Pewter Report Prediction: Bucs 7-9 In ’14
January 12th, 2014
Those unpredictable writers over at PewterReport.com have been busy preparing end-of the-year Bucs awards and things of that nature that don’t interest Joe.
However, their preliminary call on the 2014 season got Joe’s attention.
They believe the new Lovie Smith regime will sputter in its opening campaign.
EARLY PROJECTION FOR 2014
Tampa Bay will have a 7-9 record
New head coach Lovie Smith inherits a talented Tampa Bay team that was banged up in 2013 with a league-high 16 players ending their seasons on injured reserve. The defensive side of the ball is more talented than the offense, and there are two huge question marks with the offensive line and at the quarterback position entering the 2014 season. The O-line underperformed last year and while Glennon was solid during his rookie season, the team has some questions about his lack of escapability against the blitz and his ability as a playmaker. Smith may seek upgrades along the line as well as finding a challenger for Glennon at the quarterback spot this year. The fact that the team will be adjusting to new offensive and defensive schemes and will have a lot of players still rehabbing from season-ending injuries means that progressed in 2014 may be slowed. Include the fact that the Bucs will still be figuring out its quarterback situation for the foreseeable future, and plays in the rugged NFC South division and a three-win improvement and a 7-9 record may be seen as a successful season in Tampa Bay.
Now Joe would never think of making such an early projection for any team. Heck, there’s a good chance half the Bucs roster is different next season. Andy Reid changed 30 or so players when he took over in Kansas City.
But Joe will play along for the sake of discussion.
Lovie stated recently that having a great defense, one that forces a lot of turnovers, will deliver an eight-win season. Add great special teams to that, Lovie said, and you’ve got a 10-win team. Now Joe trusts Lovie with the Bucs defense implicitly, and the Bucs have plenty of talent right now. Their defense should be great, so Joe would have to project eight wins in 2014, based on Lovie’s comment alone.
Regardless, the Bucs have much work to do to reach greatness. Lovie’s got a couple of years to hash it out before a raging hot seat is substituted for his comfy office chair.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:04 pm
This is why I don’t bother reading pewter report.com.
Not because I think the prediction is right or wrong but because it is ludicrous to even begin to pretend that you can predict any teams results before free agency or the draft have taken place. Especially on a team with a new coach and GM.
Total nonsense.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Agree….absurd to predict. I wouldn’t be terrribly disappointed with 8-8…but would want to be able to clearly see 2015 as a big winner.
We need to go at least 3-3 in the division….any less than that is unacceptable.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
I’m just looking forward to a big Super Bowl party at the stadium with Johnny Football hoisting the trophy drunk but a hooters chick under each arm….
January 12th, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Ya they were leading the fire Schiano chants and then they “got some information” and changed their tone. It’s a shame they allowed a meeting with Schiano to influence their ability to be fair and impartial. I let my subscription expire and will never renew.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Totally ridiculous to predict a record in January. We haven’t even had a draft or free agency yet for crying out loud. Meaningless, worthless, and completely stupid on all levels. I read Pewter Report and this won’t affect that, but damn this is laughable.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
I have not been to PR in about 8 months. I have Joe to thank for that.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
I think the return of conner barth is good for 2-3 wins alone…
January 12th, 2014 at 9:39 pm
This is stupid.. why are they making a prediction for the season when Free agency hasn’t even started yet been finished, oh yeah the draft too.. This is pathetic.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:41 pm
WOW talk about ridiculous. I terminated my subscription at that digital fish wrap 2 years ago. Someone please explain to me how anyone can make a prediction about next year without even knowing the roster.
One of the main reason that I enjoy this site is that instead of being like a Newspaper or a beat writer that has to worry more about politics than printing something interesting, the Joe(s) are real people with fan views not a 10 cent Word Press blog with goddady subscription pretending to be something they are not. I absolutely love the Titles they give themselves at PR…. Joe where is your title… Which Joe is Publisher and which one is Editor in Chief… LOL….
Keep up the good work gentlemen and never change… You both are spending a little too much time at WDAE in my opinion…. I don’t want to wake up one day and read Joe is hosting an “UPSCALE” watching party with Ian. Leave the good vodka to ian and stick the suds gentlemen…
January 12th, 2014 at 9:41 pm
JBF’s top “sponsors”/ traffic increasers:
1) Hooter’s
2) P U ter Report
3) The Joes’ quality writing
* in no particular order
January 12th, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Based on what we have now, the Bucs will go 11-5 in 2015. Too tough to call 2016.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:48 pm
Pewter report who? Yeah exactly who cares JoeBucsFan is where I get my news
January 12th, 2014 at 9:52 pm
Barth was sorely missed, I agree Lurk
January 12th, 2014 at 9:56 pm
14-2 in 2020, 12-4 in 2021…
Predictions are wanking in general. In particular, any prediction that comes before free agency, the draft, OTAs, and preseason is more than highly suspect. It’s just idiotic.
January 12th, 2014 at 9:57 pm
I agree Barth alone is 2 wins. Not mention the return of Martin whose legs will be well rested and HUNGRY!!!! Couple that with Williams return and real NFL Coaching and that prediction is beyond ignorant. PR must be resorting to shock stories to generate traffic.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Hopefully he heals properly, what did he injure again?
Was it his kicking leg achilles?
January 12th, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Was crazy what happen in the other post..smh
January 12th, 2014 at 10:05 pm
I had heard that Barth was kicking during warmups at one of the last two home games. My buddy is usually reliable and has field passes. Joe anything truth that barth was kicking before a home game?
January 12th, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Is any prediction a safe prediction about the Bucs? Go back and listen at what some of you said a year ago. It’s probably safe to count wins and losses. Notice how we always want to kill the messenger. Our words read in hindsight should be good for the soul!
https://www.joebucsfan.com/?p=90702
January 12th, 2014 at 10:09 pm
It’s kind of irresponsible to attempt to predict the record next season but I get what they’re saying.
There will be some progression but at the end of the day I get what they’re trying to state. Here is the fact of the matter:
– QB: unknown
– RB: proven
– WR: proven
– OLine: unknown
– TE: unknown
Defense is again two players away as the high school coach pointed out – DE and CB. The rest is scheme and execution. Also the real question will be the QB position and the 3WR position. If underwood stays as the 4th WR that can be a advantage for us but he’s not quick enough nor does he have the consistent catching to be a game changer,
I say 8-8 or 9-7 at worst. This is really a good outlook.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:11 pm
I guess the pewter report already knows if we’re playing in Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburg in September or December. Not that time of year or temperature should have anything to do with it. Ridiculous to speculate this far out.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:23 pm
Macabee I agree with you on predictions but the timing of this prediction makes it ignorant. The post you referenced is in June after free agency and the draft. PR prediction in January is just ignorant.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Connor Barth is from my town of Wimington NC…..saw him at a charity dinner in late Nov…he was headiing down to the Bills game….he is recouperating very well and is kicking at 50 yds….says he has fully recovered.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
Macabee…that was in late June after free agency and after the draft not early January. There is a big difference. Right?
January 12th, 2014 at 10:25 pm
Damn it tmaxcon beat me to it…
January 12th, 2014 at 10:29 pm
Architek …Underwood runs a 4.31 40 yard dash. I’d say that makes him quicker than Vjax.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:30 pm
7-9 would be a major disappointment.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:35 pm
I agree with the last picker’s pick.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:41 pm
No fellas, don’t misunderstand my post. It is premature to make that prediction in January. But with a team in a state of flux like the Bucs, that prediction is as good or as worthless as any prediction we will make between now and the start of camp.
My comments are in that June article too. It didn’t matter that that prediction was after FA and the draft, we all thought the 5-11 prediction was nuts and we gave Walter hell for thinking our beloved Bucs could lose 11 games.
I love Lovie (pardon the pun), but I doubt our predictions will be anymore accurate in june than for us to predict right now. Just one Opinion!
January 12th, 2014 at 10:44 pm
good news about conner. make sure to tell him no more charity b-ball games!
January 12th, 2014 at 10:47 pm
I started on PR, but once I found JBF, I’ve never gone back. Joe, feed me more.
I want a KC type turn around. Play offs! Hell with 7-9.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Oh hell!
16-0!!!!!!!
You heard it here first!!!!!
lol 😉
January 12th, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Macabee…I’m not making anymore damn predictions for a looooong while.
January 12th, 2014 at 10:52 pm
Why not 87!??!?!
Your Free prediction were the best lol 😛
January 12th, 2014 at 10:52 pm
predictions*
January 12th, 2014 at 10:54 pm
We have to let things marinate at the draft and the fabulous practices before we can delude ourselves fully to make predictions.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:00 pm
How are we going to make it through an offseason without rock star fleecing one of our opponents or engaging in unparalleled shrewdness.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Eric-That was hilarious.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Buc1987,
By all means make your predictions. It’s in the spirit of the JBF family to do so. If PRBuc says 16-0, I wouldn’t criticize and if someone else says 4-12, I wouldn’t criticize either. There are reasons to be upbeat, but to be honest, I was upbeat at the start of the season last year.
Goodnight! I’m sure guys will hash it out! lol
January 12th, 2014 at 11:04 pm
I agree Mac,
predictions at any point are just the same IMO.
It’s all guess work regardless.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Upbeat as all getout. The offseason always brings a lengthy wait with rising anticipation as the next season nears. The only way to go is up for the Bucs and their fans.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Buc1987,
4.31 straight ahead speed – that’s totally different from a quick twitch explosive guy like Welker or Edelman and such.
The Bucs don’t necessarily need a guy that’s just 4.2 speed but a short quicker guy in space is something we are desperately in need of.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:30 pm
Absolutely meaningless to make these predictions being that we haven’t even had free agency or the draft yet.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:47 pm
4.31 is still quick no matter how you slice it.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:56 pm
There is so much to happen before the season starts. Not to mention we have a new coaching staff. To predict now is silly.
Also, the NFL does have a reliable history of significant turnarounds.
I like 9-7/10-6.
January 12th, 2014 at 11:56 pm
Can’t wait for NFL media day. I have a secret and can’t wait to discuss it on the forum.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:07 am
Gotta love ya Bruno! You said to predict now is silly and you give us a …..drum roll please……prediction! lol
January 13th, 2014 at 12:09 am
no teasing Drew…. Share the secret sir!
The most telling Statistic is this thread already has 45 plus comments in less than 4 hours and the original post referenced had 5 comments when i read it and i was posted yesterday. Not that it’s a competition but that is what I call telling statistic. Even coach Rah Rah agrees that stat matters. Either that they are practicing censorship in which case the Justice Department would approve and they are hiring… Shredder experience not required but recommended
Buc1987 sorry dude LOL… and i agree 4.3 anything is fast regardless
January 13th, 2014 at 2:56 am
You guys don’t get pewter rep. at all. The always make a wide range of pedictions and mocks covering every possibility just so they can say the called it. Watch, there will be at least 4-5 more predictions, and about 7 mock drafts.
And when they do get it wrong, the content sometimes disappears from the website.
Also, they rewrap half the news to make it appear as though they got the scoops. There is a reason they had to cancel their printed magazines, and it isn’t because they wanted to “go green.”
January 13th, 2014 at 3:13 am
Speed is overrated in my book. I will take a wr with good hands over a speedy guy with average hands any day. It only takes ten yards to get a first down…well, 25 yards for the Bucs because of penalties.
Keyshawn wasn’t fast. Ike Hilliard wasn’t fast. Joe wasn’t fast.
If they catch the short to medium passes it keep our defense rested so they are there when it counts. Long, deep passes are fun to watch, but they really get the job done too quickly if successful. Control the clock.
There is a wr who is a clone of Vincent Jackson who will be there in round 2. Take him and move Williams to slot. Take a blocking FB in round 4. Stick with the TEs we habe, because a blocking FB is what we really need. I’ve been banging that drum for years.
You want a deadly run game? Get a young Lorenzo Neal in there.
Shore up the DE and RT spots in FA, fish for a guard to replace Nicks if needed. Fix the rest next year…assuming we get a QB this year.
I actually like Bortles more than Johny, but would take either. But if something makes Clowny fall to us, we should take him and run with Glennon another year, plus whoeber is there in FA.
Matt Schuab migjt make a decent backup that Gleenon can win from.
January 13th, 2014 at 3:15 am
Sorry about errors…on tablet.
January 13th, 2014 at 7:05 am
Website that speculates about the Bucs makes fun of website that speculates about the Bucs.
January 13th, 2014 at 7:24 am
I guess everyone is missing the fact that its an EARLY PREDICTION…as in IF THE SEASON STARTED NOW…with Glennon at QB …before free agency and before the draft.
January 13th, 2014 at 7:46 am
With all that went wrong, we still could’ve easily had that record this year. We have plenty of cap space and will presumably end up with a little more. Between free agents and the draft we should be loaded up. Exciting times
January 13th, 2014 at 8:29 am
I agree, how can anyone put a prediciton in place when the players aren’t even known.
Sadly, I signed up for Pewter Report after Lovie was hired. Wanted to get more perspective on ever-changing events with Bucs. Haven’t visited the site and regret signing up.
January 13th, 2014 at 10:53 am
Early predictions are like mock drafts. They’re fun, but completely pointless. The roster will look different in a few months and we have no idea what the offense will look like or who the QB will be.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:53 am
Don’t know about predictions but they say good coaching is worth 3-5 extra wins every year. The huge upgrade from Schiano to Smith should land us in the 9-7 to 7-9 range.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:06 pm
What prediction? All they said was “a three-win improvement and a 7-9 record may be seen as a successful season in Tampa Bay”. No where did they say the Bucs will go 7-9. You people are ridiculous! Get a life! Oh and they have much more detailed Real articles rather than 100 word blurps about what someone else wrote. LOL!
January 13th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Sorry, but you don’t get to falsely claim Joe is “stealing” things, assign inaccurate motives to Joe, and misrepresent the work Joe does here.–Joe
January 13th, 2014 at 12:42 pm
Nothing wrong with making early predictions. Some fans think its fun. So what. Its not something written in stone. Nobody seem to mind when predictions were made when we got our new HC. So whats the difference? By the way I predict 8-8 with a big turnover in personnel.
January 13th, 2014 at 1:19 pm
@mumbles,
I can be silly sometimes… 😉
January 13th, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Great defense =8 wins
Average special teams=.5 wins
Average offense=1 win
Total=9.5 wins for the Bucs
I will take the over and call it 10.
January 13th, 2014 at 1:40 pm
Joe, can’t help but wonder if Rockstar Dominik would still be around if he had fired Schiano after the 0-5 start. Like the trooper he was though, he was loyal to his captain and went down with the ship.
January 13th, 2014 at 8:39 pm
or if Schiano would have still been around if Rockstar Dominick had a better eye for talent specifically at the QB position, or at the very least let Schiano start a different QB than Freeman at the very beginning of the season. The things we’ll never know, but we all can do now is let it go and hope for the best under the new HC and GM (when we get one)
January 14th, 2014 at 1:24 am
lol So theres not been a draft or a free agency season, but we’re gonna have that record?
THey might want to wait a bit and pay attention to what happens after those two very important things occur before they start picking records for next year.