Gameday Tampa Bay!
September 24th, 2017
Game Two
Bucs at Vikings
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
TV: FOX (Ch. 13),
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (WXTB-FM 97.9 in Tampa-St. Petersburg region); SiriusXM Channel 145.
Weather: Per AccuWeather.com, the Bucs have brought Florida weather to the Northlands. While the game will be played in a climate-controlled dome, the weather for tailgating for sitting outside a bar in downtown Minneapolis is just about perfect. At 10 a.m., temperatures are expected to be 76 and will rise to 82 at kickoff and to 86 after the game. For September 23 in Minneapolis, this is unseasonably hot.
Odds: Per FootballLocks.com, Bucs -2.5.
Outlook: This game has Joe scared as hell. It has “trap” written all over it. Sure, Bucs killer Case Keenum will be starting for the Vikings. They may not need him. If Dalvin Cook is the wrecking ball we all believe him to be, this could spell trouble for the Bucs. Already the Bucs are down Kwon Alexander with a hamstring, and shy, belly shirt-wearing, practice-hating, kicker-heckling, tree-grinding , non-contact-football-loving starting defensive tackle Swaggy Baker didn’t make the trip because of the flu.
So two of the team’s better players in the interior defense are out and who knows who else has come down with the flu? That isn’t good for a team that needs to shut down the run. The Vikings have a strong defense and the weakest link on the Bucs is the run game — with or without the running back who had the worst yards-per-carry in the NFL last year. So Joe believes the game is pretty much going to be put on the shoulders of America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston. And this is what scares Joe. When Jameis threw 35 times or less last year, the Bucs were 8-4. When Jameis threw more than 35 times in a game last year, the Bucs were 1-3. You see where Joe is going here? Joe doesn’t expect the run game to do much if anything on the strong Vikings defense. That means it’s up to Jameis. On defense, the answer simple: Stop Cook. If the Bucs cannot, it could be a long afternoon in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Here are 5 more things to watch against the Vikings.
Trinkets: Since the start of last season, only Baltimore (38) and Kansas City (35) have more takeaways than the Bucs (33). In 2016, the Bucs’ defense led the NFL in stopping third down conversions, holding foes to a 34.4 percent converting third downs. … Since Mike Smith took over as defensive coordinator, the Bucs lead the NFL in pick-sixes with five. … Last week’s 26-0 halftime lead for the Bucs was the highest halftime point difference the team has held since a 30-point halftime lead over the Saints in December 2001. … The Vikings have converted 14 third downs, tied for third in the NFL. … The Vikings are 6-3 at home playing in U.S. Bank Stadium. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer has never lost to the Bucs (2-0). … Bucs WR Mike Evans is third all-time in Bucs touchdown receptions. He needs six more to tie Jimmie Giles for most in franchise history. … With 13 touchdown passes, Jameis can move into a tie for No. 5 in franchise history with Brad Johnson (64). … Since Week 14 of last season, WR DeSean Jackson is tied with Minnesota WR Adam Thielan for most 100-yard receiving games (3). … Since entering the league in 2012, only Houston DE J.J. Watt has more tackles for loss (120) than LB Lavonte David (86). … Since 2013, no one has more passes defended than CB Brent Grimes (67). … Thielan has five catches over 20 yards through two games, the most in the NFL. … Minnesota TE Kyle Rudolph caught his 30th career touchdown in Week 1 against the Saints, a Vikings record. … Since becoming a full-time starter in 2014, Vikings DE Everson Griffen has six multiple-sack games. … Vikings CB Marcus Sherels holds the Minnesota franchise mark for punt return yards at 1,822. … Minnesota S Harrison Smith is one of two current NFLers to have at least 12 picks and seven sacks since 2012. The other is Carolina LB Luke Kuechly. … Since joining the Vikings last November, kicker Kai Forbath has yet to miss a field goal.
September 24th, 2017 at 12:24 am
go bucs!
September 24th, 2017 at 1:38 am
27-17 Bucs
September 24th, 2017 at 1:39 am
Who will kneel during the anthem with Desean Jackson? Mike Evans said he was done doing it. Jameis, by all accounts, is quite patriotic. I just hope there is no major chemistry issues in the locker-room as I imagine there are some Trump supporters in there and a guy like D-Jax could get on them hard core … as for the game, I’ll say Bucs 23-19
September 24th, 2017 at 1:47 am
Who will kneel during the anthem with Desean Jackson? Mike Evans said he was done doing it. Jameis, by all accounts, is quite patriotic. I just hope there is no major chemistry issues in the locker-room as I imagine there are some right wing players in there and a guy like D-Jax could get on them hard core … as for the game, I’ll say Bucs 23-19
September 24th, 2017 at 1:47 am
This is gona be my boy OJ’s coming out party. Just wait.
September 24th, 2017 at 1:48 am
^ Sorry about the double post … GO BUCS!
September 24th, 2017 at 2:24 am
I also just read that Desean Jackson is planning to kneel during the national anthem.
If he does- Im done with the Bucs this year.
I have seen first hand the sacrifices made for this country- by this Countries real Heroes. Who bleed and die under that flag
And this countries heroes are NOT a bunch of spoiled young millionaires, who are overpaid for playing a meaningless game.
A thousand ways to bring issues to light. This isnt one of them.
First would be the old fashioned way. Earn respect.
Theres an old saying, about how if you are complaining about not hetting respect
September 24th, 2017 at 2:43 am
– the old saying
Respect cant be given, it has to be earned.
This country has people from everywhere on earth.
You never hear the Chinese, Irish,Koreans, Russians, Hispanics, Jewish, Dominicans, Japanese( except during WW2), Jamacians, French, Ukrainians, Somolians, Hondurans, Argentinians, Poles, Virtnamese, Etc Etc Etc
Cry about being respected. Or say there are targeted by Police.
I wonder why?
Enjoy the game, Fellas. Or Find something else to do for a few weeks.
Also- I getting a refund on my tickets.
I support everyone using their rights, especially to make sure they are treated fairly.
But thats like a family arguing. Families fight, and work things out.
Its what families do.
The Flag represents our Freedom, and the people who have died defending it.
Disrespecting our Flag and Anthem is something I personally wont support.
Anyone who feels they arent free here- has obviously never gone anywhere else.
Hop on a plane snd go find out
September 24th, 2017 at 2:59 am
You’re gonna see a lot of kneeling across the NFL on many teams tomorrow. Won’t affect my enjoyment of the game one bit.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:07 am
Capt. Tim … I don’t really understand your viewpoint. I can respect your right to have it no doubt, but I don’t personally get it … maybe it’s because I’m apolitical and don’t even vote as a Biblical Christian, however, WHY would ONE player, especially a “new” player like Desean Jackson who is not a team leader or even a longtime Buc, kneeling for the anthem, make you stop watching the Bucs all year long? Please explain as I honestly would like to know.
As for me … it won’t bother me if the entire team kneels … to me I believe all players have the right to say whatever they want and protest however they want, while I also think POTUS has the right to say whatever he wants and I think patriotic folks have the right to protest the NFL as a whole if they want to do so.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:12 am
However, and further to my above comment, I also don’t understand the NFL’s and the team owners views when they say the POTUS was out of line to express his thoughts on the issue and that the players have every right to protest if they want and speak out if they want, as this is the same league that will punish players for merely speaking bad about a referee or for celebrating in a non-authorized way or for wearing shoes the NFL hasn’t allowed … I mean, that seems sort of hypocritical as they’re basically saying it’s the player’s right to speak against the POTUS and disrespect the flag but they better not even dare to speak against a referee or disrespect the NFL shield … that’s a strange stance to take and I can see why many Americans are disgusted with the NFL as a whole right now and threatening to stop going to and even watching games.
However … I love Jameis and want to watch every game the kid plays, so I have no plans to stop watching him sling the rock!
September 24th, 2017 at 3:25 am
Mistakenly thought the by-line here was ‘Gameday Tampa Bay’. Based on initial comments, maybe it should be renamed ‘Politics-R-Us’ or something similar. NFL football works IMO because it’s a diversion (for many of us) from the horsepuckey that all too often surrounds us. When folks bring that crappola into neat ‘sports’ sites like JBF it’s no longer a diversion … doesn’t matter whether those who bring it in are players, media or just folks commenting on the site.
And speaking of football, Bucs are down by at least 2 starters today (Kwon & Swaggy); maybe as many as 4 starters (Pamphile & Grimes?). Kwon only played 17 out of the 64 defensive plays last week & Beckwith filled in very nicely. Swaggy played in 25 snaps, but hopefully McDonald (24 snaps) & Siliga (5 snaps) can make up the difference, probably along with several more for GMC (his 40 snaps was probably his lowest in many games). Granted Evan Smith can fill in for Pamphile, but losing Kevin’s flexibility (backup LT among others?) could potentially hurt. And losing Brent Grimes would REALLY hurt … unless our pass rush could keep Case Keenum from hitting guys deep (Vikings have a couple of very good deep WRs). This could be the week our ‘depth’ on defense especially is really tested. Hopefully our offense puts up a LOT of points and eats up the clock.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:51 am
There’s a lot of contradiction with these above posts. I won’t be done watching the NFL or attending games over guys kneeling. As far as the kneeling having any impact on the injustices these gentlemen feel their people suffer…. nope. Nobody gives a flying crap what these pampered athletes do. Disrespecting the flag and the Nation that pays them millions by kneeling falls on deaf ears. You want to make a difference. Find ways to better your people, whoever your people may be. Open up dialogues and talk about injustices. Communication is the key. I respect the movement, but not the execution.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:51 am
I love when people say sports is supposed to be a diversion so why bring politics into it. Hello???!!!!!! The president is talking about sports.
September 24th, 2017 at 3:52 am
^ Great post and I understand your viewpoint, however “politics” can impact team chemistry which can definitely impact on-field performance so I do think this is a topic worthy of discussion.
Regardless, as to the field … I doubt our offense puts up a lot of points … the Vikings defense is nasty!
However, I haven’t heard that Grimes and Pamphile are out so I expect both to play and play well.
As for Swaggy … I don’t think we’ll miss him that much as Clinton and Sili can plug holes … we may miss Kwon a great deal however as I’m worried about Dalvin getting to the outside as it he gets out there he can be gone in a flash.
Regardless, I think our offense will score more on their defense than the other way around, so, again, I’ve got the Bucs winning this one 23-19!
September 24th, 2017 at 3:55 am
Fyi…..sports and politics have always connected. Ali, john carlos, tommie smith, 1980 olympics etc. I can go on but no need.
September 24th, 2017 at 4:28 am
It was not the president that brought the current winds of politics into sports, but now that the athletes have, he can certainly bring sports into the political arena. In my opinion, this nation is based upon freedom of speech and these athletes have every right to protest on their own time. My only issue is that it should not be on company time. Any business can dictate how employees will act as they work for and represent their company. BTW…thanks Joe for bringing back the nice pictures like you had in the off season.
September 24th, 2017 at 4:58 am
Joe. Its ok not to post my second post.
This is a football site. Not a political site.
Thanks
September 24th, 2017 at 5:34 am
looks like DJax is a cancer…if he does what I think he plans on doing, that’s it for me…the NFL has serious attendance issues that is directly linked to the political activism of its players. If you or I engaged in political activism at our jobs we would shown the door. These spoiled millionaires need to simply be grateful for what they have and work to build up the community and worry less about political issues. What has DJax done for Tampa Bay since he’s been here? That’s right. Absolutely nothing. Oh, I’m sorry. He was on Hard Knocks the highest rated program for sports junikies. Sports has lost its luster. ESPN is losing its followship as the average Joe is sick of the constant political statements on its programming. Let DJax use his first amendment rights and spoil the good chemistry this team had.
September 24th, 2017 at 6:00 am
When you are being paid by an employer there is no right to protest or freedom of speech unless of course you wish to be unemployed. As for the Bucs the offense will need to come out strong and fast
September 24th, 2017 at 6:49 am
You are in favor of free speech only as much as you tolerate the speech you disagree with the most. If your against free speech you are not American and should move to North Korea immediately.
September 24th, 2017 at 6:52 am
I may disagree with you, but I would die defending your right to run your mouth and make an idiot of yourself.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:07 am
Trump’s tweets and speeches are like crack cocaine to the media. The NFL’s ratings are declining, so it seems that Trump has a new customer. Now, everyone will be watching to see if the players will kneel or stand. Whether or not people will turn the channel after the anthem is another story. And what are we doing? Turning on each other in this forum? I commend the Joe(s) for not engaging in this spectacle.
Regarding the game (yes, there is an actual game that will be played), this is the proverbial “must win”. The Bucs have a great opportunity to go 2-0. They are facing Case Keenum for crying out loud! The Bucs record is not good without Kwon in there, so I hope that the defense can overcome this problem.
And speaking of Kwon’s injury, I just hope that the organization isn’t hiding something more serious. The organization has a recent track record of lying and obfuscating about injuries and illnesses (e.g., Tynes, Nicks, Sweezy, etc). Every time a player is out for an extended amount of time, that should be a red flag (and not the Bucs red flag) about what the organization really knows. They’ve earned it.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:18 am
Well the nfl and teams have come out in support of the players right to kneel so this whole argument about being on employer’s time is dead. So people like the president can shut the he11 up. Oh and the nba commish also backs the players right to kneel so some of you can whine all you want but they will continue to kneel.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:41 am
NFLNut Says
“Who will kneel during the anthem with Desean Jackson?”
Don’t be surprised if nearly all the players in the NFL do it this week. Trump is a total idiot for saying that, and though I have been against kneeling from the start, this week? I will not hold it against them. Not a one of them.
In fact, I kind of hope they all take knees, including the coaches. Imagine the impact they would make.
Trump is our president, and he verbally made an attempt to take the right to protest away from Americans.
Heck…I may not stand myself today…as odd as it would feel.
Nothing makes Americans take a stand like telling them they cannot or their livelihood will be taken from them.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:47 am
T rump is making things better. Loss of viewership is loss of revenue. Go USA!
September 24th, 2017 at 7:49 am
Capt.Tim Says
“I also just read that Desean Jackson is planning to kneel during the national anthem. If he does- I’m done with the Bucs this year.”
The irony in that statement is that you will be protesting someone’s right to protest.
Look, Colin is a complete twit. I don’t agree with him kneeling last year. In fact, to this day I am convinced the first time he did it he did it out of laziness, and that he made up the protest excuse to cover his rear quarters.
And I have dreaded the thought of any of our team repeating that behavior ever since.
That said, this Sunday I will give a pass to any players doing it…because as the second highest authority in our nation (the first being God), you do NOT tell people on twitter what Trump said. As much as I disagreed with the players that have actually done it to really protest, I still respect their right to protest. I just feel there will be consequences.
However, in this instance? As I said above, I may well wake a knee to protest even though everything within me is against it. Not because Black Lives Matter (they do) but because you just do not threaten people for exercising their right to protest.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:53 am
Joe is too chicken to bring Trump’s remarks into the conversation because he doesn’t want to alienate many of his readers. This is because he knows Trump is devisive and it’ll hurt his bottom line. THE irony of it all.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:55 am
Defense Rules Says
“And speaking of football, Bucs are down by at least 2 starters today (Kwon & Swaggy)…”
I don’t think we’ll miss Swaggy…and I’m hoping Beckwith really is the right choice for depth behind Kwon.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:55 am
I have two comments in moderation. Darn it.
September 24th, 2017 at 7:56 am
Back your boy now, Joe. You afraid of criticism?
September 24th, 2017 at 8:05 am
Sad that people are more upset with kneeling than they are with 45’s language about people using their 2nd Amendment rights or those “Good People” in bedsheets.
September 24th, 2017 at 8:07 am
What he did is change the reason for the protests. They are now about the right to protest.
September 24th, 2017 at 8:31 am
We are gonna struggle running the ball between the tackles in this game. I hope OJ and Brate can take advantage to those LBs in coverage and we can get D-Jax 1-1 for some go routes.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:05 am
Stupid is as stupid does.
That said, a stupid man doesn’t fear God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your “freedoms” and “liberty” only goes as far as the Cross.
The people who are most disrespected and treated like lesser human beings through out world history are not any one color or race. its the ignorant and prideful that value their lives and views above others.
Kneel all you want. But its pointless if your not kneeling before the one true living God. Jesus is the way.
Its a fact that the devil exist but no trith can be found in him. You people need to wake up to the real issues.
God is not dead and these guys disrespecting our country is a sign of the times we live in. Again, you no rights without Jesus. Just look at the history bools people.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:07 am
Lets see what Joes thinks of freedom of speech! Will he or wont he allow my post today… Hummmm
Maybe we should go protest outside of RJS because he moderates us…
September 24th, 2017 at 9:09 am
Joe’s explained enough times why your comments fall into moderation. If you really want to b!tch about something, Joe will ban you. Then you will have a reason to whine. Think Joe constantly wants to dig your comments out of moderation?
September 24th, 2017 at 9:20 am
JAB83,
Joe doesn’t moderate because of religious beliefs. Period.
When I mentioned being moderated above, I wasn’t blaming Joe. The system is automated for the most part. It flags posts for Joe to approve, and I understand he has too many things going on to approve posts instantly all the time.
As to your post, I agree sith most of what you said except when you brought players kneeling during the anthem into it.
Our president isn’t a believer, no matter what lies the Body chooses to believe.
September 24th, 2017 at 9:36 am
It’ll never stop amazing me how bad people in this country lose their sht so bad over first world problems
September 24th, 2017 at 9:47 am
If I were as “oppressed” as most of these black athletes feel, I’d make sure to move to another, better country, even if it meant not making millions of dollars to play a silly game. I mean, my not being oppressed and treated as an equal would certainly Trump (pun intended) making lots and lots of money to play football.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:12 am
^statement of a typical racist!!
September 24th, 2017 at 10:20 am
@ bucster
It has nothing to do with the black athlete feeling oppressed clueless one. Its about those who are oppressed and killed unjustly without the killers facing any punishment. Dont comment if you are not up on current events. Unlike people like you, many will speak up on behalf of the voiceless.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:34 am
Protest all you want on your own time, but not mine. Not while you’re on the clock. All President Trump said is what everyone is already thinking. The NFL has a big problem on their hands and they better get a hold on it or NFL will mean No Fans Left.
September 24th, 2017 at 10:35 am
@webster: thank you so much, I can’t go to deep today…I might get banned! But it is my hope that the Bucs would come out as a team and take a knee to protest the president and at the time of the ending of the anthem they all stood again! I would be so STOKED! Take a knee Bucs and show that there are no cracks n your solidarity!! And then go out and kick some Viking Ass! Hit Case K. In the mouth!
September 24th, 2017 at 10:57 am
It makes no sense to protest the symbol and articles that say we are equal and free!!!!! commie kaepernick should have came out like Apollo Creed in Rocky IV saying that these ideals and symbols are the reasons we should be treated better!!!!!!
But no, it is not about Unity!!!! It is about being divisive!!! If you come to Church would you protest and make a scene during prayer????? The message is lost because some choose to disrespect the symbol and articles of what can make this nation great!!!!!!!! It is the same as even with the lessson, the teachings of church, man still sins!!! But ask forgiveness and tries to be better each day!!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!
September 24th, 2017 at 11:38 am
On another topic…JAX is murdering the Ravens in London…
September 24th, 2017 at 12:02 pm
The entire Steelers team decided AS A TEAM to simply be in the locker room during the National Anthem. I think that is a nice alternative.
Shows team unity and draws attention without a negative backlash.
IMO I do not like seeing players sit for the National Anthem, however thanks to Trump, things will now be directed at him not toward the National Anthem.
I will support the Bucs no matter who is sitting or standing. I am a Marine and I will stand. I am a Bucs fan and I will cheer.
September 24th, 2017 at 12:04 pm
@Joe
Grimes is INACTIVE!!?!?!?!?!?!
September 24th, 2017 at 12:39 pm
I wonder if #11 recalls MacDill AFB is just down the road a bit from One Buc Palace? Selfishness and self-importance won’t let him recall that. Vent your spleen, DJax, but be ready for pushback …
September 24th, 2017 at 3:54 pm
Bucs are losing. its the 4th qtr. Me and the wife are hittin the movies. Our Bucs are not ready for the next step. Mr. Keenum is a Buc K-I-L-L-E-R. Of course, ole Joe will start the..coulda/woulda/shoulda columns tomorrow. Why is it, all the good teams just plug in their backups and still win? Not the Bucs. Like I told y’all long ago, don’t eat the yellow snow!