Earlier this week, one way Gerald McCoy defended himself against attacks from those who call him too soft was to remind the world that the day after his wife birthed twins he was at One Buc Palace running gassers at 6 a.m.–  by himself, his own decision to continue his fierce offseason regimen.

McCoy’s dedication already had been documented, but Joe was glad to learn it at least rubbed off on someone. [read more]

Joe hoped that after the circus the Bucs franchise had become since the jettisoning of Chucky, Team Glazer tapping Lovie Smith on the shoulder to take over the franchise meant happy days were here to come.

Joe understood Lovie’s defense takes a while to grasp but thought with his resume, demeanor and ability to work with players — all the qualities of a fine teacher — that the Bucs would climb out of the NFC cellar. [read more]

Changes coming to the nickel corner position?

You wanted change. Joe wanted change. Lovie Smith wanted change.

And change you may have. It appears the Bucs head coach and overlord of football operations is coming through with his previous promise. [read more]

Derrick Brooks is looking for a “mentality” change. Warren Sapp is ready to vomit. Others are talking about “tissue-paper soft” Buccaneers.

Former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht is on their bandwagon. [read more]

It’s not even Halloween and small children are too frightened to watch the Bucs. That is how bad it has been.

Tampa Bay is not just 1-5, they are miserable beyond words. Even with guys like Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, the defense is on pace to be the absolute worst in the 95-year existence of the NFL. [read more]

Bucs cornerbacks coach Gil Byrd speaks out.

One reason the Bucs defense is getting tasered game in and game out is the putrid pass defense. Starting quarterbacks (not just scrubs like Derek Anderson and Austin Davis) are frying the Bucs secondary like it is a high school seven-on-seven tournament. [read more]

There are plenty of bright spots in the Buccaneers’ 29th-ranked offense.

And this isn’t just Joe injecting happy talk amid the doom and gloom coming from all angles. [read more]

Derrick Brooks is not a happy guy. The problems on his beloved Buccaneers have brought a dark cloud over his typically glowing Bucs optimism.

Brooks let plenty hang out during his chat with Steve Duemig on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday. [read more]

Just the thought of watching that horror show at the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway last Sunday makes Joe want to bury his face in his hands. Joe had seen bad Bucs football, but that joke might never be topped.

Then, after postgame chats with players and performing simple math from what he learned, and figuring out just how badly Lovie Smith got outcoached by John Harbaugh, well, Joe just shakes his head.

Another person scarred by that eyerake of a football exhibition is none other than the “Custodian of Canton,” eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune. [read more]

What about Mike Evans’ brain?

There’s a bit of a Bucs conundrum.

It is taking what feels like forever for Buccaneers to learn the Tampa Bay defense — while young offensive players are razor sharp in their knowledge of the Jeff-Tedford-turned Marcus Arroyo Experience. [read more]

Former Bucs great Warren Sapp is no a fan of Gerald McCoy’s sportsmanship.

There’s been a lot of ruckus around here of late about Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy helping opponents get up with an outstretched hand.

It was loud enough that GMC jumped on his soap box this week and said, in so many words, if folks don’t like it, they will just have to deal with it. [read more]

Offensive line coach George Warhop talked to media today and wasn’t willing to share the blame for the Bucs’ struggling running game. [read more]

The Bucs’ pass defense is so terrible, there is no slowing down Joe Flacco or any other opposing quarterback.

Joe is hardly a guy who suggests civil disobedience is a way to get your point across. Often, that is outrageous if not irresponsible and maybe illegal.

Yet on Sunday, Joe Flacco was throwing touchdowns with such ease and the Bucs defense was so pathetic, Joe couldn’t believe no fan threw a beer on the field in disgust, anger and protest. [read more]

Lovie Smith issued strong support for Mike Glennon today at One Buc Palace. [read more]

Mike Glennon fan Josh McCown likes what he sees from No. 8.

Yesterday at One Buc Palace, Joe asked McCown to comment on Glennon’s performance and share some of what he likes about the Bucs’ offense. [read more]

Lane explains what he did

Bucs fullback Jorvorskie Lane has been popped by the NFL for violating its substance abuse policy and will have to watch Bucs games on TV like most fans, without pay, for his misdeeds, the Bucs announced today.

Lane’s suspension begins immediately and he will be eligible to return to the active roster Nov. 3, following the team’s game against the Browns. [read more]

Lovie weighs in

Big-moneyed free agent Michael Johnson, the defensive and that was supposed to put the fear of God into opposing quarterbacks, has thus far been anything but fearful, unless you are Team Glazer cutting his checks.

Johnson thus far has two sacks, both coming in the win over the Steelers. [read more]

Former Bucs guard Ian Beckles wants to see more dog and less nice guy out of Gerald McCoy. The Bucs’ captain despises that line of thinking.

Man, former Bucs guard Ian Beckles sure is rankled by the sight — and thought — of Gerald McCoy helping opponents up off the turf.

Beckles also shares his festering frustration regularly to tens of thousands of Bucs fans listening to him on the Ron and Ian show, heard weekday mornings on WDAE-AM 620. [read more]

Joe got a sobering take from Alterraun Verner

Win-now Buccaneers fans aren’t going to want to hear this. But it represents painful reality from arguably the most intelligent player on the Buccaneers’ roster. [read more]

One of the 13 times Vincent Jackson was targeted Sunday.

Vincent Jackson is a strange mix. He’s a nice guy who does tons of laudable work for veterans and their families away from the football field, but rarely will he talk to reporters. He is sort of the George Hendrick of the Bucs. Good guy; no talk, though.

Few work harder on the field, as well.

Once, Jackson was among the top receivers in the game. You cannot state that any longer. [read more]

Don’t accuse Mike Glennon of being a leader who isn’t driven to get the Bucs to the playoffs.

In fact, Glennon was talking about the Tampa Bay’s playoff chances last night. [read more]