Whatever fans and media think of the Bucs is far less important than how players collectively evaluate themselves.

A former Buccaneer made that resounding point this week. [read more]

“We’ve let down this team, Byron.”

Joe has a favorite defensive stat when it comes to team defense. No, it’s not sacks. [read more]

Inside linebackers coach Larry Foote, a former linebacker himself, painted a picture of his troops drooling to get on the field Sunday against the Panthers. [read more]

Joe hears the focus on the Bucs’ plodding offense and wants to remind fans that the Tampa Bay defense is fully capable of winning a game for the team — especially against a hot-garbage quarterback like the Panthers’ Sam Darnold. [read more]

Flash poll posted at 11:55 a.m. Poll closed at 2:51 p.m. Last week’s results linked here.

Chris Godwin explains.

Cruising through the Bucs’ locker room talking to players yesterday, Joe heard over and over the same thing. (Coached up to say this, perhaps?) [read more]

Likely to return, but not a lock.

As the Bucs inch closer to the playoffs, they also get closer to judgment days on big offseason decisions. And Joe’s not talking about whether to bring back Keanu Neal. [read more]

Click on through to shop at BillCurrieFord.com. Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is ready to help you PERSONALLY and give you the Ira Kaufman discount. Just ask!

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Brad Berlin’s on special assignment this week. Tampa Bay’s equipment director is busy ordering up big-boy pants for Sunday’s matchup against Carolina. [read more]

Effort.

Fans of former Bucs running back Mike Alstott had to have been smiling at this. [read more]

“Derek, if you come to Tampa, we will have to hit up “The Undertow.” But only after we get wings at Hooters on John’s Pass.”

Well, this didn’t take long. [read more]

Todd Bowles on changes.

The mystery of the Bucs’ offense continues. [read more]

Rumored to move on in 2023.

Forgive Joe for not bringing this intel sooner as Joe was just tipped off to it and it’s a week old. [read more]

Showing his old team social media love.

Joe thinks this is way cool. [read more]

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More thoughtful insight from host Bobby Fenton whose unique style makes The Free Stretch the special podcast it is. Follow Bobby on Twitter, @bobbygameday. The Free Stretch is always a fine listen, presented by Bill Currie Ford. Remember Bill Currie Ford’s nationwide lifetime warranty on new and USED vehicles!!

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PRESENTED BY BILL CURRIE FORD

For 5+ years, The Free Stretch has been here for Bucs fans after being heard on several radio stations dating back to ancient times 2006. Bobby also hosted a national show on Sporting News Radio. [read more]

Coming clean.

Generally, players can get in hot water publicly discussing an injury. [read more]

Tight-lipped.

Joe knows this annoys people, some to no end, but information is information. [read more]