Dropped balls. Dumb penalties. Red zone failures. Lousy blocking. The typical Mike Smith pass defense.

Take your pick.

The Bucs showed little heart and little talent in getting rolled in Chicago. [read more]

It’s time to fire Mike Smith. He’s earned it.

Yeah, Joe typed it.

Raheem Morris fired his 2009 defensive coordinator in midseason and radically changed the defense and the team responded. [read more]

Let it rip in the comments section with Buccaneers fans from Hudson to St. Pete Beach to Polk City and beyond. Share your every thought on today’s huge Bears-Bucs matchup.

Play nice and maintain your composure!

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

Nope

It’s been a steady and steep decline for defensive end Noah Spence, who is now ringing the bell atop the “bust meter.” [read more]

On Wednesday, Joe asked defensive end Vinny Curry to describe what he’s seen behind the scenes from rookie defensive tackle Vita Vea.

Curry offered a direct response. [read more]

Finally, per the Twittering of ESPN insider Adam Schefter, rookie running back Ronald Jones will be active and available today against the Bears.

Jones, the No. 38 overall pick has been healthy and in street clothes for the first three games.

Something would have been very, very wrong if Jones was benched again, considering how meh fellow rookie RB Shaun Jones has been on special teams.

NFL debut expected today.

Rejoice Bucs fans, that day appears to be here. [read more]

QB drama.

Dirk Koetter must really like Ryan Griffin. [read more]

Man, there are many juicy elements to this game and Joe wants to see how they play out. [read more]

So, when Bucs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is under pressure, which receiver does he target most to bail out the offense? [read more]

Another report of him starting today

Uber NFL insider Jay Glazer last Sunday reported backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick would start again today in Chicago. [read more]

Game 4

Bucs (2-1) at Bears (2-1)

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: WTVT-TV Channel 13, DirecTV NFL Sunday Ticket Channel 709.  [read more]

Key to victory?

New Bears coach Matt Nagy doesn’t yet trust second-year Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky. That seems to be what Andy Benoit is typing. [read more]

Poll posted today at 5:37 p.m.

After spending a couple of days in Tampa, including on the Buccaneers sidelines for the Steelers-Bucs game, Warren Sapp is not flying a flag for America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston. [read more]

Talks Bucs defense.

When Bucs fans look at the NFL teams stats, they do a facepalm and mumble out loud, “Here we go again.” [read more]

One good thing about heading to play the Bears on Sunday is the Bucs are well prepared to perform on poor field conditions.

Can we get a tarp system for the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, please? [read more]

Where the Bucs game will be shown on free TV.

Bucs fans in the upper Midwest and most of Florida are in luck. [read more]