When Rachaad White started flashing his strong skills in the passing game this season as a second-year running back, Joe was eager to track whether White could exceed the production of another third-round draft pick of a Bucs running back in 2015. [read more]

Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

In speaking about his defense, Bucs coach Todd Bowles inadvertently said something profound about his offense.

The Bucs head coach held his day-after presser today and it was somber, given what transpired in the past 24 hours. Bowles began by deadpanning “Happy New Year” to the gaggle of the local pen and mic club. [read more]

Taking the next step.

Todd Bowles had a clear message this afternoon at his somber day-after chat with local media. [read more]

Gerald McCoy

The media’s biggest Bucs fan outside of Joe may be six-time Pro Bowl Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, a first-year personality on NFL Network. [read more]

Devin White’s Buccaners demise had a crash landing yesterday, Joe believes. [read more]

It’s become clear to Joe that the Bucs’ only hoping of winning a playoff game is tied to them facing a reeling club.

The football gods appear to have handed that to Tampa Bay. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

It don’t come easy. You know it don’t come easy.

The Bucs have backed themselves into a coffin corner heading into the final game of the regular season. It’s win or go home, literally, when Tampa Bay faces the 2-15 Panthers in Charlotte.

Jobs are on the line, starting with the head coach. If the Bucs, favored by six points, don’t get the job done in Week 18, the Saints could steal the NFC South crown and trigger an offseason shakeup at One Buc Place.

Only one team was ready to play Sunday — and that’s inexcusable considering what was on the line. Of Tampa Bay’s three first downs in the opening half, two came courtesy of yellow flags.

The Bucs were outgained 202-44 after two quarters and the 23-13 final score won’t fool anyone who was there or who watched the debacle. If the Bucs wake up from their coma and beat the Panthers, this travesty will be quickly forgotten as they prepare for the NFC’s No. 5 seed in the postseason.

But make no mistake, Sunday’s lethargic effort serves as a reminder that this team is not close to being a championship contender. [read more]

One reason — not the only reason — Joe is so triggered about yesterday’s loss was that the game was such a curb-stomping by the slimy Saints. [read more]

Stunning production.

The 2023 Bucs have defined mediocrity. They couldn’t beat NFL heavyweights and have won eight games against average and weak clubs, largely what most Bucs fans expected.

But their quarterback has rung up very impressive passing numbers. Consider the following: [read more]

Pressure.

The Bucs looked so awful yesterday, so poorly coached, with coaches seemingly sleepwalking through the game oblivious to the score, it’s no stretch to imagine the Bucs throwing up on their shoes in Charlotte on Sunday and blowing a golden opportunity at the playoffs. [read more]

Rachaad White breaks free Sunday. This didn’t happen nearly enough.(Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Joe was so upset by the irresponsible way the Bucs came out yesterday when they had a chance to win the NFC South and totally rolled over like a golden retriever puppy begging for a treat from mom, that Joe had to listen to an obscure World War II podcast to try to fall asleep. Let’s get this over with so Joe can watch football all day and night today. [read more]

Bucs coach Todd Bowles.

What was a high percentage for the Bucs entering yesterday’s debacle with the slimy Saints is now just about a coin flip. [read more]

Welcome to 2024! [read more]

Kickoff time released.

The NFL annually waits until the end of Sunday night of Week 17 to release the Week 18 schedule, so the league knows what games will have playoff implications. [read more]

Explains mood of locker room.

There was a pall over the Bucs’ locker room this afternoon. The team had one of its worst losses in a while. [read more]

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and friends couldn’t take advantage.

So the slimy Saints played today without their Pro Bowl right tackle Ryan Ramcyzk.

Joe was excited to see what Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson and friends might do filling in for Bucs sacks king Shaq Barrett off the edge against a backup. And then the Saints’ backup got hurt early in the game. [read more]