It’s smelling more and more like Bucs general manager Jason Licht found a steal in Round 3 of this year’s NFL Draft. [read more]

The Bucs’ leading sacker for the second consecutive season is versatile manbeast Vita Vea.

He’s got 5 1/2 sacks, tied for Aaron Donald for 32nd-most in the league. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

Buc fans are hoping their misery is just a passing fancy.

During a 1-5 tailspin, the Bucs have apparently forgotten how to play pass defense. At times, it’s been downright embarrassing to see the gaps between opposing targets and the nearest Tampa Bay defender.

Now comes word that cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean might not be available for Sunday’s matchup at Indianapolis.

Can the backups do any worse?

Position coach Kevin Ross, who registered 26 interceptions in his first seven seasons as a Chiefs defensive back, has been preaching for years that Dean and Davis aren’t posting enough takeaways to be considered elite. [read more]

Results broke reasonably well for the Bucs’ wild card hunt yesterday. [read more]

Debating ceiling.

Is Baker Mayfield a guy who can take the Bucs deep into the postseason, maybe not this year but in the future? [read more]

Talking sacks.

Lavonte David is all about mindset. [read more]

Not that old.

Bucs coach Todd Bowles was in a holiday mood on Thanksgiving Eve. [read more]

All-Pro?

There are a lot of things wrong with the Bucs. [read more]

Lots of optimism at One Buc Palace after Sunday’s loss at San Francisco.

The Buccaneers’ film junkies are seeing signs of greatness emerging. [read more]

Injury report.

No media availability today other than to watch 30 minutes of dudes warming up. So no one was available to speak today as the Bucs raced home to inhale Thanksgiving grub. Three Bucs starting defenders got sort of a head start. [read more]

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Sean Sullivan, the iconic JoeBucsFan.com draft guru, loves to follow rookies and young players around the NFL after the draft — with a hearty side of Bucs frustration. Enjoy!

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Great Bucs talk and thoughtful chatter — always — on The Free Stretch podcast with Bobby Fenton. Take it with you on your post-holiday workout leading up to Sunday’s Bucs-Colts game. The show is in its seventh year after being heard on several radio stations dating back to ancient times in 2006. Bobby also hosted a national show on Sporting News Radio. Follow Bobby on X, @bobbygameday.

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[read more]

Wild YAC numbers.

So earlier this week, “this Joe” dabbed his toe into the fantasy football waters. But only for a brief moment. [read more]

Gotta have him Sunday.

The Bucs need a consistent pass rush, even though they average more sacks per game than in 2002 and the same amount as in 2020. This has been a recurring theme all but three seasons since Joe launched this here site in 2008. [read more]

Surprised Bucs’ star LB.

Well, if Lavonte David ever needed motivation or inspiration… [read more]

Joe sincerely wishes all readers (and the haters addicted to this site) all the best today on one of Joe’s favorite holidays. [read more]

Bucs’ best pass rusher (who plays).

Joe is still moderately triggered that Bucs coach Todd Bowles did not put YaYa Diaby on the field to slow Brock Purdy on Sunday. Purdy was shredding the Bucs defense. [read more]

Injury report.

Joe knew Lavonte David, Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean and Tristan Wirfs were banged up from Sunday’s loss to San Francisco. Now add another key starter to the list of walking wounded. [read more]

Ready to juggle lineup.

It was an ugly scene on the turf of Levi’s Stadium on Sunday. The Bucs lost four starters. [read more]