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]

Light Demand For Alstott Ring Of Honor Day

September 29th, 2015

Sunday is a big day in Buccaneers history.

And Joe’s not talking about Tampa Bay breaking its double-digit home losing streak. [read more]

Ronde Rings In Lavonte David’s Head

September 29th, 2015

LavonteDavidIt’s been a rough start to the season for Lavonte David. The $10 million-per-year linebacker ranks tied for 138th in the NFL for solo tackles. He’s perennially been a top-5 guy in that department. [read more]

Bucs Lose Top Claim

September 29th, 2015
Bucs GM Jason Licht no longer has the luxury of the first waiver claim for eligible unemployed players.

Bucs GM Jason Licht no longer has the luxury of the first waiver claim for eligible unemployed players.

One benefit — yes, Joe is stretching the word “benefit” here — of having the worst record in the NFL is the top waiver claim.

By winning the Chase for Jameis last year, the Bucs had that benefit.

But it was only temporary and it expired today. [read more]

Jameis Hit Coach’s Goal, Helped O-line

September 29th, 2015

JameisHouston2

That sacks goose egg dropped by the Texans’ defense? Give Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, plenty of credit, explains his position coach. [read more]