Bring On The 1-4 Falcons!
October 7th, 2018
The schedule gods are smiling upon the Buccaneers.
Up next after the brutal loss in Chicago, the crumbling Atlanta Falcons.
The Falcons entered today’s game with a defense nearly as brutal as the Bucs’ (hard to do) and they got pasted 41-17 in Pittsburgh.
Through their last four games, Atlanta has now allowed an average of 36.3 points per contest. Oh, and they’re 1-4 on and riding a three-game losing streak.
Joe watched the game and the simple takeaway is Atlanta had zero pass rush, no sacks and just four hits of Ben Roesthlisberger, who carved them up. The Steelers ran at will, as well, and converted 9-of-12 on third down. Atlanta had few answers for the Steelers’ blitzes.
Joe can only imagine the drool coming off the face of America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, watching that game. And Dirk Koetter should be ordering Mike Smith to dial up some Lavonte David blitzes whether Smith likes it or not.
The Bucs certainly can beat the Falcons next Sunday, as the fan freakout is in full force in Atlanta. Now they just have to do it.
Click play below and soak in the knowledge as Derrick Brooks and Ira Kaufman go deep on the state of the Bucs at the 2018 quarter pole. It’s the hot new show by The Identity Tampa Bay and JoeBucsFan.com presented by Caldeco Air Conditioning & Heating.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:15 pm
I was rooting hard for the panthers to lose also but look what a kicker can do, hit one over 60 yards with the clock expiring to seal a win. Even the giants might be a tough victory to get in their home
But the bucs drooling at the thought of playing a bad team? Yeah you mean like the Steelers? Nope they aren’t good enough to have that mentality and I could easily see dirk and Smith blowing this game even though they know their personnel better than anyone in the league. Zero faith until you prove you can stop someone. To bad defenses but we what that offense will bring
October 7th, 2018 at 5:15 pm
Lol we know Julio will get his first TD and more in this game.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
The Falcons are probable thinking bring on Mike Smith. If they have any shot at salvaging the season it’s against that weak defensive scheme the Bucs run.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
If Jameis drools too much, the ball may slip out his hand for the first of many turnovers next Sunday.
Asking D to play any sembalance of decent is a bridge too far in a done.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:21 pm
*probably*
October 7th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
Matt Ryan has a history of stinking the field on the road, especially outside of a dome. But he makes up for it, at home in their dome.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:34 pm
There’s no reason the Bucs can’t score over 30 plus points on the Falcons, that defense is probably worse than the Bucs, if that’s even possible.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:41 pm
After What Trubisky did to us in Chicago……I shutter to think what Matt Ryan might do to us in that dome…..Time to get “Atlanta Ready” as the great Lovie Smith used to say
October 7th, 2018 at 5:43 pm
And I would think there are fans in Atlanta making the same excuse as we hear . Guess they couild notplay a phyiscal team either.
Your going to have games like that.
Koetter is probbaly already in his office trying to figure out how he will explain Matty Ice putting up 41 on this defense.
Good luck Jameis!
October 7th, 2018 at 5:45 pm
This exactly the kind of team and game where the Bucs will get beaten like rented mules. They will go in expecting to win, like they did in Chicago. Yo don’t think the Falcons are drooling to get a shot at Mike Smith’s Cover Zero (as in no one) defense?
October 7th, 2018 at 5:49 pm
Just what a struggling team needs to get their Mojo back… play a Mike Smith led defense. It will get ugly quick.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:53 pm
3-4 defense causes a whole lot more problems for a QB than 4-3 defense. They show different looks, never the same look. The Bucs was playing lights out defense back in 1978. When DC Tom Bass first went to the 3-4 defense.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:54 pm
Bucs should play inspired ball after the break and beat the Falcons. Shouldn’t they? They had better beat the Falcons because they got them Browns the following week. And these Browns are a different Brown team than before. IF..Koetter and Smitty fail to beat Atlanta. Glazers should pay them for services rendered and have them clean out there offices.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:54 pm
@Joe … “Joe watched the game and the simple takeaway is Atlanta had zero pass rush, no sacks and just four hits of Ben Roesthlisberger, who carved them up.”
Wow, sounds eerily like the New Orleans game where the Saints had zero pass rush, no sacks … and Fitz carved them up for 48 points. Can’t wait to see Jameis do the same. Then ‘fans’ will be happy with the victory … as long as the Bucs defense doesn’t give up more than 47 points of course.
October 7th, 2018 at 5:54 pm
NPRSAGE
GEEZ Jameis has many more TDS than turnovers. He has NEVER had a year like Marriotta did last year w 13 TDS & 14 Picks. Last year though not healthy Jameis had 19 TDS & 11 picks. The only reason the Titans have a winning record is because of their D. I mean give the Jameis HATE a rest. It’s getting and u bring ZERO facts to your argument! Look at Wentz today! Jameis is NOT the reason this team STINKS, we don’t have a running game and we HAVE NO D!!
October 7th, 2018 at 5:55 pm
Everyone knows Julio gets 3 touchdowns and at least 10 catches against Mike Smith’s dreaded non defense. The Falcons are pissed and no way they lose to the Bucs after a three game losing streak. The Bucs are so screwed. Look for another lopsided road loss that won’t be close. Falcons 42, Bucs 17. God, I hope I’m wrong but our defense is the absolute worse I’ve ever seen. Go Bucs!
October 7th, 2018 at 5:55 pm
I fully expect Julio Jones to have 180 and 2 TD’s next week and I’m not kidding one tiny bit.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:01 pm
We know what Matty Ice does to weak defenses at home. That’s how he pad his numbers.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:03 pm
The Buccaneers, in my opinion, are everyone’s homecoming game. If anyone is drooling it’s the Atlanta Falcons looking at this Buc’s defense coming their way!
October 7th, 2018 at 6:04 pm
get well game for the falcons
October 7th, 2018 at 6:08 pm
The Dirty Birds will be VERY angry next week
October 7th, 2018 at 6:09 pm
For the record Jameis has a rating of 108.66 against the Falcons for his career. And his only losses vs them is when our horiffic defense allowed 43 and 34 points. You know like most of the losses on his resume.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:12 pm
It is just truly astounding that Mike Smith is still the defensive coordinator on a NFL team. Just unbelievable with what this team has put out on the field time and time again. After watching games today it is clear how poorly coached this defense is. No we are not the most talented but we are most certainly the most poorly coached.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:13 pm
We all know that the Bucs defense is the elixir for whatever ails any team with problems. They’ve made Case Keenum, Paxton Lynch, Derek Anderson, and Mitch Trubisky look like All World, Hall of Fame QBs. And, as we all know, the opponent’s weakness one week (e.g., the Falcons pass rush) will be a strength all of a sudden the next. Just punch those guys in the mouth, get the win, and keep pace with the Saints and the stinkin’ Panthers. Pretty please…with sugar on top!
October 7th, 2018 at 6:18 pm
It will take a lot to for me to ever believe in this defense again as long as Mike Smith is here. Odds are the players feel the same way and that is why we are more than likely done this season.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Now the falcons will be playing with their backs against the wall in “Must Win” mode. We saw how that turned out when the Steelers came to town.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:33 pm
Only a fool would think the Falcons will be easy. Their offense is serious business and they’re going to bring it. Ridley is a beast and Julio is one of the best in the league. Mike Smith should earn his walking papers after this one.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:42 pm
If the Bucs come out of the bye and crap all over themselves I’m not buying any tickets. Not going to waste my hard earned money just to be disappointed and disgraced……..again…….I’ll watch from the comfort of my home where I don’t have to pay $5 for room temperature water.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:44 pm
Bucs 48
Falcons 45
October 7th, 2018 at 6:44 pm
The defense showed some signs the first three games. Regardless of the number of points. Against the Bears they had about five times where there was just a total meltdown of coverage.
And they have talent at every level of the defense. Hopefully this bye week gets them a little healthy and gets their head out of their ass (coaches included).
The offense is too good not to get rolling again. Winston is too good not to get rolling with all those weapons.
Need barber and Jones to step it up.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:45 pm
It looks like Jon Gruden will be joining the 1-4 crowd. And just think, not that long ago, 90% of folks on JBF was begging for him
October 7th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Doesn’t matter if we keep playing this Tampoon 2 defense.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:48 pm
Jerry Jones
For a minute, I thought you were calling the Bucs defense
Tampon 2
October 7th, 2018 at 6:50 pm
Lakeland…..Gruden went downhill here when the Glazers gave him control and let McKay go. I can’t believe the Raiders gave him control after what he did here.
I did want Gruden here but not with the same deal he got from the Raiders.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Bucs 88 Falcons 87….in a squeaker. Even with 9 TDs from Julio….the Bucs prevail.
October 7th, 2018 at 6:57 pm
more like florida state penitentiary’s quarterback
October 7th, 2018 at 6:57 pm
To all of you FSU homers who demanded we draft Dalvin Cook
So glad you guys have no pull!
October 7th, 2018 at 7:07 pm
I think the Bucs best bet is to to go after someone like Mike Mularkey as Head Coach
October 7th, 2018 at 7:15 pm
Lakeland
Exactly. Ryan and the team is totally different on the road. Steelers too. Bucs not so much. Doesnt matter where the Bucs d plays. I expect the Bucs to put up points with 2 weeks to prepare. I do not expect them to prevent points. Smittys still looking for the coverage on Julio. I hope they can outscore them is all. Smitty get canned yet??
October 7th, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Why did we get rid of Bradley Mcdougal ?
October 7th, 2018 at 7:25 pm
Panthers kick a 63 yard FG, meanwhile Dirk is so scared of everything he punts from the opponents 37 in a shootout, and punts at the end of a game rather than go for it on 4th down. Dirk coaches like a coward and thus you get the results of a coward.
October 7th, 2018 at 7:39 pm
could say the same about winston
October 7th, 2018 at 7:41 pm
Atlanta is really surprisingly bad. If Winston can run the offense like Fitz did and learned a lot from Fitz, the Bucs should score in the 40’s
October 7th, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Wow.
If you want to identify trolls and fairweather fans, just look at about 80% of the comments here.
Makes coming here a real drag.
October 7th, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Dirty birds gonna be dangerous….sadly I think they beat Bucs soundly. We are a 5 win team until this team shows something on the field indicating they are not.
ATL 41 Bucs 21
October 7th, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Soon to be the 2-4 Falcons, mark it.
October 7th, 2018 at 8:23 pm
Bonzai I’m sorry I just can’t believe anymore in this defense. I believe in Jameis but this is 3 straight years of this trash defense.
October 7th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
I love the dopes here think that Winston has to throw for 400 yards and 4 TDs a game and have a 150QB rating or he’s a bust. LOL! Dopes, Fitz couldn’t keep it up, he played well for two games before falling on his face and returning to reality, there’s a reason why people haven’t thrown for 6600 yards and 72 TDs a season (well not yet, although the changes in rules where you’re not allowed to hit anyone in order to appeal to women might make that the norm soon).
Winston is 3-2 vs the Falcons, with the two loses being completely on the God awful Mike Smith defense. He puts up about 280 a game vs the Falcons with 12 TDs and 2 INTs in those 5 games.
Winston will play well against the Falcons like he always does so all it comes down to is, a) will Dirk punt the game away yet again, b) will Mike Smith’s defense allow 56 points or more and c) will Dirk use this bye week to take back completely control off the offense and we’re right back to running it up the gut on 1st down and wondering why that does work.
October 7th, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Go BUCS
October 7th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I’m not a fair weather fan. I’m a diehard like everyone here. I’m just sick of stupid coaches, bad decisions and players that mail it in. After two games I was riding high, but leave it to Koetters Band of Merry Missfits to screw it all up. Yeah they’re 2-2 playing like a bunch of pop warner fat kids. The Bucs needed a mercy rule in Chicago badly. I’m going to complain until they win or make some real changes.
October 7th, 2018 at 9:10 pm
Mike Smith is trying to figure out how to stop Julio from last year. Bucs will only win if offense catches fire like weeks 1 & 2
October 7th, 2018 at 9:14 pm
Right now the Bucs are playing with a new age offense which is constantly undermined by a defense from decades past
October 7th, 2018 at 9:35 pm
The Steelers were crumbling too
Tampa Bay is garbage
October 7th, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Big Mac it’s just Bonzi being his usual. He always has to attack people somehow. It makes him happy. Ignor him.
October 7th, 2018 at 10:33 pm
If we play like we did in chicago, they will kill us….theyre hungry for a win and leave it to us to be that team!
October 7th, 2018 at 11:08 pm
Fire Mike Smith
October 7th, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Unfortunately Atlanta being 1 -4 just makes them more dangerous. Now with their backs against the wall and desperately needing a win, they’ll probably come out with their ears pinned back swinging haymakers.
October 7th, 2018 at 11:37 pm
Relentless effort, solid game management and 1-2 plays wins this for the Bucs. No routine pitch and catch (actually I think cover 2 pressed, mixed in with some cover 1 with a studied spy) can control the offense. We need some smash mouth blocking on offense to run up the middle (delays, traps, one or two draws on 1st or second down… mix it up). Bottom line: composure, energy and good game management. We can definitely win this game. Go Bucs!
October 7th, 2018 at 11:59 pm
Who are you going to spy? Ridley, Jones, Sanu and a QB that can deliver the ball in a way that Jameis can only dream about. Jameis is only one step above suck and about 3 steps below average, and that’s on s good day. Koetter should play Fitz if he wants to win. Forget about Jameis, his antics and his stupid overpriced contract. Trade Jameis and Gerald. The team won’t miss either one of them at all. If they can help another team, cash out and let them.
October 8th, 2018 at 1:10 am
The best recipe for a win during a 3 game losing streak, is the Bucs at home.
October 8th, 2018 at 1:18 am
Sorry.. I’m the as hard core as buc fandom goes.. but if you think we are winning next Sunday you haven’t been a fan for long. These are the games we lose plain and simple. We always lose to teams at their worst and make them look great. It’s the sad truth. 2-3
October 8th, 2018 at 3:11 am
8 MORE WINS!!!
NO EXCUSES!!!!
October 8th, 2018 at 5:44 am
Jameis has played well against the fowlgoons with Koetter calling the plays. No logical reason to expect less now. The D may not be great but at least they should be healthier. A win gets the team above .500 and puts a stake in the heart of the fowlgoons. Jameis was near perfect in the preseason games. He’s rested and healthy, AND he knows the opponent. I believe he is primed and ready to have his best game right now. He can win a shootout with these weapons, even without O.J. Our ground attack could have a good day against these guys. The fowlgoons are 1-4 because they are a bad team. They are beatable. This is not an automatic loss. GO BUCS
October 8th, 2018 at 6:28 am
At the end of the day with a defense like we have no game is a given. The Bucs need to just take one game at a time and stayed focused on the details of that week. Let’s go Bucs!
October 8th, 2018 at 6:31 am
Current over/under on the Bucs-ATL is 57.5 and rising. Line opened at the ATL -3.5 but has surprisingly shrunk to -3.0. Just for argument sake the Bears were 2 point favorites before that 48 point beat down. I am going to guess that the money rolls in on the Falcons but maybe some degenerate gamblers will be taken in by the Falcons getting drilled in a place where they have never won in Pittsburgh. Recall what happened last year in the ATL vs the Mikey Smith D and realize that his schemes have not changed. Bucs could win a shoot out but who in their right mind would trust Mikey Smith stubbornly refusing to make any semblance of adjustments…. Plus Jameis has to prove that he can score points and avoid the pivotal bonehead momentum killing errors. Bucs could win but normally if two bad teams are playing each other the smart money is on the home team…..
October 8th, 2018 at 6:57 am
So Eric Reid is good enough to start for the Panther defensive secondary , but our team cannot be bothered to pick up a talented veteran Safety? And people wonder why our D stinks, nuff said.
October 8th, 2018 at 7:37 am
“Winston” and “drooling” spells trouble for Uber drivers.
October 8th, 2018 at 7:40 am
I hear ya BucsFanSince1976. Eric Reid was available to come in yet he somehow became a Panther instead. I was reading a lot of the comments from the Falcon fan sites and they are asking the same thing about Reid as the ATL D looks like Mike Smith has a clone calling plays for the Falcons this season. Apparently Reid’s reputation of siding with Kaepernick superseded what he can do on the field. Yeah he suited up for Carolina, took a knee and then proceeded to contribute. I think his stat line was 3 tackles.
October 8th, 2018 at 11:03 am
Both of these bad teams are looking at the other and saying…”This is the team we need to play to get our season straightened out” I think we lay down again…this defense can’t be fixed….45-28 Dirty Birds
October 8th, 2018 at 12:43 pm
You spy the tendency which is probably Julio on the deep dig. Haven’t seen a lot of the Falcons this year but depending on formation it could be Sanu on the slant out of the bunch. You can shade out of either of the above ON KEY DOWNS. Comes down to preparation. I know none of the frequent negative posters think we can get it done, but we can. Every year is different. Every opponent is different week to week. I think being a fan involves faith and belief. Else, why bother? Go Bucs!
October 8th, 2018 at 4:55 pm
“Reach87”
Spouting “coaching points” (some of which are totally nonsensical) and making inane statements like, “Bottom line: composure, energy and good game management” completely miss the reality of the situation.