Five Things
January 13th, 2025
Ugly way to start the week. Well, let’s close the books on the 2024 season. Get your coffee and make it strong. Here we go.
Fumble Turned The Game
It seemed like the Bucs were in the driver’s seat leading 17-13 early in the fourth quarter.
The Bucs had just forced Washington off the field on a failed fourth down at the Bucs-3. If the Bucs could somehow use their firepower to score a touchdown on this drive, that may just do it.
Bucky Irving was warmed up. Marshon Lattimore was struggling with Mike Evans. Jalen McMillan started to punish the Commandos.
Then disaster struck! Baker Mayfield had a botched handoff with McMillan on a jet sweep. Just looking at the NBC broadcast feed, it sure seemed there were no white jerseys on the left side where McMillan intended to run (Joe will have to watch all-22 to know).
Of course, Washington recovered. Bobby Wagner pounced on the loose ball. Four plays later, Washington took a 20-17 lead on a Jayden Daniels touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin.
The Bucs never saw the lead again.
That fumble turned the game around. McMillan said in the locker room he and Mayfield just weren’t on the same page. Mayfield took the bullet and accepted all blame.
It just goes to show how mistakes are magnified in the playoffs. The Bucs made plenty of mistakes that led to the loss. None bigger than that fumble.
Fix The Defense, Please.
It’s clear that either this defense needs a makeover, or Bucs coach Todd Bowles needs to bring in a defensive coordinator. A defensive-minded head coach can not be leading a team that has a flag football defense.
Joe gets that there have been injuries. Antoine Winfield, who has been a shell of his former self, has been battling injuries since Week 1. Jordan Whitehead is in the same boat. Jamel Dean has become an injury waiting to happen.
Aside from Lavonte David, the inside linebackers are not good, maybe they’re ok as spot starters for injuries.
And the edge rush — don’t get Joe started (what edge rush?).
First thing Bowles needs to do is find out what’s going on with Winfield. Getting him back on track should be a major priority. A new cornerback to add quality stability for when Dean gets injured — and he will get injured — would go a long way.
If it takes a new defensive coordinator to do this (notice Joe didn’t type “a new head coach?”), then so be it. But a defense with a head coach who is a defensive guy should not be getting lit up in the passing game week after week by quarterbacks good and bad, young and old.
The Bucs the past two seasons had the No. 28 passing defense allowing 248 and 243 passing yards a game, respectively. That’s two years now. Enough!
That should be Bowles’ No. 1 order of business beginning, hell, beginning today: fix his defense. If that means new starters, new assistants, a new coordinator, get it done.
It’s hit the point of irresponsibility that one side of the ball does quite well (offense) and the other side drags the team down weekly (defense).
Todd Bowles Ain’t Going Anywhere
Joe knows there were actually some Bucs fans who wanted the Commandos to pound the Bucs. Why would a Bucs fan want that? To see Bowles embarrassed enough that Team Glazer would fire him.
It’s not happening, guys. Unless somehow Team Glazer finds something ugly in Bowles’ closet or Bowles is blatantly insubordinate to Team Glazer, he’s safe.
Does Joe get frustrated with Bowles’ defenses at times? Yes. Does Joe get frustrated by Bowles’ usually conservative ways? Absolutely. But for a coach to win three straight division titles in his first three years, that’s rare.
Just winning three straight divisions is not easy to pull off. And each season the Bucs’ record has improved.
No, Joe doesn’t like quick exits in the playoffs. However, Team Glazer likes division titles (to a point) because that’s a significant chunk of revenue. Football is a business, after all.
Did Team Glazer get tired of Father Dungy after many quick bounces from the playoffs? Sure, but not following direct (ahem) suggestions was also a factor. Same with Chucky.
To the best of Joe’s knowledge, Bowles has not yet rebuffed a suggestion from Team Glazer.
Bowles isn’t going anywhere unless he retires or has a sudden itch to watch his son’s games at Michigan. About a month ago, Bowles told Joe on the record the rumors of him retiring are a bag of fertilizer.
Bowles will be your Bucs coach in 2025.
Mike Evans Won The Battle But Lost The War
So a lot of folks in the national media were salivating for the latest round of Mike Evans-Marshon Lattimore bouts. This time Evans won.
But he lost. Meaning, the Bucs lost.
The Bucs targeted Evans early on and he was guarded by Lattimore. Evans schooled him, including on a one-yard touchdown pass late in the first half to tie the game at 10.
At times, Lattimore looked frustrated, maybe even taking some cheap shots at Evans. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer kept his cool and punched back with catches, not fists.
Evans caught all seven of his targets for 92 yards, typical of the greatest offensive player in Bucs history.
Solemn Bucs Locker Room
The Bucs’ locker room is always sad after the final game (unless the Bucs win the Super Bowl). Guys will be saying goodbye to teammates, in some cases, for the final time.
Joe will always remember last year at the locker room cleanout day (which always follows the final game), there was Pat O’Connor’s signed jersey with a thoughtful note hanging over the chair at Lavonte David’s locker.
The two come from and live in two different worlds. One Chicago, the other Miami. Aside from a Bucs’ Super Bowl reunion, O’Connor and David might never meet again.
That’s how the end is like in a locker room. Guys may never see their Bucs’ brothers in arms again.
Joe saw four guys getting a lot of bro hugs from teammates last night: Lavonte David, J.J. Russell, Kyle Trask and Anthony Nelson. All are free agents in eight weeks. Grab the cash while you can.
David may retire. Russell just wants a job. Trask probably wants a chance to play. Nelson is likely looking for a payday. Since he’s 27, his next contract might be his last.
After the loss to the Crows in October, the Bucs’ locker room was far more dark. Last night, the locker room seemed to have more of a feeling of, “Well guys, this is it.”
Depressing? That may be too strong. Sad? That’s a more apt description.
Lastly (Bonus Item)
With the end of the Bucs season, so too comes the end of another season of “Five Things” the morning after a game. These are often typed up in the wee hours of the morning. (Joe’s still banging on the keyboard and it’s close to 5 a.m.) Joe appreciates that this column often gets a fair amount of comments and sometimes a bunch of readers. The “Five Things” column will resume, as usual, with the next Bucs (regular season) game in roughly eight months. But man, it’s soon to get busy. The free agency dinner bell is less than two months from now. The combine is in six weeks. And there is always news here daily. So pleas check back early and often. Just because the season is over doesn’t mean Joe’s work is over. Hardly! The NFL never sleeps. And thank you for reading this column. Joe truly appreciates it.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:11 am
Trask isn’t going anywhere. Bucs won’t make the playoffs next year and Mayfield won’t be resigned. Trask will take over.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:12 am
^^^ you are so dumb.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:16 am
Thank YOU Joes!
January 13th, 2025 at 7:20 am
I’m so excited for another Todd Bowles led Buccaneers team next season. The guy’s a freaking genius.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:22 am
Nothing will change as long as Bowles is the HC. The sooner the Glazers realize this the better. Joe is sure Bowles is coming back, I’m not. There wasn’t a coaching search when Bruce retired, there should’ve been. Bowles was dumped in the Glazers laps by Bruce, they didn’t pick him, nor did Licht. Bruce picked him, because he knew no other team would ever hire him to run their program. Time to right that wrong, fire Todd. If he was let go today do you think some team would even interview him for their HC vacancy? If your answer is no way, then why are we keeping him?
January 13th, 2025 at 7:23 am
Baker had a strong regular season, and his fumble was the nail in our season’s coffin. Go Bucs!
Excited to see defensive changes.
If Im Jason Licht, I am getting on the phone with the Browns and the Raiders and offering a King’s Ransom for Myles Garrett or Maxx Crosby. It is absolutely criminal to have Vita Vea and zero edge rusher next to him. Embarrassing.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:24 am
I WAS JOKING ABOVE!
Kyle Trask will sign with the LAS VEGAS RAIDERS.
Brady will want Trask as the QB for the Raiders.
YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:27 am
“Of course, Washington recovered. Bobby Wagner pounced on the loose ball. Four players later, Washington took a 20-17 lead on a Jayden Daniels touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin.
The Bucs never saw the lead again.”
No. They had a tie and the Defense let it go. The problem is the Defense.
And the problem with the Defense is lack of talent. Tryon is pedestrian. Britt is CFL LB. Dean is a backup. Hayes is also not NFL caliber. They had to bring back Mike Edwards and Shaq to try to plug the dyke.
Bowles can only play cards with the hand he was dealt.
Bowles is the same coach who won the SB.
Perhaps he should give more responsibility to a DC. But don’t blame him because Tryon and Hall are busts.
That is on Licht.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:31 am
Always look forward to your insightful “Five Things.”
Agree, possibly hire a defensive consultant. Salas maybe? He did well with the 49ers. Keeping Todd.
It’s definitely not over. Glad you will keep us going on the breaking and everyday sports news. Hey, we got some fantastic draft picks this past season. Bucky in the 4th round. The Bucs can do it again. Go Bucs!
January 13th, 2025 at 7:33 am
Yes, Bake should have executed the handoff, but:
1. Why call an inside reverse inside your own 15?
2. Why is Bake used as a RB @ 2nd & 1? Bucky and/or White should have gotten a yard. Don’t put your QB in that spot.
3. Barton on the next play sealed the loss.
Offense would find a rhythm and then not stick with it. They get to red zone and Liam once again got cute,( Vita as a WR?) and they had to settle for 3. ME13 owned them last night, J Mac and Otten were getting open and we got away from our offense.
AW JR has been a non factor most of the year,(i believe it was injury not “getting paid”)no ILB other than LVD, and I’ll never understand seeing Vita, YaYa and Nelson in pass coverage vs what they were hired to do. Credit to those backups though on goal line- 7 stops from the 2 before giving up that TD. Kancey is a beast, but you win/lose from the edge. Thank you JBF for your coverage. The only page I follow.
This game was like 99% of their losses this year- Bucs beat themselves.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:33 am
The fumble turned the game because the defense let them drive to the 3 yard line. Fumble wouldn’t have been a game breaker had it happened at the 50. My mistake, it would be a game breaker with any turnover, because Todd’s D can’t stop any drive from any part of the field. Like that 92 yard drive from their own 8 yard line. Took the whole first quarter, and ended with a TD. If one turnover ends your season, you never had a team mentally tough enough to win in the playoffs. Glazers want to see progress. We won a home playoff game last year. This year we lost at home. Does that sound like progress to you?
January 13th, 2025 at 7:34 am
This team is built to win with the offense, the defense continues to be unreliable. I’m convinced Bowles scheme is severely limited and requires an offense to put up 28 pts per game. Without that, the blitz strategy is ineffective and puts players in situations they struggle. How many times have we seen Vea dropping back in coverage? Or our corners forced to sit in zone coverage? Dean is a CB that is better suited for man coverage where his size and speed can have more of an impact….you lose that when he drops in zone coverage 8 yds off the WR.
I don’t think Bowles is back, he was never really the choice. Bowles was forced on the team by Arians retiring last minute. He couldn’t win with Brady (the only season ever for Brady to have a losing season), couldn’t win with a thriving Mayfield and stellar offense…..he’s a .500 HC with a ceiling hovering around 1st rd playoff exits. In 8 yrs as a HC he’s still making the same game management blunders he made in NY. He’s still getting out coached by more aggressive opposing HCs. His defense looks worst when players have been in the system for several yrs. Fans have seen enough, if Coen returns I think interest will remain in the team but you lose Coen, you’re letting the most entertaining aspect of this team start over with your 4th OC in 4 yrs?! Winning teams don’t operate that way and the fans will lose interest.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:35 am
@Modhair, you think Licht just picks the D players without any input or suggestions from his DC/HC? I find that hard to believe, I imagine they have their list and at some point weather it was Arians, Lefrwitch, Canales or Corn on the offensive side of the ball or Bowles on the defensive side the coaches signed off on the players drafted. Licht doesn’t seem to be the type to say F’ you in drafting who I want when I want.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:37 am
This is as good as it gets with Bowles as head coach get used to it.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:38 am
Why the hell would we hire a defensive coordinator when we can just fire the head coach/defensive coordinator and bring in an actual defense that’s not from the f’n 80’s.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Defense makeover!
Middle and back of defense
January 13th, 2025 at 8:02 am
Fix the defense, please. <<<<<< THIS!
The offense didn’t get the job done last night. No doubt about it but the defense, especially in the first half, just can’t take the ball away. Diary’s sack was exactly what was needed and a penalty cancelled it out. Too bad but that happened all too infrequently. Secondary issues turned out to be insurmountable when the offense can’t bail them out.
Stats are for losers all too often. The eyes tell us that the secondary is soft.
The draft should be full tilt towards the defense. LBs and the secondary. Every pick.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:12 am
They backed into the playoffs and kept on backing right out. Its time to put this defense, players and scheme, to rest. Only a couple few worth keeping. Dean should be the new Mr. Whipple Charmin boy and Winfield “has been” a clock beater all year. Got paid and is saving himself for another bag. His daddy has taught him well.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:16 am
I’m glad Joe is okay with mediocrity. Watch this time next season Joe will be calling for Bowles job because spoiler alert he’s not going to change. He hasn’t changed in 3 damn seasons as head coach. his time management and game management sucks. his personnel decision making sucks. his defensive coaching staff sucks and without Coen the offense IS going to regress and if the offense regresses then this offense isn’t going to be able to save the defense next season ergo Bowles will be fired and while you had Coen in house this season next season it’s gonna be everything blown up. New HC/OC/DC just cause you wanna stay face with Bowles. I hope you like mediocrity.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:17 am
“But for a coach to win three straight division titles in his first three years, that’s rare.”
Not when you’re in a historically bad division like the NFC South. Bowles wouldn’t be a division winner anywhere else, and that’s a damn fact.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:19 am
Draft Defense
Need LB’s & CB’s
Bring in an Edge Rusher!
January 13th, 2025 at 8:20 am
Cohen can just leave. Who cares. You try the jet sweep trickery to the receiver from midfield to the Commandos 20. If something goes wrong they have a ways to go to score. This loss is on Cohen. Two OC,s Baker worked FC with in the past are available…Freddy Kitchens and Alex Van Pelt
January 13th, 2025 at 8:29 am
Here are my five things –
1) I guess if TB is keeping Bowles than Licht needs a complete overhaul of secondary. Build secondary around Winfield, Smith, Izien and McCollum. I would go into off-season thinking – Trade Jamal Deal – dont care if i get a dozen crispy creams. Unload his salary and get what you can. Find a #1 corner – hopefully in draft. ZM is not that guy. He’s improved but he is not THAT GUY.
2) David is a warrior but that dude cant play forever. They need to draft his replacement and a find someone to play next to him via draft or FA.
3) VV and Kancey are two building blocks for front. Everyone else is strictly role players.
4) Edge guys/OLBs? Still have hope for YaYa. Is there anyone else? Bueller?Bueller? Bye-Bye JTS.
5) Give Liam Coen an offer he cant refuse to stay committed to Bucs for two more years. That will give JL time to retool defense.
I am not saying to build the 85 Bears defense, though that would be great. What I am saying is the defense has to do their part. It’s called complimentary football. Defense stinks, has stunk all year and cant ever get off the field. Problem last year and was the death nail this season.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:30 am
Thank You, Joe!!
January 13th, 2025 at 8:30 am
“…not following direct (ahem) suggestions…”
I’m not remembering, or maybe I never knew. Could you elaborate? I’m intrigued.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:33 am
Can’t wait for 8-9 or 9-8 next year!!!
So exciting!
All hail Todd Bowles!!!
January 13th, 2025 at 8:35 am
Thanks Joe Bucs Fan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers number 1 source of information for Bucs fans.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:37 am
It was a hell of a year!! Great job, Bucs!!
Baker IS our franchise QB!!!
Bucky Irving IS our cowbell RB!
Mike Evans and Jalem McMillian ARE a formidable team are WR!!
Cade Otton, Payne Durham and Devin Culp are studs at TE!!
Our O-Line is strong!!
Liam Cohen is a hell of a play-caller!!
Now, let’s work on boosting our Defense, signing some good free agents, and creating another excellent draft class!
SUPER-BOWL NEXT YEAR!!!
GO BUCS!!!
January 13th, 2025 at 8:38 am
@bringbackducky
@donotbringbackbowles
January 13th, 2025 at 8:39 am
There are three columns I always look forward to after a Bucs game and they are the final score article immediately after a game. Ira’s column, and your Five Things column. I read them all, but those are my favorite post game articles.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:39 am
I didn’t watch the game I recorded it I didn’t want to watch the Bucs mishap when the game was so important as the Bucs has done all year however, from reading this article, seems that the Bucs played a decent game until Baker fumble. Bowles is responsible for the team but Baker has some fault for the pass 2 playoff loses. Interception last year and from what I have read here, a fumble last night. Also, Bowles has got to do something with the defense. We’ve had multiple defensive players drafted @CB and DE and the same results. The defense just can’t put teams away when they need to. My opinion is Bowles need to change his D line and CB. Coaches
January 13th, 2025 at 8:41 am
I am not sure why everyone is clutching their pearls today. The Bucs were the best team in the worst division in football, nothing happened last night that wasn’t occurring all season. The D was soft and gave up too many 3 and 4 th down conversions, the O made some big plays and some big mistakes, Jamel Dean got hurt when we needed him most, Bowles struggled with Game management, and Baker turned the ball over. They could have won last night but didn’t, they are exactly who they have been……an inconsistent, exciting, frustrating football team who took advantage of their garbage division to make the playoffs. Bring on 2025 and absolutely agree with Joe, Bowles isn’t going anywhere and will likely get extended.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:42 am
A home playoff loss to a rookie QB should be a gut punch to any HC.
The division title means very little when you evacuate your bowels in front of a national audience.
Unfortunately the Glazer boys are like a battered wife claiming their husband does it out of love.
Hit me again please! This time put some stank on it!
January 13th, 2025 at 8:43 am
Time of possession tells the story of the entire game 36min-24min. The D was able to get a couple stops, but only after letting them drive the entire field. The Commanders were over 50% on both 3rd and 4th down which is ridicules. The offense was sloppy right from the start which didn’t help either. Sad that the season is over, but being inconsistent all year did them in at the end.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:43 am
Cohen’s play calling could have been better at times. We should have started our
quick strike offense long before two minutes before the half. But there were too few targets to all our weapons in passing game. Bucky was not effective in the first half and if it wasn’t for Evans there wasn’t enough focus on the rest of our passing game. Bucky found his rhythm in the second half, but a lot of run plays
eat up clock and made it easier for washington to run out the clock to end the game. WE didn’t make good use of all our weapons in the passing game, except Evans throughout the game. If we had used it to get up a couple scores the pressure would have been commanders instead of us.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:45 am
One thing for sure, our Bucs are the real deal. Can anyone name another NFL team that plays harder they them? Baker Mayfield will go down as the best QB not to make the Super Bowl this season. Over the past five years the entire organization has become something to be proud of. Remember the bad old days. Yes we didn’t win this one. I am going to get psyched for next season. Go Bucs. Keeping it real in Ireland.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:48 am
Bowles winning the division 3 years in a row is good, but let’s not pretend this division is a strong one. With 8 wins the first year, 9wins the second and 10 this year, we would be lucky to be in 3rd place in other divisions. He’s a defensive minded head coach and his side of the ball was at fault for many of the losses. I also don’t like that each year we go through a skid of losing that puts the team in a must win position for the last 7-8 weeks of the season. Seen that happen more than enough.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:49 am
Appreciate you Joe! Always like reading the “5 Things” article.
The season continues now in a different form of Buc Nuggets. Who will stay, who will go, who will come here? We’ll find out soon enough.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:49 am
Maybe the Glazers will figure out that two home playoff games equals twice the revenue as one and force that joke of a head coach to hire a DC.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:51 am
Stevek Says:
January 13th, 2025 at 7:23 am
Baker had a strong regular season, and his fumble was the nail in our season’s coffin. Go Bucs!
=================================
You seen to be sure that was “Baker’s fumble.” You are more sure than anyone who fairly watched that play. Rookie got ahead of himself. Hard to take a handoff when you are past the QB. Mayfield took the heat for McMillan because that is what leaders do.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:51 am
You don’t replace Bowles if you’re happy with .500 football. You don’t replace Bowles if game management & situational football aren’t important to you. You don’t replace Bowles if you don’t mind losing at home on a regular basis. You don’t replace Bowles if the idea of a rookie, a second string or even a 3rd string QB lighting you up isn’t unsettling. You don’t replace Bowles if those same QB’s having record days doesn’t induce nausea. You don’t replace Bowles if the sight of wide a$$ open receivers running untouched through your secondary doesn’t anger you. You don’t replace Bowles if soft a$$ zone schemes are your thing. You don’t replace Bowles if you want another year of the exact same thing.
January 13th, 2025 at 8:54 am
Five things:
-Bowles is the.pidter boy for mediocre.
-Prime Time night is the new “below 40 degrees.”
-McLaughlin deserves the co-MVP.
-Dean is talented but fragile; time to move on.
-The D needs a total overhaul, and maybe a new DC. There us no way that D is a playoff D, and they proved it.
-Mayfield is a total man stud, and I love watching him play. Without Mayfield this is a barely OK offense.
OK, that’s 6. Sue me…
January 13th, 2025 at 8:58 am
Thanks Joe’s for covering another season and providing the website and comments section. Have really enjoyed the work over the seasons. You guys rock. Have a good off season. I’ll be reading everyday to see what insights you come up with.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:00 am
Bucs was 6-1 before this game but we beat non playoff caliber teams. giants, panthers 2x, raiders, saints then lost to cowboys. commanders otoh beat eagles, falcons, cowboys, titans and saints. Commanders were battle tested.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:04 am
Every talking head, commentator, ex coach(dungy) raves about Bowles innovative and complex defenses and what will he dial up next to confuse the opponent… hear it every week and look at what opposing QB’s, including rookie’s, do to this defense… either simplify the D or change the D or change the coaching…otherwise it’s gonna be the same record every year… with this offense, the window is now… pounce on it..
January 13th, 2025 at 9:12 am
Am I missing something? It seem the offensives line has back slid the last half of the season when it comes to holding and false starts. For 2 years we had major issues with the secondary and lack of a pass rush in most games we’ve played. Is that just luck or a coach who dismisses edge rushers and can’t seem to train up the backfield. It breaks my heart but until we fill a lot of important holes and improve the defensive coaching we will be in trouble when it comes to the playoffs.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:19 am
“Offense didn’t get the job done.” Listen tards, the offense never had the ball. Can the defense force a punt or two? Can we not give up 16 play drives that take up 10 min of a quarter? Maybe give the offense more cracks? Maybe morons will stop worshipping at the altar of “bend but don’t break defense?” This is why YARDS are used as the metric of a good defense. Good defenses force punts and get off the field. The idea that you automagically tighten up in the redzone is a cop out
January 13th, 2025 at 9:22 am
“Todd Bowles Ain’t Going Anywhere”
And as long as he’s head coach neither is the team. It’s weird that his apologists will rely on this kabuki dance and peddle this false impression that while this team is winning the division that Bucs fans should be grateful and better days are ahead. No, better days are not ahead. Time is being wasted, talent is being wasted. The time to capitalize is now. A bold move is needed now, but it won’t happen because “he just lead them to a division championship.”. Enjoy that Bucs fans because with Bowles that is as good as it’s ever going to get.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:25 am
Joe, thanks for another season of passionate, insightful, and timely information. This loss was something you predicted with our defense not having adequate pass rush and this applied with QBs that can run. Hopefully the Bucs change their defense and address the pash rush and secondary. We need veterans as and some good rookies as well as LVD returning. Offense could use 1-2 pieces but the big question will be Chris Godwin and how well he can play. The knee is one thing but the ankle is a different beast to bounce back to full form. He should be signed by us as I doubt anyone wants the unknown risk of his ankle and he deserves a chance to be a Buc for life. Next season will be harder with Falcons having Penix as a starter and Panthers seem to be improving. We need to improve as well and if we don’t make the playoffs or knocked out in round one then I don’t see how Bowles remains.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:31 am
Oh how I wish BA was still here. I can’t take Bowles’ incompetence any more.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:36 am
maybe try rocking the all pewter unis at least once next year…
might help…
why scrap your best uni, basically right after introducing it
#rhetorical
January 13th, 2025 at 9:36 am
If Bucs would only have a competent coach, Bucs would probably reaching at least the second round of the playoffs.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:45 am
Joe can you please come up with some articles about free agents that should be targeted by Licht. I think we cut Jamel Dean too and draft a corner that is durable, better and can start day one. We need one player for offense and the rest spent on defense. Also is there some way Barton can get better in the off season? He was a liability at different times this season.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:50 am
Lets be objective here. Go back to 2003 after Gruden’s win. Look at the SB winning HC’s. Mccarthy,Kubisk and Pederson being the only non HOF-path coaches to win. Csn any really see Bowles(movement) being #4? Can Coen become a Mcvay? Who knows. But we DO know Bowles is NOT a SB level HC, and barring some sort of miracle he will always be just competent enough to (barely) win a trash division. And he’ll have a job til he retires b/c of it. There is zero chance in the year 2025 the Glazers would fire a (minority) division winning HC and replace him with a young(white) OC. So we’ll have to be on our 3rd OC in 3 years,Baker’s what like 10th OC in his career, and will watch Coen(depending on which situation) become a competent HC. While we stay in the purgatory of divisional round at best
January 13th, 2025 at 9:54 am
@BallHawk…That last line of yours was hilarious…😂 loved it.
As for our beloved Buccaneers, they had better do some major adjustments this off season in the draft and FA because Bryce Young is looking much much better and Michael Penix JR is looking like he might be an issue for the Bucs next season, as for the Saints…not too sure what their plan is going forward, but we all know Carr isn’t the answer for them. However, the Panthers and Falcons concern me a little if we don’t get our shiznit straight. We NEED to have Coen back if we want to stay competitive, Baker is the man for us…in other words…FIX THE DAMN DEFENSE or we’re in deep deep trouble next season.
Love JBF…Thank for all year round updates
January 13th, 2025 at 9:55 am
Baker… Man, you’re a class dude. Class dudes see where they could have done better. Please don’t wear this like a badge of failure. You’re part of a team and, believe me, there are other reasons for the loss and some of them had nothing at all to do with you.
Yes, you are an amazing quarter back and I’ve seen you shoulder some wins. Could you have played harder and made the difference? Could you have leapt over the line and broken your neck? Man, the winning field goal doinked in.
You’re a smart guy. Go calculate whether or not you got beat by five more drops of water on the surface of the ball. The difference in the coefficient of friction might have had that kick doink out instead of in.
We need better people around you. You done good and you lost. You been here before. It wasn’t all you. Take it from an old guy… It happens. It sucks. You’ll play and win again yet.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:56 am
We’re in the worst division ever, hell 6 games could win this division.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:56 am
Time for the Glazers to step in and demand serious changes to the defense. Start by hiring a real DC and get rid of all of the current D assistants. Then get some seriously talented FA players – CB, LB, real DE’s. This defensive scheme and injury prone defensive players are killing the Bucs. Bowles may still be the HC, but he should not be allowed to run the defense.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:58 am
Oh…and one more thing…
Baker deserves an “Angry Run Scepter”
January 13th, 2025 at 10:18 am
Coen is not the messiah as was proven last night. Sending VV on a pass route from the 2 yard line?? Coen trying to prove he is the smartest guy in the stadium. Calling a jet sweep from your own 20 with a tenuous 4 point lead?? Again Coen trying to prove he is the smartest guy in the stadium. Mike Evans receiving more than 300% less targets in the 2nd half after just eviscerating Lattimore in the first half?? WTF Liam!!!!.
Winfield does not look like the same player as last year or even close. I actually noticed Winfield loitering near the runner on two plays waiting for someone else to bring him down instead of sticking his hat in there and doing his job. Bucs better figure out what the heck is going on with Antoine or he is trade bait.
Considering the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball , defense played alright , because stops on 4th down are as good as a turnover and they had 2 of those. Kancey makes the tackle on Daniels for a 5 yard loss, we are more than likely talking about a Bucs victory as that FG would have missed cleanly.
Good luck to all and see you around draft.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:32 am
i’ll be tuning in.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:41 am
Durango 95 gets it. We will load up the D now but we will see the same results next season. Might be 12-5 but tight game in the playoffs we will lose cause we will be out coached. Tough way to see potential SB seasons end. Those chances don’t come around all the time.
With Bowles back, I will continue to watch games and support the Bucs but I will have to be less invested. No need to search out Bucs news when I already have the season script.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:41 am
The team is not improving. We had the same opponent week one. They got a lot better. The Bucs look the same for years.
They found a running game this season, but couldn’t run on Washington’s terrible run D.
Baker choked with his side-butt fumble.
Barton was a great find this season, but choked at a critical time.
McMillan was a great fine this season, but did nothing last night.
Playcalling sucked. Coen was not ready for playoff football.
The defense is terrible. 17 play drive? Sure the rookie QB is talented, but they have ONE receiver of any note.
Asking fans to watch the same thing again next year concedes the division to improving teams – the Falcons and Panthers will be much better.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:45 am
As soon as the total is posted for 2025-26 wins get down on the Buccaneers. Todd always goes OVER. Todd makes us money. Atlanta will again be the favorite to win the south. Buccaneers will likely be posted at 8 or 8.5 wins. When Buccaneers got to 4-6, they were +350 to win the Division.
Take a look at who was on the field on defense at the end of the game and you can understand why the Buccaneers were not a Super Bowl team. The defensive line has three first round draft choices and they are good. Nobody runs well against the Buccaneers but there is not a number one anywhere else on the defense and the salary cap has limited what we could do. It is now on Licht to fix the problem!
January 13th, 2025 at 10:46 am
The commitment to the 3-4 defense is hurting them. Hard to think Bowles will ever change it though, sadly.
It’s easier to hide blitzes with a 3-4, but these are empty calories that only benefit you against bad quarterbacks. And you have edge rushers who have to play too much pass coverage, and can’t just be sack guys.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:48 am
Curious.. did Tryon even suit up after we got shaq back? Do we finally move on and bring in someone else to groom? Also curious to see how Shaq looks next year after lots of rest… Definitely need to draft lbs and Cbs. Some free agency too. McMillan should be good next year. Hopefully Evans keeps it up. Curious about Godwin… May need a wr too.
January 13th, 2025 at 10:52 am
always looked forward to those five things, and enjoyed them so much that I use the 5 things method on Monday to start my workweek
January 13th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Resign Godwin.
Trade for or get a bona-fide edge via free agency.
CB, LB, S priorities in draft.
The NFL is a game of skill, coaching, and luck. The team skill is above average. Coaching is average. Luck this year was below average (injuries to secondary, lb, wr all year was unlucky.) In order to win, you have to be above average or average in all, or be elite in 1 or 2. The bucs were behind the 8 from the injuries starting game 1.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:12 am
It may not have changed the outcome but once again the officiating was horrible. Several bad calls and many missed calls. Too many. The NFL claims to want to protect the shield…….. well lousy reffing is destroying it one bad/missed call at a time.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:20 am
That inside reverse was gonna be a big gainer. Gotta make that handoff. If If was a fifth, we’d all be drunk! Load up on pass rushers and DB’s and we’ll be a force next season.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:21 am
Hopefully Bowles is told to clean house on the defensive coaching side. Rodgers, Ross, Edwards and Rapone need to go. Also force him to give up play calling and hire a bonafide DC who can then hire his own staff.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:22 am
I am so sick of hearing about Todd Bowles and the defense. In the last few weeks there has been several mishaps and poorly times turnovers that fall on the shoulders of Baker.
Atlanta twice, San Francisco, KC, and now Washington. Lasy night, the offense stunk and never got into a rhythm. This team needs leadership that holds people accountable, but also acknowledges the number of injuries have been astronomical since week 3.
I am disappointed, yet proud. Once we draft a couple of ILB and a shutdown corner, we will be fine. If we lose our OC, we can hire Beinimy who would be more authoritarian which is what this offense needs.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:28 am
Thank you to the Joses
January 13th, 2025 at 11:29 am
“Beinimy who would be more authoritarian which is what this offense needs.”
God no. Bienemy wasn’t the OC in KC, Reid is. That was brutally obvious when he went to Washington to “Prove Himself”. He stunk out loud.
Oh, and it’s laughable that you won’t blame the defense – even though Washington moved up and down the field at will on them. ZERO punts. Hard for the offense to do anything if they can’t get the ball back.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:34 am
Bill Parcells spoke about how players st some point don’t hear the coach anymore. They have heard all the stories, they get comfortable, and they stop learning and improving. Unless you are Bellicheck or Reid the players sometime need a new voice, or maybe a boot in the rear end. Players assume the personality of their coach. The offense seems to run thru Baker and you can feel the energy he provides. The D? Where is the urgency? Where is the fire? Who is the leader? Reminds me so much of Dungy stoically standing on sidelines when I see Bowles. Difference is Tony had 4 HOF players. This defense needs more energy and help from the coach. Yes we blitz, but we also backpedal on the backend and leave middle wide open. We don’t adjust, he plays like he has the personnel he had two three years ago. I just think it’s time to shake it up, retain or promote Liam but watching that final drive was Groundhog Day.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:36 am
@ballsack75
1st the problem was made racial by you and your butt buddy @davidbigboy.
Now let’s make fun of battered wife’s ? What a pathetic old
Offense lost the game (actually both sides but) for us.
Fire Liam
Shut up with we didn’t make them punt crap. Because they went for it on 4th, and we held twice.
January 13th, 2025 at 11:37 am
Honestly at this point, I’m kind of ready to give trask his start. I love the way that Baker plays. I love the way that he does his thing but now I really wanna see if trask can do something because this is the second time we have been knocked out the playoffs because of Baker not because of Todd
January 13th, 2025 at 12:01 pm
Yes Bakers fumble was the game, but if anyone on this team will be excused for one bad play, it’s Baker. He is the heart and soul of this team. If he doesn’t truck Bobby Wagner on that run and give the team a jolt before halftime this game would have been a laugher. The problem is the team was again sleep walking until Baker woke them up again. That is an issue with leadership in this team.
January 13th, 2025 at 12:06 pm
I am depressed. I have nothing to add to the discussion.
I will remain a fan and post when the impulse hits me.
Go Bucs! 2025 will be the year or bust!
January 13th, 2025 at 12:16 pm
To every person on this comment line that believes Baker Mayfield is responsible for last nights loss, it is obvious that you no absolutely nothing about the game of football and should just keep you ignorant comments to yourself. Baker did not fumble, he missed a hand off to a ROOKIE. That was a timing play and my guess is that the ROOKIE may have had a bit of nerves and was off HIS timing since it was HIS first play off game. Baker is the leader who steps up to take the blame because Bowles will never do that. In fact, Bowles is claiming that last nights loss was due to, “dumb play by our offense. WTF! Were we watching the same game? I guess our loss last night had nothing to do with our pathetic secondary. Our pathetic attempt at tackling. Our inability to pressure or get a hand on an opposing quarterback. Dropped passes that hit receivers in the hands. An in undisciplined team that commits way too many penalties especially at the worst possible times. A coach who refuses to admit his own inadequacies and continues to blame them on everybody but himself. Yeah if that timing hand off had worked we may have scored but our defense would likely have still likely let us down like it has all season. Baker gave us the one bright spot in the game last night. Blaming him for the loss is as delusional as Bowles thinking he has no accountablility!
January 13th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
I like Trask, but I don’t know how good he can be. His lack of experience cannot help him though.
I hope he moves on. Maybe we can trade him to a team and gain some sort of pick.
Either way, I wish him the best.
We can bring back Blaine Gabbert as a backup.
January 13th, 2025 at 12:28 pm
Becky, you’re a fountain of common sense. Watching the play carefully, it’s pretty obvious that McMillen mis-timed the handoff, perhaps because he was anxious to get around the corner, just like a receiver running before he catches the ball. Hard to hand off to somebody that’s passed you. Baker, being the team leader and the “adult” in the room, (shot at the idiotic browns front office) took the heat to take the onus off of the rookie.
January 13th, 2025 at 12:44 pm
For God’s sake we made 2 – 4th down stands. On one the offense gave the ball back deep in our territory.
How about instead of complaining about them not punting we ask why we were punting? Was their D playing so lights out we couldn’t put together more effective drives?
Does anybody REALLY believe the offense played well enough to win a playoff game? A pretty healthy offense I might add. Liam is not the Messiah and the offense is not some kind of juggernaut.
January 13th, 2025 at 12:46 pm
Becky also possible Barton snapped a bit early. Would make two this game. Has been an issue with him. Do we keep working on his snaps or bring in a center and make him a pro bowl at guard? Depends what they think of bredeson and Mauch
January 13th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Quite possibly the center was off, either way, Baker protecting a rookie.
January 13th, 2025 at 12:57 pm
Thanks to the Joes and Ira for working their asses off this season. Great to wake up and sit on the throne and read all the little articles the Joe’s pump out every day and night. Great work gentleman!
January 13th, 2025 at 1:06 pm
Barton has had some issues snapping the ball for the last 5 games. He definitely needs more developmental work but if he is willing to put in the hard work I think he could pay off for us. Discipline is a hugee problem with this team. Penalties prove that. There are players on this team that do not give 100 percent especially when it comes to tackling. I say focus first on the secondary, and then find a way to motivate those player that don’t give their all every game. It would probably require a coach who is willing to be a coach and not their pal. Players love Bowls because he is a pushover. Jim Harbaugh would have been a great fit for this team. He is a players coach and they love and play for him but they also know discipline is a priority because he commanda s it. Bowles does not.
January 13th, 2025 at 1:18 pm
Thanks for another wonderful season Joe’s. Looking forward to being on here everyday, as usual.
January 13th, 2025 at 1:21 pm
“” Discipline is a hugee problem with this team. Penalties prove that. There are players on this team that do not give 100 percent especially when it comes to tackling””
Gee I wonder who would be in charge of making sure those things don’t happen?
January 13th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
thanks Joes from Bud who is in the spirit world He really liked the Bucs until the day he died I personally could care less about roger goodall NFL Bucs watch making Glasers or any of NFL /Gambling money grabs actually liked playing actual football in HS but thanks Joey Joes
January 13th, 2025 at 1:35 pm
It is an honor to be quoted. Thank you BucU
January 13th, 2025 at 1:37 pm
Bucs fans, there is one thing we got this year, for the first time in a LONG LONG time. We have a franchise QB. We learned that this year. We got Baker.
January 13th, 2025 at 1:42 pm
Thank you Coltol for your, “fountain of common sense,” compliment. I am really just someone who loves football, the Bucs, and who has been a fan of Baker since he walked on at Texas tech. It is a privilege to watch a guy with his heart play the game. So I observe and hope my comments can help.
January 13th, 2025 at 1:44 pm
1. I think the people calling for the firing of Todd Bowles needs to look at our defense and realize there are not nearly the playmakers of our great defenses. You don’t see anyone to the level of Suh, JPP, Shaq B (in his prime), Sapp, Rice, Brooks, Lynch, Barber etc. None of the guys we have are at those guys level. They may get there, but they are young. I think with the injuries and the talent level, Bowles did the best he could with what he had to work with. AW31 was hurt, wasn’t as effective as he should be.
2. I don’t think Cohen is quite ready, I would see if you can keep him until TB retires or is fired and then promote him to HC. That would be the real consistency they are looking for.
3. Need to get defensive talent, as mentioned earlier, these guys are not play makers, not yet, some might and some might never be. We have missed on picks for sure. Devon White, Logan Hall, JTS. All LBs not LD54 – though you have to be aware he is passed his prime if he stays. Secondary needs upgrades at CB and capable depth players. More playmakers needed.
4. Need to figure out WR. We need to determine if we can keep Godwin, if not, we will need an upgrade at WR. And I would say outside of 13,14,15 – all can be upgraded.
5. This team is young, they made mistakes, but they played well for most of the season. They were cleaning up mistakes away from really being good – at least on offense. We have a solid O-Line, good backs, a good QB, good TEs that are growing. There is a bright future ahead.
January 13th, 2025 at 2:14 pm
The Bucs need to work on their penalties, especially on offence.
January 13th, 2025 at 2:52 pm
I agree the fumble mistake from Baker and McMillan was one of reasons why we lost and premature hike. However, the defense allowed long drives which I believed impacted the offense from getting into synch. Plus the Play calling on offense side was very inconsistent at times especially during the critical times of the game.I thought that Bowels should have gone for it when it was 4th and 3 on the 14 near the end of the game. I believe Baker would have either willed his way to a first down or make another great pass. Baker only had 3 incompletions and Evans was having a great game as well. How could Bowels think his defense could stop Jayden with a tie score and 4 minutes left . I believe Washington never punted once. I like Bowels , however he is still to conservative to win the tight and especially the big games. Maybe it’s time to forward with a more aggressive approach since we have a great upcoming talent.
January 13th, 2025 at 3:33 pm
This is a QB driven league and the only way to win a Super Bowl is to SHUT DOWN QB’s like Jackson, Allen or Mahomes. Tom Brady did not win us that Super Bowl, our Defense SHUT Mahomes down. We need to find that Defense again.
January 13th, 2025 at 4:16 pm
The game last night was so close ( a field goal “donk” that went through) that there is plenty of blame to go around for the loss! After all football is a TEAM SPORT! Better execution on one offensive play here, better execution on one defensive play here, one less penalty committed by offense here, one less penalty by the defense here, one better play call on offense, one better play call on defense. Ect. Ect. Ect. The game results could have been changed by the Officials too had they called one more blatant penalty that wasn’t or reversed a bad call that was made. This is football! A TEAM SPORT. The Team either wins or the Team lose. It’s sad this game was lost but there is no one reason for the loss!!
January 13th, 2025 at 4:20 pm
Quinn plays for the Wins, Bowles plays it safe not having self awareness that his Defense can’t stop anybody. So if Bowles would of went for it on the 3rd and 3 on the 14 and did not make it, would anyone be upset. I would not of. I was upset because he didn’t go for it knowing the D would give the game to the Redskins.
January 13th, 2025 at 4:48 pm
It’s ironic because Quinn “playing for the win” in Atlanta’s super bowl loss knocked him out of field goal range, which would have locked up the victory. Instead they left the door open for a Brady comeback.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:08 pm
The three straight division title argument just doesn’t fly. It’s a bad division and has been that way for at least the last three years.
The problem, however, with winning the division is that you end up with a harder (sometimes significantly) schedule than the other teams in your division. Atlanta had an advantage this season with an easier schedule this season which they will have again next season (I’m not all to worried about the Saints or Panthers). The Bucs somehow endured that harder schedule this year but fortunately, next year the schedule is only slightly harder for the Bucs:
I won’t mention the common team games, but here is the difference in Bucs vs. Falcons schedule next year:
BUCS: Eagles, Lions, Texans
FALCONS: Commanders, Vikings, Colts
Bowles is loved by the team just like Dungy was. I really have no clue what the Glazers will do one way or another. That said, if Bowles doesn’t change the defense from his ultra soft zone to a more press coverage, he is never going to have a top defense. It’s ludicrous that Bowles condemns the defense for not having enough takeaways when, by scheme, the closest guy to any receiver is always at least five yards away when the guy catches the ball.
Regardless of whether Bowles stays or goes, the entire draft next season needs to concentrate on the defense. We need CBS, ILBs and OLBs. The only “sort of” weakness the Bucs may have on offense is Left Guard (yeah, yeah, yeah, we could always use the next Kelce or Gronk but get real, folks, about real needs here).
I’m sad that the Bucs lost and would like to have been rooting for them again next week. That said, only the truly delusional fans thought that this team was Superbowl bound. It’s never had the defense this season to compete with the better teams, regardless of injuries – especially with our current scheme of laying off receivers.
It was a great season to be a Bucs fan. You had hope and fear each week. There was always a reason to watch – something that cannot be said about many, many Bucs seasons in the past.
January 13th, 2025 at 7:08 pm
6 weeks ago, I didn’t think there was a chance in hell of making the playoffs. Little RGIII jr is a great QB but we definitely played flat. Lack of consistency this year and plagued by injuries.
+1 for getting a new DC. We need a DB coach as well. On offense I’m hoping we grab another G/T for the line in the first/second round to help out with injuries. The rest of the picks need to go to the defense. Need another CB, ILB, and Edge.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:23 pm
Father Dungy was ordered to fix his offense and step into the 21st Century. He refused. Buh-bye.
Chucky was told (repeatedly) to draft and develop a QB. He refused (and allegedly told Team Glazer what to do with their suggestion). Team Glazer told him to clean our his office.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Records suggest otherwise. This has the attention of people that matter at One Buc Palace.
January 13th, 2025 at 9:27 pm
LOL Bathroom reading! 🙂
January 13th, 2025 at 10:30 pm
JBF, thank you for a great site. Found you three seasons ago (my first full season as a Bucs fan, and the first full season of football I watched since the early 90s). This is the first year I started adding my two cents in the comments. I appreciate your insights and the work you all do. Look forward to keeping up in the off season.
January 14th, 2025 at 12:48 am
Thanks Joe’s for giving all of us a great season of thought-provoking material. We got an opportunity to voice our opinions and to argue our reasons. What more could anyone ask for?
I’ve been a fan since ’76 when everyone got to choose between the 2 new expansion teams. I’ve never regretted picking the Bucs over the Seahawks. Any season is disappointing when you don’t win it all and that last loss seems to hurt the most.
I’ll certainly be sad for a while but look forward to gearing back up for the draft, mini camps and preseason. And to read your views about it all. Before you know it, we’ll be starting the ’25 season with new hopes of getting to the next Super Bowl. GO BUCS!!
January 14th, 2025 at 7:20 am
Only home team to lose in the playoffs, way to go.
January 14th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
I’ll be a Baker fan no matter what team he plays for. He plays with heart. Some players seem a little lazy and are letting others take their weight. Very frustrating team.