Ronde Barber: Buccaneers’ Scout?

May 19th, 2016
ronde barber 1226

Ronde Barber speaks

Is Ronde Barber a trusted member of general manager Jason Licht’s personnel team? [read more]

Warhop: Bucs OL “Average” In 2015

May 19th, 2016
Irked by QB hits.

Irked by QB hits.

Last year the Bucs were tied for fourth-best in the NFL in fewest sacks allowed with 27, and the Bucs were fifth in total rushing yards (2,162). [read more]

Mike James Has An Edge For No. 3 RB

May 19th, 2016
Running backs coach Tim Spencer explains

Running backs coach Tim Spencer explains

Regular readers here know Joe is a huge fan of running back Mike James. There’s also another big fan of James, one who will have a major say in him winning the No. 3 running back job this season. [read more]

Getting Physical

May 19th, 2016
Jameis

Better shape = better fundamentals.

Don’t be surprised to see a new America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, when the regular season kicks off this September (roughly four months away). And it isn’t just his slimmed down physique. [read more]

Afternoon Fun Ahead

May 19th, 2016

joebucsfan 0805Programming note!

Buccaneers offensive assistant coaches are available to Joe and local media today at One Buc Palace.

That means plenty of goodies to share. Take a late lunch and hit up Joe about 1:20 p.m., after you read this mornings fun below.

“They’ve Got Everything They Need There”

May 19th, 2016
There's a new Lieutenant Colonel of the Kenny Bell Mob

There’s a new Lieutenant Colonel of the Kenny Bell Mob

Joe’s never seen a little-known a receiver, a fifth-round draft pick, a second-year player who has yet to catch a preseason pass, garner so much love from intelligent fans and media.
[read more]

Fast Start Needed

May 19th, 2016
Early schedule grueling.

Early schedule grueling.

We heard a lot during the Lovie Smith era, and to a lesser degree from former Bucs commander Greg Schiano, that the Bucs wanted fast starts. [read more]

Still Bitter Over Lovie Firing

May 19th, 2016
Four-letter still crying.

Four-letter still crying.

Man, some just can’t let go. And Joe finds it a combination of amusing and pathetic the way members of the four-letter freaked out more over the Bucs shoving Lovie Smith out the door than if they had caught their teenager sexting. [read more]

“They Want Some Of That Magic Dust”

May 19th, 2016

dustmagicAre important people at One Buc Palace jealous of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s success? [read more]

“9 Or 10” Wins

May 18th, 2016
KoetterCombine4

Pressure cranks up

Flames are rising around Dirk Koetter.

Right now, they’re warm and inspiring. [read more]

Gerald McCoy Wants To Do More TV

May 18th, 2016

McCoyProBowlGerald McCoy has said repeatedly that he would like to be a Hollywood star, but it seems his entertainment desires are expanding. [read more]

Mike Smith Talks “Penalty Production”

May 18th, 2016

MikeSmithhands

Joe’s unsure if defensive coordinator Mike Smith brought a mop, a hazmat team and/or adult diapers with him when he arrived in Tampa.

All would have been appropriate after the Bucs cranked out 143 penalties last season, flirting with the NFL single-season record of 158. [read more]

He Can Do It All

May 18th, 2016
Any scheme is good.

Any scheme is good.

Joe gets the question all the time: Are the Bucs going to run a 43 defense or a 34 defense?

From what Joe gathers talking to Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith, the answer is yes. [read more]

Koetter’s Relationship With Jameis

May 18th, 2016
New responsiblities.

New responsibilities.

In his post-high-school-football years, America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, has had solid relationships with his coaches, whether it was head coach and offensive coordinator at Florida State, Jimbo Fisher, or Lovie Smith, or his offensive coordinator and new head coach with the Bucs, Dirk Koetter. [read more]

Smith Sees Production From Spence

May 18th, 2016
Agrees with Jason Licht.

Agrees with Jason Licht.

Not long ago, Joe brought an interview Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht did with popular sports radio and television personality Adam Schein, in which Licht said rookie defensive end Noah Spence reminded him of Elvis Dumervil. [read more]

Another Crack At Darren Sproles?

May 17th, 2016
Jason Licht might have another big offseason move in his pocket

Jason Licht might have another big offseason move in his pocket

Legions of Bucs fans soiled themselves when the rival Saints signed stud running back/returner Darren Sproles in 2011.

Sproles signed cheap and the Bucs let Cadillac Williams walk, despite the protests of Raheem Morris. Management felt good about Kregg Lumpkin in their backfield. [read more]

“Toughness” Anchors

May 17th, 2016
Marpet2

Tough, says an ex-Buccaneer.

Let’s not forget retired Logan Mankins drove the mentality for the successful Buccaneers’ offensive line. Good luck finding a Tampa Bay player or coach to say otherwise. [read more]

“I Expect That”

May 17th, 2016
Charles Sims has a laser focus

Charles Sims has a laser focus

After an April practice, Joe hung around the field at One Buc Palace waiting and waiting and waiting for Charles Sims to finish extra work on the Jugs machine. [read more]

“A Lot Of Guys That Have Played A Lot Of Football”

May 17th, 2016
BrettMaxie

New Bucs defensive backs coach Brett Maxie, who played in 153 NFL games.

New Bucs defensive backs coach Brett Maxie is a straight-shooter who played in 153 NFL games from 1985 to 1997.

The guy has seen it all, and is a true football lifer. [read more]