The Heat Was On … Jameis

August 4th, 2015

McCoy Camp

The steamy fields of One Buc Palace were broiling this morning for Day 4 of training camp.

And after two interceptions by Jameis Winston, in his first three throws of 11-on-11 work, America’s Quarterback was on the hot seat. [read more]

No Garbage From Herron

August 4th, 2015
Bucs second-year wide receiver Robert Herron

Bucs second-year wide receiver Robert Herron

Once upon a time, the Bucs gave $10 million guaranteed to a wide receiver who already had proven he had Jell-O hands and Vaseline fingers (no, not a tight end.)

It was mind-numbing. A team just can’t carry a receiver that can’t catch. [read more]

Roller Coaster Expected For Jameis

August 4th, 2015
Ups and downs expected for "America's Quarterback" said Lovie Smith. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

Bucs are ready for the ups and downs from “America’s Quarterback” said Lovie Smith. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

Look, no one pined, beat the drum, hollered from rooftops, and coerced more bartenders that the Bucs needed to draft “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, more than Joe. [read more]

Hope

August 4th, 2015

lovie 0804

Joe is well aware Bucs fans are nauseous in the pits their stomachs about the woeful status of their franchise.

Losers of 70 of the past 100 games, the Bucs are at the bottom of the NFL with the Jags in total losses since the Bucs jettisoned Chucky (and that factors in Raheem Morris’ stunning 10-6 season in 2010). [read more]

“Humbling” May Motivate Bowers

August 4th, 2015
Last chance.

Last chance.

Bucs fans don’t want to hear it, but Joe thinks the re-signing of former second-round pick Da’Quan Bowers last week was a smart move.

Look, the guy is coming in as camp meat. He’s being paid as camp meat. No promises were offered. Prove it or lose it. [read more]

Lovie Won’t Touch Jameis Winston’s Emotions

August 4th, 2015

JameisIf America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, wants to have a visible freakout because he threw an interception — like he did too often in yesterday’s practice — then Lovie Smith is just fine with that. [read more]

Smith (Finally) Recognizes “Jameis”

August 4th, 2015
Bucs C Evan Smith has finally given up his silent treatment of "America's Quarterback."

Bucs C Evan Smith has finally given up his silent treatment of “America’s Quarterback.”

Progress is being made at One Buc Palace.

And it has to do with the two guys who touch the ball on every offensive play: veteran center Evan Smith and “America’s Quarterback,” Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston. [read more]

Learning Curve Huge For Marpet

August 3rd, 2015
Bucs second round pick, OL Ali Marpet, talks to Joe about his NFL learning curve.

Bucs second round pick, guard Ali Marpet, talks to Joe about his NFL learning curve.

Maybe it was a good thing there was a flooding emergency of sorts in Tampa and the Bucs closed what was an open practice this afternoon, in part, to keep people safe and off the local rivers streets. [read more]

Day 3 – Training Camp Notes & Observations

August 3rd, 2015

LovieCamp

It sure is soggy at One Buc Palace, but the Bucs threw on the pads and hit each other for the first practice today. Joe got a first-hand look.

Enjoy! [read more]

The Moss Files

August 3rd, 2015

mike evans 1113Everyone knows Mike Evans had a couple of training sessions this offseason with eventual Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss.

Evans already explained to Joe that Moss is one of the “tightest dudes” he’s ever met, but what did they really work on? [read more]

“We’re Kinda Catching On”

August 3rd, 2015
Clinton McDonald

Clinton McDonald

The Bucs were grinding at a fast pace today at practice. The pads were finally on, and 11-on-11 was in full swing with live blocking.

Late in the two-plus hour session, guard Kadeem Edwards was roasted, and then Logan Mankins, on successive snaps. [read more]

Brooks Gave Jameis Winston “Homework”

August 3rd, 2015

BrooksLovieLovie Smith insists Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, does not need a mentor.

But that doesn’t mean Jameis is without one. [read more]

Ticket Sales Improved “Dramatically”

August 3rd, 2015

raymond james stadium 2

Joe often gets this question. A lot. And Joe doesn’t have an answer. How are ticket sales? Good guess.

First, Ticketmaster is in business solely to sell tickets. It is neither their job nor their obligation — nor in their interest — to release accurate ticket sales information. The data on their website is often grossly inaccurate, yet fans mistakenly consider it fact. [read more]

Bucs’ Blunder Comes Full Circle

August 3rd, 2015

Gonzalez

During the very early weeks of the Mark Dominik-Raheem Morris regime in 2009, Joe was pounding the drum loudly for the Bucs to trade for legendary tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Tampa Bay choked and the arch rival Falcons got Gonzalez for a second-round pick. [read more]

Dotson Details A Changed Mankins

August 3rd, 2015

Mankins training campLet’s add this up. Former superstar left guard Logan Mankins reported to the Bucs revitalized in April with “six-pack abs” (perhaps he gave up grilled meat?) and was called the “father of the locker room” by Tampa Bay management last week.

Then, Mankins talked yesterday about his revived motivation. [read more]

Bucs Practice Closed To Public

August 3rd, 2015

rachel watson 0803

The Bucs have just announced that today’s practice at 2:30 p.m., which was open to the public, is now closed to the public, so the Bucs mobile app alert that Joe received stated.

The practice was closed because of the downpours in Tampa that have left roads dicey and unsafe for traveling.

The next Bucs practice open to the public is Tuesday at 9 a.m.