Jason Licht’s Confidence In The 2023 Bucs
September 3rd, 2023
Bucs GM Jason Licht.
Now there are very few general managers who Joe expects before a season begins would be doom and gloom or even frank with the Fourth Estate about their chances of getting to the Super Bowl.
Even shot-callers with loaded rosters are restrained and don’t spout off how their team is going to kick tail and stomp out the competition.
Over the past few months, Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht has been warning folks not to count out the Bucs. Outside the Tampa Bay area, folks notice the Bucs return a team that had an 8-10 record and worst running offense in the league last year.
How did the team repair it? The greatest quarterback of all time retired, the team didn’t do anything to restock the running backs room other than to sign two guys, one of which ran for 240 yards last year and the other has a heart condition that shelved him all offseason until training camp.
Quarterback? The Bucs found one at the Goodwill store.
That’s pretty much the Bucs analysis from folks outside Tampa.
Licht, in so many words last week, cautioned naysayers.
Licht was asked why he has confidence in the 2023 Bucs just one week away from the Bucs open the season in Minneapolis — one week!
“I just know I like the vibe that our team has right now, I like the energy and I like how far we’ve gotten in the offseason as a team,” Licht said. “I can’t make any predictions – I just feel like our team has the DNA to want to compete against anybody.”
Well, Joe is leery of pulling any intel from worthless preseason games. But it appears the new Bucs offense under Dave Canales runs smooth and has a purpose.
For reasons unknown, last year’s offense under SpongeBob Leftwich rarely looked smooth. It looked as if each and every play was a massive effort, just to gain four or five yards.
This year’s offense, at least in preseason, seemed crisp and fluid.
Joe boils it all down to the offense. The defense should be good, perhaps damn good if they can develop an edge rush.
The modern NFL is all about points. Can the Bucs with their run-heavy attack put enough points on the board to keep up with franchise quarterbacks who can light up their teams’ scoreboards?
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:09 pm
we’ll keep them off the field by burning clock, and thusly avoid the tired defense in the fourth quarter. it could work. it’s all about the trenches. miraculously fixed the depth issue at WR and RB too.
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:12 pm
If Mayfield flops he can always look for a QB at the Salvation Army Store.
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:22 pm
I’m still excited about this season, despite what closet diva ME is doing to the feel good vibe.
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:22 pm
At this time next week we will be watching early first quarter action from Minnesota.
Considering our cap situation we have done amazingly well for ourselves this year. We’ve got a strong chance to win the NFCS. If we don’t win this weak division we will have a very good draft pick and new coach next year. It’s a Buc’s life.
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:23 pm
Wtf is he going to say as general manager? “Ya, get ready fans for the struggle bus, going to be a long year.”
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:28 pm
Mayfield won’t flop, but it sounds like some of our fans may already have.
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:37 pm
@ Dooosh
Same here bud… I am more excited for this season than I was last season.
On paper our team looked great but it was filled with a bunch of overpaid hasbeens – most of whom are no longer in the NFL.
– J. Jones.
– A. Hicks
– K. Rudolph
– G. Bernard
– B. Perriman
– C. Nassib
– L. Ryan
– C. Brate
All are out of the NFL and probably should be…
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:41 pm
Doosh, I am glad you said that. He sure did it for me and you made me rebound a bit. I want my feel-good-vibe back! 🙂
September 3rd, 2023 at 1:52 pm
I for one am excited about the upcoming season. I don’t have any “Brady” expectations or disappointments. Its a new team with a new attitude. I am glad White quit his whining, but it is unfortunate Evans has started. Regarding Evans, I vote for trading him as soon as possible. We’ve all enjoyed his greatness for 9 years but he deserves to be in an offense better suited for his style of play. In addition he wants to get paid, don’t blame him. A smart team realizes they benefited through his rookie contract plus a second one and can maximize the asset by trading him now for draft capital and/or player talent instead of overpaying for a fond memory. Plus, it would pain me to see him deteriorate as father time takes its toll. He will always be a Buc in my eyes no matter where he ended up.
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:06 pm
It’s not a bad team kinda think Canales might have something, defense might not be bad either but without an edge rush the secondary could have Deion sanders and still not be any good. My question is are the top guys motivated winning stems from the top. Evans : suddenly complaining and never complained during the lost decade makes me nervous. LVD : A pro’s pro nuff said. Godwin : A pro’s pro Vea: never really says much and low snap count worries me. White : we know the story Barrett : God bless him Winfield : A pro’s pro Davis & Dean : Both got paid jury is still out on their motivation. Mayfield : barely beat out Trask and had a good season years ago may just be a fringe starter. We might be the Jeff Garcia Bucs
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:07 pm
I am excited to see what the hobbled together Bucs can do. Think we may have a lot of young talented guys that can really contribute. Canales will definitely have an exciting offense. This team may shock the national media naysayers. Wouldn’t that be a kick in the arse. Lol.
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:09 pm
^^^^^
Winner winner chicken dinner
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:12 pm
They knew ME13 was going to do this and also 45, but we didn’t trade either for pics pre draft and now will get nothing when they walk next season. Could have gotten 2 3rds and 4ths for these guys, but Jain took a gamble and once again loses
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:13 pm
I for one share in his excitement. I’m seeing it! I’m feeling it! There’s something there my fellow BUC brothers n sisters.
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:16 pm
With the way teams are limited in preparing in preseason there will be many surprises in the first couple of weeks. Good , stable teams are always at an advantage.
The Bucs looked promising in the preseason with young new talent but this is the NFL and as always superior talent prevails
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:34 pm
All the big heads are trashing the Bucs and it had entered the subconscious of every nfl fan worldwide. Everyone has written off the Bucs as a bottom feeder team in competition for the #1 pick. One thing that has me optimistic (aside from our defense which should be at the very least competent) is Dave canales. I see him as the X-Factor. Everyone wrote off the Seahawks last season with an eerily similar offense as us this season with Geno Smith at QB. Absolutely nobody expected the Seahawks to be good, but yet they were. If Dave can work his magic on offense and turn Baker into a competent QB I think we could surprise a lot of people this year
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:35 pm
Mayfield is garbage it’s going to be a lot of season
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:36 pm
A long season
September 3rd, 2023 at 2:47 pm
It’s really people calling Mike evans a diva that’s crazy
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:00 pm
The Minnesota news papers are saying the buccaneers are imploding now..
They are saying the mike evens dispute could not of come at a better time for the first game.
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:10 pm
Yeah, its a mixed bag. The O Line sucked last year, but they been drafting players that fit the zone blocking scheme and that’s whats running this year. And yeah, they didnt bring in any Jonathon Taylors, but they’re running a Shanahan offense that makes 3rd round picks into 1000 yard rushers. And yeah, they lost Brady but brought in a guy who excels at bootlegs and moving pockets. Could possibly be awesome, could possibly crash and burn
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:11 pm
Keep Mike. Johnny Wilson to the Bucs.
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:11 pm
“ I just feel like our team has the DNA to want to compete against anybody.”
I have the DNA to want to compete against anybody too. I have the talent, skill, and athleticism to actually compete against nobody.
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:12 pm
Evans thing is a lot bigger for folks like us than his team mates. He’s playing this year, has no choice. It’s OUR choice if he plays here NEXT year too (I doubt they’ll do him that way tho)
You think the receivers not named Godwin care if he isn’t here? They all move one rung up the ladder, someone on practice squad moves up to the show
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:17 pm
I just hope we are competitive.
September 3rd, 2023 at 3:55 pm
So you’re tellin’ me there’s a chance?!
September 3rd, 2023 at 4:03 pm
I remember back when the NFL wasn’t about points.
Oh, wait.
September 3rd, 2023 at 4:05 pm
I sure hope the coaches are cautioning them about penalties!
September 3rd, 2023 at 4:07 pm
Only 7 more days and we’ll get a taste!!
September 3rd, 2023 at 4:53 pm
We are bringing the wood Bucs fans. Get your Bromosas ready.
Go Bucs!!!
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:12 pm
Vikings lost only one home game last year. Still, Buccaneers offense is an unknown to their coaching staff. Baker throws three touchdown passes but Buccaneers come up just short. Vikings 27-Buccaneers 24.
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:18 pm
Interesting question of the day Joe: ‘Can the Bucs with their run-heavy attack put enough points on the board to keep up with franchise quarterbacks who can light up their teams’ scoreboards?’
Hang tough with that ‘run-heavy attack’. Very good chance you’ll be right for our Minnesota game at least Joe since last year they sported the #27-ranked run defense giving up an average of 123 PPG. Something to test them on at least.
Despite scoring an average of 25 PPG, the Vikings had 9 regular season games that were decided by 7 points or less. They won every one of them, with Cousins getting credit for EIGHT 4th qtr comebacks. I’m impressed. Wonder if he can duplicate that this year.
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:23 pm
My only issue w/ the defense in week 1. That offense is copy of McVay & if we do our history of Bowles defenses vs McVay offenses. It’s scary bad! So I’m expecting the same week 1.
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Divis I am all about Mini Mike aka Johnny Wilson to the bucs but we don’t have that luxury. We must draft a qb first round next year. No ifs or buts about it.
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:39 pm
why is that last year’s offense was all bleffty fault last I checked we had the so called goat cheat where was his play I think most of bradys year were more luck than anything as I saw him over years his was dink & dunk & his easy read play finally caught up with the biggest cheat of all time 1 thing I know with our new baker qb he ain’t no cheat
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:42 pm
Tripping
September 3rd, 2023 at 5:42 pm
Mac says u r stupid go back to 1st grade tell me how the heck can u say next draft is the qb answer that is just STUPID
September 3rd, 2023 at 6:06 pm
The people trashing Mike Evans entertain me with the hypocrisy. Mike Evans has been EVERYTHING a franchise could hope or pray for, from a receiver, for the entirety of his career. He wants to be paid his value, and I assure you if the Buc’s are stupid enough to let him walk, some other team will pay. Evans isn’t even talking about sitting out or refusing to play. Hypocrite thy name is Buccaneers.
September 3rd, 2023 at 7:52 pm
Our team had no identity last year. None. I’m excited (optimistic?) to see what this year’s team identity is. Hopefully we’ll know what it is by around week 6 or so. Until then, I’m optimistically reserved.
September 4th, 2023 at 1:33 am
Gone are the days of 14 to 10 scores winning football games in the NFL.
The Bucs are gonna have to win with solid defense this year and hope Canales can dial up some magic. If we get down by 14 or more early like last year we are in trouble.
Smooth offense? Umm jury is still out on that one Joe. Better than Leftnut? I gotta say yes…But it depends largely on our QB…Sadly.
Go Bucs
September 4th, 2023 at 8:02 am
Jason Licht’s tenure has produced mixed results to say the least. Somehow he survived just long enough ( remember…before BA & Brady his record was worse than DirstStar Domink ) to talk Big Brother Bruce Arians to come off his boat and to the rescue. Then of course came Brady through a series of fortuitous events. Licht is on his 4th coach now ( I blame BA for this latest debacle of a head coach…loved just about everything else he has done, however ) trending towards a possible 5th. That’s unheard of. Might even be/break an unofficial record. I’m convinced the Bros. Glazer are scared of the big lug.
September 4th, 2023 at 4:37 pm
I THINK THE MORE THIS TEAM GETS CRITICIZED, THE MORE MOTIVATED THEY ARE GOING TO BE TO PROVE ALL THE CRITICS WRONG !!! THIS “MIKE EVANS” CONTRACT EXTENSION NEEDS TO GET DONE ! ASAP !, HE NEEDS & DESERVES TO RETIRE AS A BUCCANEER ! ! ! ( RING OF HONOR-1ST BALLOT HALL OF FAMER ) AS ” A BUCCANEER ” ! ! ! “FOR LIFE” ! ! ! “”GLAZERS”, GET IT DONE ! ! !
September 4th, 2023 at 4:56 pm
THIS TEAM HAS A VERY UNDERATED ROSTER ! THIS COLLECTION OF MEN HAVE ALOT OF SKILLS & ALOT OF “FIGHT” IN THEM & THEY LOVE TO PLAY FOOTBALL & WE HAVE OUR EYES & FOCUS SET ON WINNING THE DIVISION TITLE & RETURNING TO THE PLAYOFFS ! NO WAY IS THIS TEAM GOING TO INTENTIONALLY TANK FOR ANYONE ! THEY WILL FIGHT FROM HORN TO HORN TO WIN EACH & EVERY GAME POSSIBLE..MARK MY WORDS..THERE WILL BE NO CONCEEDING “ANYTHING” BY THIS TEAM ! LASER-FOCUS AS TB12 USED TO SAY OFTEN…