“I Refuse To Believe”
April 22nd, 2023
Bucs’ target?
Joe is of the mind that yes, the Bucs really are serious when they peddle the notion they can reach the playoffs with Kyler Traskfield leading the offense.
The Bucs may have a hidden jewel in Baker Mayfield. The Crows tried to sign Mayfield. And the Rams wanted to keep him.
Did John Harbaugh and Sean McVay suddenly turn stupid?
And Kyle Trask is, well, a quarterback the Bucs have a small investment in.
But Jordan Reid of BSPN simply is not buying that the Bucs are serious about starting Traskfield. They have to be angling for a quarterback in the first round on Thursday, Reid thinks. And perhaps the Bucs will go so far as to trade up for Will Levis.
(Joe hopes this banana peel-eating Levis has a deal worked out with Levi’s jeans. Every damn smartphone and spellcheck software in the Western world autocorrects “Levis” to “Levi’s.” It may be the greatest accidental marketing tool this century.)
Reid is convinced Todd Bowles not just wants Levis, but he needs Levis.
Are the Bucs really going into the 2023 season with Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask battling it out for the starting quarterback spot? I refuse to believe that, especially with heightened pressure for coach Todd Bowles to win following an 8-9 record and disappointing finish in the playoffs last season. Why not move up if one of the top four quarterbacks is within reach?
Well, Joe thinks the Bucs are sincere about Traskfield. It’s the same reason Reid is convinced the Bucs are drafting a quarterback.
Bowles needs wins; that’s correct. What are the chances a rookie quarterback gets the Bucs to the playoffs? What are the chances Mayfield could pull off, say, nine wins? You’d have to give the edge to Mayfield.
And if Mayfield truly has turned a corner as he showed in Los Angeles last year, then the Bucs have their quarterback for the next five years or so.
If Mayfield goes belly up, either the Bucs stink enough to put them in range to go get Drake Maye or maybe the Bucs fall in love with Michael Penix a year from now?
Great fun ahead at the brand new Big Storm taproom in the heart of Ybor City! Upstairs (2nd level) in Centro Ybor with public parking all around. It’s big, bold and beautiful.
…Courtesy of Florida’s Elite Restoration, you can win $500 in our “Pick The Pick” contest, which was a huge hit at the 2021 NFL Draft party, plus another $500 in an additional contest. Hang with great Bucs fans, Ira Kaufman and Florida’s best craft beer, cocktails and excellent food.
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:17 am
Penix?
Lol you have to be kidding me right now.
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:19 am
There is a reason Will Levis washed out at Penn State and transferred to Kentucky. He will eventually wash out of the NFL as well. His narcissistic body building is making him too tight in the upper body and he ignores everyone who is telling him this while at the same time admiring himself in front of the mirror. And I don’t really see this self professed cannon for an arm he claims to have. Big pass!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:38 am
Can we draft a HC? No, the Bucs are not going to the playoffs.
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:42 am
BIGER PASS
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:56 am
Wait a second… maybe Michael Penix next year might be not such a bad idea! Draft him and since he throws with his left hand Tristan Wirfs could remain at RT and protect Penix’ blind side!
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:58 am
Another boob in a universe of boobs. Jordan Reid is lucky no one cares or will remember what he said in 6 days.
April 22nd, 2023 at 1:10 am
Big yes for me. We’re not getting anyone better than Levis anytime soon. Grabbing him while also being good enough for the NFC South is a win win
April 22nd, 2023 at 1:41 am
Damn good QB.
April 22nd, 2023 at 1:45 am
I can imagine the auto correct issues with a name like Penix.
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:06 am
Oh Penix! Yeah I remember watching that game against Penn State when he was at Indiana. That kid put the team on his freaking back. Willed them to that dub. I remember the dive at the pylon and everything. He had a hell of a year in Washington too. Beat the stinky Longhorns in their bowl game 🤣. Ik he’s a local kid for you guys, but I’m worried about his injury history, although he is a damn good qb.
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:08 am
In case my comment does not pass the moderation, I was trying to say Penix would be a good qb and I remember him specifically beating Penn State with an amazing pylon dive for a touchdown while he was playing for Indiana.
April 22nd, 2023 at 3:49 am
Umm
Add another to the looong list of so called sports journalists throwing out click bait for a living.
April 22nd, 2023 at 5:29 am
Levis threw too many INTs for my taste
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:08 am
Why does Joe keeps on suggesting that the Ravens and Rams wanted Cancer Mayfield as a starter? Hell it is more likely that the reason why he sign here is because we were the only suckers that believe he can be a starter, just saying!
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:36 am
Wil Levis and Anthony Richardson were built up by these sports channels, announcers, writers etc. thats never suited up and played thd game. The proper evaluation on these guys is maybe third round at best. I would be surprised if either one of these guys become a consistent starter. But thats just my take. There are a lot of better quarterbacks in the 2024 draft.
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:46 am
Bowles needs to win so he’s going to draft, and bank on a rookie? That doesn’t make sense. Levis has not been in a QB room with Tom Brady for the last two years. He did not put up better numbers in the SEC than Trask. I don’t get the love for this guy. Mayfield, and Trask give Bowles a better chance to win than Will Levis now, and probably in the future.
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:51 am
Does Levi’s or Hooker have the talent of the Chargers QB Justin Herbert, if so, yes a rookie QB can potentially get the Bucs to the playoffs in this division. But that is unpredictable
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:56 am
I heard joe loves big penix
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:56 am
Just kidding
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:56 am
There’s cocky and then there’s Will Levis…
Nothing about his game or personality says he’ll translate well to the next level. In the case of Anthony Richardson he’s basically Lamar Jackson on steroids at least he can lean on his athletic ability and in the right system could see some success maybe not early though…
Definitely pass on Will Levis, I don’t see him beating out Kyle Trask or Baker Mayfield…
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:03 am
Hey Rayjay1122 Says
Very Funny LOL
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:04 am
I heard Penix is a stand up guy. And he can really take a beating.
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:31 am
Irishmist – bwaaaahaaaaahahahaaa. ROTFLMAO
Imagine if Hooker and Penix were both playing in the Stadium on Dale Mabry…..
LOL
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:36 am
I have read where the Bucs don’t just like Levis, they LOVE him! That does scare me a bit. I have seen predictions of the Bucs trading up to the 10th spot to draft him. I would of course prefer they not do that as I’m not a believer in him, but then again I didn’t think Will Allen would be a good NFL QB and he is, so what do I know? Diddly. I would prefer we target the RT Right, even if that means trading up to 14 to get him.
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:38 am
K Bassuka – good point actually. Joe keeps saying this but neither of those teams wanted him asa starter. Yes they are good coaches and they were able to asses that he is an adequate BACKUP! We should probably trust their analysis and not go with the assessment of our inept head coach!
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:57 am
Hooker or pass. Definitely wouldn’t be trading up and wasting what resources we do have
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:00 am
I’d rather trade for Trey Lance. Bet he could be had for a 3 or 4. (Of course we don’t HAVE a 4) That way 1st and 2nd could be used for trenches
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:18 am
I hope we get a shot at Bo Nix next year in the draft. he has a great arm touch and wheels.
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:18 am
If Bowles “ needs “ Will Levis it’s to CYA his coaching career and he would be copiing Lovie’s homework on how to use a rookie quarterback as an excuse for another year coaching the team.
Okay! A big ole Hugh Culverhouse
Whattt evahhhh
This time next week the front office will have drafted and signed every FA that they “wanted “
It’s gonna be a long painful year folks!
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:22 am
Scrawny Stetson Bennett would be a better QB option for the modern NFL
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:24 am
Goatfarmer says: “Imagine if Hooker and Penix were both playing in the Stadium on Dale Mabry”
They do play very close!
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:51 am
“Penix Hammers Hooker”
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:07 am
Levis could not make it at Penn State, remember that
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:12 am
What are the odds that what many consider to be the 5th-best QB in the draft is going to be the rookie QB that leads the Bucs to the playoffs?
Totally inane take, Jordan Reid. I believe Levis has about as good a chance of becoming a great NFL QB as Trask does. You decide what that means …
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:20 am
@Goat,
HA HA!!! I was intending to write something witty involving the words erect vs. flaccid; but, oh never mind. I’ll leave it to your imagination. LOL
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:26 am
What’s your deal, Joe? This guys another national nincompoop that you refer are all from “BSPN,” yet you can’t stop writing about there opinions. Licht is not going to draft another QB early and Baker will likely start. He knows he F’d up early with what they thought Trask was going to be. They are taking it slow trying to build positions of need and depth.
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:50 am
I could see a Devin white trade to 49ers for Lance.
We get rid of a head ache and maybe get a good QB who has been too injured to develop but has the mobility and accuracy Canales would like.
April 22nd, 2023 at 11:05 am
Mayfield took a 0 win team and got them close to .500. Won a playoff game with the Clowns for the first time 30 years. Won them a playoff game on the road for the first time since somewhere in the 60s. He isn’t Mahomes, but if you give the guy a little help he can make something happen. Joe is right, Sean McRam is by no means stupid, and the Purple Penguins played against him and the Clowns 2x every year from 2018 until he got ran out of the mistake by the lake. I’m suspending judgement for now
April 22nd, 2023 at 12:01 pm
I think between Trask and Mayfield we’ll field a decent chance to win the South. I don’t like what I keep hearing about Levis, but I do like what I’m hearing about Hooker. I wouldn’t take a QB first this year though, if I was making the decision unless I was totally convinced. I certainly wouldn’t trade up for one or dump DW45 to move up. We have too many needs if we’re going to win this year. Maybe take a late flyer on a QB.
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:02 pm
So who is Baltimore’s starter?
Of course Matt Stafford is the Rams starter — unless he’s still hurt. But if the Rams loved Stafford that much, why were they shopping him?
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:41 pm
So say the buccaneers draft a QBs this year I don’t see how this saves the current coaching staff there jobs. Do you really want to start a rookie QB ? Who will develop this young man ? Why would anyone believe anything that comes from ESPN
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:44 pm
I legitimately do not understand why people think a coach supposedly on the hot seat should rush out to get a rookie QB. If he needs to win now, a veteran with experience is a much better option for self preservation
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:59 pm
Especially when it comes to the Interwebs, no marketing tool is accidental, Joe. You know that.
April 22nd, 2023 at 3:03 pm
We’re gonna wheel out Norm Snead and watch Grandaddy sling it
April 22nd, 2023 at 3:18 pm
Levi’s shrink so no Levis for the Big Guava
April 22nd, 2023 at 4:17 pm
LOL!
Love any Norm Snead reference. 🙂
April 22nd, 2023 at 4:35 pm
Will Levis seems to have less self awareness than Winston and Freeman put together. Do we as Fans want to watch a goofball again?
April 22nd, 2023 at 6:22 pm
Baker is a Winner. He will prove it this year!! Should be a great year.
April 22nd, 2023 at 6:52 pm
My guess is Penix. Licht has proven that he absolutely loves players from Washington for whatever reason. I would love Maye or Williams though. Don’t know enough about Penix with exception that I hear alot of hype around him.
April 22nd, 2023 at 6:56 pm
Will Levi is probably the most over rated QB I have seen in some time coming out of college. His stats are not that great for a college QB, especially a QB that played in the SEC. Wait until next year when better QBs will be available to draft.
April 22nd, 2023 at 7:06 pm
Why am I in Joebucsfan timeout? Not sure why I can’t post.
April 22nd, 2023 at 8:14 pm
If college stats ensured NFL stardom….Baker wouldn’t have flamed out in CLE.
David Klinger, Johnny Manziel, Matt Leinart, Vince Young would all be in the HOF. Trask would be the sure fire QB1 & Baker would not have been an option – as he’ still be in CLE.
Supporting cast, scheme, pace of play all factor into the stats a QB ends up with…
For the “He couldn’t beat out Clifford at Penn State” crowd…Why exactly did Mayfield, Murray, Hurts, Burrow all xfr from their original schools??? Oh, that’s right…For the opportunity to start & get meaningful reps that led to NFL chances. Same for Levis.
The same goes for Troy Aikman…Who is 100% my Comp for Levis… (College journey…XFR from OK to UCLA to get in NFL offense & chance to be the guy…Stature, play style & college stats all comp closely to Levis.)
For me…I’ll go with Peyton Manning’s take & his seal of approval that Levis is built for the NFL & well prepared to be a face of a franchise…Will that be in Tampa??? Probably not…Not unless the FO make a move to go get him.
April 22nd, 2023 at 9:41 pm
Bucs will make playoff’s buc’s got too much talent and alot better management and coaching than the browns have, baker the faker never had that in the past, he should do great this coming year, and buc’s will too
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:01 pm
Thank you catcard. College stats absolutely do not guarantee NFL stardom or even journeydom. But don’t tell that to Ruind or Just Leave Trask at Home.
They’re convinced that the Glazers, Bowels, the Chinese Mafia and God himself hate Trask so much they want to keep him from playing, even though they would claim he deserves his shot……because…….um………because he’s the best! And they know that, not because they’ve been observing him every day at One Buc Place like his employer, but…….well they just know because……..Flippy Franks blew out a knee and he came in and had NFL caliber players to throw to against college caliber secondaries.
Duh….because of his college stats.
April 22nd, 2023 at 10:44 pm
“Penix overwhelms Hooker from behind, in an old fashioned butt thumping.”
April 23rd, 2023 at 10:28 am
“Joe Says:
April 22nd, 2023 at 2:02 pm
K Bassuka – good point actually. Joe keeps saying this but
neither of those teams wanted him asa starter.
So who is Baltimore’s starter?
Of course Matt Stafford is the Rams starter — unless he’s still
hurt. But if the Rams loved Stafford that much, why were they
shopping him?”
So you think if the Ravens would’ve signed Maybefield they would’ve stopped trying to sign LJ to a long term contract?
Stafford’s future is unknown due to his shoulder and still opted to go with the unknown than offer Maybefield a starting gig even though they saw first hand Maybefield’s untapped “greatness”.
Baker is a bust and overrated. The Browns won a playoff game because they had the best running attack in the game, so top giving credit to the bust QB, that could only do average with the best receiving corp in the league that year. Also, not once I heard teams fearing going against Maybefield.
He is a bust and if he starts he will get his receivers hurt due to his great accuracy like he did with the Browns.