Mixed messages from NFL

This is supposed to be a feel-good story lauding a fantastic Bucs player. The more Joe thought about it, the more PO’ed Joe got, instead. [read more]

“Don’t say a freakin’ word.”

Listening to Rob Gronkowski speak this afternoon, Joe felt like the Bucs’ future Hall of Fame tight end was talking about a covert plot to overthrow a rogue regime. [read more]

Still drinking Cam Newton’s Gatorade

No surprise here.

This was coming for months. And today it’s official. Shaq Barrett signed his franchise tag and will earn just under $16 million this season on a one-year deal.

Ndamukong Suh is a huge fan of drinking whiskey, but he’s no fan of early retirement. [read more]

Scotty Miller talks Tom Brady

Yes, Tom Brady has made it clear to teammates that his preferences will matter. [read more]

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Lofty expectations

If you were banking on Vita Vea making his first Pro Bowl this year, one member of the NFL Media family suggests you are wrong. [read more]

Asks questions.

This is the weirdest offseason any of us has ever seen. Let’s hope beyond hope normalcy returns soon and this craziness never happens again. [read more]

Team Glazer has liked using the phrase “arrow pointing up.” This means no changes needed as the future appears bright. [read more]

So how will the Buccaneers locker room react to Donovan Smith’s very public declaration that he has no interest in being “a lab rat” for the NFL? [read more]

Sadist?

What the heck was Shaq Barrett thinking?

This feels like a cruel joke against Bucs fans and Joe is in stunned disbelief. [read more]

Bucs OC Byron Leftwich.

Joe has a hunch most Bucs fans will be nodding their heads up and down after reading this. [read more]

Behind a paywall at BSPN sits an intriguing review of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. [read more]

No, this is not a cheap shot at how, at times, the Den of Depression hosted so many fans of visiting teams during the Lost Decade that it sounded like a Bucs road game. [read more]

Secondary evaluation offers mixed review

Raise your hand if you feel good about Ryan Smith representing the Buccaneers’ primary depth at cornerback. [read more]

Bucs DC Todd Bowles

Many people following the Bucs and even those who gander at a distance are of the mind the Bucs defense will be better this year. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

Pardon the Bucs for feeling a bit blind-sided by Donovan Smith’s reluctance to play football this fall. [read more]

Not awful in pass game

Joe has been clear: Bucs running backs are below average and the team does not have a No. 1 back. [read more]