Selling
December 24th, 2024
Soured on Bucs.
Hey, can you hear it? Joe still can. Hell, we all heard it just three days ago. All Bucs fans.
“You don’t want to play this team in the playoffs.”
That was the rallying cry from all the talking heads and the hollering shows on national sports TV and radio shows last week after the Bucs curb-stomped the Chargers.
The Bucs were the hot team. They can make a run, the folks chattered. Baker Mayfield, Todd Bowles, Mike Evans, Bucky Irving. They’ve got it going on.
Oh, they sure did. They walked into Dallas and then asked the towel boys for gallons of bleach so they could clean off the shat from their pants and shoes.
The Bucs strutted into Big-D like the new bullies on the block. They left asking homeless for loose dimes and nickels because they had their lunch money (and touchdowns) stolen from the clutches of their own mitts.
Jeffri Chadiha of NFL.com is now done with the Bucs. In a column where he buys or sells contender chances for 19 NFL teams still with playoff hopes, Chadiha is washing his hands of Tampa Bay.
Chadiha saw all he needed to see Sunday night when the Bucs had their playoff hopes on the line.
When it comes to the Bucs and a playoff run, Chadiha is selling.
The Buccaneers did the one thing they could ill-afford to do this weekend: lose a winnable game. In falling to Dallas on Sunday night, Tampa Bay dropped into a first-place tie with Atlanta, which does the Buccaneers no good since Atlanta owns the tiebreaker on the strength of winning both games between the two teams. The Bucs finish with an easier schedule — they’ll face the Panthers and Saints — but they no longer control their destiny. They need Atlanta to lose somewhere in the next two weeks.
Joe was a believer after watching the Bucs take apart the Chargers. After Sunday night, well, Joe doesn’t trust this team.
How is Joe supposed to trust a team that on national television against an oppoinent just eliminated from the playoffs with a backup quarterback, would play so sloppy and get called out by its head coach for poor fundamentals — the core responsiblity of that same coach.
The Bucs may still win the division, but Joe doesn’t know which team will show up.
Will it be the team that alley-beat the Chargers or the team that puked all over themselves and got pistol-whipped by the Cowboys?
December 24th, 2024 at 4:04 am
This could be a really good team next year if we trade for an edge rusher and draft defense. Need a linebacker and hope lvd wants to suit up for 1 more year. Vital coen is kept at all costs – bowles fails to make playoffs and he will have to go.
Merry Christmas Joes and all Bucs fans around the world!
December 24th, 2024 at 4:42 am
I don’t understand why so many people thought the Bucs was ready for the playoffs. The Bucs have been inconsistent the pass 2 years. The minute they blew out San Diego my thoughts were they gonna lose in Dallas Hell the Bucs had to go to OT to beat the Panthers, a team who had 2 wins at the time. It was the same thing last year. Although I just wasn’t a fan of Canales and his offense the Bucs at the end of the season should have been better
December 24th, 2024 at 4:55 am
It is up to the Falcons?
December 24th, 2024 at 4:58 am
Good morning steven#55 I really don’t think bringing a top edge rusher or CB is gonna help my opinion is and opinions or rear ends, everybody has one but, over the pass 2 years we have had multiple DEs and CBs yet it’s the same resort, inconsistency, they start to play well and we think we have a star then, the same as Sunday night they play like crap. I think if Bowles is the keep his job he is gonna have to replace some of his position coaches especially on defense. In other words I think it’s a position coach problem. Again that’s my opinion and as I said earlier, opinions are like rear ends, everybody has one
December 24th, 2024 at 5:03 am
I do think the Falcons will lose to the Commandos but do we have enough confidence the Bucs will win out. 2 very winnable games but I just don’t have confidence in the Bucs
December 24th, 2024 at 5:15 am
Pahpahmike, Bowles is very loyal to his defensive staff, he will not fire them willingly. I understand it is a similar dynamic to what Koetter had with Mike Smith, loyal to a fault and it took an intervention from OBP for Koetter to launch Smitty and then he was gone a few months later. The clock management issues, timeouts, and not going for 2 in KC are on Bowles as is the team going “turtle” in the ATL. If the Bucs do not win out, I do not see the Bucs keeping him. Anyhow it is evident that as long as Bowles is coach, the Bucs will not win many prime time games, I guess the last game the Bucs won with a national audience is the playoff game vs a crippled Philly club. Only playing the one home game on prime time and 3 on the road did not help either. Thanks to the team’s inability to win a prime time game now the Bucs need a loss by the ATL on Sunday night or a loss by Washington the next week vs the same Dallas team that outplayed the Bucs while the Bucs do not lose to Canales and the Saints. Kind of a long shot IMHO. Perhaps it is time to turn the page and go in a new direction at the helm. Merry Christmas Buc fans, perhaps 2025 will bring a new beginning for the coaching staff with accountability and less ineptitude.
December 24th, 2024 at 5:32 am
Bowles is the best NFL coach ever. It’s obvious that every single player he’s ever coached just sucked. Right, Todd?
December 24th, 2024 at 5:56 am
We all knew how this would go when he gifted Bowles the franchise. At least we got a home win in the Super Bowl out of it!
December 24th, 2024 at 6:00 am
That Chadiha article does raise a lot of scrutiny. He is also selling the Commanders, Falcons, Bengals, and other teams.
Hoping to see the powerhouse Bucs on the field and win both games. There aren’t any reasons why we should lose these two games. They are must wins. In the same breath, Falcons need to lose to the Commanders. The Bucs can do this.
December 24th, 2024 at 6:29 am
Just need to beat Carolina and we will be ok ,,, The saints looked worse than the Giants last night (how is that possible) ,, so we win both and hope and pray that
A) Atlanta loses to Washington or
B) if ATL beats Washington (God forbid) then in the final week we need either Atl to lose to CAROLINA OR Washing to lay an egg in big D like we did
December 24th, 2024 at 6:55 am
IT wasn’t our day. Many teams in the league are losing games because of injuries and being forced to insert inexperienced players. While some of our starters also made mistakes the new players got a taste of what its like to go all out for a win and hopefully it will help them grow. Baker wasn’t very comfortable in the first half due the pressure the cowboys sent after him and Wirfs trying to play through his ankle injury. Bowles was forced into a desperate decision to play him in part because he wasn’t aggressive enough earlier in the season, especially
against the chiefs. If they had won then he could have an extra cushion to rest Wirfs and gone with a different blocking scheme.
December 24th, 2024 at 6:59 am
As long as Todd Bowles is the head coach, this team will be a schizo .500 team.
He defines NFL mediocrity.
I do not understand why casuals expect anything different.
I may be in the minority but I am not at all surprised this team was not prepared for the Cowboys, much less keying that egg…
December 24th, 2024 at 7:06 am
I spotted LVD missing plays the first half. I think Father Time is clutching at him a bit.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:12 am
Cobraboy –
Respectfully, the Bucs played pretty well. We had some ref calls and non calls that were not inaccurate. The Cowboys definitely did their homework, but we almost won that game.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:23 am
While I do think the Bucs should have been able to win that game, we shouldn’t forget that the Cowboys have some solid and even stud players and were favorites to make the playoffs this year.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:34 am
Clueless Todd has to go. He’s no head coach. He’s the 30th ranked D coordinator in the league on his best day. When the Bucs fire him he’ll never coach again. Dungy Stubborn, Schiano Stupid.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:39 am
3 plays –
Shepard catches the ball
Russell catches the ball
McMillan holds onto the ball.
-1 player past his prime
1 player on field due to injuries
1 player a rookie learning the NFL the hard way
A tough loss for a no quit team that deserves better from its fans.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:55 am
@heyjude: if the Bucs were all that, if they had been prepared, the game would not be close.
Casuals make excuses.
Yhey did not “almost win.” They got behind early and stayed behind. And made Jerry’s Boys look like Division winners.
McCarthy > Bowles.
Enjoy your .500.
December 24th, 2024 at 7:57 am
Alanbucsfan. Spot on. The difference between average and greatness is the great teams make those plays in critical games.
This team is slightly above average. But not good. The roster has many journeymen.
Bowles is a nice guy. The players like him. But they are also mostly just slightly above average.
Any fan of this team in the mid to late 90s has seen this before but with better talent.
December 24th, 2024 at 8:00 am
To be honest losing so many starters on offense and defense and still just barely trickling some of the guys back in. making the playoffs was going to be getting the cake; going through the playoffs,a win would the icing and getting to taste it. There was really no true super bowl hopes to start season. but, this team made us believe it possible. to see what this team can do against great adversity this team has done a lot even if they fall short this season I cannot wait for the next coming saeson back fully healthier, better mind of things, hopefully keeping Cohen, and yes some more great draft picks. But don’t get me wrong as much as I’m waiting on that next season I haven’t given up on him on this one and I bet you they haven’t either see you in the playoffs let’s go Tampa Bay
December 24th, 2024 at 8:04 am
Cobraboy – I think a lot of it does have to do with the Bucs and night games. Possibly they could practice at night more on the field. Have an entirely new routine before a night game. Stick with the hurry up. Not enjoying the .500, just trying to still be optimist too.
December 24th, 2024 at 8:08 am
It’s going to be a Cybil type of team until Jason and the Glazers have seen enough, like we have.
December 24th, 2024 at 8:29 am
Still embarrassed. Keep us off of national tv.
December 24th, 2024 at 8:54 am
So how many winnable games have the Bucs lead by toilet bowls already list this season? I have no confidence they’ll win the next 2 “winnable “ games.
December 24th, 2024 at 9:19 am
Don’t be disrespectful to Todd. No need to call him toilet bowl. He’s a lovely person. Keep your comments professional.
December 24th, 2024 at 9:21 am
Just another overreaction Tuesday. San Diego did not alter the flaws on the Buccaneers roster. Still Dallas was lucky to win. Everyone is hopping on the Atlanta bandwagon now. I don’t see that Washington coach losing to the team that fired him, though the last-second emotional win over the Eagles has me concerned.
December 24th, 2024 at 9:24 am
Last 6 years as a HC
Jets: 14-36
Bucs: 25-24
Bowles is what he is – a career loser.
December 24th, 2024 at 9:27 am
Almost the exact same Catch-22 as last season. Wobbly, lucky and on occasion pretty good. Will Bowles do just enough…accidentally…to remain employed?
I predict a nut kickin’ loss to The Panthers and a meaningless “win” over The flailing Taints. Will that be enough to keep The Bowles? Who knows. I sure wouldn’t have minded a Belichick swap out with Coen remaining in place.
December 24th, 2024 at 9:51 am
When you’re lead by a mentally weak individual such as Todd Bowles, these types of things happen. And it’s been happening since Todd has taken over. He just isn’t head coaching material. His records show that.
Typical Bucs organization. Square peg, round hole. Keep pounding away!
December 24th, 2024 at 9:52 am
Todd = Jeff Fisher
Destined for middling mediocrity so long as he is the HC
December 24th, 2024 at 10:41 am
Anybody who posts anything about “Well, if player X would’ve held on to the ball” is embarrassing themselves.
December 24th, 2024 at 10:43 am
Anybody who says “We ALMOST won that game” is an embarrassment.
December 24th, 2024 at 10:45 am
This team will be a .500 team max regardless of talent as long as todd is running the defense and making the calls.
December 24th, 2024 at 10:46 am
Getting bailed out by a wasteland division his whole tenure
December 24th, 2024 at 10:46 am
Now that we have a truly great offensive coach, Bowels is truly holding this team back.
December 24th, 2024 at 11:01 am
The difference is in the Cowboy game, the horrific defense let the Cowboys score so often it put the Bucs offense in such a difficult position of playing way behind…
At least the offense put up enough points they almost pulled out a win BUT Bowels and his super soft defense kept them in the losing position!….
Bowels is the weakest link causing the Bucs to squander such talented players youthful years!
December 24th, 2024 at 11:03 am
@heyjyde: now night games is your excuse?
You must think NFL players are that mentally weak.
Enjoy your perpetual .500.
December 24th, 2024 at 11:10 am
Steven #55 Says:
December 24th, 2024 at 4:04 am
This could be a really good team next year if we trade for an edge rusher and draft defense. Need a linebacker and hope lvd wants to suit up for 1 more year. Vital coen is kept at all costs – bowles fails to make playoffs and he will have to go.
Merry Christmas Joes and all Bucs fans around the world!
====================================
What Steve #55 says here is way to sensible. What is he doing on this website? Yes, Steve #55, if anyone cares I have been promoting for months trading 2025 1 and 2 to the Browns for Myles Garrett who is dissatisfied with the Browns continuing ineptness.
December 24th, 2024 at 11:14 am
At this point, not sure the Bucs could even beat the Saints. Absolutely no Bucs game is guaranteed or likely. Every game with this team is a toss up jump ball. It does not bode well that the Bucs are favored over the Panthers–that is a negative.
December 24th, 2024 at 11:29 am
Where is all the bowles lovers .. he admitted poor fundamentals and tackling. Is that not coaching? Every game is a crap shoot with bowles . We have lost 3 games due to coaching
December 24th, 2024 at 11:34 am
Gipper…”I have been promoting for months trading 2025 1 and 2 to the Browns for Myles Garrett who is dissatisfied with the Browns continuing ineptness.”
At first I thought that was a stupid idea. Another Logan Hall type episode and Miles Garret is out for the year and #1 and #2 picks are in the trash can. Then I thought about our recent “premium picks” like Braswell, JTS, Hall and I think trash can anyway. We obviously need an edge rusher and we obviously can’t draft/develop one so maybe Gipper is correct. Go out and get someone already developed.
December 24th, 2024 at 12:04 pm
This team always seems so quick to buy into its own hype. Which, seems to be a problem with discipline and lack of coaching and echoes what Bowles said himself about missing fundamentals. We’ve heard similar comments from Yaya and others in the past about this team getting too cocky when they start to get some national love. They play their best when they embrace that underdog mindset and I don’t think Bowles instills that toughness on a consistent basis that is needed.
December 24th, 2024 at 12:21 pm
Fly to la. Win. Fly home. Fly to Dallas. Nearly win . We will be in first place next Sunday night. 10-7. With a first place schedule. With injuries all year. Competitive in every game. These close losses become wins next year as the youngsters mature. Priority one is keeping Liam. My Gus’s is we host Green Bay.
December 24th, 2024 at 12:43 pm
Anyone who thought the Bucs were suddenly the hottest team in football after the chargers game is a fool.
I told y’all all week long they were gonna lay an egg and let’s us down. It’s the Denver game part 2.
This team is inconsistent and simply not clutch. They don’t rise to the occasion and seize the moment, they come out flat and and uninspired. The only thing consistent about Todd Bowles teams is their inconsistency.
December 24th, 2024 at 2:11 pm
Let em bake: “Nearly winning” is LOSING. Anybody who thinks nearly winning counts for anything has a loser mentality.
December 24th, 2024 at 2:38 pm
Deadwood South Dakota Says:
December 24th, 2024 at 11:29 am
Where is all the bowles lovers .. he admitted poor fundamentals and tackling. Is that not coaching? Every game is a crap shoot with bowles . We have lost 3 games due to coaching
=====================================
Neither Bowles or anyone else is going to make a group of poor defenders better defenders. Half the defense that started the other night will be GONE in 2025. Simple fact is that half of those guys that started on defense could not make the Cowboys team. Fans may not want to hear it, but it is the truth.
December 24th, 2024 at 2:49 pm
I don’t know if there are words to describe it, it’s like they never played a game together at times. And I’ll see you Wednesday ? Walkthroughs should have been out with all the mistakes and the time of season. The fairytale is over and if you think everybody’s pissed now wait till we get the ole playoffs what playoffs did you say playoffs ?? Ha ha.. I’m at a loss. Glasers might have to disregard Arians words and make a real sound decision with the coach. And big papa Bill is at UNC. Coen could do it but he’s going to need help. Merry Christmas to all!! Come On Bucs, the kid in Washington has your back!! Penix and Jayden may be like a mini Superbowl of the rookie QBs.
December 24th, 2024 at 4:59 pm
Bowels will NEVER be more than a .500 HC. Talent be damned he’s gonna sht the bed with his inability to make adjustments on the fly or have his team prepared in the biggest moments.
December 24th, 2024 at 6:54 pm
Gipper: Do you think other NFL teams with good defenses have stars at every position? Some have more talent than the Bucs, yes, but also they’re not TROTTING GUYS OUT EVERY WEEK AS STARTERS THAT SHOULDN’T EVEN BE IN THE NFL, SUCH AS JTS. That’s failed coaching.
December 24th, 2024 at 6:58 pm
We’re just terrible. Get your hopes up then crash! Need Brady mentality. Details!!!!
December 24th, 2024 at 8:18 pm
What’s the word on the Glazers? Are they buyers or sellers? Hopefully they will be selling a Head Coach and buying another one.