Coaches were talking

Though no coaches are saying anything specific, Joe has a hunch new safety T.J. Ward will get more than a couple of snaps Sunday. [read more]

Welcome to a new feature on JoeBucsFan.com. Joe has challenged Ira Kaufman, Tampa Bay’s only Hall of Fame voter, to pick against the spread this season for a $500 prize. Every Friday, Ira will type out his picks for each Friday-through-Monday game. If he hits at 53 percent or better for the regular season, then Ira gets $500 in gift cards to Abe’s Place in Clearwater, home of historically amazing food and 44 craft beers on tap. Feel free to send Ira your stone cold locks on Twitter, @ikaufman76. The sage of Tampa Bay sports could always use some help.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Not exactly an auspicious opening week for your supposed NFL guru.

I picked 14 games against the spread last week and managed to get only four of ’em correct. A 4-10 record makes me the 49ers of prognosticators, but hey, it’s only Week 1.

There were a few squeakers like Denver and Buffalo winning but not covering, but close doesn’t count on this rapidly growing web site.

It’s a long season and I remain confident things will balance out in the long run. Of course, I also thought Hurricane Irma was going straight up I-95, so there’s that.

Nevertheless, here we go in Week 2 as the Bucs and Dolphins make their 2017 debuts: [read more]

Belly shirt en vogue.

Joe has been partial to the “Howard Stern Show” for some 20 years. [read more]

Who is out?

As winning Bucs coach Dirk Koetter all but promised, the final injury report before the season kicks off Sunday is virtually clean. [read more]

“Bobby Mac” wins a starting gig.

It was a battle — and it’s over. [read more]

Curveball thrown

Winning head coach Dirk Koetter is known behind the scenes at One Buc Palace as an intense detail guy, a meticulous planner. [read more]

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Todd gives an Aaron Rodgers inspired approach to Week Two off an opening weekend in which many offenses struggled to produce.

However, Todd says there’s only one way to replace David Johnson and there’s probably no way any season long owner can pull it off. Todd also sticks to his “Play your Picks” approach this week with the exception of a couple Chiefs and one big name running back who clearly is not worth starting until further notice. Todd also has an interesting way for owners of Odell Beckham to approach the Monday Night game and keep Beckham as an option, and it involves one of the best waiver claims you can make this week. Also, if Todd doesn’t answer your specific fantasy questions via the podcast information, email him your lineup, waiver and trade questions to toddwrightfantasyfootball@gmail.com.

Click above to listen or to download.

Catch Ira on FOX

The great sage of Tampa Bay sports, JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, has a new TV gig!

In addition to the crazy popular Ira Kaufman Podcast, and Ira’s weekly national spot on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio (5 p.m. Wednesdays), he will now be seen during Scott Smith’s Tailgate Sunday on FOX-13, every NFL Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Joe applauds this absolutely brilliant move by FOX-13 sports director Scott Smith. Ira will debut Sunday live on the field at Raymond James Stadium.

Multimedia guru Rock Riley (@realrockriley) is back inside the locker room talking to Mike Evans, Bernard Reedy, Donovan Smith, J.R. Sweezy and more. Enjoy the video below!!

Rock is firing here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And join Rock for a beer Tuesday at 7 p.m. or later at Pint And Brew in Palm Harbor.

Post storm, bring on the Bears from Rock Riley on Vimeo.

Harsh words from critic.

Prickly Pete Prisco isn’t one to hold back. [read more]

Vernon Hargreaves and Brent Grimes have to like their assignments

Imagine if the Bucs were starting Bernard Reedy and Adam Humphries at their outside wide receiver positions this week. [read more]

Former Bucs assistant coach Herm Edwards has a plan for the Bears

Could the Buccaneers really lose to the Bears on Sunday?

Have you seen Chicago’s receivers? Have you seen their quarterback? [read more]

Focused on touchdowns.

It’s all about scoring. [read more]

Former Buccaneer weighs in

Should Dirk Koetter open up his offense quickly and flash all his weapons, or try to pound the rock early with Jacquizz Rodgers and see if his reworked offensive line can beat the Bears at the line of scrimmage?

So many variables Sunday, but one option should be a no-brainer. [read more]

1. Why should I have my municipal bonds evaluated?

A. Municipal bonds have GENERALLY been a safe investment but the economy is in constant flux. We are sure you check your other investments as well your bank account. Bonds are no different.

2. How does the yield on municipal bonds compare with other fixed income investments?

A. Generally, since 2008, “A” rated municipal bonds have had a higher yield than the corresponding yield on the same maturity of U.S. Treasury obligations AND THEY’RE TAX FREE.

3. Why not just buy a municipal bond mutual fund or ETF? [read more]

Spearheading Hurricane Irma relief efforts.

We take a break from football to provide a glimpse into how Bucs players are stepping up for Floridians who desperately need a break from what has transpired in our beautiful state the past week. [read more]

Not going to worry about rust.

When the Bucs offense takes the field Sunday afternoon at the Den of Depression, it will be the first time in 22 days that the offense will have played in a game condition.

That’s not ideal. Of course, what has been ideal thus far for the Bucs since the NFL season began? [read more]

Jameis explains

There’s a great Bill Parcells story that Joe referenced once on the Ira Kaufman Podcast.  [read more]

Bucs second-round pick Justin Evans

Among the dumbest of the NFL rules says teams are only allowed to have 46 players active on game days from their 53-man rosters. [read more]