Lovie Enjoys Adversity

August 19th, 2015
Lovie loves adversity.

Lovie loves adversity.

Fans have gone bonkers (until the preseason farting by the Bucs in Minnesota) about rain (what, are the players made of sugar and will melt?).

Even yesterday, Joe got Twitters from angry fans about the rain-shortened practice. [read more]

Credit Kwon Alexander

August 19th, 2015
Your new Bucs starting MLB.

Your new Bucs starting MLB.

In what Joe finds to be a shocking move, Bucs coach Lovie Smith elevated rookie Kwon Alexander to the top of the depth chart at middle linebacker, despite the Bucs going out and signing free agent Bruce Carter to handle those duties. [read more]

Jameis Was A Draw For Cherilus

August 19th, 2015
jameis 0819

Recruiting magnet.

New Bucs right tackle Gosder Cherilus could have gone to a variety of teams. It isn’t just the Bucs that need help on the offensive line. And truth be told, perhaps the Bucs overpaid for his services.

After all, there’s a reason the eight-year veteran was unemployed in August and not signed by Capt. Lou Albano in Buffalo after a tryout last month. [read more]

Cherilus Not Gifted Starting Gig

August 19th, 2015
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht monitors offensive line workouts Tuesday. Photo courtesy Chris Fischer/WTSP-TV.

Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht monitors offensive line drills Tuesday. Photo courtesy Chris Fischer/WTSP-TV.

Scrambling for help at right tackle with Demar Dotson out several weeks (funny, Lovie has different information on Dotson than a burger joint waitress), the Bucs appeared to fill the hole signing former first-round pick and free agent right tackle Gosder Cherilus.

He would just slide into Dotson’s spot and all would be well until Dotson recovers, if he recovers. Right? [read more]

Jameis Winston Says, “Fans, Please Don’t Panic About One Half Of Football.”

August 18th, 2015

for "America's Quarterback."

Don’t bring your negativity to Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback.

Oh, no. Jameis is ordering you to kill it right now. [read more]

Day 12 – Training Camp Notes & Observations

August 18th, 2015

McCoy

It’s Joe’s world famous comprehensive practice notes from today’s rain-shortened slugfest at One Buc Palace.

Yes, the Bucs were in pads and hammering each other after some extended specials teams work where there is no hitting. [read more]

Joe Talks Kwon Rise, Gilkey Woes, Minnesota Locker Room, America’s Quarterback & More

August 18th, 2015
Steve Duemig

Steve Duemig

It was that time again. Joe was in the steel cage with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620.

Today, Joe was broadcasting live on the training camp sidelines for the popular JoeBucsFan Hour. [read more]

Jameis Enjoyed Getting Sacked, Downplayed Speed

August 18th, 2015

jameis 0818The analysts said Jameis Winston came out of college extraordinarily NFL-ready. And the way Jameis talked to Joe and other media this evening, that was never in doubt during his first preseason game. [read more]

Video: Jameis Wants To Practice, But Bucs Cancel

August 18th, 2015
Jameismug

Joe’s got exclusive video

The Bucs got in half a training camp practice at One Buc Palace, but a steady downpour delayed the action and then cancelled it.

At one point the team returned to the field to resume action, but Bucs officials changed their minds. Jameis Winston seemed very disappointed. [read more]

Blame The Offensive Line

August 18th, 2015
Look no further.

Look no further.

For enraged Bucs fans who threw their remotes at their TVs Saturday night — a desperate ploy to convince their significant others to upgrade to a 70-inch HDTV? — over the porous Bucs offensive line, below is more ammunition for your next shrink visit. [read more]

Zero Tolerance Policy?

August 18th, 2015

LovieJoe absolutely has to give it up to Lovie Smith.

Congratulations, Coach. Joe smells real positive change from a man known for sticking to his plan at all costs. [read more]

“Let Him Get His Ass Wupped”

August 18th, 2015
Bucs rookie left tackle Donovan Smith

Bucs rookie left tackle Donovan Smith

A former Buccaneer issued a passionate plea to Lovie Smith and Bucs offensive coaches yesterday. [read more]

Titans Watch: 26 More Days

August 18th, 2015

McCLuster Joe’s already called opening day against the Tennessee Titans on Sept. 13 in Tampa a “must-win.”

It’s not a must-win for the standings. Duh. But it is necessary for the psyche of a fanbase that’s hasn’t seen a home victory since 2013, and compares Jameis Winston to Marcus Mariota. [read more]

“Better Than I Thought”

August 18th, 2015
A noted NFL analyst was impressed with "America's Quarterback."

A noted NFL Network analyst and former quarterback was impressed with “America’s Quarterback.” Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

There were more than a few Bucs fans disappointed by the play of “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, in his first game as an NFL player.

A few were even outraged. [read more]

“Woeful Effort” On Special Teams

August 18th, 2015
Rough start for Kevin O'Dea's special teams

Rough start for Kevin O’Dea’s special teams

Tampa Bay’s lone Hall of Fame voter, eye-RAH! Kaufman, aka The Custodian of Canton, dropped the hammer on the Bucs’ special teams yesterday. [read more]

The Work Begins For Jason Licht

August 18th, 2015
jason licht 0818

Scouring preseason tape from across the NFL.

Yes, the Bucs picked up a veteran offensive tackle yesterday when AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht signed free agent Gosder Cherilus.

Joe suspects that won’t be the last newcomer to the offensive line corps between now and when the Bucs host the Titans to kick off the season. [read more]

“Patience”

August 18th, 2015
shaun king 0409

Fans need to be patient, said former Bucs QB Shaun King.

Joe understands how Bucs fans have chewed up couch pillows like a hungry dog and punched their windshields into a cobweb after the first preseason game. [read more]

Pulling Positives

August 18th, 2015
Donovan Smith reacts to his first game and his first play, which resulted in a sack.

Donovan Smith reacts to his first game and his first play, which resulted in a sack.

The crazy stats nerds screamed left and right last year about how left tackle Anthony Collins was a superstar-in-waiting because their spreadsheets claimed he didn’t give up a sack in 2013.

What the hell good was that worth? [read more]

“We Just Want Someone To Come In And Block The Right Guy”

August 17th, 2015
Bucs G Logan Mankins talks about the status of the offensive line.

Bucs G Logan Mankins talks about the status of the offensive line.

Guard Logan Mankins stopped after practice today to chat with the Tampa Bay pen and mic club to discuss the Bucs and, more importantly, the state of the Bucs’ offensive line. [read more]