Ian Beckles Summarizes Bucs’ 2023 Season
January 27th, 2024
Former Bucs G Ian Beckles.
The way the Bucs finished the season and came within a timeout and a touchdown from playing tomorrow surprised a lot of folks.
One is Ian Beckles.
The former Bucs guard and current popular sports personality went on his podcast “In the Trenches” to give Bucs coach Todd Bowles and the team a lot of love for always fighting and turning their season around to be in the NFL’s elite eight.
“The Buccaneers were an upper echelon football team towards the end,” Beckles said. “Towards the end they were playing some good football.
“The future looks substantially better than it did at the beginning of this [season].”
Beckles cited a better salary cap situations, winning more than expected and the good core of young players as signs the Bucs are on the right track.
The Bucs reloaded quicker than he believed.
“I’m going to applaud Jason Licht right now for revamping this thing so damn quickly,” Beckles said.
Beckles said if anyone would have told him the Bucs would be better in January 2024 than they were in January 2023, especially after losing Tom Brady, Beckles said, “I would have told you that you are wrong. I think the Bucs are better than last season.”
Beckles believed the Bucs rushed the passer better this season, ran the ball better and at the end of the season, Mayfield was playing better than Brady was in his final games.
“I thought Todd Bowles grew this year,” Beckles said. “I thought Dave Canales grew this year. YaYa Diaby is all of a sudden a football player. Calijah Kancey is a football player.
“Not just grew — are football players. Some people grow. Those guys are football players. K.J. Britt, obviously he can play.”
Beckles had the following additional thoughts:
* On Devin White, “So, we have probably seen the last of Devin White. Good riddance. See ya. See ya!”
* On Cade Otton, “I told you he’s growing on me. He’s becoming a target, he really is.”
Wrapping up the 2023 season for the Bucs, Beckles was impressed.
“The one thing about the [Detroit] game was that until the end, it seemed like it was closer than the score,” Beckles said. “One thing about this Buccaneer team this year, they didn’t give up.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve said, ‘Alright, that’s it.’ And then you look up and the Bucs are right back in the game. They did that all year long.”
Beckles summed up the loss to the Lions as the Lions got heat on Baker Mayfield and the Bucs didn’t get any heat on Jared Goff.
“Baker was uncomfortable,” Beckles said. “Jared Goff was very comfortable. Next year we have to take care of Baker a little more. I still think he took too many hits this year. Way too many.”
January 27th, 2024 at 1:16 am
Can’t disagree with any of that. He nailed it.
January 27th, 2024 at 8:09 am
Just telling it like it is – the NFC south was weak and the Eagles GAVE the game to the Bucs. !st place schedule next year and the other teams in the division will be improved. The defense (run by Bowels) lost the Lions game. With
Bowels returning, next year does not look pretty.
January 27th, 2024 at 8:10 am
“…they didn’t give up.” The Baker effect 100%. Resign him JL so you don’t have to go shopping for a QB. Promote Thad Lewis to OC so the offensive scheme stays the same.
January 27th, 2024 at 8:21 am
I would add that our kicking game was fantastic this year…..Rachaad White is a player…
We need to draft a G/C very high and another TE. Otton is good but can’t carry the whole load.
Encouraged by the younger players developing.
January 27th, 2024 at 8:26 am
I keep reading comments that show people are very concerned with us having a 1st place schedule next year.
Is that supposed to be different from this year?
January 27th, 2024 at 8:38 am
Agree with Ian and TBBF.
I’m not worried about TE thought because I thought Payne Durham has flashed enough to believe he has a bright future. Kieft can at least block.
Two #1 overall picks battled it out in Detroit. Ian is right. Baker had several jailbreaks with guys literally untouched just getting a free run. In all honesty that is not a physical problem, you can’t block anybody with thin air.
So where was the help. On ONE play White clearly blew a chip block. But on several others NOBODY was even in the area to block the guy. i get that sometimes the young OL get beat but in Detroit I place this on…
Canales? Why didn’t the OC have better blocking schemes?
Baker…did he not see it coming from the line of scrimmage?
Did Hainsey call out the wrong assignments?
Someone who knows far more than me (many guys here lol) can answer.
Rod here you go man. I’ve teed it up for you. You watch the all 22 why were so many Lion’s literally untouched?
The Bucs lost both side of the trenches. As Ian pointed out Goff was comfortable all day long! Is that a talent issue. A DC issue…credit to the Lions?
Talent was thin for sure. Ya Ya looked hurt and well past the rookie wall. It pains me to say this but my favorite player…Shaq has been defeated by age and injury.
BOTTOM line for me…DRAFT BIG uglies with the first four picks. DB’s LB’s can be found later and in fact Jason has done a great job with UDFA’s!
QB will take care of itself. TRY to sign Baker obviously. But failure means the Bucs will be forced to figure out if Trask is the real deal. I’m not afraid to see how Trask plays. I do not know his ceiling but he’s been on the team behind Brady and Baker, knows the system, had a great preseason and I do not see him as a choker. He’ll do OK at minimum and excel if the Bucs are lucky, or perhaps if they build dominant lines on BOTH side of the ball.
I’d love to see the Bucs retool the trenches enough to play some smash mouth football! I might take a flyer on Corum at RB if he lasts that long in the 2nd.
It’s possible because of all the QB’s and other skill players. Corum is considered a great runner but poor receiver. The Bucs have a GREAT receiver and decent runner already. White, Corum, and Edmunds would be a REALLY solid group of RB’s.
January 27th, 2024 at 8:45 am
In Licht I Trust!
January 27th, 2024 at 9:07 am
All very nice posts above. This offseason…the question of WHAT IF, will always be on the tip of my tongue; that is, until JL and Glazers fix!!!! Are they going to hit a home run or strike out???
January 27th, 2024 at 9:17 am
I think we need to draft an EDGE in the 1st Rd. No pass rush at all without sending 5 or 6. Then G/C in Rd 2. But as frail as Dean and Davis are, we need more depth in the secondary, hence Rd 3 we draft there. Then maybe a TE
January 27th, 2024 at 9:21 am
Beckles really summarized things well. Sarcastically, what would a former pro offensive lineman know more about O line play than the Baker Hater Brigade that regularly beats him up on these pages? When guys like Beckles post the truth here, the Hate Brigade slunk away. Wasn’t just the protection issues this year but also the dead last running game that was a problem until it finally improved later in the season. We are going to soon find out what Mayfield will command on the open market. Its going to be a lot more than the Baker Haters are willing to pay. Just as well. Trask next up.
January 27th, 2024 at 9:22 am
He should have called Bowles out for being a liar. He knows fill well he is.
January 27th, 2024 at 9:25 am
The following players are slackers, busts, underperformers, injury prone, arrogant, passive, very fragile, have deteriorated, or just flat-out suck. Tit for tat, between FA/Draft/UDFA, we can do better. We need aggressive ball hawks at CB and develop a culture of players who do not have a lackadaisical attitude. Sorry folks but I watched Dean give up on plays, particularly the play that Winfield came out of nowhere to make (Falcons), preventing a TD and turning the ball over to the Bucs. Even on the fumble Winfield caused in the end zone (Carolina), lackadaisical Dean picked the ball up in the end zone and almost fumbled it. He’s too inconsistent and spends too much time out due to injury.
JTS
Shaq
Neal
DWhite
Delaney
Feiler
Gage
LHall
JDean
MGreen
January 27th, 2024 at 9:54 am
why were so many Lion’s literally untouched?
—————
Because Baker didn’t call the right protections. On each occasion they were lined up out there alone and for some reason Baker didn’t adjust the protections. The analysts said as much
January 27th, 2024 at 9:56 am
Dmatt your list is wayyy off buddy.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:02 am
I agree with Drunk Bucs fan. Our schedule does not look that daunting. 11 wins seems doable assuming we retain who we need to retain and have a good draft. Still gotta play the games and avoid the injury bug so of course everything could go wrong. But I’m not feeling all doom and gloom like a bunch of fans are!
January 27th, 2024 at 10:04 am
I think a big part of the problem happens to be these obscene contracts that are so loaded with guaranteed money that the players lose the incentive to go all out and live up to the expectations and production of big money players. Look at Dean and Davis as 2 examples.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:04 am
@Drunk Bucs Fan – right?
I don’t understand it. We had the 1st place schedule this year and last year as well. LOL @ anyone crying about that.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:15 am
The negativity poisons the universe. Hire the LA Rams guy or Van Pelt for OC. Baker and Evans will figure out how to stay here.Bakes can make up the short fal! In acting and commercial gigs.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:19 am
2 thumbs up you are right on the money. Browns are learning that with Depervert who cries over every little scratch. He has no incentive to try. But the Browns deserve it with their low morals in coddling a criminal. Baker is as man of ethics. He knows winning wil! secure his long term.future in the NFL, or TV.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:21 am
@ StPete
I agree.
The Bucs need to improve pass rush and IOL especially if Mike Evans is re-signed.
Draft –
#1 – Pass Rusher
#2 – IOL
#3 – RB
#4 – TE/WR
#5 – no pick
#6 – SS/ILB
#7 – DB
#7 – DB
If Mike Evans leaves I would also consider a WR with pick #1.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:22 am
ATLBuc Says:
January 27th, 2024 at 9:54 am
why were so many Lion’s literally untouched?
—————
Because Baker didn’t call the right protections. On each occasion they were lined up out there alone and for some reason Baker didn’t adjust the protections. The analysts said as much
_______________________
Quit trying to sound like you know what you are talking about. When a EDGE rusher like Hutchison lines up over an OT, there “is no protection to call out.” Happened more than once when nobody touched Hutchinson. A couple of other times the backs were supposed to pick up the safety blitz and just whiffed.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:22 am
Bucfan … ‘The defense (run by Bowels) lost the Lions game.’
Seriously? Bucs wouldn’t have even sniffed the playoffs without our #7-ranked defense that also happened to provide 26 turnovers for our 20th-ranked offense. I seem to remember that the score was tied 17-17 at the beginning of the 4th qtr, so our defense had done a pretty decent job to that point (with 3 of those points coming off a turnover by the Bucs’ offense). Also remember Dean getting hurt early in that 4th qtr, and his mismatched replacement getting burned multiple times.
Bucs had stifled a very good Lions’ running attack UNTIL the 4th qtr, when they gave up 6 runs for 58 yards (and 3 kneeldowns) plus 8 completions for 111 yards in those 2 TD drives. Probably didn’t help that our offense went 3-and-out after the Lions 1st 4th qtr TD drive, using up a grand total of ONE minute TOP. Of course we won’t talk about the INT with 2 minutes left in the ballgame with Bucs trailing by 1 score. So much easier to just chastise Bowles & the defense. Nice analytics.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:47 am
Marine Buc … Interesting draft priorities. IMO anything we get after the Top-3 or 4 Rnds is gravy, and I’m sure that’s where your priorities were.
So how does it change IF a QB that the Bucs REALLY like falls into our lap at #26? Or if we can’t re-sign Baker?
How does it change IF we can’t re-sign Winfield?
How does it change IF LVD retires?
Or how about IF we end up releasing Carlton Davis to save money?
I think I actually feel sorry for JL right now because there are so many IFs at this point at least. Some will become clearer within the next month or so.
Bucs have 8 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense under contract. We have 3 starters on offense who are FAs (Mayfield, Evans, Stinnie) plus 3 starters on defense (Winfield, LVD, White) who are FAs. We can fill 1 of those positions (ILB) with Britt IMO, but the rest either have to be re-signed OR replacements drafted OR starter-quality replacement FAs signed to take their place in the starting lineup. Plus re-signing McLaughlin (a must-have IMO). Until at least some of that works its’ way out, I think it’ll be pretty hard to tell what our priorities will be. Lots & lots of ‘What Ifs’ at this point. Of course, that’s what keeps JoeBucsFan motoring along.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:48 am
Defense Rules I agree if not for the defense we wouldn’t had made it to the playoffs Just take a look at the Panther game. Offense stunk defense won that game that sent the Bucs to the playoffs Also everybody on Bowles for not taking a time in that Lions game. May have cost them the game but may not. If Mayfield hadn’t threw the interception in Bucs territory, the game could’ve been different there also.
January 27th, 2024 at 10:50 am
My god I hope we hire an offensive coordinator who doesn’t waste our first and second downs running between the tackles 😩. But our OC getting hired to be an HC is a good look for Todd Bowles because that means he can develop coaches into becoming HC and makes our OC opening more attractive for high quality OCs and coaches to want to work for the Buccaneers and Bowles so they can eventually become an HC as well
January 27th, 2024 at 10:55 am
Dude lost all credibility saying the running game was better.
Did he lose his vision before the season started?
All this happy happy joy joy crap is for losers.
In the biggest moments on the biggest stage, the team showed what they really are.
Not good enough versus teams that know how to win.
When you’re only good against losing teams, that does not make you a winner.
Bowles will never win a title as a HC.
He’s coaching in 2024, with a 1984 mentality.
Until He’s gone, we’ll be a 500 team at best.
18-19. Period.
January 27th, 2024 at 11:19 am
Mayfield had a good year, but he can be better at reading and influencing safeties.
Bucs had more opportunities to score points if Mayfield adjusts his reads and sometimes touch on his passes. And he needs to recognize when to take the quick pass or throw it away and stop taking sacks.
Agree with Beckles, the Bucs played hard and never quit. A very memorable season.
January 27th, 2024 at 11:33 am
😞😞 sorry Jack Clark, if Bowles is still the Bucs HC this season, look for the same thing. I just hope that with a year of Bowles style of offense things get a little better. Maybe change the blocking scheme or shakeup the OL
January 27th, 2024 at 11:54 am
RiggedNFL … ‘Bowles will never win a title as a HC. He’s coaching in 2024, with a 1984 mentality.”
There was an interesting article in the Washington Post back in Nov 2023 titled ‘NFL teams with offensive-minded head coaches are more likely to succeed’. The title gives away the author’s point, but the results he selected didn’t support his contention all that well. For instance …
‘Offensive-minded head coaches have won 51 percent of their games since 2002, while defensive-minded head coaches have won just 48 percent. Over each of the past three seasons, coaches plucked from the offensive side of the ball have outperformed their defensive counterparts in regular season win rate. Coaches with offensive backgrounds have been more successful in the playoffs, too, winning 51 percent of their postseason games since 2002, compared to 49 percent for coaches from the other side of the ball.’
That’s not a massive difference (2%) in PERFORMANCE over the past 20 years, and I’m sure it has more to do with the talent of the respective teams than with the HC’s background. IMO the reality is that ALL HCs are on a year-to-year contract with ALL teams. Wind up with a 2-15 record like Carolina and there’s a good chance you’ll be fired. And especially if you lose the locker room in the process.
January 27th, 2024 at 12:03 pm
I believe the O line missed those pick ups because of communication issues. It was loud in there and calls were missed. The solution…Win more games during the regular season so you host throughout the playoffs.
January 27th, 2024 at 12:12 pm
This thing could go in any direction. The Bucs probably have a wider spread line on 2024 victory odds than most other teams. Given who the head coach, pessimism prevails. Having to prolong the obvious for some more months.
January 27th, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Waiting to see just who Bowles will hire this time at OC. I was all excited about getting a couple of extra 3rd rounders but, so much for that 😞😞. The Bucs should be in better shape with the cap this year and they didn’t do to bad in the draft this pass year either. Hope with all this talent on the team Bowles don’t let is slip away being stubborn on the offensive side of the ball
January 27th, 2024 at 12:52 pm
Looks like Coach Bowles has some good candidates to choose from. With the optimism created after a good year there will be many candidates excited to get on board. 2024 should be a year the Bucs continue to improve and develop their young talent. Hoping for a great offseason.
January 27th, 2024 at 1:01 pm
we have an elite front office in licht, spytek and greenberg…
and all their people in the background, maneuvering and back channeling…
our front office is elite – that’s why we stay in the hunt
January 27th, 2024 at 1:10 pm
ian beckles’ buc talk is sorely missed on the radio…
he knows his stuff – straight from the trenches to your ear
January 27th, 2024 at 1:14 pm
FA Priorities:
– Tristan Wirfs
– Antoine Winfield
– Mike Evans
– Levonte David
Draft Priorities:
Best player available that isn’t a kicker, a punter, or destined to be a backup QB.
OL, S, CB, OLB, DL
If the best player available is a speedy, quick-twitch WR, you take them too.
January 27th, 2024 at 1:22 pm
why were so many Lion’s literally untouched?
—————
Because Baker didn’t call the right protections. On each occasion they were lined up out there alone and for some reason Baker didn’t adjust the protections. The analysts said as much
_______________________
Quit trying to sound like you know what you are talking about. When a EDGE rusher like Hutchison lines up over an OT, there “is no protection to call out.” Happened more than once when nobody touched Hutchinson. A couple of other times the backs were supposed to pick up the safety blitz and just whiffed.
—————————————
Additionally, watching the All-22 – Lions had CBs or Safety walked up on BOTH sides – when the ball was snapped, one blitzed, and the other backed into coverage. Very difficult to make the correct call in a very loud stadium when there are more men rushing than we have blocking. As for Hutchinson, he simply beat on his man like a drum…
January 27th, 2024 at 1:25 pm
@ DR
For sure.
We can only speculate on what this team’s needs will be after the free agency period is over.
I guess I am hopeful the Bucs will get all or most of our top free agents back but there is no guarantee and Canales’ departure makes everything a little less certain.
I wouldn’t mind a QB with pick #1 – Penix, Nix or MCarthy might be there when we pick at #26. But only if Baker does not return. This team has way more pressing needs over a back-up developmental project QB.
Plus – we already have Trask – wasn’t he supposed to be that developmental QB guy?
January 27th, 2024 at 1:33 pm
Joe give it up already about that timeout. They would’ve had a better chance at winning that game if they played better on special teams. Period.
January 27th, 2024 at 1:34 pm
Better than expected. Luck of draw at end. Collapse in last 5 minutes.
January 27th, 2024 at 3:34 pm
The head coach quit on his team and everyone knows it. Furthermore, as is Todd’s style, he refused to accept any accountability for the gaffe. As he also blames coaches and players for poor game plans or making the same mistakes over and over and over.
Todd is now 18-19 as Buccaneers head coach, defining himself for what we all know him to be.
Loser.
January 27th, 2024 at 3:48 pm
Totally agree. This team grew tremendously, and they have a $hit ton of never give up in them. Probably the best part of Baker, amplified by Mike, Chris, Antoine and LaVonte. That team has heart
January 28th, 2024 at 2:08 am
Wasted opportunity. Teams don’t get this close often. Dropped interception that hits you right in the hands. Champions are not made like that. Ask Teddy Bruchia (sic?) and those guys. Summer camps are suppose to take care of that. Reminiscent of loss to L.A. with bone-headed play. Need someone on the team that commands respect now that TB12 left. I dont see anyone on the roster that hold others accountable and can kick azz like Jack Lambert, Ray Lewis and other mean players use to do to their teammates who fu.
January 28th, 2024 at 3:18 am
No thanks…
I don’t need headline hunter Beclless to tell me his half %$# opinions.
I watched the games.
Go Bucs!
January 28th, 2024 at 5:52 pm
Not a fane of our fans…..