Bobby Wagner And The Bucs
January 26th, 2025
Joe brings this up for three distinct reasons.
Future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner will be on the field today leading the Washington defense in Philadelphia. At 34 years old, six months younger than Lavonte David, Wagner has had another stellar season.
In 2022, Wagner was with the Rams. Last year, he was back in Seattle. This season? Washington on a one-year contract for $6.5 million.
What about next season? Is Tampa a possibility for a win-now team desperate at inside linebacker?
What triggered Joe about this, aside from the K.J. Britt/J.J. Russell experience, is a Commanders mic’d up segment tracking Wagner after his team beat the Bucs two weeks ago. Wagner, seemingly panicked that he couldn’t find Lavonte David, was asking Rachaad White if David is ok.
Joe knows David and Wagner are close. David says they talk regularly and Wagner is on record explaining that David is an underappreciated Hall of Famer.
Might Wagner decide to move on again this offseason and desire to play with his good friend?
Stranger things have happened.
Again, Joe believes the Bucs are approaching the 2025 season with a win-now mentality and will choose to use their limited free agency cash on defense after retaining in-house players.
Ira Kaufman Debates Liam Coen Blame, Talks Replacements, Baker Mayfield Power, Fans & Todd Bowles, And More
January 26th, 2025 at 9:40 am
Wagner and LVD, thats kind of exciting to think about.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:42 am
Jihaad Campbell.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:46 am
I wouldn’t have a problem with that
January 26th, 2025 at 9:51 am
Last I checked, the Bucs only have around 2 Million or so towards the cap for 2025. Not sure how that would work or even if the Bucs are looking for players (not our own) that are at the end of their careers. I’m on the Licht bandwagon though for making things happen.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:59 am
Hope he doesn’t want to wear #54
January 26th, 2025 at 10:12 am
Edge, CB and LB Bucs need to draft one & sign one (from outside the organization)at the minimum. LVD & Wagner mentoring a rookie & Dennis would be nice
January 26th, 2025 at 10:21 am
Obviously a stop gap measure but it could certainly be effective.
It’s not hard to imagine two old warriors with mutual respect having a great season together…maybe two? Then….
And of course we could always hope for two more London Fletchers!!! He played very effectively until he was 38!!!
Fletcher finished his career having played in 256 consecutive games and starting 215 consecutive games, which is the NFL all-time record of consecutive starts at the linebacker position.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:29 am
Give him 45 and show nimrod what he could have been. As for cap room, the team is near the end of purgatory. A couple of maneuvers is all that’s needed for a win this year approach while still leaving flexibility for 2026.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:35 am
Do it
January 26th, 2025 at 10:39 am
How much cap space can we save cutting Dean? Dean is soft.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:49 am
I think it makes the most sense in the NFL for him and LVD to play next season together in TB. Think all NFL fans would agree. These two are (2) of the greatest LBs of all time.To see them both playing next to each other would be a huge disaster for opposing teams. You know them we got Winfield , Vita , Kancey , and YaYa. This team has some needs for sure still, but we could be a SB contender legitimately next season with a strong offseason and defensive draft.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:51 am
We wouldn’t just cut Dean I don’t think.
More likely to trade him than anything I think.
I believe if we did cut him they said it frees up $10 million dollars though.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:52 am
@ThatAintRight
Super observation. A chance for one season at least to watch two of the very best LB’s of their generation getting a chance to play side by side!
January 26th, 2025 at 11:09 am
I have been hoping the Bucs would land him since he left Seattle. If they could land him I would still draft an ILB. With the Commanders making a deep run though I doubt he leaves them.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:23 am
Would he want to rejoin Pete Carroll?
January 26th, 2025 at 11:23 am
Whatever it take to get past the first game of the playoffs. Go get D Brooks if we can get to conference final game ( LOL)
January 26th, 2025 at 11:24 am
Yep because what the Bucs need is two linebackers that have instincts, can hit and blitz but not cover at all. It’s time to move on with free agency moves if you can’t your guy in the draft like we did with lavonte
January 26th, 2025 at 11:27 am
Nope…let’s draft a top ILB….the next LVD to play with SVD
January 26th, 2025 at 11:27 am
No way. Too old. Bucs need an infusion at inside linebacker. 2-3 Veteran free agents and a 2 round pick. Nobody this old at LB. Hard pass.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:43 am
I wanted us to sign Wagner LAST year. Would have been beyond awesome to have those 2 dudes side by side
January 26th, 2025 at 11:49 am
watch daddy is right. jihaad campbell.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:52 am
This would be fantastic. I imagine Wagner would need some questions answered about the defensive scheme and what are the plans to tighten it up against the pass. Like most of us.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:55 am
Bowles is probably in a win or be fired situation, but adding an older LB for 6m isn’t a great bet, especially if you are trying to build depth.
Father time is undefeated. Wagner and LVD are near or at the end. Young guys need to play so we don’t go into 2026 with an inexperienced LB corps.
Again, this is how much keeping Bowles is handcuffing the franchise. He’s trying to hang on to his job, so the future of the team isn’t a priority.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
I disagree. Wagner is not your average older LB. He’s still playing at a high level. In a win now situation. You highly unlikely you are going to draft someone playing at Wagners level. This is the type of Vet you should take a risk on.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
After Baker trucked him!?
Haha jk, would gladly take Wagner and a first or 2nd round rookie (Campbell/Paul Jr.). Lavonte comes back and Dennis can stay healthy for more than 3 games, our ILB position would be fixed for 1 year. Then would have to use the salary of Lavonte and Bobby to buy a high priced FA for 2026.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:30 pm
Barrett Carter, Chris Paul Jr., Lander Barton, Jack Kiser, Nick Martin, and Kobe King are all available and are solid draft choices. I believe Nick Martin could be the steal of the draft, depending on how he recovers from his knee injury and whether he can stay healthy moving forward. Don’t sleep on Chris Paul Jr or Lander Barton I feel either but again what do I know… Point is let’s not get another guy that’s gone in a year let’s build toward the future.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
I’d be fine with signing Wagner and drafting a guy in the early rounds. SVD is a potato chip.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:35 pm
I think Washington will keep their team intact as much as possible
January 26th, 2025 at 12:40 pm
nice! I would love that!
January 26th, 2025 at 12:52 pm
It doesn’t matter who you bring in or draft on defense.
The scheme is lousy and the HC is a moron.
We’re watching the Glazers be willing to throw away next season and possibly more.
Don’t be shocked when they give Bowles an extension before the season starts.
They have figured out that they can do as little as possible without needing to really try to win a title.
Wash. Rinse, Repeat. 28-27
January 26th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
How the heck is LVD a potato chip? Because he got injured in the last game of our season??? Some of you dudes need to stop posting when you allow drivel like that to leave your brain pans!
Wagner would definitely be an extreme upgrade over Britt who should go back to college ball. Probably any Lb would be an upgrade over that dude
January 26th, 2025 at 1:01 pm
He meant SVD is a potato chip
January 26th, 2025 at 1:03 pm
He’s over the hill. You could see it in our playoff game. He came out real hyped and strong for about 5 plays. Then we started beating him up and the run game opened up.
We should focus on diamonds in the rough, which is Bowles specialty
January 26th, 2025 at 1:19 pm
Before contract restructures and roster moves, Washington sits around $90 million in cap space—currently the third-most in the league. If they’re serious about keeping him, as their praise suggests, I’d shift my focus to Zach Baun in Philadelphia. Dude’s finally putting it all together and having an outstanding season.
January 26th, 2025 at 1:21 pm
With such a significant void at the position, addressing linebacker depth remains a priority. Even with potential signings, the team should still look to draft one or two linebackers to ensure long-term stability and competition.
January 26th, 2025 at 1:23 pm
70 years worth of LBs. Last of the breed. The NFL will have 9 DBs before long.
January 26th, 2025 at 1:38 pm
BallHawk75 Says:
Wash. Rinse, Repeat.
Ball hawks my guy and 100% accurate so place ya bet. might as well make some money to ease your sorrow. They think you have to have an elite player at each position to have a good defense but then again Bowles didn’t hire teachers and that’s not his job anymore. no denying it though if any scheme that drops a nose tackle in coverage it sucks.
January 26th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
Jenna Laine
Jul 28, 2020, 05:48 PM
While Davidson served as the chief negotiator of contracts with the Jets — including rewarding Darrelle Revis with a $70 million contract in 2015 — her job in Tampa will be to oversee research and analytics, although it won’t be exclusively analytics — she’s savvy with X’s and O’s and she will assist Licht and director of football administration Mike Greenberg with the salary cap and with contracts.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:01 pm
Linebacker Prospects to Watch
No doubt Jihaad Campbell and Barrett Carter deserve recognition, but here are some under-the-radar prospects that Jason Licht and his team should consider.
Late-Round Prospects
Jay Higgins – 6’2″, 232 lbs
*High football IQ, elite eye discipline, disciplined zone drops
Cody Lindenberg – 6’3″, 240 lbs
*Elite pre-snap recognition, natural stack-and-shed ability
Dariel Djabome – 6’2″, 240 lbs
*High football IQ, versatile in run and pass coverage
Honorable Mentions
*Nick Morris Jr.
*Nick Jackson
January 26th, 2025 at 2:08 pm
I was just telling my wife before this article, how great it would be to bring in BW to play with Lavonte. To have them play together along with having LVD and Wagner mentor two ILB rookies. We need ILBs with superior cover skills like Brian Urlacher who was a safety turned LB.
Need three total for the future including Dennis. I worry about his shoulders. Can’t count on him staying healthy. Britt needs to go.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:13 pm
Need to find someone younger. Wagner, and David are on their last legs. Both would need to miss to much practice time do to Vets days off. This defense needs all the players practicing every day, not when their bodies allow them to.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:21 pm
Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman, a second team all-American, is projected to be a middle to late third round pick. If he were to slip to fourth or fifth round, he would be one to build a team’s linebacker group around.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
It’s delusions as if that draft won’t yield a Braswell or JTS like impact in the first year. Go all in Dre greenlaw or Zach baun then draft a guy. I’m tired of the excuses every year go get some premier players at linebacker and edge or corner.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:28 pm
Draft two ILBs with 2nd and 5th round picks. With SVD we will have our three going forward. Who better than LVD and Wagner to mentor them.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
We can’t afford much in FA. Need to resign Chris Godwin. I do like Zach Baub.
January 26th, 2025 at 2:31 pm
Baun
January 26th, 2025 at 2:46 pm
Baun for sure!
January 26th, 2025 at 3:01 pm
Bucs need speed at LB, can Wagner still run like David?
January 26th, 2025 at 3:04 pm
If Baker doesn’t choke and fumble the ball, it’s the Bucs playing today.
January 26th, 2025 at 3:11 pm
Not ideal given their collective ages, but as long as we bring in younger guys to shadow them I’m ok with it. Hoping Sir Dennis can find a way to stay healthy.
January 26th, 2025 at 3:22 pm
Vinnie and the Bucs
January 26th, 2025 at 3:39 pm
This Eagles defense is a complete and total joke – they STILL haven’t forced a punt! I don’t care if they’ve only allowed 3 points or they’re winning by 11, the most important stat in football is forced punts!
January 26th, 2025 at 3:47 pm
Old cats doing new tricks LFG
January 26th, 2025 at 3:47 pm
I think David and him could do well for one season.
January 26th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Wagner looks awful so far in this Eagles game
January 26th, 2025 at 3:55 pm
Hey Munch, they are #1 defense in NFL, i dislike them very much, but dont be so stupid . Ballhawk 75 got it right, the Bucs scheme and head coach are morons.The real problem is Toilet Bowles, he will never win anything except maybe a 12 and under girls soccer game.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Need to get younger and faster on defense. Don’t keep bringing in old guys
January 26th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
RASH – If you love the Eagles so much, why don’t marry them!
Also, so much for your beloved #1 defense.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Geeze, it must have been like Christmas came a second time for Rod Munch Munch when Baker fumbled, give it a rest. If you’ve got such a problem with Baker being our QB, who and how do you propose moving on from him for??
January 26th, 2025 at 4:04 pm
Brian Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:00 pm
Need to get younger and faster on defense. Don’t keep bringing in old guys
——
All depends on speed.
If Wagner can ran, and stays healthy, great, target him.
Putting too-slow for the NFL slobs like Britt on the field was a complete disaster.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:11 pm
This draft needs to be about the Inside Linebacker position.
In the first round, take Jihaad Campbell from Alabama. He is a premier three down linebacker, but he is also a premier Edge rusher; the Bucs get 2 for 1 at their two greatest positions of need. By his draft profile, he is taller (6’3″ vs 6’1″), heavier (244 vs 233 – stronger?) and faster (4.52 vs 4.65) than Lavonte David was. His physical profile is a close match to Mike Green who has been mocked to the Bucs as a first round Edge Defender, but Campbell has a much broader skill set. Campbell would be an upgrade from Britt on running downs, and he would be an upgrade from JTS on passing downs.
In the third round (or second), the Bucs should take Smael Mondon from Georgia. By his draft profile, he is 6’3″, 235 and runs 4.46. He would eventually replace David with similar weight/strength and more height and speed. With his speed and length, he can move around to Nickel Cornerback or Safety on any given play making him a master of disguise.
A healthy SirVocea Dennis would be useful for plays when Campbell shifts to Edge Rusher. Add the things that Izien and Tykee Smith can do as far as disguising coverages and blitzes with Campbell and Mondon, and the Bucs get a multiidimensional upgrade.
Second round (or third), the Bucs should add a pocket pushing Defensive End or an Edge Defender.
Free agency should be used to get some quality DB depth and some guys on 1 year prove it deals.
The Bucs found gold for the offense in the fourth round with Bucky, so take a shot.
The Bucs found either silver or gold with Zyon McCollum in the fifth round, so take a shot.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:14 pm
I hate the Eagles, but watching Lattimore get embarrassed is always fun. One of the most overrated players ever. All the boring fake news idiots in media would talk about him ‘shutting down’ Evans because Evans only had a 4-43-1 line – meanwhile they’d ignore the 45 yards in pass interference calls.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
So AJ Brown can do the the first down point but McMilan cant??
NFL refs hate us
January 26th, 2025 at 4:17 pm
toopanca Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:11 pm
This draft needs to be about the Inside Linebacker position.
——–
I’d be for taking a physical freak at ILB, but the Bucs have numerous holes on defense and you can generally find top tier ILB’s in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. But I’m OK with going early if there is a must have guy out there. In fact, they really need two speed demons at ILB since David isn’t going to play forever, and if he goes, I don’t want to bet the season on Dennis being able to stay healthy.
But you also need corner depth, another starting safety, and you always need edge and defensive line depth.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Tbbucs3 Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:15 pm
So AJ Brown can do the the first down point but McMilan cant??
NFL refs hate us
——–
But McMillan did a terrorist act, all children in America were traumatized by what some thought might be ‘finger guns’, which literally kill millions of children every year. The refs had no choice but to make the call to save American youth.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:21 pm
LUV, Toopanca and yes Rod,
I honestly do not follow college ball and so I know NOTHING about which players are even prospects.
I appreciate all three of you getting me up to speed on the draft. I’ll read gazillion online reports but guys like you three and more I feel do a better job because we all share the same Bias. What’s best for the Bucs.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:23 pm
Tee hee.. Lattimore gonna Lattimore..
January 26th, 2025 at 4:24 pm
Lattimore doing Lattimore things…
January 26th, 2025 at 4:24 pm
I love aggressive play calling, but there is a point where you go from aggressive to flat out stupid.
You take the two possession lead – there’s no real benefit of going from 9 to 10 points, but there is a huge advantage of going from 8 to 9 points.
That was a very very low IQ call.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:27 pm
The Redskins are collapsing like Baker Mayfield in the 4th quarter of a playoff game.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Well Jeremy McNichols decided he didn’t want to play for Tampa and I’ve finally heard his name
January 26th, 2025 at 4:42 pm
Pewter Power Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Well Jeremy McNichols decided he didn’t want to play for Tampa and I’ve finally heard his name
———
He’s actually had a heck of career, at least in terms of keeping a job. He’s been a depth guy for a lot of teams – has lasted a lot longer than most NFL RBs.
It’s really pretty remarkable how many guys that Licht has drafted late that have just stuck around the NFL.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:44 pm
Redskins are giving this game away thanks to McPlaybook and Lattimore
January 26th, 2025 at 4:46 pm
The Eagles are getting completely embarrassed in this game – they forced ZERO punts in the first half. What a bunch of losers who are giving their offense no chance to win this game.
January 26th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
@Rod Munch
Ever heard of that stat called turnovers? Let Bowles know his defense is allowed to force them from time to time and maybe. Ya think that’s why the score is a bit different
January 26th, 2025 at 5:03 pm
Pewter Power Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
@Rod Munch
Ever heard of that stat called turnovers? Let Bowles know his defense is allowed to force them from time to time and maybe. Ya think that’s why the score is a bit different
——–
The defense gave up 16 points.
The offense scored a net 13 points.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:17 pm
Stop it. DC isnt letting him go. Hes Quinns biy.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:26 pm
The “#1” Eagles defense has already give up 23 points to the Redskins with 20 minutes left in the game.
The Bucs defense gave up 16 points.
But yeah people, keeping claiming the defense lost the game for the Bucs.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:28 pm
wter Power Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 4:58 pm
Ever heard of that stat called turnovers? Let Bowles know his defense is allowed to force them from time to time and maybe. Ya think that’s why the score is a bit different
‐————————————————–
Eagles have db’s drafted in the 1st 3 rds on the team. That makes a difference…
January 26th, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Not gonna act like Bucs defense is good.. but that’s more about the players.. before Bowles arrived who was the best defensive player Litch drafter or brought in as a FA?
Bucs need talent on defense.. simple
January 26th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
These crybaby Eagles fans crying for a flag after every hit make them even more hatable than usual. I thought you Philly trash were supposed to be tough guys.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
Well held Washington to lowest points in their playoffs. That is without a true #1 corner on roster, injured AW and back up safety. Focus draft on defense this time to have talent and speed they will be fine. Doubt Wagner leaves if anything he goes to LV.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
Dubcity Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 5:31 pm
Not gonna act like Bucs defense is good..
———-
The Bucs defense wasn’t good for most of the year.
But they played a great game vs the Redskins, made a huge 4th quarter goal line stand and gave Baker the ball back with the ability to go up two scores and put the game away.
The defense, in that game, did their job. Baker and the offense did not.
With that said, the defense needs depth badly, needs talent and speed – and Bowles needs to throw out his garbage super soft zone scheme.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:41 pm
THREE QUARTERS and ZERO forced PUNTS by the alleged #1 Eagles defense.
What a bunch of bums.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:43 pm
Washington did punt once and had the fake, but Bucs D did well enough to win that game. Wash has given up 30+ again and a toooon of yards.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:47 pm
What? The refs can literally give the Eagles a score? What the hell is that nonsense?
January 26th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
We could have definitely beat the eagles but we have Todd Bowles as a coach.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
Wow, what bullcrap. The Eagles can try to get the defense to jump offsides on every play, but if the defense is aggressive the refs can just decide to give the Eagles a score? That’s the biggest pile of trash I’ve ever seen.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:50 pm
Not sure what’s up with the Washington playoffs comparisons, Bucs pass defense has always been bottom tier under Bowles. All coaching regimes have their issues, this has been his since he was a coordinator under BA. It is what it is.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:52 pm
Cybetsecurity_intern Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
We could have definitely beat the eagles but we have Todd Bowles as a coach.
———-
Instead of being a low-IQ dramaqueen, maybe you should look back at the history books, and if you did, you’d see Bowles OWNS Hurts and the Eagles. There was only one team the Eagles were scared to play in the NFC, and that was the Bucs, because Hurts is awful vs Bowles defense – because that’s the one time a year that Bowles breaks out all those exotic blitz packages that Hurts doesn’t know how to handle.
If Baker doesn’t fumble and lose the game, the Bucs go to Philly and win that game, and almost certainly then the Rams beat the Lions, and today we’re playing the NFC Championship game here in Tampa.
Instead, we’re talking about losing the OC and who to draft.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:53 pm
If you’re watching the game today and not noticing that the refs are calling it in favor of Philly, you’re in denial. It’s honestly been pretty bad. The entire season has featured some of the worst and most questionable calls I remember seeing in one season.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:54 pm
BORING. Yes NFL, you have a big problem. Your “best” teams are unwatchable. The tush push will end a career with a compound fracture.
Just a matter of time. Terrible Super Bowl ahead. Enjoy gamblers.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Out of control zebras.
Quinn has the Redskins playing to a Bowlesian level of indiscipline and slop. If he can just master the soft middle off zone coverage and 20 yard cushions outside on 3rd and 6, he’d have the respect of the Triggerfish .
January 26th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
It’s over.., Go Bills.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:58 pm
This loser Eagles defense STILL hasn’t forced a punt – this is a complete disaster!
January 26th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
Bucky ran wild on them, Gibbs, and now Saquon.
Really should have leaned on Bucky more and used Tucker but for some reason OC wasn’t impressed by Tucker. 1st half without 3 and out and other blunder could have been different.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:11 pm
Blame Baker all you want, Munch. He didn’t play his best game. However, without him and some of his playmaking ability, we wouldn’t have even been in the playoffs or a position to win that game to begin with. Or maybe I’m CRAZY and Trask is going to go to Jacksonville steal Lawrence’s job and make Bowles look like a bumbling idiot. I wanted to keep Coen, hoping he’d develop into the next McVay, but what if he doesn’t? He had some bad play calls in key moment’s this year i personally feel so, what if he’s more like Dirk Koetter, Greg Schiano, or even Chip Kelly, who everyone thought would change the NFL but fizzled out?
I was fine with keeping Bowles when we were also keeping Coen, but now it feels like promoting Thad Lewis is the only real option. If not, then why have we been holding onto him—or any of these coaches? Similar to the players, it shouldn’t take five years to learn how to coach QBs or LBs. A year or two to adjust, and by year five, you should be ready to become a coordinator or maybe its possibly time to move on to another team to see how you can learn from their teaching style.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Josh – Who said anything about Trask? I like Baker a lot more than Trask. That doesn’t mean that for the 2nd playoff game in a row that Baker didn’t choke when it mattered most. You’re allowed to be p/o’d at players who fail in the biggest moments, in particular when you’re watching a game that you know the Bucs should been hosting today.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:17 pm
In BUCKY I Trust, Take US to the Bowl Next year!
January 26th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
This loser Eagles defense is going to end this game with no forced punts. What a complete embarrassment! The entire defense should feel nothing but shame after such a terrible performance.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
“Really should have leaned on Bucky more”
How dare we question the 13(?) million boy wonder!
January 26th, 2025 at 6:23 pm
StickinUp4Centers Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
“Really should have leaned on Bucky more”
How dare we question the 13(?) million boy wonder!
————
Why would you ever want to take the ball out of the hands of your MVP quarterback?
January 26th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
BTW … the Bucs had 25 rush attempts, 18 passes.
They also had the ball late in the 4th quarter with the chance to go up two scores and put the game away.
Sounds like the game plan was working just fine, right up until Baker fumbled.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:26 pm
. If not, then why have we been holding onto him—or any of these coaches? Similar to the players, it shouldn’t take five years to learn how to coach QBs or LBs. A year or two to adjust, and by year five, you should be ready to become a coordinator or maybe its possibly time to move on to another team to see how you can learn from their teaching style.
-‐————————-
Jeez if that is how you reason things, you must believe Tom Moore should be a HC with a ton of Rings by now. Maybe some coaches just like staying where they are at until ready. How come Monte never went for HC jobs…he didn’t want to despite likely being qualified. If Thad feels like moving up now than he is ready to move up.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:31 pm
What a disgusting display by the Eagles defense – ZERO forced punts! Pitiful effort, and impossible to overcome. They gave their offense no chance to win this game. All the coaches should be fired immediately!
January 26th, 2025 at 6:32 pm
I hate seeing the Beagles go to the Super Bowl. I guess. Aw, who cares. Let’s have some drinks.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Cut Dean. Give him a chance to be picked up by Jacksonville. That would be good.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:37 pm
Fred Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 6:33 pm
Cut Dean. Give him a chance to be picked up by Jacksonville. That would be good.
———
Hey dummy, have you bothered to look at the Bucs depth chart at corner?
January 26th, 2025 at 6:38 pm
“Why would you ever want to take the ball out of the hands of your MVP quarterback?”
“Sounds like the game plan was working just fine, right up until Baker fumbled.”
Fumbled on a dumb play call. Dude missed like 3 passes the entire game at that point keep it in his hands and let him sling. Don’t call a QB draw on 2 and 1 in the red zone play action and go for the jugular or let your RB cook.
The boy wonder called the only offense in the playoffs to score under 30 against Wash while Bowles D was the only one to hold Wash under their season average.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
Well, then who should be the Bucs’ QB Munch? That’s all I’m asking, considering the limitations of the salary cap, which have led to the depleted defense. Who would you have signed or drafted? Who would you choose to lead the Bucs? I’d love to have Mahomes or Allen, but unfortunately, they’re both under contract. So, who would you have gone with in the last two years?
Yes, Baker has struggled in big moments the last two years, and I have no argument there—it’s been frustrating. But I’m just saying, it’s a “I’ll tolerate you until I can replace you” situation. Who’s to say we don’t draft someone like Will Howard etc.. (no idea who will be ther at 19) to try and do just that? I don’t know what Jason Licht is thinking, but we’ve all seen Baker falter under the bright lights in the last two seasons.
Personally, I’m a fan of Baker. I enjoy watching him play—it’s fun to watch—but he needs to stop making mistakes in pivotal moments, especially right after making some incredible play just five minutes earlier. Honestly, it reminds me of a slightly better version of Winston. The difference is that this defense is better than Winston’s was. Again, what do I know? I just want to win Super Bowls, not watch the Eagles in it ever again!
January 26th, 2025 at 6:43 pm
StickinUp4Centers – Yes, as always, it’s everyone else’s fault, never Baker. When he threw the pick with 2 minutes left in the playoff game in Detroit last year, it wasn’t his fault. When he fumbles to lose the game vs the Redskins, it’s not his fault. It’s always someone else, everyone is plotting against him. There are no flaws in Baker, for he is perfection. That pure, unshakeable belief is what seperates a non-believer from a true Baker Boi. Congrats on your faith.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:51 pm
Josh Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 6:42 pm
Well, then who should be the Bucs’ QB Munch? That’s all I’m asking
——–
They shouldn’t make any moves at QB. As you point out they’re not in any position to make any moves in any case.
Again, you can be p/o’d and not demand everyone is fired. The big issue is all the Baker Boi fanatics who pretend as if Baker was perfect, and it was the defense that lost the game, or it was the coaches, or McMillian – it’s never anything at all to do with their Lord and Savior, for he can do no wrong.
What I’d love to see from Baker is for him to go back and listen to that chewing out Brady gave him on national TV, after Baker talked about how the players weren’t having fun when Brady was around. Brady pointed out that he wasn’t there to have fun, he was there to win games. Baker needs to take on that mindset and work on all the little things, all the details, because when the pressure is on, he’s not very good.
For example, last year, the Bucs need to win one of their two final games to make the playoffs, and Baker literally has his worst two games of the year. In the playoff game vs the Eagles he was fine – then vs the Detroit, again, when it matters most – he turns it over. This year, great regular season, then vs the Redskins, when it matters most, another mistake. I want to see him come out and be p/o’d and demand that he’s better and that everyone around him is better. That’s what I’d want to see this offseason from him.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:52 pm
You’re all a bunch of drama queens
January 26th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
We didn’t lose because of Baker. It was a full team effort with drops, bad snaps, drive killing penalties, the fumble, and a defense that let the opposing team paper cut them to death for 35+ minutes TOP.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
*just because of Baker
January 26th, 2025 at 6:55 pm
Rod give it a break. You Baker derangement syndrome is off the charts. By any metric possible the man has been outstanding the past 2 years. Unfortunately the more you type the less educated you sound. I think golf is your game… Lay off the football stuff
January 26th, 2025 at 6:56 pm
Rod Munch. You can have your narrative in your head of what you think I am. Which is incorrect. Will fully admit I was rooting for Trask 2 years ago. And don’t think I wasn’t critical of that interception against Detroit.
Interesting that someone can’t criticize Coen (to use your own very wise words) There are no flaws in Coen, for he his perfection. Congratulations on your faith.
January 26th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
Rod!!!
It’s a sports blog and I get hyperbole when people talk about sports, this is the first time I’ve heard this much hyperbole AGAINST the team they’re ostensibly rooting for.
“who pretend as if Baker was perfect, and it was the defense that lost the game, or it was the coaches, or McMillian – it’s never anything at all to do with their Lord and Savior, for he can do no wrong.”
I don’t know what you’re reading here but perhaps your comprehension is bad.
NOBODY is saying any of that.
What SOME of us are saying and specificallly me is that the Washington game was a pickem game. I KNOW you KNOW what that means! EVENLY matched.
The game went down to the wire and was DECIDED by an oblong ball which bounced left of the goal post instead of right.
ONE player, did not lose this game!!! ONE coach did not lose this game! One side of the ball offense nor defense lost this game! It was as PREDICTED a very even game actually decided by the bounce of a ball. It was a TEAM loss!!! It’s it really so hard to comprehend that? Have you never seen it before?
You need Baker to scapegoat to “prove” your previously absurd statements.
I like you Rod and honestly I’m too lazy to go back though the morgue into comments of two years ago to show you what I mean. As hard headed as you’ve been and stuck on your position it would probably be a waste of time.
Give it up. You know too much about football and the NFL to let your foolish pride make a fool of you! I KNOW you are better than this!!!
January 26th, 2025 at 7:10 pm
^^ Some instruments have more than one note
January 26th, 2025 at 7:23 pm
stpetebucsfan – Literally every Baker Boi on this site has blamed McMillan or Coen for the fumble. 100% of them. The same people also claimed Baker wasn’t at fault for throwing the game ending INT in the Lions playoff game.
If you can objectively find fault with Baker, then you’re not a Baker Boi. It’s a very easy test for people to pass. Just ask them, what are Baker’s faults. The Baker Boi(s) will never answer the question, because if they did, that would be doubting their faith.
January 26th, 2025 at 7:28 pm
stpetebucsfan – See my response above to Josh where I lay out what I’d like to see from Baker. I think it’s very reasonable, and I don’t think a lot of people would disagree with it, actually.
January 26th, 2025 at 7:32 pm
WatchDaddySlingIt –
First, great screen name. The immortal Blaine Gabbert.
Second, great take!
January 26th, 2025 at 7:36 pm
Maybe if LVD doesn’t come back, but if LVD is back, I’d much rather get some youth and speed alongside him aside from just Denis
January 26th, 2025 at 7:44 pm
puff puff pass…
2 oldies paired up somehow just worries me…
grab kyzir white who played in arizona…for a 2 year deal…
and draft draft draft…
white is a good mid-level answer to add as a piece…i’m convinced of this
January 26th, 2025 at 7:48 pm
Josh Allen looking pretty shaky tonight..
January 26th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Wow, look at that – when there is a tie on a catch, the ball goes to the receiver, not the defender.
Unless of course it’s Bucs vs Dallas, in which case the defender is somehow allowed to rip out of the ball after they’re already on the ground and gain possession.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:02 pm
@Rod Munch Although jmac hopefully learned from it, that was some home cooking that haunts. They were on the ground. That’s six.
A certain someone got the pick on his stats, though. That one guy.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:07 pm
you know what’s interesting about baker…
his batted balls seemed to be down a little this year…
i’m guessing this just off watching…a guy like @Defense would prolly be able to stat pull on it or something…
i sort of predicted a lot of batted balls as we moved forward with baker…and i said he will probably throw a batted ball pick 6 this past season…
you know, it’s batted up into the air and a lineman or backer grabs it and rumbled into the end zone…
it didn’t happen somehow…and he did somehow limit his batted balls compared to 2023…
i’m a little surprised there were no batted ball disasters this year…
#JustAyeNonCoenThought #WeOverIt 🙂
January 26th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
I would like to know from people who aren’t blaming Baker for the fumble or who are—how many times have you watched the play? Could it have been a fake jet sweep that was actually a pitch to Bucky Irving? I know I’ve watched it a dozen times and still question what the actual play call was. The blocking seems set up for both options, and Baker took responsibility for the fumble. So, does anyone really know what the actual call was? I personally haven’t read what it was anywhere.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
i so want buffalo to get to the bowl…
philly vs kc is so dam boring
January 26th, 2025 at 8:13 pm
adam from ny Says:
January 26th, 2025 at 8:07 pm
you know what’s interesting about baker…
his batted balls seemed to be down a little this year…
——–
I think it was more scheme than anything – getting rid the ball quickly, before lineman even have a chance to really react, helped a lot I think.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:20 pm
yeah i agree with ya rod jeremy 🙂
also a lot less deep balls were thrown as the season wore on
(i saw you guys discussing baker and deep balls the other day)
January 26th, 2025 at 8:22 pm
really the deep ball to mike was finished for the year basically after he got hurt…
i guess they never wanted to risk him pulling up again…
i seriously don’t recall any deep throws to mike after he returned from the injury
January 26th, 2025 at 8:24 pm
@Josh I can only fault the call because it’s risky backed up in your own red zone. In defense of the jaguars head coach, there was nothing but green grass.
15 sure looks like he’s going to be a star, but he did have a rookie season’s worth of inattention to detail, and that play was one of them.
Baker was right to fall on his sword, that’s what leaders do.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:36 pm
adam from ny – They were still throwing deep from time to time, but really, why bother if you’re moving the ball at will and scoring a tons of points without needing higher risk plays?
Part of it, like you said, had to do with Mike getting injured and I don’t think he was really healthy until near the end of the season. Also Baker is an inconsistent deep ball thrower, he can throw deep, he has plenty of arm, but when he gets on a bad streak, it can last a while.
Meanwhile, in the short passing game, Baker excels – he’s very accurate and can keep plays alive in the pocket. That’s why I liked Coen so much, the guy saw Baker early in the year look good – but after Luke got hurt, and Sucke came in and was getting Baker killed, Coen switched up the offense to a short, quick, passing game and they took off. Once Luke came back and was healthy, Coen didn’t just switch back to his original scheme – he stuck with what was working. Sounds like common sense, but I’ve been watching football for a long time, and most coaches don’t do that.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
Could you imagine if Evans hadn’t resigned with the Bucs and instead went to KC? Mahomes has some real garbage WRs, if he had Evans, this wouldn’t even be a game.
Also, I think most people missed the news that the Rams thought they had Evans signed last offseason before he returned. No idea how that would have worked salary wise, since I don’t think they can get out of the Cupp deal all that easy, but if they had Evans and Puka, they’d have been playing this week, not the Eagles.
I hope Licht can pull another rabbit out of the hat and somehow resign Godwin. If he’s not coming back, McMillan needs to eat some McDonalds and put on weight – he looked bigger on his college tape, but in the NFL he looks very slight. If he’s going to be a Godwin replacement, he needs probably 15 pounds of muscle I think.
January 26th, 2025 at 8:42 pm
Need elite corners
January 26th, 2025 at 8:45 pm
yeah yeah rod i hear that…
the one thing baker hasn’t done much in roll out…
he was good at that…
neither canales nor coen really used it…
maybe canales a little..
i’d like to see that re-implemented with a new OC…
also after jameis left…(and now we’re talking a while)…i want to see the red zone play of the high throw by the goal posts, that mike goes up and gets…since jameis left that play has kinda been non existent…
(unless mike is getting older and telling coaches: “nah i don’t want any of that rib action”
January 26th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Rod
“Literally every Baker Boi on this site has blamed McMillan or Coen for the fumble. 100% of them.”
I saw a lot of spirited debate. I guess I fall under the broad umbrella of a “bakerboi” not sure exactly what is but I have supported Baker. Baker himself took responsibility patting himself on the chest on the sidelines. I don’t really care since it was ONE play. As for the int I’m not sure about that one, not sure Otton or whomever ran that route did it correctly. But even if he did again that’s one play AFTER Baker got the Bucs in position to even have a chance.
Even you have to concede if it wasn’t for Baker’s heroics we wouldn’t even be having this discussion, the Bucs wouldn’t have been in the playoffs.
Remember Brady’s last year here. First round playoff against the Cowboys at RayJay…Cowboys jump out first 7-0 the GOAT responds and drives the Bucs into the red zone where he tosses an int that totally changed the momentum the Bucs never recovered.
All players have mistakes! Even the GOAT, even in the playoffs.
Baker has had a history of poor DECISION making thats for sure. He cured that for Bowles/Canales. I think Baker grew up. But you can’t play ballls to the walll without turnovers and mistakes.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:15 pm
Please no. We lack speed at linebacker so having a couple of mid 30’s dudes at ILB is bad.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:22 pm
Dumb nonsense
January 26th, 2025 at 9:47 pm
How the hell does Kansas keeps winning by playing worse?
January 26th, 2025 at 9:56 pm
Wagner is a hell of a football player, and from all signs and reports, a hell of a teammate and man. I’d love for him to play with LVD next year, but I don’t see it happening.
January 26th, 2025 at 9:58 pm
I don’t understand all the salary cap talk. Every year we are over the cap and still mange to sign 50mil in players every season.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:32 pm
No way he leaves Wash
He’s their LVD.
Pipe dream
January 26th, 2025 at 10:54 pm
The implosion and departure of White, and then the injury to SVD has severely impacted the scheme the past two seasons.
Bowles has only ever praised Britt as being a “thumper” in the run game. He’s slow in coverage.
LVD is a legend and should be fitted for a gold jacket, but Father Time has caught up to him in coverage, too.
That’s forced some of the stuff that drives us nuts as fans, like dropping linemen and edge guys into coversge – not for their coverage skills, but to attempt to compensate by confusing the QB post-snap.
That’s obviously just papering over a problem as best you can, but usually the result is guys running wild in the middle of the infamous “soft zone”.
It was a little less glaring when our coverage guys were all healthy at the same time, for like the two or three games they were on the field together.
This hybrid scheme isn’t actually outdated, it depends on LBs in coverage and everyone tackling on-point. Our greatest success with this scheme was LVD and White in top form.
I’m still going to be thinking Campbell. Maybe Paul Jr, Maybe even throw in Stutsman if he’s still on the board
January 26th, 2025 at 11:10 pm
Post
See new posts
Conversation
Dave Portnoy
@stoolpresidente
I’m quitting watching football. There is no other way to teach
@nflcommish
a lesson. This is blatant cheating. #nflrigged
He included a clip from the Chiefs Bills game.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:17 pm
UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger is another intriguing prospect worth keeping an eye on
January 26th, 2025 at 11:19 pm
@luvmybucs. He’d fit in well, too! It’s a good class for LBs
January 27th, 2025 at 12:24 am
@WatchDSI
Indeed
January 27th, 2025 at 1:51 am
Whoever we draft at a position, they’ll be used in training camp and practice mostly at other positions, because in the masturmind’s schemes, then if everyone can play everywhere, nobody ever knows what’s coming. It’s genius.
January 27th, 2025 at 2:23 am
And upon further review, Bobby will tell LVD to come to Washington and join him with Dan Quinn. He’s seen Logan the oaf end Jensen’s career and almost end LVD’s career. Plus he’s seen the Bucs Cover Ha! Defense in action and wants no part of that.
January 27th, 2025 at 8:52 am
Joe, when was the last time we signed one of these free agents you suggested? Also Wagner should probably retire. He’s pathetic.
January 27th, 2025 at 9:34 am
It will be nice seeing him in a Buccaneers uniform 😁
January 27th, 2025 at 11:27 am
I am okay with getting him ! as long as Baker doesn’t hurt him during practice