Lovie Extinguishes Hot Seat Chatter
September 20th, 2015
Fact: After Tampa Bay’s historically dreadful performance on opening day, Lovie Smith earned the calls for his head by some fans and media.
Fact: Only one thing was going stop it in its tracks.
Of course, that was a win today in New Orleans. There were no morale victories on the menu this afternoon. The entire Bucs organization and fan base was desperate for a soul-soothing victory. It was critical to the state of the union.
And Lovie got it.
Good for you, Coach. You earned every inch of it, despite a Rush Limbaugh-Father Dungy offensive approach late in the game.
Joe was not among those hanging Lovie after last week. It was silly talk after one game, but it was understandable. The franchise changed after getting chain-whipped by Tennessee, and it changed again today. Depression turned to hope. Death turned to life. A clearer picture of reality emerged.
This Buccaneers team is no playoff squad, but it should win six games, as Joe wrote before the season.
Jameis Winston, America’s Quarterback, is good enough to put the team on his back a couple of times. The defense has enough talent to win a couple of games on its own. And pure competitive football should mean at least a couple of wins.
Joe is elated that Lovie extinguished the hot seat chatter simmering around him. There’s a hell of a lot of healing across Tampa Bay tonight.
It’s on to Houston! Simple as that.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:20 pm
At the beginning of the season I thought we had 8-8 talent against some sorry competition. I thought Lovie should keep his job if he won at least six.
That horrible performance in game one changed my perspective. It will clearly depend on HOW he wins the 6 games. If he wins 4 of the next six and then only one of the last 8 he could go the way of Chucky who lost his last four after a 9-3 start.
Bottom line. Yes Lovie has saved his job but the seat is still very, very warm.
This could be a temporary bandaid…or it could be the beginning of an exciting season. Lets see how things work out the next two weeks. If he loses to Houston on the road but beats Carolina at home…the team will be a great shape at 2-2..2-0 in the division with an improving team full of kiddies.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Lovie needed this win, so did Bucs fans. We probably needed it more because we’ve been living with the losing longer than Smith. Thanks team!
September 20th, 2015 at 9:22 pm
Joe I don’t know about the rest of us Buc fans, but I’m patched up for now. I feel no more sting from last weeks game. It only hurts a little now, but no more sting.
I feel very good tonight. 2 days before my birthday and the Bucs got the win. Could have dominated them if things went a certain way, but I’ll take it.
Screw the haters that won’t take this win and be HAPPY!.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:26 pm
Please, football gods, don’t let Gerald McCoy have a bicep injury that puts him on IR. He came out of the game in the 4th qtr holding his right arm.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:28 pm
I gotta see at least 6 wins this year to keep Lovie but as I said I’d keep him until the end of the year. Also we can’t see anymore historic beat downs.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:34 pm
Lovie Smith had a confident, cool collected, we are going to win today look on the sideline from the start of the game. To all the Lovie Smith haters he stood tall today and showed poise and leadership when the chips were down. His defense rebounded to hold one of the NFL best QB to only 19 points and held on to the lead in the 4th. Everyone has crumbed on him for bringing ex-Bears to the Bucs with him. Today Chris Conte showed all who did not believe. Melton played well and what would have happened without Jennings? To Lovie I say cheers! Its a good feeling for Buccaneer fans everywhere.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:36 pm
We’ll see. I’ve been burned too many times by a defensive minded coach. Glazers need to come down from Olympus and tell Lovie “I ever hear you told Dirk to lay off the gas, I’m going to slap you in the face.”
September 20th, 2015 at 9:37 pm
……………..it’s a looooooooong season joe
September 20th, 2015 at 9:38 pm
I’m stoked about this win. Everyone was amazing. The week will be enjoyable which is nice since we haven’t been able to have that in September for the last couple years.
Jameis and Koetter and the rest of the offense great effin job. Keep up the great work!
But as far as the defense goes…. this is where I say to Lovie, it was just “one game.” Let’s see if Lovie has it in him to do it again and/or consistently.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:41 pm
As long as the defense keeps winning games like today, he’ll be fine.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:46 pm
Maybe the sheep, the glazers and Joe think everything is just alright!! But 1 sloppy game in the Super Dome does not make it alright!!!!
The opening game debacle will have lasting Ramifications!!!!
September 20th, 2015 at 9:51 pm
It’s a long season as long as the team is competitive and doesn’t get blown out multiple times I think he stays. But he’s gotta be a better in game coach and mix growth with wins
September 20th, 2015 at 9:51 pm
It’s great to get the win and the team as a whole improved drastically from last week. But let’s not get too excited. The Defense is still very soft and the penalties are horrendous. Jameis is making progress and any win in a Division game on the road is a good win. But we have a long way to go.
September 20th, 2015 at 9:51 pm
I for one am not giving Lovie a pass after one game, in which he almost let his team lose a big lead trying to sit on his hands when his offense and defense were hot.
Secondly, this New Orleans team is a shell of its former self. They lost big names and Drew Brees is getting older. This win was much needed, and very refreshing, but it doesn’t speak for how truly competitive the Bucs are compared to playoff teams like Seattle or New Orleans or Dallas.
But…with that being said, I was very impressed and surprised this week. I will be honest and admit that I thought the Saints would blow the Bucs outta the water. I was wrong, and couldn’t be happier.
This is a step in the right direction for the Bucs and for Lovie. But let’s not forget that the Bucs won their next game after the chain whipping in Atlanta last year, yet the calls for Lovie’s head at the end of the season were still there. The losing could very well continue. Lovie didn’t save his job with this win. Win a few big games and show the Glazers and the fans you are the real deal, then your job is safe.
GO BUCS!!
September 20th, 2015 at 10:04 pm
wayyy to early to put Lovie in the clear.
like Lovie himself said, ‘it’s just one game’.
Lets grade him after the 1st ‘quarter’ of the season, like Gruden broke it down…. 4 game quarters…
He cant afford another Coaching Collapse like Week 1… There are plenty of DIE HARDS like myself, ecstatic about Jameis’ 1st win, but Quick to bring Fire down on Lovie if he cant get his guys in line again!
Im not expecting playoffs this season. Im not even expecting a winning season… I only expect PROGRESS…
But if Lovies team starts to REGRESS, that Week One Type Regression, we’ll throw up some billboards in this btch!
September 20th, 2015 at 10:11 pm
If we go 15-1 and win the Super Bowl, the Lovie haters will still be calling for his head. It has been a long time since we were 1-1. we gotta go back to 2012. It would be stupid for the Glazers to fire Lovie, if anything fire the players that are not buying into the system. Good win Bucs, let’s have a good week of practice and on to Houston.
September 20th, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Are you kidding? That was an absolute slop fest from both teams. Did the D play better against a more conventional offense, yes. But they were awful against the run in the 2nd half.
Winston either doesn’t trust what he sees or doesn’t know, typical for a rookie. He really not ready to start yet. Tons of penalties and drops. They tried desperately to give it away.
Hot seat is still hot as ever.
September 20th, 2015 at 10:14 pm
“If we go 15-1 and win the Super Bowl, the Lovie haters will still be calling for his head.”
Incorrect.
September 20th, 2015 at 10:22 pm
Just read on NFL that Jac Smith is leading the NFL in sacks with 4.
September 20th, 2015 at 10:24 pm
Deez nuts hang low on Mariota fans! Funny how they change their name to bash winston, but when we win they change their name again and show us support!!!
September 20th, 2015 at 10:37 pm
@Lakeland Buc,
If we go 15-1… I will personally find out the identity of Dave the troll… hunt him down… and forcibly make him suck Lovie’s balls (against his & Lovie’s will, mind you)… then get 5-10 in a Federal Max Penn… get out in 3 for good behavior… and back on this website to say ‘you were right Lakeland’. while Jameis goes for the repeat..
September 20th, 2015 at 10:37 pm
We really needed this win and we got it…..guarantee you….we feel better tonight than Saints fans….we have a rookie QB that will continue to get better every game….they have a very expensive HOF QB that is near his end.
They just lost at home to the worst team in the NFL….(sound familiar)
September 20th, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Cowboys need a QB why don’t we trade Mike Glennon for La’el Collins ?
September 20th, 2015 at 10:39 pm
For now…
September 20th, 2015 at 10:44 pm
@Rojas LOL i’ll take that! that would be awesome!! ^_^
September 20th, 2015 at 10:45 pm
SWEEP THE DIVISION!!!
September 20th, 2015 at 10:49 pm
@TBBF
It was a much needed win as this team’s confidence appeared shaky to me all last year and last week. This should help since all phases of the game were played pretty well. Yeah the ‘Aints..ain’t what they used to be but it’s the freaking NFL and all wins are wonderful and hard to achieve no matter the competion.
So I’m wondering if Pablo just sucked down too many margaritas in his post game celebration? Hope he doesn’t have to work tomorrow..hangovers are a beotch.
September 20th, 2015 at 10:57 pm
Great win! Too bad I had to work. Real glad Winston got his first win. Outplayed Drew Bree’s. Of course it was the cable Drew Brees, not the direct TV Drew Brees but that’s ok. A win is a win and this was a huge game for us. That was a beautiful TD pass to Jackson and a nice deep ball to Louis Murphy. Jack Smith is the MAN. Three sacks and two forced fumbles… GTFO! Gerald McCoy and Smith have got something going. And McCoy is the best 3 technique DT in the league. And what about all of those guys who laughed at the Chris Conte signing? Kwon Alexander grew up fast and LVD is back along with the muscle hamster. Doug Martin looking like his rookie self. It’s a brand new season fellas!!!
September 20th, 2015 at 11:01 pm
If you want to feel good about yourself read a saints fan message board and look at how much agony they are in xD
September 20th, 2015 at 11:40 pm
You cant take away that crushing defeat from a week ago. Just like you cant take away this sweet victory. All I can say is that I have more confidence in this defense than I did a week ago. They won it for us. But that faith can and will change weekly. Lets see how this defense plays against a lesser talent like Ryan Mallet. No Arian Foster. No Andre Johnson. This defense has to step on a lesser qb when given the chance. Last year our defense couldnt. This year, I hope and after todays game I actually BELEIVE it can happen.
Lets just enjoy the fact that the season is still alive and we have a shot, which hasnt been the case the last cpl years.
Lovie Smith did what Greg Schiano never could. Beat the Saints. GO BUCS!
September 20th, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Where are all the guys wishing we should have drafted Mariota now?
September 20th, 2015 at 11:53 pm
I think we can be CLEAR about ONE THING!!! Lovie has NOT LOST THE PLAYERS!!!
“It’s as simple as that” – Lovie Smith aka “I’ll piss on your billboards!” aka “Greg Schiano WILL NEVER BE AS GOOD AS ME!”
September 20th, 2015 at 11:56 pm
Haters from last week can shut up now What were those score predictions again? If you don’t have faith, choose another team. “AS simple as that.”
September 21st, 2015 at 12:26 am
@Bucsfan85
No No. Im starting to think that if everyone hates on the Bucs and predicts them to lose every week, we will just get better every week. And a BIG SCREW YOU to John Lynch, Trent Dilfer, and Terry Bradshaw. GO BUCS!!!
September 21st, 2015 at 12:28 am
Seahawks, Giants, Bears, Lions, Eagles, Ravens, Texans all are 0-2!
September 21st, 2015 at 12:38 am
No No. Im starting to think that if everyone hates on the Bucs and predicts them to lose every week, we will just get better every week. And a BIG SCREW YOU to John Lynch, Trent Dilfer, and Terry Bradshaw. GO BUCS!!!
I say GO BUCS because I was one of the three people on the planet keeping the faith last week, so all you bandwagon haters out there, keep it up
September 21st, 2015 at 12:51 am
Only consistent improvement and players beginning to master a solid game plan each week should get him off the hot seat, not a single win against a struggling team. I saw a lot of good things, and I’m grateful for the win, but he’s still got a dismal record here to overcome.
September 21st, 2015 at 12:52 am
always keep faith. go bucs!!
September 21st, 2015 at 1:36 am
One WIN and you all are back on the band wagon smoking a peace pipe together, How nice , Now come down to reality and do you really think the BUC’S are going to win this week against Houston, this is where Winston bites the dirt, and the defence will fall apart like a bad wheel. And Lovie’s ass will be burning again and then the next week his ass will be smoken for sure when panthers put it on the Buc’s, FIRST QUARTER 1 WIN 3 LOSSES, NEXT…….
September 21st, 2015 at 1:52 am
Can’t fix it,just wait on it☺. God bless you buddie.
September 21st, 2015 at 2:34 am
We will win the NFC South, you can book it.
September 21st, 2015 at 2:53 am
@SOE, yeah, screw Trent, Bradshaw… But Lynch is the last of a dying breed… The last Buc that clock dudes over the middle without getting flagged… Dude knocked out his own brother in law for the love of the game…. Hell, Barry Sanders named Lynch as the baddest motherfckrs he faced… in so many words…
Dont let the suit & tie & broadcasting gig fool you! John Lynch is one bad motherfcker! A Living Legend! Know your history dude!
September 21st, 2015 at 2:54 am
@Lakeland
If we can beat Falcon D aka Cover 3 we can win the division
September 21st, 2015 at 5:24 am
He may still be on the hot seat? Like Joe said all last week, it’s one game. It remains to be seen how good/bad the Saints are. And to be honest. We had a chance to boat race them with their turnovers in the second half. Both teams looked pretty poor in Q4. Still he earned soon breathing room.
September 21st, 2015 at 6:20 am
Well done Lovie!
Well done
September 21st, 2015 at 6:41 am
Look up the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
; seems to describe most posters. Bucs get their butts whipped by the Titans and it’s Armageddon and Winston is a bust. A sloppy win at the Superdome and now it’s a winning season.
Reality: Bucs have a rookie quarterback during what might be charitably described “a rebuilding season.” They’ll win about six games this year. Next season should be a winning season. Take it for what it is and enjoy the season.
September 21st, 2015 at 7:21 am
I think the question that determines Lovie’s fate isn’t how many games we lose, but how we lose them. If the team plays hard and is competitive in its games he will be ok. If we see another week 1 debacle he may not make it through the season regardless of the record.
September 21st, 2015 at 7:46 am
I still hope the Bucs replace Lovie at the end of the season no matter how many games we win. He is a terrible coach. We won in spite of Lovie.
September 21st, 2015 at 8:56 am
It feels good to win but I don’t get false hope. They tried to give it away in true Buc fashion as always. And The Saints? Are they a good team or has Brees run out of help and they are on the Bucs level now? Just a bad team?
September 21st, 2015 at 9:50 am
Getting that win felt like taking a bath in Holy Water