used the word “bizarre” to describe the final moments of Sunday’s jittery 23-20 victory in Atlanta, Todd Bowles didn’t disagree.

There was a whirlpool of emotions as officials kept ruling in favor of the home team when the Falcons drove 91 yards for the go-ahead score, taking nearly nine minutes off the clock.

Still, Baker Mayfield had enough time to deliver the game-winning march, capped by a 25-yard TD strike to stud rookie Emeka Egbuka with only 59 seconds remaining. Tampa Bay’s celebration became muted when normally reliable kicker Chase McLaughlin, who had missed a 44-yard FG try earlier, went wide left on the extra point.

Now the Falcons needed only a FG to send the game to overtime, but Younghoe Koe misfired from 44 yards out to seal a wild victory that included an offensive line shakeup by the visitors.

It was sweet revenge against a team that swept Tampa Bay last season and had won four of the last five matchups against an NFC South rival.
“Division game, big-time win,” said Mike Evans. “We were looking forward to this one.” (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous September pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

It’s time! 

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

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Click above to shop the tremendous September pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Always a gem of an epsisode, when The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports and Joe lock in and share various season predictions. Plenty more, too. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their sale prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Spectacular.

That’s the best way to describe the treat in store for Tampa Bay fans when a Glazer-authorized documentary celebrating 50 years of Buccaneer football is ready for launch.

Season-ticket holders experienced a taste of Buc heaven at Tampa Theater last night as Emmy-winning director Trent Cooper screened excerpts, sandwiched between live banter from Buc luminaries including Tom Brady, Doug Williams and Jon Gruden. (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Roster cuts are in. The season is 8 1/2 days away and all kinds of Bucs news is flowing. Another can’t-miss session from The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports and Joe.

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their sale prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

A tale of two coordinators.

Jeff Ulbrich, the new overseer of Atlanta’s leaky defense, is feeling better after gazing at Tampa Bay’s injury chart and realizing the Bucs may be without four offensive starters in Week 1.

On the visitor’s sideline, new Bucs OC Josh Grizzard finds himself dealing from a short deck. Tristan Wirfs, Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin won’t be available in the season opener and tight end Cade Otton suddenly looks doubtful due to a fresh leg injury. (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Feisty session as the Sage and Joe talk about decisions at One Buc Palace and the first day of “open locker room” for media.

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

We’re two weeks from the season opener and Ira returns from illness to a very full Bucs buffet. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford has got to be your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their great everyday prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

We’re down to the Final Five.

In celebration of the 50th season of Buccaneer football, I’ve been counting down the 50 most notable players in franchise history. As expected, the Final Five is dominated by defense.

No. 50 – Mark Cotney
No. 49 – Mike Washington
No. 48 – Richard “Batman” Wood
No. 47 – Aqib Talib
No. 46 – Ricky Reynolds
No. 45 – Keyshawn Johnson
No. 44 – Ricky Bell
No. 43 – Vincent Jackson
No. 42 – Mark Carrier
No. 41 – Donnie Abraham
No. 40 – Cadillac Williams
No. 39 – Joey Galloway
No. 38 – Kevin House
No. 37 – Davin Joseph
No. 36 – Shelton Quarles
No. 35 – Michael Pittman
No. 34 – Leonard Fournette
No. 33 – Donovan Smith
No. 32 – Rob Gronkowski
No. 31 – Doug Martin
No. 30 – Baker Mayfield
No. 29 – Ndamukong Suh
No. 28 – Hugh Green
No. 27 – Jason Pierre-Paul
No. 26 – Shaq Barrett

Six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy checked in at No. 23.

No. 25 – Donald Penn
No. 24 – Brad Johnson
No. 23 – Gerald McCoy
No. 22 – Ali Marpet
No. 21 – Vita Vea
No. 20 – Tony Mayberry
No. 19 – Antoine Winfield Jr.
No. 18 – Warrick Dunn
No. 17 – Chris Godwin
No. 16 – James Wilder
No. 15 – Jimmie Giles
No. 14 – Hardy Nickerson
No. 13 – Mike Alstott
No. 12 – Paul Gruber
No. 11 – Doug Williams
No. 10 – Simeon Rice
No. 9 – Tristan Wirfs
No. 8 – Tom Brady
No. 7 –  John Lynch
No. 6 – Lavonte David

No. 5 – Mike Evans
The only offensive player in the Top 7 is the first player Jason Licht drafted since becoming GM in 2014. Evans, who turns 31 later this month, is the franchise career leader in catches, receiving yards and TD receptions. He has earned six Pro Bowl berths, two All-Pro honors and ranks No. 9 all-time in league annals with 105 TD catches.

“I think Mike loves contested catches more than open catches because it sets a tone and sends a message — no matter if you’re on my hip, I’m gonna catch this anyway and there’s nothing you can do about it,” says Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett.
Evans can set an NFL record with his 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season, solidifying a powerful Hall of Fame resume. (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Preseason Week 2 in Pittsburgh is in the books and there’s plenty to glean. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Preseason Week 2 in Pittsburgh is in the books and there’s plenty to glean. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Podcast (ira-kaufman-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Fresh of his 71st birthday, Sage Ira has plenty on his Bucs buffet as the team prepares for Week 2 of the preseason. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Podcast (ira-kaufman-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

The Sage is all over last night’s happenings during the preseason opener — on and off the field. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford has got to be your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of great everyday prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Despite getting fired by the organization he grew up cheering for, Jon Gruden remains in love with the Buccaneers. As the franchise approaches its 50th NFL season, I caught up with Gruden at his lair in Tampa. (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous August pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

LOADED podcast wrapping up the Bucs’ week of practice, signings and comments before Saturday’s preseason opener. Pregame with The Sage!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Family-owned in Tampa since 1960, Bill Currie Ford has got to be your go-to choice! Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the famous Ira Kaufman discount on top of their great everyday prices. Don’t Worry, Drive Currie!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

With the Buccaneers on the brink of their 50th season, I’m counting down the 50 most notable players in franchise history. We’ve reached the Top 10!

No. 50 – Mark Cotney
No. 49 – Mike Washington
No. 48 – Richard “Batman” Wood
No. 47 – Aqib Talib
No. 46 – Ricky Reynolds
No. 45 – Keyshawn Johnson
No. 44 – Ricky Bell
No. 43 – Vincent Jackson
No. 42 – Mark Carrier
No. 41 – Donnie Abraham
No. 40 – Cadillac Williams
No. 39 – Joey Galloway
No. 38 – Kevin House
No. 37 – Davin Joseph
No. 36 – Shelton Quarles
No. 35 – Michael Pittman
No. 34 – Leonard Fournette
No. 33 – Donovan Smith
No. 32 – Rob Gronkowski
No. 31 – Doug Martin
No. 30 – Baker Mayfield
No. 29 – Ndamukong Suh
No. 28 – Hugh Green
No. 27 – Jason Pierre-Paul
No. 26 – Shaq Barrett

Six-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy checked in at No. 23.

No. 25 – Donald Penn
No. 24 – Brad Johnson
No. 23 – Gerald McCoy
No. 22 – Ali Marpet
No. 21 – Vita Vea
No. 20 – Tony Mayberry
No. 19 – Antoine Winfield Jr.
No. 18 – Warrick Dunn
No. 17 – Chris Godwin
No. 16 – James Wilder
No. 15 – Jimmie Giles
No. 14 – Hardy Nickerson
No. 13 – Mike Alstott
No. 12 – Paul Gruber
No. 11 – Doug Williams

10. Simeon Rice
The newest member of the Bucs Ring of Honor averaged 13.5 sacks in his first five seasons in Tampa. Signed as a free agent from Arizona in 2001, Rice was an integral component of a 2002 defense that has few peers. “Now I’m in a situation where I can really blossom and get into the genius of my game,” he said upon joining the Bucs “I think it’s going to take this defense to heavenly heights.” Rice also posted seven sacks and four forced fumbles in five playoff games with Tampa Bay. He dropped league MVP Rich Gannon twice and forced a fumble in the Super Bowl. (more…)

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Click above to shop the tremendous July pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

The Sage reflects on the past few days of training camp, injuries, Todd Bowles comments and more. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Podcast (ira-kaufman-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

Click above to shop the tremendous July pricing and inventory at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Don’t Worry. Drive Currie! Reach out to Ira’s friend and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their extreme commitment to customer satisfaction at Bill Currie Ford.

Ira looks back at the past few days of camp and at major Bucs-related shifts in the national media, and more. Plenty of nuggets from Day 6 of training camp on Tuesday. Enjoy!

The wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford. Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts or Podbean.com. Many other platforms, too.

A family business since 1960, Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.