Archive for 2015

“It’s Just Me Settling Down”

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Lavonte David talks to Joe

Lavonte David talks to Joe

Sunday against the rancid Jacksonville Jaguars felt like another day at the office for Lavonte David — if this was 2012, 2013 or 2014.

But it’s 2015, and David’s standout play was the exception compared the rest of his season. (more…)

Barth Is “Exciting” To Lovie

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
New bromance brewing?

New bromance brewing?

Yes, one could argue the Bucs could be 3-2 entering the bye week if they had a competent kicker.

Terminated kicker Kyle Brindza missed more often than a sloppy drunk at the bar with terrible one-liners trying to lasso loose women. (more…)

Greatness Seen In Ali Marpet

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Ali Marpet has an ex-Buccaneer fan with a big microphone

Ali Marpet has an ex-Buccaneer fan with a big microphone

Former Bucs guard Ian Beckles is no fan of Gerald McCoy. And he believes Joe Hawley and Evan Smith are backup quality centers, as Beckles said today.

But damn, Beckles loves him some Ali Marpet, the standout rookie right guard and the pride of Division-III Hobart College. (more…)

Efficient Jameis

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Bucs WR Vincent Jackson and America's Quarterback share a moment basking in victory Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Vincent Jackson and America’s Quarterback share a moment basking in victory Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Lost in Bucs fans wallowing in a home victory for a change — Joe is convinced many didn’t know how to act because such an event was so long in coming — is something the blowhard haters had to choke down with their warm Bud Lights on Sunday evening. (more…)

Lovie Calls Out “Batman And Robin”

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

Lovie talks caped crusaders

During happier Bucs times, Tampa Bay was coming off a 7-9 season and had recently thieved a Hall of Famer in his prime, Darrelle Revis, from the Jets for first- and third-round draft picks.

Revis declared himself “Robin” to “Batman” safety Dashon Goldson, and Bucs fans were fantasizing. (more…)

5 Reasons Martin Contract Talks Make No Sense

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

LichtYes, hard-running Doug Martin, tied for second in the NFL in rushing yards through five weeks, will become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Joe smells Bucs fans needlessly panicking. (more…)

Lovie Talks About The Screen-Pass Bucs

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Lovie

Impressive end zone image

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has found a tonic for his offense, an old school play that the Bucs have made look easy. (more…)

The Play That (May Have) Saved Lovie

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
The play that may have saved Lovie Smith's future with the Bucs: DE George Johnson's forced fumble that led to a defensive score. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

The play that may have saved Lovie Smith’s future in Tampa: George Johnson’s forced fumble that led to a defensive score. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

It is easy to see all the good things that happened for the Bucs.

It’s also easy to overlook just how close the Bucs came to gagging away Sunday’s win over the Jags. (more…)

A Word About Mike Evans’ Hamstring

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015

In the hours prior to Sunday’s forgettable Mike Evans performance against the Jaguars, the Bucs’ second-year wide receiver said he heard those questioning his game and stating it was in decline since November 2014. (more…)

Sacks = Wins

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Bucs DE Howard Jones takes down Jags QB Blake Bortles for one of the Bucs six sacks Sunday.

Bucs DE Howard Jones takes down Jags QB Blake Bortles for one of the Bucs six sacks Sunday. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Bucs coach Lovie Smith always preaches sacks and how quarterback pressure is essential for his defense to work.

He may have a point, but it is also a bit misleading. (more…)

Panic?

Tuesday, October 13th, 2015
Unlike some, Joe doesn't believe now is the time for panic.

Panic talk continues

Joe isn’t sure there is reason to run to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.

But just because the Bucs beat the jughead Jags on Sunday doesn’t mean quite yet they are playoff bound. (more…)

Spence, Dotson Ready Next Week

Monday, October 12th, 2015
Akeem Spence

Akeem Spence

The growing depth on the Bucs isn’t just limited to the offensive line.

Defensive tackle Akeem Spence will be ready to practice next week, Lovie Smith said on the Buccaneers Radio Network this evening. (more…)

New Identity = Deep Shots At Washington

Monday, October 12th, 2015

Evans

The Bucs pound the rock successfully and throw a lot of screen passes. It’s beautiful, glorious football, Lovie Smith said today. (more…)

Terrible Pass Defense Made Worse

Monday, October 12th, 2015
Jags QB Blake Bortles' former swimsuit model girlfriend Lindsey Duke has a healthier arm than he has the Jags announced today.

Jags QB Blake Bortles’ former swimsuit model girlfriend Lindsey Duke has a healthier arm than he has, the Jags announced today.

It is bad enough the Bucs’ pass defense stinks. And it infuriates Joe to no end that this same team very easily could have had Darrelle Revis in the secondary.

Well, this will get you worked up, and not in a good way. (more…)

Cornerback Blues Don’t Include Verner

Monday, October 12th, 2015
Cornerback Tim Jennings gets a loaf

Tim Jennings gets a loaf

Shuffling in the defensive backfield isn’t working, not completely, Lovie Smith explained today at One Buc Palace.

The Bucs head coach was very troubled by developments late in yesterday’s glorious victory. Joe’s pointing at Tim “Loaf” Jennings. (more…)

Challenged

Monday, October 12th, 2015
Bucs RB Doug Martin gets loose yesterday. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.

Doug Martin gets loose yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.)

Joe must confess to being caught up in the new age NFL, where passing is the order of the day and the run game has been pushed aside due to rule changes and a lack of five-star stud running backs. (more…)

What “Balance” Is Lovie Seeking?

Monday, October 12th, 2015

lovie 0912Lovie Smith uttered a somewhat confusing and interesting take yesterday after the Buccaneers’ thrilling win against the Jaguars. (more…)

Sackmeister Gerald McCoy

Monday, October 12th, 2015
Sack leader for defensive tackles.

Sack leader for defensive tackles.

After nursing a second mug of coffee this morning — yes, on Sunday nights, Joe works deep into the wee hours when the TV weather and traffic chicks begin Twittering on Monday mornings — Joe came across an interesting stat. (more…)

Jameis Punches His Palm

Monday, October 12th, 2015

JameisthinkAmerica’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, has been in overdrive since declaring for the NFL Draft after the NCAA football playoffs in January.

It’s been a nonstop grind of football training (no baseball), traveling, media and working 16-hour days at One Buc Palace. (more…)