Contagious Leaders

July 12th, 2016
Mike Smith likes a contagious energy in his locker room.

Mike Smith likes a contagious, positive personality in his locker room.

Until the Bucs check in at One Buc Palace to report for training camp, Joe will try to get in the mind of defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe will regularly deliver excerpts and/or highlights from Smith’s book, “You Win in the Locker Room,” available on Google Play and iTunes. [read more]

Take Care Of Jameis, Please

July 12th, 2016
America's Quarterback must be protected as if he is Old Glory itself.

America’s Quarterback must be protected as if he is Old Glory himself.

Joe likes to brag that a previously thought of ragtag group of offensive linemen — two rookies, including a Divsion-III player, one savvy vet on his final legs and two guys pulled off the street after preseason began — allowed the fourth-fewest sacks in the league blocking for America’s Quarterback, rookie Pro Bowler Jameis Winston. [read more]

Bucs, Team Glazer Must Stand Firm On Miko

July 12th, 2016
(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Thankfully, the Buccaneers organization is adhering to the company plan hatched in March when the team signed four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes.

The plan was simple. Ignore Miko Grimes, Brent’s wife, who is well known for sharing uncensored opinions on social media — like millions of other Americans do. [read more]

Seferian-Jenkins’ Score = Bucs Loss

July 11th, 2016

asj 1207Joe’s commentary on the value of tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins yesterday drew some heated debate.

It got the stats crowd all hot in the pants — and not in a good way. [read more]

Liking The Quarterbacks

July 11th, 2016
The tribe approves.

The tribe approves.

Joe can’t begin to describe how refreshing it was during the draft when at no time did the Bucs have to worry about drafting a quarterback. [read more]

Top 10 X-Factors For 2016 — No. 6

July 11th, 2016
Grimes

Streak-breaker?

The Bucs have a pile of key question marks entering the 2016 season. Most teams do.

For this countdown series, Joe looks at this year’s top X-factors, guys with question marks who could be great difference-makers, positive or negative, based on changes in their performances. [read more]

Hands Across The Bucs’ Offensive Line

July 11th, 2016
Joe's got video of Gosder Cherilus and friends.

Joe’s got video of Gosder Cherilus and friends.

The sweet scent of football and the fruity aroma of Bucs cheerleaders’ sweat is almost upon us. [read more]

Underrated

July 11th, 2016
Underrated?

Football Outsiders weigh in.

It is July, thus, we must have lists. [read more]

Mama’s Boy

July 11th, 2016
Mom taught Mike Smith right.

Mom taught Mike Smith to care for his players.

Until the Bucs check in at One Buc Palace to report for training camp, Joe will try to get in the mind of defensive coordinator Mike Smith.

Joe will regularly deliver excerpts and/or highlights from Smith’s book, “You Win in the Locker Room,” available on Google Play and iTunes. [read more]

Odd Tight End Standards

July 10th, 2016

Luke Stocker weighs in.

Joe can’t believe a seasoned Bucs reporter/analyst would think Austin Seferian-Jenkins has been a solid receiver when on the field. [read more]

Top 10 X-Factors For 2016 – No. 7

July 10th, 2016

Jameis

The Bucs have a pile of key question marks entering the 2016 season. Most teams do.

For this countdown series, Joe looks at this year’s top X-factors, guys with question marks who could be great difference-makers, positive or negative, based on changes in their performances. [read more]

Surprise!

July 10th, 2016
Can the Bucs surprise?

A surprise year?

Can this finally be the year? [read more]

A Word About Rays Blog JoeRaysFan.com

July 10th, 2016

joeraysfanAs many have noticed (and thank you), Joe has been steaming along quietly and daily for five months now on the new JoeRaysFan.com.

The Rays blog is not where Joe wants it to be yet, and that will take another season, but Joe is committed to delivering a daily quality nugget or two there for those who enjoy the local baseball team.

So bookmark the site and come along for the ride. If you like Joe and the Rays, then you’ll have a good time at JoeRaysFan.com.

When Koetter Became A Believer

July 10th, 2016
The moment Dirk Koetter became Jameis' biggest fan/

The moment Dirk Koetter became Jameis’ biggest fan.

The Bucs are Jameis Winston’s team. [read more]

Brent Grimes No. 5

July 10th, 2016
Already valuable.

Already valuable.

Quite a few handfuls of Buccaneers are key to the roster. [read more]

Ali Marpet: Speed Was A Problem

July 9th, 2016
Ali Marpet speaks

Ali Marpet speaks

Who had a bigger NFL learning curve last year than Ali Marpet, the rookie pride of Division-III Hobart College? [read more]

Does Dirk Koetter Need A Slogan?

July 9th, 2016
Ex-Bucs reflect on driving forces in the last winning Bucs season, 10-6 in 2010.

Ex-Bucs reflect on driving forces in the last winning Bucs season, 10-6 in 2010.

Legions of Bucs fans will run for their nearest toilet bowl if the Buccaneers open the season 0-2, or 1-3. There’s a very weak stomach for losing around Tampa Bay after years of abuse.

Joe’s looking for solutions. So Joe explored six years back to a great time in Bucs history, the “Race To 10.” [read more]

Top 10 X-Factors For 2016 – No. 8

July 9th, 2016
No. 2? Or a whole lot better?

No. 2? Or a whole lot better?

The Bucs have a pile of key question marks entering the 2016 season. Most teams do.

For this countdown series, Joe looks at this year’s top X-factors, guys with question marks who could be great difference-makers, positive or negative, based on changes in their performances. [read more]

Lay Off Jameis!

July 9th, 2016
Let Jameis be Jameis.

Let Jameis be Jameis.

Yes, regular readers know Joe is very fond of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston. [read more]

Enemy Assessment

July 8th, 2016

JameisleftA guy who faced America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, twice last year offered a prognostication for the Bucs’ face of the franchise. [read more]

Household Name

July 8th, 2016
NFL Network talking head leads the Noah Spence parade.

NFL Network talking head leads the Noah Spence parade.

Hey, rookie, Noah Spence. Yeah, you! You have a friend in Jamie Dukes. [read more]