BY IRA KAUFMAN

Dirk Koetter says the Bucs are mired in a depressing pattern this season.

Make that 11 seasons.

Koetter was referring to Tampa Bay’s habit of falling far behind in the opening half, only to stage a comeback bid that falls short. We’ve seen that play out against the Steelers, Falcons, Bengals and Panthers while the Bucs dropped 5-of-6 after a 2-0 start.

The overarching pattern, however, is far more depressing. The playoff drought is almost certain to reach 11 years and another regime change appears likely.

This team has changed defensive coordinators and quarterbacks, yet the losing continues. (more…)

Quiet.

It seems even the losing is starting to get to Bucs stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. (more…)

Will sit and watch a journeyman with a 2-3 record who turns 36 soon

The Bucs appear to have officially thrown in the towel on America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston. (more…)

Ugly offense today.

Last year when the Bucs got blown out in domes, part of the reason was the offense had too many three-and-outs. (more…)

A quick look at the first halves of Dirk Koetter’s three seasons as head coach: 3-5, 2-6, 3-5.

Joe is not a big believer in coincidences. (more…)

No obvious sense of urgency late.

Joe was watching the game today with a hardcore Bucs fan who admits his wife all but leaves him alone on Sundays knowing her husband is so locked in on the Bucs that he wouldn’t even know he has a family for three hours. (more…)

It’s time for a happiness break in the wake of another train wreck Bucs loss — in another train wreck Bucs season. (more…)

Even Bucs’ best LB whiffed.

Joe has to wonder where the Bucs thought Curtis Samuel was traveling to? (more…)

“My Fellow Americans, you can stop blaming me.”

Cam Newton completed 76 percent of his passes today. The eight-year veteran had only done that five times in his career.

The Panthers also averaged 5.6 yards per carry against the mighty Bucs defense. (more…)

Gets value from players.

Want to know why the Stinking Panthers are better than the Bucs? Just watch the game (and look at the roster).

All over the field, the Panthers get production from their draft picks. The Bucs? Only get production from a handful of draft picks. (more…)

Paper or plastic?

Those are the options this week for Bucs fans.

What an embarrassment. (more…)

Vent and debate in the comments section with Buccaneers faithful from Lakewood Ranch, Orlando, South Tampa and beyond. Share your every thought on today’s chance absolute must-win game against the Panthers. Kickoff at 1 p.m.

Play nice!

And stick with Joe and Ira Kaufman after the game for spectacular postgame coverage.

Green light in red zone.

Joe’s not laying this at the feet of new Bucs defensive coordinator Mark Duffner. (more…)

Leading Panthers running back and receiver

Buccaneers legend Derrick Brooks did not hesitate for a second. (more…)

What would Monte Kiffin say?

Ian Beckles is outraged at how bad the Bucs defense is and he hopes for the sake of an old man’s well-being that Monte Kiffin has not watched a Bucs game this season. (more…)

Talks offense.

One cool thing for Joe about traveling to national NFL events is developing contacts with national NFL types, building a network of sorts to gather information Joe otherwise could not access. (more…)

Given the Buccaneers’ quarterback situation, it was ironic when offensive coordinator Todd Monken emphasized Thursday that struggling 24-year-old right guard Caleb Benenoch wouldn’t improve on the bench.

Anyway, Monken’s take has a lot of meaning today given who the Panthers are starting at left tackle. (more…)

Not done (yet).

Yesterday, Joe’s Twitter timeline blew up. (more…)

He’s back.

Good news for the porous defense.

Dirk Koetter said Friday evening on SiriusXM NFL Radio that Gerald McCoy will play today, backed up by Adam Schefter of BSPN.

As bad as the Bucs interior run defense was last week without Kwon Alexander, the Bucs really need GMC there against the Panthers this afternoon. And so he shall be.

Game 8

Bucs (3-4) at Stinking Panthers (5-2)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: WTVT-TV Channel 13, DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel 709.  (more…)

Where the Bucs game will be shown on free TV.

Only two regions of the republic will get to watch the Bucs walk into the belly of the beast tomorrow. (more…)