“Added Fuel”
December 22nd, 2016
Angry
Remember those impotent Saints? The ones the Bucs defense choked out two weeks ago, nullifying gifts from Josh Huff and a weak safety-inducing run by Doug Martin?
Well, those Saints might have a new kind of leader Saturday.
Yes, Drew Brees remains the quarterback and vibrant pulse of the team. Brees bounced back to help hang 48 points on the Cardinals in the desert Sunday.
It was another stunning performance by the NFL’s No. 2-ranked offense in points scored and the unit ranked No. 1 in yards. The Saints are ringing the bell at 423 yards per game.
Yesterday, electric Saints receiver Brandin Cooks told Tampa media that Brees’ Pro Bowl snub this week is unthinkable and has Brees smoking hot.
“That’s just ridiculous. It’s just ridiculous. What are we looking at? What are we voting on? I just don’t get it,” Cooks said. “The guy is leading in so many categories, he’s having a great year. You look at that and it’s just like, okay, it’s ridiculous. The guy is great and he definitely deserves to be in there and for him not to be, the league, whoever just messed up because that just added fuel to his fire that he already had.”
Will the Bucs see a new, angry, jacked up, extra-motivated Brees on Saturday?
Joe doesn’t think so. Brees is always that way. It’s part of what makes him great — and he doesn’t throw senseless blocks and draw flags for misconduct.
Joe believes in the Bucs defense. It’s why Joe called victory for Tampa Bay on Saturday within today’s Ira Kaufman Podcast.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:46 am
The madder he is the more picks he throws. Bring it on!
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:54 am
Nice dig at Jameis there Joe. You fit right in with the Tampa media. I watch all the pressers and you and others are so nice and polite in person. Then you get all cocky on the keyboard. Call him out in person. I’d love to hear his response. Are you up for it? Are you man enough? Didn’t think so. If you don’t like fire and toughness like all his teammates do, move on to covering curling. It’s a nice friendly sport.
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:55 am
Just a little jab at JW
December 22nd, 2016 at 8:58 am
We can easily assume this is the negative Joe.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:06 am
It’ll all change once JW has another good game. It’s just part of the pendulum swinging that happens with the fan base. When they win, we’re going to the super bowl. When they lose, the sky is falling and it’s time to blow out the whole staff. Not to mention the people who equate being a fan to looking for opportunities to kick the team while they’re down. They’re not interested in wins or good performances. That’s more of an annoyance because it gets in the way of pushing narratives. That’s not necessarily what negative Joe is about, but there are shades of it.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:07 am
Ok, If you want to play this game, I think the Bucs will be more angry after that loss to Dallas plus Brate being snubbed.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:17 am
“Fuel to his fire” is just talking head worthless gibberish nonsense. Drew Brees an 99% of the league are playing at maximum effort & motivation its why they are in the NFL. The cliché spitting nonsense is so useless, I wish the media/athletes in general would get away from going into auto-cliché mode every time they are interviewed.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:46 am
Brees is a saint. Do you know where he was when he was 22. In college. Joe has no idea how this guy acted 15 years ago. Nice take Joe.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:49 am
Yes, Brees is a great QB. Hopefully we can at least limit him this weekend. I doubt we will dominate them like the last one. Or defense has to pressure him and for the love of God, our offense needs to do their”f”ing jobs and score at least 24 or else this could very well be the end of the road.
Walking down Bourbon Street with my Bucs swag and a Bucs Santa hat, I heard a mixed bag of compliments on our season and the Bucs suck comments. Hopefully we will get the last laugh.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:52 am
@Gilhealy
While its true that the Joe’s are often taking shots at our players,which many of us don’t agree with,they are America’s cheerleaders first and foremost.I will say that that Jameis is not getting us in endzone enough and the headbutt killed a promising drive.
Also interesting on the IRa podcast:
Ira wanted to throw five deep balls to Evans against NO.He went on to say that the Joe’s thought he would throw interceptions,but he thought he would get 2 flags ,one completion and two incompletes.
While blocking,run game,and better recievers need immediate attention
next year, Jameis also has to improve on the deep ball for defenses to fear the long ball and eliminate the eight and nine men in the box.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:53 am
Brees has been in this league long enough to know that the pro bowl doesn’t mean crap.
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:53 am
The Bucs players should have “added fuel” as well, as in a playoff berth on the line. Let’s see which team has the most intense fire!
December 22nd, 2016 at 9:59 am
The Bucs need to be in “all about taking care of business mode”, Drew Brees is very talented, but the Bucs have to expect to win this game and turn on the offense from a drip, drip, drop in the bucket to making big plays. If the Saints want to swing a safety Mike Evans way, I put Josh Huff out there and run him deep with Humphries crossing the middle and Brate doing what he does. If the line holds up, we will score. We need to put up 30 and serve notice, that’s how you carry a big friggin’ stick
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:03 am
Cooks also said: “We beat ourselves [against the Bucs]…When we get in that dome, special things happen.” In other words, the Bucs didn’t beat them. Go back to the numerous articles on this site and others about no respect from players, coaches, and owners around the league. That should be bulletin board material for the defense. The next sign of disrespect is that Drew Brees will be listed as “questionable” on the injury report.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:03 am
Let’s not Forget Buc fan, Mr Breeze things that Bucs are dirty players . Good quarterback yes, but he’s one of the biggest babies and cries about everything
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:10 am
Jesus man. Only a Bucs site uses an article about Drew Bree’s to take a shot at their own QB. Shameless.
Y’all talked recently about a split–let us know which side is the one who doesn’t take constant pointless shots at our 2nd year 22 year old QB who has helped lead us to 8 wins.
Make your point (you have), defend your point (you have), and then when your readers get tired of it, maybe stop beating that dead horse (you haven’t).
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:33 am
I’m surprised someone who is popular but didn’t deserve a pro bowl this year actually was snubbed!
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:36 am
@Buc53
I prefer all positive talk about our players too…but Joe (whichever) is entitled. It’s his website and his opinion.
Also…calling Jameis out might motivate him to do better. It has in the past. I think we’ve become so accustomed to Joe(s) nose up Jameis’ butt, that seeing one act otherwise is a shocking event.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:39 am
@Doctor Stroud
I agree 100%!
I’ve noticed that whenever the Bucs win, it’s been “that team beat themselves”…not “The Bucs are real.”
Ticks me off, especially since the NFL keeps giving us tough schedules nearly every year, while teams like the Falcons get easy ones nearly every year.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:44 am
@Dr & Bonzai – Been saying that for a while. The fans, at least the ones that make their voices heard, are so entrenched in the Bucs being a bad team that it’s almost a part of their identity now. It’s like they don’t know how to act when the team does well. They don’t know how to actually support the team and they look for any opportunity to revert back to their comfort zone when the team has a down game. They’re the quickest to say, “see, I told you they’re still bad”.
It has to be a very sad mental state to be in. Why are you even a fan of the team if you can’t allow yourself to enjoy the few opportunities that we get to celebrate.
December 22nd, 2016 at 10:45 am
Bob in Valrico- boloney. Jameis admitted he shouldn’t have done it. Koetter addressed it at halftime, and this site mentioned it earlier. How many times do we bring it up? America’s cheerleaders, no. Jameis needs these guys to straighten him out like a hole in the head. He’s done fine on his own, and will continue to be the driving force for the Bucs as long as he’s here. Keep up this nonsense and the kid will move on to a more educated fan base. It’s amateur hour here more times than not. If you want to fall in line with the narrative, be my guest. I’ll pass.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:00 am
Patrick in VA Says
“It’s like they don’t know how to act when the team does well.”
Well, I suppose I fall into that category somewhat. Losing weighs on fans, and a long run of it even more so.
I always support the team, but I admit, my expectations have been reserved this year.
I did expect at least 8-8, but the wins played out a bit differently in some cases than I thought they would. For example, we did one game better before the bye week than I expected. And I have not been assuming any game is a win before it is played. I have been afraid to expect too much this year.
That said, I said this past off season that I expected to see gradual improvement this year and then I will expect a lot more next year, so I’m sticking to what I said. If the season were to end today, I would be satisfied with the season, because they met these expectations:
8-8
Visual Improvement as the season played out
I expected injuries to be a major issue, given the free agents that Licht signed. I’m actually surprised they are not worse.
I expected WR issues because he passed on two young, up and coming WRs in Free Agency and did not address in the draft.
As far as I am concerned, everything good that happens from here on is a bonus.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:03 am
I think joe’s point is Breeze is a seasoned vet that does not make youthful mistakes. Winston will learn and keep maturing. Joe is not really bashing him.
Correct me if I’m wrong joes.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:04 am
Let me just add…I have been a bog, BIG detractor of Jason Licht in the past. I think his free agency record sucks (I think Lovie got blamed when a lot was on Licht on the free agents; Lovie was accountable for losses and poor development).
But this year has seen a slight improvement in that area. Grimes hasn’t played stellar in my book, but he has been above average on coverage. Ayers is a godsend, even though he got injured.
I think our Punter was a free agent too? That was the best signing.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:07 am
Maybe I didn’t read this right because I don’t see where Joe’s criticizing JW. Brees is a heck of a QB and definitely deserves to be in the Pro-Bowl. It’s a slight that he’s not, but I’m a Buc fan so…….who cares?!
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:07 am
Oops, got away from my point.
My point was this, even though I have been a Licht detractor, I think if the Glazers fire him or Koetter this off season, I may walk away from the team. Stability is of major concern, and Licht might take a lot of chances, but he’s getting better at taking them.
And Koetter’s offense is gradually developing into a powerhouse. We just need 2 good WRs, a hard hitting/Blocking FB and a RT.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:08 am
@Bonzai – I think you’re illustrating my point. We all sat here and said that we’d be over the moon simply to have a winning season when we set out on this journey at the beginning of the season. We’re on the cusp of having exactly that and the fan base is falling all over itself to find ways to say that the team isn’t good enough. I mean, I get that we’re all in it for a Super Bowl, but at a certain point we have to remind ourselves that this is supposed to be entertainment that is a distraction from the mundane and unpleasantness of our day-to-days.
The team is better than they were last year. There are signs that we’re improving. I’m planning on still being a fan next year and for many years after. I’m willing to enjoy the building process.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:08 am
Bucsfanman, I had to go back and read it to find it too.
It was this part:
“It’s part of what makes him great — and he doesn’t throw senseless blocks and draw flags for misconduct.”
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:10 am
Patrick in VA, my respect for you just went up 50 levels. That was so well said.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:26 am
Last time I checked this is JOES SITE therefore JOES RULES.
That was a stupid play by jameis. He deserves a little criticism and a few jabs.
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:27 am
let’s hope he does most of his fuming on the sideline while we attempt to hold the ball for 40 or so minutes of the game
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:38 am
We still get disrespected, but there is a slow turnaround taking place. I feel the pain of the Joes and those fans who criticize the team, but I try to be as positive as possible. Yes, there are areas in dire need of improvement, but the team is in a better place than it was two years ago. All fans, even the most critical, fair weather among them, are watching the team more intensely than ever before and are starting to believe. You can see this is the increased attendance in the stadium, how loud fans are compared to years past, and the fact that unheralded players, like Aguayo and Tandy, win player-of-the-week awards. Not only did the Cowboys-Bucs game get flexed, but it was the 2nd highest rated Sunday night game this year. That was not only because of the Cowboys. The fact that the Bucs were leading in the 4th quarter (and yes, should have won an ugly game) suggest that something positive is happening. Can the Joes tell us how much traffic has increased on their website compared to years past?
December 22nd, 2016 at 11:48 am
@gilhealy
you are entitled to your opinion and I stated I don’t agree with most of what Joes say when they are on somebodies back or the way they say it.Case in point KY hands.
But I believe Evans should have have 15 TD’s and 1400 yards this year.
He has put in the hard work.Also believe it up to Jameis to put the ball in the best place for his receivers to catch it.There have times been times he has struggled at this.That is why I said we need to fix the line ,run game and blocking next year .Get everything right,so that Jameis’s downfield accuracy improves.Don’t get me wrong,I like many of the things jameis has done,
and in my opinion the downfield accuracy needs to improve.Its also possible Mike Evans might decide to leave in a couple of years if it doesn’t.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:02 pm
How many times has Monken said route running, depth of routes, and precise cuts will help Jameis. Of course Jameis needs to evolve. I’m certain he will. But for us to speculate on what the inefficiencies are is foolish. We don’t know. We’re not in the meetings, or have played football against the worlds best. I get all the fan talk. We all do it. But to deride a guy who has accomplished more than anyone chastizing him has, or ever will, is ignorant. Just enjoy the games and hope for the best. Constant criticism from the uneducated is baseless psychobabble.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:04 pm
Even in an article about Drew Brees, Joe demeans Doug Martin. Laughable.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:11 pm
“Joe doesn’t think so. Brees is always that way. It’s part of what makes him great — and he doesn’t throw senseless blocks and draw flags for misconduct.”
I think its funny how all you guys get your panties in a wad when the Joe(s) are just speaking facts and truth about the recent Jameis.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:23 pm
Ahhh, thanks Bonzai! Underhanded, now I get it!
Still, those who think JW isn’t without fault has their head in the sand. He’s a 2nd year QB making 2nd year mistakes. It’s OK for him not to be perfect. Forest through the trees!
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:27 pm
What he forgot to mention is no one likes Drew Brees.
December 22nd, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Bonzai:
Don’t misunderstand me…call him out when needed. That head butt was bush league. They (I say THEY but it only seems like one of the Joes) wrote an article about it, but to take immature potshots in unrelated articles is just childish. It makes him sound less like a writer and more like a complaining fan who doesn’t take into account the whole picture.
If I want some fan to just exaggerate the same tired potshots about a player, I can get that at the bar.
December 22nd, 2016 at 1:01 pm
Agree wholeheartedly that the repetitiousness of the exact same jab at Winston is tiring. What does this Joe intend for us to do with that remark… get bitter and turn on Winston? Nobody wants him to repeat those mistakes, of course. But completely lost in the narrative is that Winston is STILL THE YOUNGEST STARTING QB in the NFL despite having almost two full years of experience. That is insane. Plus – looking at the crop of QB’s coming out next season and which ones might start right away – Winston could still be the youngest starting QB in the NFL next season as well. To not understand the context and miscues that come along with that and the learning experiences needed for someone that young is just lazy. The Bucs have a 22 year old QB that has them strongly competing for a playoff birth in the season’s final days. The arrow is pointing straight up. Winston is 5 years away from entering his peak years… just think about that and all the possibilities and then see if you have the mettle to continue with the passive-aggressive jabs. Go Bucs!
December 22nd, 2016 at 1:14 pm
Tony:
You’re exactly right. I have no problem with constructive criticism–look at how a writer like Ira handles business. Make your points, defend your points, but leave the dead horse alone.
What’s the point? Like you said–most of us with perspective aren’t gonna get bitter over a 22 year old 2nd year QB who has helped us get in playoff contention (which almost no one thought possible). And yes, while their wins have been spearheaded by the defense, every player to a man has pointed to Winston’s leadership as the turning point.
December 22nd, 2016 at 1:30 pm
If the Bucs beat the Saints, I’ll be surprised. Hard to beat a conference rival twice in a row. Brees knows every inch of that stadium. Me think the Cowboys exposed some weaknesses about our O and defensive lines last Sunday. Bucs are gonna really have to fight hard for this one in New Orleans. The Saints can be a scoring machine as witnessed their last game. Look for it to be close. But no Cigar for our Bucs.
December 23rd, 2016 at 6:05 am
And Joe the Puppet Master strikes again! Click bait like a mofo and a whole lot of fishies took the bait! Guess you had to make up for that dead ‘cool’ story about Dotsons concussion protocol huh Joey boy! Well you did a good job on that one!