The NFL has made the call on the Bucs’ previously to-be-announced date/time in Detroit for their Week 16 game against the woeful Lions.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 26, which means the Bucs travel north early on Christmas Day (and Joe will be watching with Ira Kaufman and fired up Bucs fans at Big Storm Brewery in Clearwater).

Immediately following thet Bucs game is a clash between the 49ers and Cardinals. With a little luck, a loss there by the Cardinals could lock up a Bucs playoff berth before Week 17.

Just a few weeks ago the Bucs looked like they were still in the race for the NFC South title, and a playoff berth seemed very likely. [read more]

Grades.

Joe already remarked how it seemed Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles hadn’t even scouted the Chiefs offense and particularly Cheetah Hill because of the way the star receiver boatraced through the Bucs defense. [read more]

Ugly game and a possibly frightening near future for the Bucs. But let’s dive in and get this Monday rolling. [read more]

Deep ball returns

The sky is falling. Tom Brady can’t throw the long ball anymore! He’s washed out.

That was the featured song of last week, which certainly will be off this week’s playlist. [read more]

These are confusing times for Buccaneers fans. [read more]

Despite Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, multiple NFC games broke the Bucs’ way. And with a 7-5 record, Tampa Bay is more likely to make the playoffs than it was a day ago. [read more]

Family-owned Bill Currie Ford is a 60-year Tampa treasure, one mile north of Raymond James Stadium. Ira Kaufman wholeheartedly endorses them. Get an Amazon gift card up to $1,000 with any lease or new vehicle purchase this month!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Football’s the ultimate team sport. It takes all 22 guys doing their jobs. One man can’t do it alone.

Nonsense.

Rubbish.

Hogwash. [read more]

Bucs QB Tom Brady.

Tom Brady is about as professional as they come. He’s Mr. Cool. It’s one reason he is the poster child of the NFL. [read more]

In the sacks chase.

Joe honestly doesn’t know about what the Bucs would do without Jason Pierre-Paul. The guy is just a warrior. [read more]

Todd Bowles is among the coaches targeted

Joe loves when ex-player analysts who collect a check from Team Glazer wield a heavy and honest hammer. [read more]

Bucco Bruce Arians put his foot down on the Donovan Smith haters after tonight’s game. [read more]

Explains early defensive issues.

Cheetah Hill went bonkers to start the game. He had just over 200 yards receiving in the first quarter! [read more]

Tom Brady came to our beloved Buccaneers as one of the greats in the game at throwing away a football when a play isn’t there.

Today, his failure to do that cost the Bucs the game. [read more]

Bucs face “virus” during bye.

Joe personally doesn’t believe in hope. The Bucs have a chance to make the playoffs but in the month of November, the Bucs offense is playing so inconsistently the team seems like it is about to circle the drain. [read more]

Impressed. Very impressed.

For those who stuck with today’s CBS broadcast after the Chiefs’ crushing late first down — and didn’t break their remotes — former Pro Bowl quarterback and CBS game analyst Tony Romo declared the Bucs a Super Bowl team. [read more]

Joe has screamed for years for the Bucs to collect quality edge rushers, and today’s heroic comeback against the Chiefs was Exhibit A.

Shaq Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul just kept coming and coming. [read more]

“I see you Todd!”

There is no question that Cheetah Hill, the lightning fast receiver of the Chiefs, is one of the best in the game. He’s a big reason why the Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year. [read more]

Timeout! The Bucs weren’t supposed to play badly when the sun is shining.

What the heck was with that start today? Trailing 17-0 after the first quarter? The Chiefs are damn good but they’re not that good. [read more]

Time for the Bucs to look like a good playoff team! The mighty Chiefs are in town but they’ve allowed a lot of points this season and the Bucs need to man up and shock the NFL with a “W.”

Chat with fans about the action all game long in the comments below. Please be nice! Keep it clean.

Go Bucs!!!!