Bucs Get An A+
December 31st, 2024
Bucs must be focused like Calijah Kancey.
Boy, you don’t see this often. Maybe when Tom Brady was slinging the rock in these parts is the last time Joe saw this.
Over at CBS, John Breech does a weekly report card on each team. And Breech really, really was impressed by how the Bucs seal-clubbed the Stinking Panthers when Tampa Bay absolutely had to have a win.
Buccaneers A+
… Baker Mayfield made sure they got it. The Bucs QB went off against the Panthers, throwing for 359 yards and five touchdowns. The Bucs have a well-rounded receiving attack and they showed off against Carolina: They had four receivers who finished with at least 50 receiving yards. One of those pass-catchers was Bucky Irving, who finished with 190 total yards on just 24 touches (113 rushing yards and 77 receiving yards). The Buccaneers are a dangerous team and they now just took one small step closer to making the postseason.
And the large step comes Sunday at The Licht House. Hopefully.
Joe really doesn’t know what to make of the Bucs. Every time they have a big win, they fall flat on their face the next week.
Beat Detroit on the road and then get spanked by Denver at home by a rookie quarterback starting his third game.
Slam the Eagles and then choke away a win against the Dixie Chicks.
Curb stomp the slimy Saints and then get alley beaten by the Crows.
Bodyslam the Chargers on the road and then get MMA’ed by the Cowboys.
Since burying the Commanders and Lions in Weeks 1 and 2, each time the Bucs had a big win (yes, beating the slimy Saints is always a big win) the team cannot carry over the momentum into the next week.
That crap must end now!
December 31st, 2024 at 9:12 am
I don’t think it’s an issue this week. Saints don’t want Evans to get the 1000 and will sell out t prevent that but otherwise I think they’re playing for a draft pick more or less.
Going fwd we all know the problem is the D against decent QBs and a functional O Line. Unless Bowles has tricks up his sleeve it’ll be tough sledding against anyone who schemes the middle of the field open and protects the pocket.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:14 am
I’ve noticed this pattern for a while myself.
It definitely has to end or our playoff hopes and success will.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:17 am
But with the exception of two teams, the Broncos and the Ravens, they usually don’t get body slammed. The margin of the opponents victory is very small, often coming at the end of the game or in OT.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:18 am
This falls back on coaching…… they keep the players focused.
Since now it’s an established pattern we know for a fact that the players mentally check out for the next game thinking they’re good enough because they destroyed the last team they played.
It’s called accountability…..so when longtime fans such as myself see it…..they don’t have a Derrick Brooks or Warren Sapp keeping people “in check” on the defense….. it’s that simple.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:20 am
Joes, I think that the significance of Sunday’s game vs a very bad Saints teams which just got slammed by a bad Vegas team has to be evident to all in the Bucs’ organization, including Bowles. If the team manages to lose this game on Sunday, and the ATL backs into the playoff, then there is no rational reason why Bowles is not fired by 9AM next Monday. The coaches have to know this as do the players. Still, Bowles is renowned for letting his team come out flat in situations like this. Win and survive one more week.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:26 am
The Saints are awful. That’s the difference.
Another massive win, ME ties the record and the team will have serious momentum going into the playoffs.
A loss and a week of hand wringing by the owners.
Remember, Gruden was fired after going 9-7 and 9-7. Dungy was fired after making the playoffs.
Does Bowles know the history? Youbetyoass he does.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:29 am
I was just looking at the schedule and both the Bucs and Jags play at 1pm on Fox. That means to us fans in Orlando that we will not be able to watch comfortably from our sofas. I have not seen the coverage map yet so this is not an ironclad guarantee, but it’s pretty much a guarantee. I guess I’ll be at either the Porch or Johnny’s.
Considering the A+, I cannot disagree. Kinda funny though since I’ve gotten use to having a great offense, it felt like we started slow even though we didn’t. 27 points in the first half is great no matter who you are playing.
December 31st, 2024 at 9:48 am
The year has went the way it has but a couple of key fumbles ,, and 2 lost coin flips in OT (thanks a lot Baker lol),, we could be have done even better but the adversity has probably helped us ,, As long as we take care of business Sun , I will then root for the Vikings ,,, I think we are a very tough Matchup for the Lions ,, with all their injuries the Lions D has been rhe worst in the league the last 5 weeks ,,, we can run the ball , control the clock and outscore them! Let’s go!!!
December 31st, 2024 at 9:50 am
Angry Cohen seemed to work. Bowles shows no emotion ever. Todd makes good coordinator choices. If he keeps his job i would hire Greg Williams as DC. He is the angry bounty guy from the Aints,
December 31st, 2024 at 9:53 am
The rally duck will carry the Bucs to victory!
December 31st, 2024 at 9:58 am
A final tally of 10 and 7 isn’t bad for all the ridiculous amount of injuries we’ve had
December 31st, 2024 at 10:04 am
Excellent grade!
There does seem to be a pattern. Worrisome. Hoping the players stay away from the sports media hype too. They have to play angry again.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:10 am
TheBucsAnthem Says:
December 31st, 2024 at 9:18 am
This falls back on coaching…… they keep the players focused.
———-
To what extent is a Head Coach responsible for having his team ready to play. Are his words falling on deaf ears. Have to admit this kind of inconsistency is a direct refection of a man that holds a lifetime record of something less than .500.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:11 am
The name of the game from here on out s “STAY FOCUSED”on every play and “PROTECT THE BALL”!!! Throw in a heavy dose of ME13 and BI7!!! That should do it!!!!
December 31st, 2024 at 10:14 am
Saints want to lose for draft picks. Easy win. Only question is: Does Evans break 1000. I think he does.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:20 am
No mention of the defense in the A+ rating. I’d give the defense a C.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:27 am
I’m just glad it’s the early game. And here in Orlando we usually do get the BUCS game. I’ve only missed about one home game a year and pretty much never a road game that I can remember. Besides, our game is a playoff game really.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:30 am
The duck broke the curse. No worries
Go Bucs!!!!
December 31st, 2024 at 10:30 am
Hopefully this team has learned it’s lesson, and can put that lesson to good use.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:40 am
One of the youngest teams in the league. They are bound to have ups and downs.
Detroit has the worst defense in the league over the last five weeks. The Eagles and Vikings aren’t all that scary, either, imo. The NFC seems wide open. There will be shootouts in the playoffs and the Bucs can be right there.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:45 am
The Bucs must go 5-0 to be Super Bowl Champions. That includes a win in the season finale against the Saints.Then 4-0 against the best teams in the NFL. That is a tough task for any team. Win or lose the bucs put themselves in this position because of inconsistent play. Resting the season finale and having a first round bye only requires a 3-0 run. Still difficult but manageable. Bucs have a chance to dance and that’s what every team asks for this time of year.
December 31st, 2024 at 10:53 am
I’m in O-ville and listen to Bucs Radio religiously. Their announcers are light years better than the boob tube bozos, and quite a few are Buc fans. Now, will some ‘brain’ on here explain how a team with a wounded D won 4 in a row?? Yeah, that’s right: 4 games in a row. They are starting another streak and will beat NOLA, refs and all. I’m pulling for the Lions. That team has NEVER been in a Stupid Bowl! I call it “Stupid” cos I miss the old NFL Championship Games. I’ll be proud of a 10-7 Bucs team. They make it to the NFC Championship, I’ll be picking my pieces up off the floor. Go Bucs!!
December 31st, 2024 at 11:21 am
Not to mention a win Sunday and I’ll be able to cash my separate Bucs make the playoffs , Bucs win the division (4-1) bets ,,,, then it’s onto the big one Bucs to win the Super Bowl 90-1,,, start with a Win Sunday please
December 31st, 2024 at 12:01 pm
Does anyone know how the Orlando TV station decides which game to show (Jags or Bucs)? Is that a local, network or league decision? If local, maybe we can start a polite email campaign to point out that the Jags are playing for a set of Ginsu steak knives, while the Bucs are playing for a chance at actual hardware?
December 31st, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Getting ready to cash in my “Bucs win the division” bet (+330) from the Yahoo Sportsbook at The Venetian hotel from my Vegas trip in July!
December 31st, 2024 at 12:11 pm
Joe says ; Since burying the Commanders and Lions in Weeks 1 and 2, each time the Bucs had a big win (yes, beating the slimy Saints is always a big win) the team cannot carry over the momentum into the next week.
That crap must end now!
^^^^
The players have proven they can play with anybody but the defense coaching staff hasn’t. Granted it’s a big job to keep 53 players of differing personalities, situations and needs performing at 100% but isn’t that what the coaching staff is being paid big bucks to do ?
December 31st, 2024 at 12:17 pm
Well, let’s consider:
– Injuries had a lot of rookies on the field
– Rookies tend to need the first year to learn things and adjust to the NFL
– We had key starters off the field
– An offensive line that needed to gel (they have)
– The Bucs still managed to compete in all but what? 2 games?
That’s actually pretty amazing. And that goes on coaching as well. I’m fine with keeping Bowles…but I sure would like a DC to be brought in.
December 31st, 2024 at 12:19 pm
@Jack Burton Mercer
Gators in Baldwin Park is where I’ll watch the game. I sold my tickets to a buddy (who is a Bucs fan).
December 31st, 2024 at 12:20 pm
orlbucfan Says
“I’m in O-ville and listen to Bucs Radio religiously. Their announcers are light years better than the boob tube bozos…”
I cut the cable this year, went out and bought a good digital antenna for local stations…and it turns out they are now longer available except for news.
So after years of only TV, I returned to radio listening. Gene is the bomb.
December 31st, 2024 at 12:22 pm
I think that, after being booted out of first place for a week, it taught the younger players a big lesson. There will be no loafing this week.
December 31st, 2024 at 12:28 pm
This just bizarre to me… Ive played sports up until the collegiate level… never needed my coach to keep me focused….
December 31st, 2024 at 12:43 pm
ManzielMadness Says:
December 31st, 2024 at 12:28 pm
This just bizarre to me… Ive played sports up until the collegiate level… never needed my coach to keep me focused….
^^^^
Well aren’t you special !?
“up until the collegiate level”
December 31st, 2024 at 1:20 pm
The game won’t be on in the Orlando market?? Ughhhh.
That is utter bull$hyt.
December 31st, 2024 at 1:28 pm
@RVA TOM: I know what the RVA stands for. I live here too.
December 31st, 2024 at 1:43 pm
While watching Sunday’s game I couldn’t help but to think what mighta been had they had better coaching on Defense, & during certain ‘big-time’ moments in a handful of their games. It just had that feeling of being such a waste. And, it really will be all for nothing, if we lose Cohen this off-season. We’ll see how it all plays out, but in the end, you have to make ‘bold moves’ sometimes, in order to get over the hump. Depending on the matchups, I just have a real hard-time seeing this team advancing through the Playoffs. Honestly, I don’t believe anyone would be completely shocked to see them lay an egg this weekend, and lose to the Saints. Also, would not be shocked to see the Panthers knock-off the Falcons, either. Literally, ANYTHING can happen.
December 31st, 2024 at 1:57 pm
If letting go of Bowles means keeping Cohen , please make this happen Jason Licht, you cannot let a Matt LaFleur or a Kevin O Donnell type Coordinator leave, his Offense is averaging 28.8ppg . He comes from same coaching tree under McVay.There is no way we keep getting lucky enough to keep finding these great O coordinators. Then we end up with a bad Offense and Defense. Our Defense can’t get much worse than it is now , don’t keep saddling a dead horse
December 31st, 2024 at 2:05 pm
I would bet on the Orlando Market showing the Bucs Game. It just doesn’t make sense on any level, to show the JAGS Game. The NFL is usually pretty good at what they do and will make the correct decision for everybody. I would be shocked actually, if they don’t.
December 31st, 2024 at 2:05 pm
On to the Stupor Bowl! Ducks rule
December 31st, 2024 at 2:13 pm
Yeah (was also thinking this on Sunday), you already have a Conference with LaFleur, O’Connell, Campbell, McVay, Shanahan, soon to be Ben Johnson (Bears?), Kingsbury (WSH-OC)… We have our guy now, & cannot afford to lose him.
December 31st, 2024 at 2:28 pm
huge opportunity for joe today. TheAthletic has a pro-Leftwich take on the front page today, and it’s getting a ton of support, albeit from people outside tampa bay for the most part. time to set the national sports media straight on this “coach” who is stuck in the past and beyond advising
December 31st, 2024 at 2:34 pm
The 506 website usually comes out with the maps first and also updates changes when they do occur. I will guess that Fox will have the Bucs Saints for the Fort Myers, Tampa, Tallahassee, Panama City and Pensacola-Mobile markets while they will have the Jags/Colts on in Gainesville and Jacksonville. Miami and Palm Beach usually get something that does not include the Bucs so I guess they will get Washington/Dallas. Orlando is the wild card, they should get the Bucs but often do get the Jags instead for whatever reason, maybe getting you guys up in Daytona Beach/Orlando ready for the Jags moving into the Citrus Bowl while the Gator Bowl is being renovated unless Kahn manages to get more than 2 games in London over the 2 years the renovation will take. For the late game everyone will have to suffer through the Fins playing the Jets on Fox or go watch KC/Denver on CBS……..
December 31st, 2024 at 3:14 pm
A- maybe
A+ is perfect, no room for improvement.
December 31st, 2024 at 4:04 pm
A+ against an inconsistent and injury-prone team who have mailed it in and are playing for a higher draft spot. Do not listen to these A+ report cards. The defense is still inconsistent against top tier talent/teams and they’re like a chameleon. You never know which defense will show up.
Do not get complacent, go and drag the Saints through the mud all game long and stomp on em at the end.
December 31st, 2024 at 6:05 pm
Typical Melvin post his name says it all MELVIN
December 31st, 2024 at 6:10 pm
All u guys keep posting our game will get blacked out on this station that station or whatever u r complaining about go buy a superbox & u will never miss any game ever & there is no Xtra charges u guys the box for 250.00 have internet service & that’s all it takes no other charges ever it blew my mind 4 years ago when I bought my 1st 1 it’s awesome
December 31st, 2024 at 9:35 pm
“Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
December 31st, 2024 at 12:22 pm
I think that, after being booted out of first place for a week, it taught the younger players a big lesson. There will be no loafing this week”
Hopefully that Dallas game was a lesson learned and this young team can have the correct mind frame going into the Dance.
January 1st, 2025 at 10:27 am
@ModHairKen: Gruden got fired because [Chucky got fired because he wouldn’t draft a franchise quarterback which Team Glazer wanted. Depending who you believe, Chucky’s after-the-season meeting with Team Glazer got heated over this subject and before the afternoon was over he and Bruce Almighty were unemployed. As for Kiffin, what you typed is nonsense. Kiffin told the Bucs months before the season his desire to coach with his son, Lane. When Lane got canned by the Raiders and he was interviewing with colleges, he was shopping himself as a package deal: “Hire me and I bring my dad as defensive coordinator.” Lane interviewed for the Clemson gig which eventually went to Dabo Swinney. Joe wrote about all of this when it happened as Joe’s source was on Clemson’s hiring committee and was in the room during Lane Kiffin’s interview. All of this is in Joe’s (free) archives.” — Joe].
Dungy got the boot because we kept getting waxed by Philly and the offense was held to account like the defense. Plus, the repeated 3-4 starts. [Father Dungy got the boot because he refused to use a late-20th Century offense despite repeated pleas from Team Glazer. — Joe]
1998: Start 3-4, finish 8-8 (miss playoffs)
1999: Start 3-4, finish 11-5 (win NFC Central, lose NFC title to St.Louis)
2000: Start 3-4, finish 10-6 (get #5 wildcard, lose at Philly)
2001: Start 3-4, finish 9-7 (get #6 wildcard, lose at Philly)
[The moral to this story? If Team Glazer has to ask a coach to do something twice and he doesn’t do it, don’t be shocked if your keycard access to One Buc Palace has been denied. — Joe]