“Walkin’ That Tightrope”

October 1st, 2015
cam newton 1201

A perfect season?

Cam Newton is much better than he was last year, when the Buccaneers lost twice — twice! — to his understudy, Derek Anderson.

Newton entered this season healthy, and that much smarter and comfortable after another year in Mike Shula’s system. [read more]

2014 Draft Plan Under Microscope Vs. Panthers

October 1st, 2015
Gerald McCoy says Panthers guard Trai Turner is one of his nastiest matchups

Gerald McCoy says Panthers guard Trai Turner is one of his nastiest matchups

Gerald McCoy inspired Joe to shine a spotlight on the Buccaneers’ 2014 draft plan last night.

As Bucs fans remember, the Bucs were in need of offensive line help entering that draft, but opted to snag Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Charles Sims in the second and third rounds, respectively. [read more]

Big Game Brewing For Pamphile, Dotson

October 1st, 2015
Kevin Pamphile

Kevin Pamphile

With rookie left tackle Donovan Smith saddled with a knee injury Lovie Smith led many to believe was significant yesterday, that means 2014 fifth-round pick Kevin Pamphile jumps into the spotlight. [read more]

Jameis Looks Up To Newton

October 1st, 2015
Jameis considers Stinking Panthers QB Cam Newton a role model.

Jameis considers Stinking Panthers QB Cam Newton a role model.

In some ways, Cam Newton had it rougher than America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, in his path to the NFL.

Like Jameis, Newton became a hero if not a living legend in leading his college (Auburn) to a coveted national title in his first year starting, all while being raked over the coals for public (mis)perception. [read more]

Stop, The Bucs Aren’t Moving!

October 1st, 2015
There is no conspiracy theory in the negotiations to upgrade the Den of Depression.

There is no conspiracy theory in negotiations to upgrade the Den of Depression.

The news broke last night that, as part of negotiations to pay for substantial upgrades to the Den of Depression, in order to make the stadium more fan-friendly, the Bucs seek permission to play up to two regular season games away from Tampa.

Not only was/is this part of the standard give-and-take of contract negotiations, such a clause has not been agreed upon. [read more]

Why Bucs Went Offense

October 1st, 2015
One way to overcome a soft defense is to build an offense.

One way to overcome a soft defense is to build an offense.

Yesterday, Joe came across fans disgruntled by Lovie Smith’s defense. Understandable. Overall, the Bucs are third-worst in rushing yards allowed.

Red zone defense? Worst for allowing touchdowns once opponents reach the red zone. [read more]

Fewer Home Games In Tampa?

September 30th, 2015
The Bucs could be playing fewer home games in Tampa if a proposed deal to renovate the Den of Depression goes through.

The Bucs could be playing fewer home games in Tampa if a proposed deal to renovate the Den of Depression goes through.

If the Bucs get their way in negotiations to renovate the Den of Depression, then beginning with the 2018 season, the Bucs could only be playing six regular season home games in Tampa. [read more]

Joe Talks Alfred Blue, Defensive Intolerance, Fetal Position, Lovie Life, Falcons Fever & More

September 30th, 2015

Duemig2It was time for Joe to jump into the steel cage again with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620.

A heated evening was in store. [read more]

Donovan Smith Has A Knee Injury

September 30th, 2015
Knee injury.

Knee injury.

Bucs coach Lovie Smith informed the Tampa Bay pen and mic club minutes ago starting left tackle Donovan Smith has a knee injury. [read more]

Uncertainty On Rainey

September 30th, 2015

Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Will Bobby Rainey continue to be the go-to guy returning kicks and punts? [read more]

Koetter Defends Evans (Sort Of)

September 30th, 2015
Bucs OC Dirk Koetter sort of understood, perhaps, why WR Mike Evans had hands of stone Sunday.

Bucs OC Dirk Koetter sort of understood, perhaps, why Mike Evans had hands of stone Sunday.

Yes, Joe already wrote about how Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said, in so many words, “Catch the damn ball,” in response today to  the many questions about receivers treating passes as if the football was doused with Ebola virus in the loss to Houston. [read more]

Jameis: Praise The O-Line

September 30th, 2015
Jameis believes the offensive line has been unfairly mocked.

Jameis believes the offensive line has been unfairly mocked.

Yes, Bucs fans and Joe have had harsh words for the offensive line.

While fans have raged over the line dating back to the halcyon days of former Bucs commander Greg Schiano, Joe has tempered his thoughts this year because the Bucs are breaking in rookies up front. [read more]

“We Gotta Catch The Ball”

September 30th, 2015
Koetter9

Dirk Koetter gets all amped up answering Joe’s question about drops

Joe asked offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter about drops today.

Drops maimed the Bucs on Sunday, in addition to lousy special teams and the mighty Alfred Blue carving the Bucs like a Thanksgiving turkey. [read more]

Jameis Says He’ll “Get My Way” And Be Top Dog, Top Voice On Bucs

September 30th, 2015

jameis 0921cAmerica’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, seems mighty sick of the orders he’d had from Buccaneers veterans to relax and be a rookie and don’t worry about leading.

Gerald McCoy led that chorus, one of the silliest songs Joe has heard in years. [read more]

Blame Brindza On Mark Dominik?

September 30th, 2015

mark dominik 1209The Tampa Bay area’s favorite punching bag for the ails of the Bucs, former rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, is still being blamed around town.

Man, Joe might have to start calling Dominik “W.” [read more]

Peter King: Edge Jameis

September 30th, 2015

WinstonMariota

An esteemed national columnist, reporter and TV personality has studied this year’s big rookie quarterbacks and gives Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, the edge through three games. [read more]

Fightin’ Jameis

September 30th, 2015
Won't take cheap shots other teams' defensive scrubs.

Won’t take cheap shots from defensive scrubs.

It seems Texans folks are upset with America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston.

Get in line.

One reason Joe has that moniker for Jameis (there are a few) is that Jameis easily one of the most loathed college football players in history.. [read more]

No Debate; Final Tally Is Five Ugly Drops

September 30th, 2015
Tampa Bay Buccaneers v Houston Texans

This is NOT one of Mike Evans’ three drops on Sunday. Great defense by Texans corner Jonathan Joseph.

There are well known stat-geek types who believe Bucs receivers only dropped two balls on Jameis Winston on Sunday. And there are other fans, misguided fans, (Jameis haters?) who think the same thing and apparently don’t know what a drop is. [read more]

Poor Fundamentals Correctable

September 30th, 2015

mike evans 0928

It still stings that the Bucs lost a close game to an awful team last week in Houston.

But fear not, Bucs fans! Those many, many mistakes last week could be cleaned up as early as Sunday when the Bucs host the Stinking Panthers at the Den of Depression. [read more]

Is Run Defense A Concern?

September 30th, 2015
Third-worst rush defense through three games.

Third-worst rush defense through three games.

Last week, a career nobody named Alfred Blue looked like LaDainian Tomlinson and ran for 139 yards on 31 carries against the Bucs.

The week before, the Saints, with the Bucs up two scores, absolutely gashed Tampa Bay on the ground in the final minutes and narrowly missed sending the game into overtime. [read more]

Dilfer: “Panic” Seen In Jameis’ Feet

September 29th, 2015

Jameis Winston 2Before and after the NFL Draft, there might not have been a bigger backer of Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, than Trent Dilfer. [read more]