Disappointed in defense.

The Bucs defense flat out played awesome when it absolutely had to, specifically in the second half of today’s 14-12 loss to the Packers. [read more]

Playing his way out of work.

Look, Joe is a huge fan of Scotty Miller. But he’s been living off catching a bomb from Tom Brady for a critical touchdown in the 2020 NFC Championship game for too long. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

They played hard, they played physical, but in the end, they didn’t play smart.

Despite a suffocating defensive effort in the final 42 minutes, the Bucs dropped a 14-12 decision to Green Bay. They unleashed a storm of miscues just days before the storm that threatens Tampa Bay.

On the surface, six penalties for 40 yards doesn’t look too bad, particularly when the Packers were flagged eight times for 65 yards. But dig a little deeper and you realize the timing of some of those Buc penalties couldn’t have been much worse.

For instance, how about a too many men on the field flag that nullified a Jamel Dean interception?

How about a holding call against Brandon Walton that wiped out Tom Brady’s 18-yard scramble? And worst of all, how about a delay of the game flag just as Tampa Bay was attempting a potential 2-point conversion that could have sent the game into overtime? [read more]

Improvement not an option.

The way things are going, Bucs coach Todd Bowles won’t be looking for a new offensive coordinator next season, unless he personally wants to make a move. [read more]

So the Bucs offense through three games is struggling in areas requiring precision that comes with repetition: botched snap in New Orleans, miscommunication on a 2-point conversion, and red zone play overall. [read more]

Explains lethal delay penalty.

Joe may never know what exactly happened when the Bucs were flagged for a delay of game penalty at the end of the game when the Bucs were trying to send a defensive throwback game against Green Bay into overtime. [read more]

Even after looking like he tweaked his hamstring against the Packers today and never quite looking right all game, newcomer Bucs receiver Russell Gage manned up with a late touchdown and finished with encouraging numbers. [read more]

High standards.

So rookie defensive lineman Logan Hall recorded his first NFL sack today. He’d very likely trade that if he had the chance. [read more]

Rookie running back Rachaad White.

The Bucs and other media have sold rookie running back Rachaad White as an explosive talent and a special guy when it comes to his maturity and readiness.

Joe didn’t buy it, because Joe didn’t see it in preseason. And it seems the Bucs now feel the same way. [read more]

Bucs wouldn’t let him play.

This is a bit of a head-scratcher, though it makes sense at the same time. [read more]

“What happened, Tom?”

What the Josh Freeman was that? [read more]

“Aaron, see you in January.”

Another heroic day for our beloved Bucs defense and another mess from the Tampa Bay offense. Or at least a mess when you’re used to the team averaging about 30 points per game through the past three seasons. [read more]

Comment below all game long with fellow Buccaneers fans! Stay respectful and decent, unless it involves referees or annoying Packers fans.

And stick with Joe following the game and into the wee hours for plenty on this statement home game. Go Bucs!!

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon it has been (if you block out the Tampa Bay Rays’ ugly loss)! [read more]

Joe has learned that Rob Gronkowski is in the house for today’s Bucs-Packers game, Tampa Bay’s home-opener, and he’s all set up in a suite. [read more]

Buccaneers starting cornerback and bag-chaser Jamel Dean is not messing around when it comes to improving. [read more]

A huge chunk of Bucs fans ran around this spring and summer saying the Bucs would be happy and/or lucky to open this season 2-2. [read more]

Flash poll posted at 8:19 a.m. and closed quickly.

The market is loaded with tickets under $200 for today’s Bucs-Packers game, the home-opener at The Licht House.

Of course, it’s a lot cheaper and potentially more satisfying to enjoy the game at your local Hooters or Big Storm Brewery taproom.

Joe is seeing verified resale tickets at Ticketmaster for under $150 and others at StubHub for around $165. Everywhere is “plus fees,” of course.

Hopefully, prices will continue to fall before gametime and yearning Bucs fans will be able to find a seat for $100.