Chasing Ed Hughes

December 24th, 2015
Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter is a busy man and has no time for history

Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter is a busy man chasing history

Barring a catastrophic offensive meltdown in the final two games, Bucs offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter will find his way into the history books in January. [read more]

Jameis Just Average (Vs. Blitz)

December 24th, 2015
Go inside the numbers of Jameis vs. the blitz.

Jameis vs. the blitz.

Joe’s not much of a stat guy. Regular readers know that. Oh, stats can be good, sure. They can be eye-opening and enlightening when used within reason. [read more]

“We’ve Seen Improvement In Our Pass Rush This Year”

December 24th, 2015

matt hasselbeck

Quarterbacks are awfully comfortable facing the Buccaneers. In fact, opposing gunslingers are completely more than 69 percent of their passes.

And that’s what makes the following comment from a Bucs coach so stunning. [read more]

“Dominant Physically”

December 24th, 2015
Rookie left tackle Donovan Smith

Rookie left tackle Donovan Smith

Measuring 6-6, 338 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine this year, Donovan Smith was considered by many to be an excellent guard prospect, a guy lacking too much athleticism and technique to be a valuable starting left tackle like he was at Penn State. [read more]

“They’ll Go Hunt For Somebody”

December 24th, 2015

Doug Martin and Luke Stocker talk blocking

Remember when benched right tackle Demar Dotson recently said Doug Martin made a lot of “chicken salad out of nothing” back in 2012? That’s when Martin ran his way to rookie stardom and a Pro Bowl — 1,454 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. [read more]

“I Don’t Know What Their Questions Would Be?”

December 24th, 2015
Trying to understand the hate.

Trying to understand the hate.

Joe doesn’t understand a lot of things. For example, drinking warm beer.

Joe also neither understands the purpose of algebra nor the popularity of Bruce Springsteen. [read more]

Strange Goings-on With Injuries

December 24th, 2015

red cross

Just odd things about the Bucs and injuries. Joe’s not trying to out anyone here, but it bears mentioning. Just odd. [read more]

Jameis Lauds Lovie

December 24th, 2015
"I've got your back, coach!"

“I’ve got your back, coach!”

Yes, long before the season began, Joe believed six wins would lock Lovie Smith in for a return to the Bucs’ sidelines in 2016.

My goodness, tripling your number of wins (at least) from the previous season is a heck of an accomplishment, especially when starting a rookie quarterback. [read more]

Retirement Thoughts For Logan Mankins

December 23rd, 2015
Logan Mankins

Logan Mankins

It’s fair to ask 33-year-old Logan Mankins, with 11 NFL seasons under his belt, about how much longer he wants to keep playing.

So today, Joe asked Mankins whether he’s pondering when his career will end. [read more]

Joe Talks Locker Room Cheer, Lovie (Non-) Adjustments, Koetter Love & Cupboard Reality

December 23rd, 2015

joemugshotIt was Joe’s time again to dive into all things Bucs — the JoeBucsFan Hour — on WDAE-AM 620. This evening, it was Todd Wright at the helm, filling in for the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig.

The action went in all kinds of directions. [read more]

“We Could Take A Lesson From Them”

December 23rd, 2015
Gerald McCoy talks Panthers

Gerald McCoy talks Panthers

The NFL always has been a flavor-of-the-month league.

This is one reason Joe is cheering for the Steelers to win the AFC. [read more]

Cussing At Jameis

December 23rd, 2015
"Who you cussin' at, coach?".

“Who you cussin’ at, coach?”

Sometimes, when America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, plays so well, we forget he is just an NFL rookie, still. He’s still learning. [read more]

Less Is More

December 23rd, 2015
jameis 1223

Modest request from St. Nick.

It is nearly Christmas. So, of course, TV reporters want to know what players want for Christmas. [read more]

Jameis Says He Needs To Create Leaders

December 23rd, 2015
Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Photo courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers

At this point, America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, openly talks about being the supreme leader of your Buccaneers. [read more]

Gerald McCoy Is Mad

December 23rd, 2015
RevisMcCoyProBowl

GMC: Lavonte David being ripped off.

Once upon a time two years ago, Darrelle Revis stood before Joe and a few other local media members and declared the Pro Bowl would be “rigged” if Lavonte David didn’t make it. [read more]

Does Lovie Want Alshon Jeffery In Tampa?

December 23rd, 2015

Jeffery

NFL head coaches, especially Lovie Smith, rarely offer personal feelings about players on opposing rosters. [read more]

“Coach Smith Is Building A Football Team, He’s Not Collecting Talent.”

December 23rd, 2015
lovie 0810

Staff member has his back

A member of Lovie Smith’s staff stood tall and had the head coach’s back this week. [read more]

Santa Jameis

December 23rd, 2015
Helping kids at Christmastime.

Helping kids at Christmastime.

Yes, it is the Christmas season. Only a few days left (whew!). So everyone is in the giving spirit. [read more]

More Takeaways Whining

December 23rd, 2015
Lovie still believes lack of takeaways causing losses.

Lovie still believes lack of takeaways causes losses.

In a rare Tuesday presser by Lovie Smith (Bucs are on a slightly wacky Christmas schedule this week), he began the briefing sighing over his favorite subject, takeaways.

At this point, it’s an old, tired and goal-post-moving line of reasoning for the losing. [read more]

Proud Mark Dominik Gloats

December 23rd, 2015
Selected Bucs Pro Bowlers.

Selected Bucs Pro Bowlers.

Former Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik turned to Twitter last night to gloat. And Joe doesn’t blame him. [read more]