Gameday Tampa Bay!
September 24th, 2018
Game 3
Steelers at Bucs
Kickoff: 8:15 p.m.
TV: ESPN, WMOR-TV Channel 32.
Radio: Buccaneers Radio Network (WXTB-FM 97.9 in the Tampa-St.Petersburg region; 97.9 FM ESPN Radio in Tallahassee); Spanish language broadcasts on WTMP-FM 96.1 and WMGG-AM 1470 in Tampa; SiriusXM Channel 113.
Weather: The west coast of central Florida in September usually means rain at night. And thus it is expected to be. Tailgaters should get rained on, per AccuWeather.com, with thunderstorms expected around 7 p.m. Those should clear for kickoff when it is expected to be 83 degrees. The entire game is forecast to be played under partly cloudy skies with temperatures dropping to 79 by game’s end.
Odds: Per FootballLocks.com, Steelers -1.
Outlook: Can this magic continue? The Bucs have been on a streak to open the 2018 season like Bucs fans have never seen. Usually, winning in this town is stifling defense and just enough offense to get by. Not this year’s team. The offense is Star Wars-like and the defense makes one’s head spin it is such a sieve. But no matter. The Bucs are winning and that is what counts. Every reporter and columnist that has covered the Bills and the Jets is wagging a finger at Bucs fans saying it is just a matter of time before starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick turns mortal and is no longer the FitzMagic he has been. Time will only tell, of course. The Steelers defense is about as rotten as the Bucs’. Pittsburgh hasn’t been the same defensively since Ryan Shazier was injured. Tonight, veteran corner Joe Haden is expected to return, which should help stop the Steelers from giving up so many bombs. The same can be said for the Bucs, as Brent Grimes could return to the starting lineup after recovering from a groin injury. Joe suspects this game will come down to a turnover. If Joe had to bet, look for linebackers Lavonte David and/or Kwon Alexander to make a big play. If the Bucs can somehow limit Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown from going off completely, they have a good chance.
Trinkets: Entering Week 3, the Bucs led the NFL in total offense (when did you ever dream you would read that phrase?) with 482.5 yards per game; the Steelers are second at 473.5 yards. Both the Bucs and Steelers are also Nos. 1 and 2 in passing offense, respectively, at 409.5 and 393.5 yards a game. … The Bucs are No. 31 in total defense allowing 443.5 yards a game and No. 31 in pass defense giving up 376.5 yards. … Pittsburgh’s run defense has allowed 152 rushing yards per game and is ranked No. 31. … Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 39 of 60 (65 percent) for 452 yards with three touchdowns without an interception and rushed for another touchdown last week in a shootout with the Chiefs. The last time he played the Bucs, Big Ben completed 29 of 40 (72.5 percent) for 314 yards with three touchdowns an no interceptions. He’s shooting to have his third straight game vs. an NFC team with 300 or more yards passing. Big Ben surpassed John Elway (51,475 passing yards) for seventh-most in NFL history. … RB James Conner had 65 scrimmage yards last week (48 receiving and 17 on the ground) with a touchdown and aims for third straight game with a rushing touchdown. Before Sunday, Todd Gurley and Conner were the only running backs with at least 150 yards rushing and three or more touchdowns. … WR Antonio Brown has 70 catches (8.8 per game) for 885 yards (110.6 per game) and seven touchdowns in his past eight games against NFC teams. Brown had 7 catches for 131 yards & 2 scores in last game against the Bucs. In his past two road games, Brown has 17 catches for 194 yards & 2 scores. Brown looks to have third straight road game with a touchdown. … WR JuJu Smith-Schuster had a career-high 13 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. Has 27 catches (9 per game) for 383 receiving (127.7 per game) and two touchdowns in his past three games. Is looking for his fourth consecutive game with at least 100 yards receiving. … TE Jesse James had career-high 138 receiving yards and a touchdown last week. … LB T.J. Watt is tied for third in NFL with three sacks. … DT Cameron Heyward had two tackles for loss and a sack the last time he played the Bucs. … LB Jon Bostic has 19 tackles (9.5 per game) in his last two games against NFC opponents. … QB Ryan Fitzpatrick passed for 402 yards with 4 touchdowns and one pick last week. He is 1 of 3 quarterbacks in NFL history with 4+ touchdown passes in each of team’s first two games of the season. Fitz joined Dan Marino (1984) and Billy Volek (2004) as the only players with 400+ passing yards and 4+ touchdown passes in consecutive games in league annals. Fitz has 517 pass yards (258.5 per game) with 3 touchdowns and 1 pick in his past two games facing Pittsburgh. … RB Peyton Barber has 60+ scrimmage yards in 3 of his past 4 home games. … WR Mike Evans had 65 receiving yards & touchdown in his last game against the Steelers his rookie year. Evans has 12 catches for 180 yards (90 per game) and a touchdown in his last two games against an AFC team. Evans is looking for this third game in a row with seven or more catches and a touchdown. … WR DeSean Jackson has 275 receiving yards (137.5 per game) and three touchdowns in his past two games. He has 23 career touchdowns of 60 or more yards, tied with Jerry Rice for most all-time. In his last game against the Steelers, DJax pulled in 6 catches for 102 yards. … WR Chris Godwin is looking for his fourth straight game with a touchdown. … DT Gerald McCoy had a sack in his last game against the Steelers. GMC has 5 sacks in his past 5 games against AFC foes. GMC is looking for a sack in his third-straight home game facing an AFC team. … LB Lavonte David has 36 tackles, a forced fumble and three fumble recoveries in his last four home games. David had 12 tackles and a forced fumble in the last game between the Bucs and Steelers. Since 2014, David leads the NFL with 15 forced fumbles. LB Kwon Alexander had seven tackles, a sack and a forced fumble last week. Alexander has 30 tackles, 2 sacks, four passes defended and a forced fumble in his last four home games against AFC opponents. In his last four home games, Alexander has 43 tackles (10.8 per game). DE Jason Pierre-Paul had a sack last week against the Eagles, his first with the Bucs.
September 24th, 2018 at 5:28 am
Lmfao, god bless America! Go Bucs
September 24th, 2018 at 5:31 am
@Joe … “The offense is Star Wars-like and the defense makes one’s head spin it is such a sieve.” Rather predictable description of the Bucs team Joe, but it could also apply just as easily to the Steelers team. Bucs looked better defensively in their 2nd game I thought than they did in the first (shows growth?). Our rookies in the Secondary were making mistakes for sure, but they were playing hard-nosed football too (impressive).
Our offense is totally healthy so it needs to continue carrying the defense IMO (which is badly beaten up already). If Steelers had Bell this wouldn’t be a contest IMO (Bucs DLine is lacking the beef right now to stop a great rushing attack … Allen, Unrein, Vea all still out I presume?). But without Bell they have to rely on Roethlesberger’s arm & scrambling (and yes, he does make mistakes; look at his 2 fumbles & 3 INTs in the first game against Cleveland). Those turnovers cost them the game (tied 21-21). Gosh does that sound familiar. Still think Bucs will win in a shootout though 38-35.
September 24th, 2018 at 6:01 am
Tua 2020!
September 24th, 2018 at 6:08 am
LOL….put him up there against the OTHER GREAT QBs coming out of Alabama….LMAO!
September 24th, 2018 at 6:30 am
I had no idea that Rosie’s girlfriend was a Steelers fan.
September 24th, 2018 at 6:40 am
NOW THAT’S A BIG MORNING CUP OF JOE!! THINK YOU CAN HANDLE ALL THAT?
September 24th, 2018 at 6:59 am
By all means Jason, sign that girl in the pic up…..we need some run blocking.
September 24th, 2018 at 7:14 am
Wow – LOL
Mo cushion for da pushin. Although, for this “babe” – one would need a handful of flour just to find the targeted wet spot…
September 24th, 2018 at 7:24 am
Stomp a Mudhole N’ Dem Damn Steelers
Go Bucs!!
September 24th, 2018 at 7:24 am
Bad Karma posting this pic. Steelers 33 Bucs 30.
September 24th, 2018 at 7:30 am
Ryan Finley 2019!
September 24th, 2018 at 7:31 am
Only game on tv tonight is OUR BUCS. Should be another high scoring game since both these defenses struggle to stop anyone.
September 24th, 2018 at 7:42 am
24 hours of arguing has commenced ….
September 24th, 2018 at 7:51 am
I see this as a low scoring, weird and ugly game…… but we still win 15-9.
Go Bucs!
September 24th, 2018 at 7:53 am
I see Cameron Brate going to the Steelers as part of the trade for Bell
September 24th, 2018 at 8:00 am
You think their Defense is going to hold us to 15? L O L
September 24th, 2018 at 8:15 am
Kudos on the picture Joe, Pigsburgh Squeelers! Prepare for Cannon Fire!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:18 am
Hey d00sh, how the F do u see this as a 15–9 games… THIS AINT YOUR EARLY 2000 late 90’s team… ur a genius if ur even remotely close
September 24th, 2018 at 8:23 am
I’m done w this website! Apparently anything I send from home doesn’t show up… Speaking your mind on here can get canned or banned, theres plenty of other websites that aren’t bs… Keep posting dribble for filler u bums
September 24th, 2018 at 8:26 am
I’m done w this website! Apparently anything I send from home doesn’t show up… Speaking your mind on here can get canned or banned, and there is plenty of other websites that aren’t nearly as much BS… Keep posting dribble for filler u bums, nice pic too… Looks like the twin sis of Joe, uncanny!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:28 am
Lmao…well, Joe always likes to post a pic of the opposing teams cheerleaders…well played sir 🙂
September 24th, 2018 at 8:31 am
Hey joe, i didn’t kno ur sis was a Steelers fan?! Twinning!!! Go Bucs!!!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:33 am
This will be a tough game….Steelers will be playing hard trying to get that first win through all of their drama….it’ll be a close one but we can win if we play like the last 2 games.
September 24th, 2018 at 8:48 am
One thing for sure, you better make sure you get all the snacks you gonna eat for the night before that crew comes through the door.
September 24th, 2018 at 8:54 am
i think big ben throws 3 picks and gets sacked 3 times this game…..I think our running game gets on track this game…..big bucs win!!!!!!
#TUNNELVISION!!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:56 am
FOOOK! She’s big!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:57 am
Hide my chips! FOOOK!
September 24th, 2018 at 8:58 am
How many FOOKING beers do you need to buy to get that lassie drunk!?
September 24th, 2018 at 9:05 am
Fitzmagic continues.
September 24th, 2018 at 9:19 am
Made the trip from NC for the game tonight… There were quite a few Buc fans heading to the game on my flight. Hopefully more Buc fans than Steeler fans and a full stadium tonight.
I’ve done my part to put two more Buc fans in seats!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!
September 24th, 2018 at 9:25 am
Ryan
The real question is how many beers would it take for you to be drunk enough?
It would take some extra large beer goggles
September 24th, 2018 at 9:32 am
Scotty. The difference is hes the first “great” QB bama has ever had since Saban’s been there.
Fast Release
High Elbow
Laser Arm
High Character
Just wait
September 24th, 2018 at 9:33 am
Is this the steelers fan base or the mom from Gilbert Grape?
September 24th, 2018 at 9:39 am
This is going to be a fun game. A tougher one than people think. The Steelers never stay down for long…word is they are sick and tired of struggling. I just hope they turn things around starting next week instead of this week.
I hope we win. I have a craving for crow. This is the first game I’ve had my doubts over (click my name to see why).
September 24th, 2018 at 9:44 am
What is the over/under on a weather delay ?
September 24th, 2018 at 10:05 am
50/50.
September 24th, 2018 at 10:17 am
I really think all Florida teams need retracting roofs. Or they need to schedule homes games starting later in the season. It;s not like the heat actually give us that much of an advantage.
September 24th, 2018 at 10:54 am
Ryan Shazier is/was a linebacker. Looking forward to the game tonight, Go Bucks!!!
September 24th, 2018 at 11:25 am
Had a friend up North wake up to 47 degrees yesterday. Temperatures are starting to drop up there, so maybe they will here soon too.
I hope it happens soon, because it will help extend the stamina of our players. Plus…getting out of the storm season would be nice.
September 24th, 2018 at 11:25 am
2 teams with powerful offenses and soft defenses. Should be a high scoring affair, though it could end up being one of those weird nights that ends up with a 19 – 17 type score. Doubt it though.
@Joe- just cuz the Bucs decided to make their cheerleaders look like they’re going to a group aerobics class, doesn’t mean you have to take away the pics of real cheerleaders from other teams!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
September 24th, 2018 at 11:34 am
Hey man, you know Joe’s 10-year tradition is to highlight an opposing team’s cheerleader(s). 🙂
Fully agree with you about the yoga pants. Same person who came up with that stunt is the same person who believes folks watch the cheerleaders for the dancing. smh
September 24th, 2018 at 11:58 am
Jman you keep posting about tua. Every post is about him. He has started a whopping 3 games in college. And you are already wanting him. And essentially saying he is better than jameis. Give it a rest jalen hurts looked good for Alabama and so has every quarterback the last 8-10 years. But name one who is starting in the nfl.
September 24th, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Hilarious pic looks like most girls from Pittsburgh
September 24th, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Temps up north….we’ve had days this week on Michigan’s UP where the high was also the low…forty five degrees.
We were scheduled to drive back on October first…we looked at the ten day forecast..we’re packing frantically to leave this Wednesday. Just two more days and we’re ready for palm trees and solar heated swimming pools…and most of all SUNSHINE.
That’s why I couldn’t live in the North during winter. Yesterday…40 degrees and continual cold drizzle with heavy overcast. Overcast four of the last five days. Too much for me!!! See you guys soon.
September 24th, 2018 at 12:33 pm
I didn’t know Gilbert Grape’s mom was a Steelers fan.
September 24th, 2018 at 12:44 pm
This is actually quite pitiful of you joes.
September 24th, 2018 at 1:24 pm
Stpetebucsfan,
By chance, do you know if the Grand Hotel is going to be closing early because of the cold temps?
September 24th, 2018 at 2:37 pm
unbelievable
Steelers don’t have cheerleaders do they?
I can see why
September 24th, 2018 at 3:39 pm
LOL Joe.
Jmarkbuc- Ah, I think you may be right!
September 24th, 2018 at 3:41 pm
Just wait Jeff. Or watch him play and you’ll see why.
September 24th, 2018 at 3:49 pm
To those who said my idea of offering Ronald Jones as trade bait to Pittsburgh for Bell was ridiculous, that you’d have to involve 1st round picks, etc…
From ESPN…
“The Steelers might be fortunate to get a third-round pick in return, multiple execs said. The price is relatively low because Bell, as a franchise-tagged player, could not sign an extension until after the 2018 season.”
“What they would want is probably a third, thinking they will get a third-round comp pick [in 2020],” an exec said. “”Would you rather have a fourth now or wait for a third?””.
September 24th, 2018 at 6:27 pm
What this 2-0 start has cemented & proven to me is that Jameis was never the problem, like I always believed. Fitz is having historic start to the season for not just Bucs QB but an NFL QB. Still the Bucs are just barely winning. So basically everybody wanted Jameis to be this immortal, b/c this is the only way to win consistently around here w/ Mike Smith calling the defense…
So if a QB has be this “perfect” just to barely win then we are in trouble! Jameis will never be the QB that ppl want him to be, a “winner”…at least not in Bucs uniform
September 24th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Steelers will be coming in with a huge chip on their shoulder to prove they are not also rans. Both our O and D lines will have to show that they are here to play too! Big stage for everyone to show we aren’t a fluke. We have the talent and desire to beat up anyone. Our new guys in the secondary will get a workout tonight but if the D line clicks we are in this one til the end. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some breakout games played tonight on both sides of the ball. Maybe a lot of Brate, Humphrey and OJ that we haven’t seen a lot of yet.slug it out boys and bring home another W for the team that was written off by all the “experts”! Go Bucs!,,
September 24th, 2018 at 6:54 pm
Just heard on the radio that the game will be delayed.