Running back by committee?

Based on the news that seeped out of One Buc Palace this spring and summer, it seems new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter may have saved Doug Martin’s gig. (more…)

As Joe wrote yesterday, Jameis Winston was given a homework assignment by Derrick Brooks.

So Joe asked Jameis about that today to see if he completed his assignment. (more…)

Joe’s got video of the Jacquies Smith/Donovan Smith battle today

Tampa Bay fans have been crying for an edge pass rush. They’ve also been weeping for a left tackle since Donald Penn left the building.

Today at practice, Bucs rookie left tackle Donovan Smith joined the first team offensive line. (more…)

Don’t worry about Jameis’ picks, said Bucs CB Alterraun Verner. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

Yes, “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, had a shaky performance today — good passes and ugly picks.

Just like yesterday, he started out Gabbert-like with two picks in his first three passes, but quickly got over the shakes and the longer practice went, threw better and better. (more…)

The steamy fields of One Buc Palace were broiling this morning for Day 4 of training camp.

And after two interceptions by Jameis Winston, in his first three throws of 11-on-11 work, America’s Quarterback was on the hot seat. (more…)

Bucs second-year wide receiver Robert Herron

Once upon a time, the Bucs gave $10 million guaranteed to a wide receiver who already had proven he had Jell-O hands and Vaseline fingers (no, not a tight end.)

It was mind-numbing. A team just can’t carry a receiver that can’t catch. (more…)

Bucs are ready for the ups and downs from “America’s Quarterback” said Lovie Smith. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

Look, no one pined, beat the drum, hollered from rooftops, and coerced more bartenders that the Bucs needed to draft “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, more than Joe. (more…)

Joe is well aware Bucs fans are nauseous in the pits their stomachs about the woeful status of their franchise.

Losers of 70 of the past 100 games, the Bucs are at the bottom of the NFL with the Jags in total losses since the Bucs jettisoned Chucky (and that factors in Raheem Morris’ stunning 10-6 season in 2010). (more…)

Last chance.

Bucs fans don’t want to hear it, but Joe thinks the re-signing of former second-round pick Da’Quan Bowers last week was a smart move.

Look, the guy is coming in as camp meat. He’s being paid as camp meat. No promises were offered. Prove it or lose it. (more…)

If America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, wants to have a visible freakout because he threw an interception — like he did too often in yesterday’s practice — then Lovie Smith is just fine with that. (more…)

Bucs C Evan Smith has finally given up his silent treatment of “America’s Quarterback.”

Progress is being made at One Buc Palace.

And it has to do with the two guys who touch the ball on every offensive play: veteran center Evan Smith and “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston. (more…)

Bucs second round pick, guard Ali Marpet, talks to Joe about his NFL learning curve.

Maybe it was a good thing there was a flooding emergency of sorts in Tampa and the Bucs closed what was an open practice this afternoon, in part, to keep people safe and off the local rivers streets. (more…)

It sure is soggy at One Buc Palace, but the Bucs threw on the pads and hit each other for the first practice today. Joe got a first-hand look.

Enjoy! (more…)

Everyone knows Mike Evans had a couple of training sessions this offseason with eventual Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss.

Evans already explained to Joe that Moss is one of the “tightest dudes” he’s ever met, but what did they really work on? (more…)

Clinton McDonald

The Bucs were grinding at a fast pace today at practice. The pads were finally on, and 11-on-11 was in full swing with live blocking.

Late in the two-plus hour session, guard Kadeem Edwards was roasted, and then Logan Mankins, on successive snaps. (more…)

Lovie Smith insists Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, does not need a mentor.

But that doesn’t mean Jameis is without one. (more…)

Joe often gets this question. A lot. And Joe doesn’t have an answer. How are ticket sales? Good guess.

First, Ticketmaster is in business solely to sell tickets. It is neither their job nor their obligation — nor in their interest — to release accurate ticket sales information. The data on their website is often grossly inaccurate, yet fans mistakenly consider it fact. (more…)

During the very early weeks of the Mark Dominik-Raheem Morris regime in 2009, Joe was pounding the drum loudly for the Bucs to trade for legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Tampa Bay choked and the arch rival Falcons got Gonzalez for a second-round pick. (more…)

Let’s add this up. Former superstar left guard Logan Mankins reported to the Bucs revitalized in April with “six-pack abs” (perhaps he gave up grilled meat?) and was called the “father of the locker room” by Tampa Bay management last week.

Then, Mankins talked yesterday about his revived motivation. (more…)

The Bucs have just announced that today’s practice at 2:30 p.m., which was open to the public, is now closed to the public, so the Bucs mobile app alert that Joe received stated.

The practice was closed because of the downpours in Tampa that have left roads dicey and unsafe for traveling.

The next Bucs practice open to the public is Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Ronde Barber, and Bucs middle linebacker Bruce Carter, open up to Joe about the Tampa Bay defense.

When Joe thinks of the glory days Bucs defense, Joe thinks of the talent, precision and relentless hunger.

One thing Ronde Barber thinks about is how well the legendary unit understood its weaknesses. (more…)