The Henry Melton Experiment

September 2nd, 2015
Test run at defensive end.

Test run at defensive end.

Joe isn’t sure what has Bucs fans freaked out more: The prospect of America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller, Jameis Winston, being maimed or the continued years-long struggle to find someone, anyone, to get consistent heat on an opposing quarterback.

If Bucs fans can see the problem in a drunken daze on 70-inch HDTV, trust Joe, so too can Bucs officials, including defensive shot-caller Lovie Smith. [read more]

Anything But 0-3

September 2nd, 2015

Lovie SmithJoe’s been around town quite a bit the past few days and the collective Bucs-fan freakout is astounding. From poker tables to barber shops, it’s everywhere. [read more]

Linebacker Love From Jason Licht

September 2nd, 2015

jason licht 0501Don’t call Joe a woman, but Joe did watch the new “Red” video on Bucccaneers.com.

“Red” is this new thing the Bucs do that’s supposedly geared to female Bucs fans. [read more]

TV Ratings Dip For Browns-Bucs

September 2nd, 2015

Convincing non-believers.

On Aug. 15, the debut of Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, was quite an event across the Tampa Bay area on WFLA-TV, Ch. 8.

TV-ratings numbers were extremely strong, but the euphoria has not sustained. [read more]

“Surprise, Surprise!” Says Gerald McCoy.

September 2nd, 2015
McCoy

Gerald McCoy responds

Three-time Pro Bowler or not, Gerald McCoy can’t find love from former Bucs guard Ian Beckles (1990-1996).

Beckles got on his WDAE-AM 620 pulpit Monday and hammered McCoy with an Xs and Os argument. [read more]

Slow Down, Kenny Bell

September 2nd, 2015
Lovie slams brakes on quick return.

Lovie slams brakes on quick return.

It seemed like a few weeks ago that Kenny Bell not only was a mortal leadpipe lock to make the final-53, he may have been the No. 3 receiver.

Now, on Sept. 2, there is doubt if Bell even makes the final-53. [read more]

Top 10 Defense?

September 2nd, 2015
A massive turnaround for Lovie's defense this fall?

A massive turnaround for Lovie’s defense this fall?

Even though the Bucs got pounced on by the Brownies last weekend, it’s easy to forget the Bucs had five 3-and-outs on defense. Not too shabby.

Last year, the defense started horribly. It did improve, but to be honest, it had nowhere to go but up. [read more]

If NFL Offensive Lines Stink…

September 2nd, 2015
Lovie22

If NFL offensive lines are really as bad as some believe, then Lovie should be able to develop a pass rush, no?

Yes, yesterday, Joe brought word from various sources that the Bucs may not be nearly as bad on the offensive line as some believe after watching the jailbreak that was the Cleveland pass rush Saturday.

For example, spreadsheeters of Pro Football Focus contend the Bucs are no worse than sixth-worst during this preseason along the offensive line, without factoring the Bucs started two rookies (who will only improve) and camp meat (who won’t start in the regular season). [read more]

Joe Talks America’s Quarterback, Stats Scams, Marpet Backing, Three Stooges & More

September 1st, 2015
Steve Duemig

Steve Duemig

Joe climbed into the cage with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig, this evening on WDAE-AM 620.

The “JoeBucsFan Hour” was in full swing. [read more]

Not Just The Bucs

September 1st, 2015
Bucs C Evan Smith can breathe a sigh of relief over the stat geeks' data.

Bucs C Evan Smith can breathe a sigh of relief over the stat geeks’ data.

Bucs fans are so unnerved by the play of the offensive line against the Brownies last week, they actually have been visiting Hemlock Society sites.

As bad as the offensive line looked — think about it, only two full practices to prepare with two rookies on the line — perhaps Bucs fans can find solace in other fanbases’ freakout. [read more]

More Kicking Woes; Patrick Murray Injured

September 1st, 2015

PatrickMurrayLovie Smith today revealed that last year’s kicker, standout rookie Patrick Murray, has a knee injury. [read more]

Jacquies Smith Talks Return

September 1st, 2015
Bucs DE Jacquies Smith hopes to play in the regular season opener.

Bucs DE Jacquies Smith hopes to play in the regular season opener.

The closest thing the Bucs have to an edge rusher was acquired last year when Tampa Bay went dumpster diving and maybe found a jewel by pulling Jacquies Smith off the street after he was released by the Bills.

Smith racked up 6.5 sacks last year — by Bucs standards for defensive ends, that’s Reggie White territory. [read more]

Lovie: “We Are Good Inside”

September 1st, 2015

lovie smith 0920Lovie Smith offered a telling one liner yesterday when it came to the good and the bad of his defense.

Joe asked Lovie about the health of Jacquies Smith and what defensive ends are looking strong. [read more]

Johnson, Herron Gone

September 1st, 2015
Bucs CB Leonard Johnson, a Largo High product, pictured in happier times. He was among the Bucs cuts this morning.

Bucs CB Leonard Johnson, a Largo High product, pictured in happier times. He was among the Bucs cuts this morning.

Tampa Bay made more roster moves this morning and the Bucs’ careers of Leonard Johnson and Robert Herron likely have come to an end.

Also cut were Josh Allen, who made the most memorable non-block Joe has ever seen in the NFL, and of course Michael Koenen got the boot, literally and figuratively. [read more]

Former Pro Bowl CB Tim Jennings Visits Bucs

September 1st, 2015
Lovie Smith smiled a lot when Tim Jennings was one of his starting cornerbacks

Lovie Smith smiled a lot when Tim Jennings was one of his starting cornerbacks

When Joe asked Lovie Smith about Tim Jennings yesterday, it initially seemed like the coach wasn’t sure who Joe was referencing.

Today, Tim Jennings is visiting the Bucs, per the team’s website. [read more]

Seven Seconds And A Crucifix

September 1st, 2015
Bucs rookie right guard Ali Marpet

Bucs rookie right guard Ali Marpet

Welcome to the Bucs’ opening drive on Saturday night, starting from the 20 yard line.

On 1st-and-10, Doug Martin runs left but Logan Mankins is blown up. No gain. [read more]

“Best Movement I Have Ever Seen At Safety”

September 1st, 2015
Ronde Barber says a Bucs safety eclipses John Lynch when it comes to movement.

Ronde Barber says a Bucs safety eclipses John Lynch when it comes to movement.

Joe believes Ronde Barber often is selling on the airwaves what lurks in Lovie Smith’s brain.

So Barber’s insight is telling when it comes to the eventual makeup of the Tampa Bay roster. [read more]

Lovie Killed By Quarterbacks?

September 1st, 2015
Lovie knows bad quarterbacks.

Lovie knows bad quarterbacks.

Fascinating discussion at the overrated Grantland.com by statgeek Bill Barnwell.

Just what NFL coach has been cursed by the worst quarterbacks? It’s a neat mind teaser. [read more]

Bucs Cut Michael Koenen

September 1st, 2015
Gone.

Gone.

Michael Koenen is no longer a Bucs player. The overpriced punter was cut loose. Joe sheds no tears.

Koenen was signed by the Bucs to a heralded six-year, $19.5 million contract. The Bucs have been horrible ever since. [read more]