Gerald McCoy talks battling Houston QB Ryan Mallett..

So which Bucs defense shows up Sunday?

The defense that got horsewhipped by a 2-14 team on the road breaking in a brand new rookie quarterback? Or is the defense that last week lassoed long-time nemesis and future Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees? (more…)

Steve Duemig locks horns with Joe

It was another steel cage session this evening with the dean of Tampa Bay sports radio, Steve Duemig of WDAE-AM 620, and Joe squaring off.

All kinds of Bucs subjects were on the table, including the rightful optimism of Bucs fans. There was even Connie Chung reference. (more…)

All that screaming and yelling through the winter, spring and summer because Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht did nothing to bolster the Bucs’ offensive line other than snagging two second-round picks.

My how the song has changed. (more…)

Bucs DC Leslie Frazier believes Ryan Mallett’s arm could pose problems.

Joe is on record suggesting, until proven otherwise, Houston quarterback Ryan Mallett is just a sloppy quarterback.

Look, the only reason he is starting is because Brian Hoyer played himself out of a gig. (more…)

One of Jameis Winston’s teammates speaks out

Tampa Bay is one nation under America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston.

Consider the locker room vibe dished out by the charmed prince of all Buccaneers defensive players. (more…)

Can Houston DT J.J. Watt be slowed down?

It’s hard to discuss Sunday’s game and not talk about Houston’s monster defensive tackle J.J. Watt. After all, he is Houston’s best player and perhaps the best all-around player in the NFL. (more…)

Bucs right tackle Gosder Cherilus will try to break a trend Sunday.

The numbers on Bucs right tackle Gosder Cherilus facing Texans defensive lineman J.J. Watt don’t look pretty. (more…)

Gerald McCoy is yearning to play offense, and the Bucs’ three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle said Lovie Smith has promised him that opportunity if a certain goal is reached — a goal McCoy is on pace to hit. (more…)

Stat geeks detail Johnthan Banks is off to another fine season.

Mike Jenkins? Joe’s foot!

Though it hasn’t been seen recently — Joe just might have to prod Lovie Smith to see if he will still take the bait — for the most of Lovie’s tenure with the Bucs, the head coach has had a full-blown bromance over cornerback Mike Jenkins.

Joe doesn’t understand the attraction, but Lovie cannot hide his feelings, especially if you dare bring up the name “Johnthan Banks.” (more…)

Remember that players-only film and practice session Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David held before last Sunday’s game?

David talked a little more about it and its aftermath. (more…)

Chris Conte drills home an important point, as well as a Saints ball carrier.

In four seasons with the Bears, new Bucs safety Chris Conte only played on one losing team. His four college years at “Cal” were the same way.

So Conte knows well the difference between a losing mentality and a winning mindset. (more…)

Houston sackmeister J.J. Watt discussed facing America’s Quarterback.

The drama — and don’t tell Joe you hate drama — is the J.J. Watt/Amercia’s Quarterback storyline that began this summer.

When Jameis Winston was at an NFLPA function, he was asked who he looked forward to playing against. Jameis replied, “J.J. Watt.” (more…)

“Push.”

Lovie Smith adores using that word when he talks about his interior defensive line. (more…)

Texans stud WR DeAndre Hopkins missed practiced yesterday.

First, the Texans must rely on sloppy quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Then they may not have running back Arian Foster because he has yet to recover from a torn groin in August. (more…)

Jameis is getting drilled too much.

A lot of accolades and roses were tossed towards the offensive line of the Bucs this past week for protecting America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, keeping his jersey clean and giving him time to throw. (more…)

Texans DT J.J. Watt referred to America’s Quarterback as “smart.”

When America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston, noted in the offseason he was looking forward to playing J.J. Watt more than any NFL player this season, a lot of Bucs fans moaned and thought the last thing Jameis should do is rile up the best defensive player in the NFL and a true quarterback killer. (more…)

Former Bucs coach passed away today.

Former Bucs coach Richard Williamson, who presided over some of the darkest days of the Bucs’ franchise, passed away today, the team announced.

Williamson was the fourth head coach in team history and succumbed after a brief illness, per the Buccaneers. (more…)

The lone critical weapon of the Texans, RB Arian Foster, may not play Sunday.

The only real weapon the Texans have on offense — Joe hopes you are not naive enough to consider sloppy Ryan Mallett a “weapon” — is running back Arian Foster.

Thing is, Foster is banged up. (more…)

“WOO!”

Remember how former Bucs middle linebacker Mason Foster used to worship rasslin’ superstar Ric Flair? How Foster used to do his Ric Flair “WOOO!” after a sack or a turnover?

Well, Foster may have nothing on America’s Quarterback, Bucs signal-caller Jameis Winston. In a promotional video for Bleacher Report, Jameis goes full blown Ric Flair and Joe thinks it is funny as hell. (more…)