Bad drop didn’t stop him.

Joe may have never heard the crowd at The Licht House so quiet. [read more]

What a day to be alive!

Sorry, Joe isn’t in the let’s-lose-intentionally crowd. [read more]

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

You either succumb to pressure or you embrace the challenge.

On Sunday, the Bucs gave pressure a big old bear hug en route to a 20-6 victory against punchless Tennessee. What pressure? Glad you asked.

Had the Titans prevailed, the Bucs would have been heading to California trying to avoid their first 6-game losing streak since the 2-14 debacle of 2014.

That’s pressure.

A defense that was ravaged by C.J. Stroud at Houston needed to rebound in a big way against another rookie quarterback, especially since Todd Bowles called on his unit to display professional pride.

That’s pressure.

And speaking of pressure, that’s what spelled the difference against Will Levis, who rarely had an opportunity to feel comfortable in the pocket. Bowles dialed up an ultra-aggressive blitzing scheme that shook, rattled and rolled Levis into a QB rating of 53.3. [read more]

Bucs GM Jason Licht.

Joe always pays close attention when general manager Jason Licht starts naming names. [read more]

Calijah Kancey explains.

Bucs rookie Calijah Kancey may not have blown up today. That doesn’t mean the Titans’ offense didn’t feel him. [read more]

Real threat — in pass game.

Rachaad White’s streak came to an end today. But you can bet he won’t be crying in his pillow. [read more]

First interception of 2023.

A couple of weeks ago, Bucs coach Todd Bowles, who enjoys some good sarcasm, remarked how defensive lineman Will Gholston had more interceptions (one) than his starting secondary. [read more]

No need to fret.

So Mike Alstott Tristan Wirfs was robbed of glory today. He is more pained about that than anything else. [read more]

Joe confirmed with a Buccaneers player in the locker room what was revealed on today’s Bucs-Titans game broadcast on CBS. [read more]

All smiles today.

Boy, what a difference a win makes. [read more]

Todd Bowles got into the minds of his players.

Fans love to compare performances of teams against common opponents, especially when it’s in back-to back weeks.

It’s not fair, but it can be relevant and it’s certainly interesting. [read more]

It came in the fourth quarter with the game already decided — after another quality performance from the Bucs’ iconic 33-year-old linebacker. [read more]

More history nears.

What a monster day for the greatest receiver in Buccaneers history!

Yeah, the drops came. Last Joe checked, Tom Brady threw his share of ugly interceptions in big games (see Green Bay), and Michael Jordan banked a few foul shots, as well. [read more]

Joe wants to issue a hearty “Welcome back!” to the Buccaneers defense.

What a difference a week makes!

Finally, Todd Bowles and friends put the clamp down on a rookie quarterback, breaking a four-game streak of rookie QBs eating their lunch. [read more]

The march to the Super Bowl starts now. Hey, don’t rip Joe’s optimism.

Must-win game against the Titans is here. Comment all game long with fellow fans (and a few haters) below. Play nice. No need to attack anyone except the referees.

Go Bucs!!!!

Joe has a minor fear entering today’s game against the Titans, and it has nothing to do with watching the Bucs hand off to a running back. [read more]

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Another can’t-miss sitdown with the Sage of Tampa Bay Sports with Joe. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

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“Freak.”

Tristan Wirfs is a freak. That’s no revelation from Joe. [read more]

Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

In some seasons you can point to something happening at a certain point in the calendar that is a catalyst for a team either turning the corner toward dominance or falling off a cliff. [read more]

Monster task today.

Former Bucs guard Ian Beckles had an interesting thing to say about current Bucs guard Cody Mauch. [read more]

Game 9

Titans (3-5) at Bucs (3-5) 

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

TV: CBS (WTSP-TV Channel 10 locally) with Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and AJ Ross.

[read more]