Anything To Dull The Pain
March 16th, 2018
BY IRA KAUFMAN
How would you like to be pushing Buc season tickets right now?
Those poor saps in the ticket office are trying to drum up support for a 5-11 club that barely made an early ripple in the free-agent pool.
The Bucs have pushed Beau Allen and Chandler Catanzaro out front and we can only assume that Mitch Unrein is next up at the podium. In reality, the past two days delivered one gut-punch after another for a fan base frantically seeking a reason to believe in this organization.
The decision by defensive end Alex Okafor to return to the Saints was another blow and the fact center/guard Ryan Jensen was allowed to leave the building and head to another suitor was ominous.
What in the name of Swaggy Baker is going on around here? If the Bucs “are close,” as Dirk Koetter and Jason Licht suggest, why not sign a difference-maker or two?
The answers, my friend, are blowing in the gale outside One Buc Place.
It appears ownership has decided to take a wait-and-see approach to the 2018 season. A 5-11 finish will make you reassess where your franchise stands and the Glazers don’t quite know how to proceed.
Jameis-driven?
Status quo rules, at least for now, and there’s a subtle factor at work that you should consider before turning your back on management. The NFL’s investigation into Jameis Winston continues, with no end in sight.
Roger Goodell and his enablers should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this probe to continue well past any sane expiration date.
It’s now four months and counting for examination of an alleged groping incident from two years ago.
This absurd delay isn’t fair to the Bucs and it’s certainly not fair to Winston, whose remaining detractors are eager to believe the worst.
The Bucs were smart to bring back Ryan Fitzpatrick, but the consequences would be massive if Winston is suspended for a significant stretch.
In this period of uncertainty, the Glazers aren’t inclined to go for broke by spending extravagantly in free agency. It appears Licht and Koetter will have to make do with incremental upgrades while the team gets younger.
That brings me to another recent development in free agency with some serious Buc undertones.
The Bucs Life
The Jaguars just showed Austin Seferian-Jenkins some money and I wish Tampa Bay’s former tight end much success as he joins his third organization at the tender age of 25.
Still, I can’t stop thinking that he stole money from the Bucs for two years before they released a second-round pick who was anything but professional in Tampa. For two seasons, Seferian-Jenkins underperformed while the Bucs hoped his drinking days were behind him.
“When I showed up in Tampa, I didn’t know anyone and sometimes when you don’t have support, you look for support in other ways – substances or whatever it may be,” he said. “I know I lost myself and who I truly was. I figured drinking would be a good way to numb the pain.”
Ah, the pain.
Just think about the ramifications of the Seferian-Jenkins fiasco. If ASJ had played up to expectations, the Bucs wouldn’t have drafted O.J. Howard at No. 19 last year. Instead, maybe they select a Dalvin Cook or corner Tre’Davious White, who just turned in a stellar rookie season in Buffalo.
But as we all know, It’s a Bucs Life. Great expectations have given way to grim reality, but the Stick Carriers haven’t given up. There’s still the draft, along with hope that Winston is exonerated.
A not-guilty verdict by the NFL this spring would help quite a bit.
At this point, Buc fans welcome anything to dull the pain.
**NOTE, Sage Ira will be in the house on Thursday, April 26. He’s always up for selfies, free wine and conversation.**
March 16th, 2018 at 4:19 pm
At this point I am more into March Madness than Bucs’ Sadness.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:26 pm
dark and depressing…
March 16th, 2018 at 4:28 pm
I honestly think this is about Licht just in self protection mode, he knows it’s very likely Dirk is fired at the end of the season and if Licht goes out and signs anyone of note and they bust yet again, he’s out the door. Licht has been terrible in free agency and if he wants to keep his job he can’t be terrible once again, so the best plan is to do nothing at all and to bet on the draft, where Licht has done well. If it was about the Glazers being cheap they wouldn’t have made Evans the highest paid WR in the league, they wouldn’t have given Brate a new deal a year before they had to, they wouldn’t have given a kicker $4m – those are not signs of cheap owners.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:28 pm
If I had “Free” Bucs season tickets
Will I attend the games?
Hmm no
It cost $10 for round trip gas fare
March 16th, 2018 at 4:32 pm
The Winston “investigation” is laughable…..to my knowledge, they haven’t interviewed Winston or Darby……what in the hell is going on?
The NFL is allowing uncertainty hampering the Bucs through FA & perhaps the Draft…..not that we would have picked up a QB…..but stranger things have happened.
If Winston was found guilty, I could see the Owners opting of a young first-round backup going forward.
I hope Winston is completely innocent….but one has to wonder why a millionaire with a target on his back would allow himself to be in this situation.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:32 pm
Agreed Rod! That makes sense.
Now to move back a few spots, draft Vita and move back into the 20’s to draft Landry….then a RB.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
I guess I am a sucker for punishment but I did renew. I have over 32 years invested in liking this team with 22 of those being a season ticket holder. I am not giving them up I don’t care how much we suck.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:33 pm
If we can’t get Vinny Curry… hooboy it will be abandon ship time my friends.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:35 pm
Even if Jameis was suspended the first 6 games it wouldn’t mean the whole season is over. Why even sign Fitzpatrick as back up if he can’t play good enough to win a few games with Winston out?
March 16th, 2018 at 4:38 pm
I numb my pain every NFl Sunday just prior to our Bucs playing. I start with 5 straight shots of my favorite beverage followed by a nice cold Beer. If we are being blown out, the wife and I just go to a movie. If not.. to start the 2nd half (if I watch) I repeat my pregame numbing once again. Because I know the Defense is going to let the other team waltz into our endzone time after time again. Yes Ira, I would hate to be working in Bucs Season ticket sales right now. I would not spend my hard earned money to go see them until I see proof..we are serious about winning.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:41 pm
Even if Winston is suspended, Fitzpatrick has proven he can lead this team. They have too many holes to fill and not enough fingers. They have money to spend and they should do so on DE, OL, and RB. A kicker? Really? Dirk and Jason, AKA dumb and dumber, are not the future of any winning team. Can’t wait to see training camp with limited contact and ping pong.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:42 pm
the writing is on the wall…..this is a lame duck staff……no one wants to come play for a HC DC and GM who are BOTH on the hot seat……simple as that!!!!!….licht has been instructed to build depth(for the next regime)….this staff is gone after the year…..how else do you justify not making any moves to sure up the DE position among other things…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 4:44 pm
Such a dark place my Buccaneer hell , usually after the season but oboy this year it starts early. We need some good news!
March 16th, 2018 at 4:46 pm
Unless there is a “secret plan” for instantaneous success, the entire coaching staff and front office will be shown the door at seasons end. Assuming that we are to endure yet another painful season, there is absolutely too much talent on offense and no excuse for the lack of defense for this regime to survive.
Knowing that All of their jobs were on the line, I would have expected serious personnel changes along with more notable coaching changes. After 40 years of following this team, I am as frustrated and bewildered as I have ever been.
Are you listening Glazer family?
March 16th, 2018 at 4:47 pm
Regardless of any imaginary suspension that Ira loves to talk about the FO should ALWAYS be trying to improve the roster and I’m sorry but Allen and Unrein are NOT better than McDonald and Baker, period. They’re not even cheaper which is just bad business.
So chill out and don’t hold the FO accountable this is all Jameis’s fault bc of the ongoing investigation
March 16th, 2018 at 4:53 pm
I must reassert that I could do a much better job than the Bucs brass at building a winning. And every year i say that, it sounds like less of a stretch. Im serious tho, i could have this team in the playoffs this year if allowed to call some shots
March 16th, 2018 at 4:53 pm
No one is panicking or freaking out other than JBF commenters and Joe happily feeds you your problem and solutions.
Give me one credible quote that anyone at OBP is panicking?!?!
Nope, just the no nothing meth heads on JBF.
March 16th, 2018 at 4:57 pm
I think the only place there is a Winston investigation is on this board
March 16th, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Oh and PROOF OF THIS ASSERTION…
Who is sayinv this playoffs or fire everyone BS???
If anything these moves show the long term commitment to a staff that players need to progress…
JBF is a joke if the Bucs are a joke!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 4:58 pm
Agree 100%, TampaBayBucFan.
The investigation, or lack there of, is a dark cloud hanging over One Buc Place.
If Jameis gets suspended our season is toast, and I too could understand drafting a QB early if that’s the case.
To think our season/playoff handed wouldn’t be much worse without Winston is laughable.
Fitzpatrick for 6 games won’t do. We need our #1 pick out there barring injury, not suspension.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Nothing is happening with the Winston case because the NFL knows it’s all unprovable BS – it’s just some piece of trash that wants a payday to go away like 99% of the #metoo frauds. However the NFL isn’t going to say that for obvious reasons, there is nothing they can say about Winston that isn’t going to cause an s-storm, if they dismiss the claim as that of a gold digging liar then the NFL has to deal with the social justice warriors and the fake news press going after them – on the opposite side it’s purely a he said/she said deal with zero evidence of any wrongdoing. So the NFL does the same thing Licht does in free agency, nothing. They just say we will not comment on it, and that’s it, it just eventually goes away – or perhaps when the next big hashtag movement comes along maybe they dump the news then, but more likely I think they say nothing.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
Yah. I re upped my tickets a few weeks ago and the bucs decided to show me some thanks by keeping the same team?
I drive from Orlando. No free parking. Increase in ticket prices. Not spending on free agents.
What sucks is the owners are so private (that’s being nice) they don’t seem to want to connect with their fans. Pretty frustrated right now. This team has so many holes and to act like a few snaps here or there last year would have changed things is ludicrous
#siegemypay
#itsabucslife
March 16th, 2018 at 5:01 pm
DB55,
It’s not an “imaginary” suspension until the NFL announces that it’s over.
If Jameis is suspended for 6 games, we are screwed. And, if Jameis gets suspended 6 games, it would show a repeat of potentially poor behavior off the field. And, if suspended for 6 games, another suspension would be of the year long variety. This is scary stuff.
Just because we don’t like it as Jameis and Buccaneer fans, doesn’t mean we need to ignore it
Fingers crossed #3 can play all year barring injury. Lord knows we need him more than ever.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:04 pm
The ASJ comment itself is an indictment of this organization. As a rookie, he had no support system? No guidance…no leadership (#3?) in the locker room. I think the comment is very telling; on the flip side ASJ could be just another millennial jack-wagon that doesn’t know how to take responsibility for his own actions.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:06 pm
Get ready for 8 “away” games at Ray Jay. It will be bad. They Eagles fans will take over the stadium. I’ve been a season ticket holder for 20+ years and the Bucs are not giving me many reasons to be optimistic going forward.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
ASJ is a curious case. Glad he’s got his head on straight. Perhaps he was the one of kid that had to learn the hard way. Wish him nothing but the best.
Good pint though, if we cut ASJ for a DUI, then would we also cut Jameis for a domestic issue leading to a suspension? Scary times for Bucs fans.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:08 pm
Bird, the owners. ALL OF THEM. Walk around the stadium every game. The Bucs are top 5 every year in customer service and fan expierence.
The only thing that sucks is the team on the field… AL 12 OF THEM.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:11 pm
*Perhaps he’s a kid who has to learn the hard way?*
March 16th, 2018 at 5:17 pm
these moves show along term commitment?…….yeah…a long term commitment to a new regime!!!!!!!…..
totally confident right?……..lol…..
#NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!!!!….GO BUCS!!!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 5:19 pm
SteveK
I just think we got plenty of horse chit to deal with currently than to continue to beat that horse to death.
We got no RB, that’s huge! No DEs, safeties suck hopefully Tandy gets his job back. We got 1 old CB who was injured last season and a dline that may actually be worse than last year.
All that is cool though, be patient and what not. None of that will lead to the Bucs demise. The only thing that will is IF jameis gets suspended and what really kisses me off is that the only place you hear about it is here on jbf.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:20 pm
Only thing I can figure is that Tampa Bay is about to make a massive move-up in the draft.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Buc believer,you may not give your season tickets up but just know that you will not have many people sitting next to you that are bucs fans!enjoy other teams fans laughing at you and throwing beer in your face!sit there and take it like a bi*ch! I can assure you most season ticket holders are pissed off and not renewing there tickets!enough is enough!we haven’t won since John gruden,this is 2018!count the years since he got fired,then reevaluate your ticket renewal decision.the people that run this organization should be ashamed of themselves, they are losers and have shown this off season that they don’t care about this city or us fans!love my bucs, but my money is gonna get spent elsewhere.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:30 pm
Shoring up the run defense and the kicking game isn’t a gut punch in my book. I’m still optimistic about 2018. Complaining about every single thing they don’t do (according to what non-professionals think ought to be their plan), is a gigantic waste of time. All the negativity is pathetic.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:35 pm
It’s nobodies fault on ASJ. He is just trying to look all cute and blaming other ppl for his crap.
But that’s the norm nowadays blame smbdy else and don’t take responsibility for anything.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:37 pm
Bucs 365,we can’t even sign a free agent runningback!we did get a kicker (He was awful last year) and two backup defensive linemen yet the negativity is pathetic?we haven’t won since John gruden got fired,now do you really want to talk about “pathetic”???I don’t think you do!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 5:39 pm
I don’t understand, if the Glazer’s consider this coaching staff and GM a lame duck staff and front office ,why in the HELL are they wasting the fans time and money. Don’t give me the company line , we have to pay all our own free agents, so we can’t go all in for other teams free agents. WE still have holes at DB, DE, OL, RB. We have no depth, no plan, no changes except DL coach in the coaching staff, and as far as I can tell no change in thinking on how to improve the bottom of the league Defense. Its looking like the same plan that Licht has every year is happening again. He fixes 2 spots on the team and doesn’t address 2 or 3 other spots. For example last year Licht didn’t address RB,DE,CB, which came back to bite us in the rear as the season progressed. Bucs do the fans right, go all out, spend to the cap, improve the team with proven players. Simple as that.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:44 pm
Bucs knew ASJ had issues..he got his first DUI while at Washington…
Support system??? Hell, ASJ, you have a mom and sister that are always around you..even went to Lightning games with you…
But Ira is right…this is just amazing that no play-makers have been signed…I am just completely numb..
Now go get Vinny, Jason!!!!!!!!!! Fooking do it!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Steven K..Won’t matter if your no 1 QB is on the field. The outcome will always be the same without a pass rush. Yes, we will score 21. But the opposition will score 22 or 24.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:50 pm
365
22 wins in the last 4 years. That’s what I call pathetic but facts don’t matter anymore.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:50 pm
Did. Not. Renew.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
There must be a gag order, I can’t imagine, GMC, Kwon and Jameis are happy with this inactivity in FA
March 16th, 2018 at 5:51 pm
My comment is in moderation…maybe the “f” word in Afrikaans is not a good idea? But heck, its how I feel..lol..
March 16th, 2018 at 5:53 pm
ASJ…Numb the pain of being in the NFL! How sorry I feel for him! He was partying, not ‘numbing the pain’.
March 16th, 2018 at 5:58 pm
Pit is correct, it’s not the Bucs fault ASJ was a drunk, and it was more than just getting a DUI, he also apparently was showing up late, I believe I read he was falling asleep during meetings, etc. These are adults, not children, you can’t lock them in a room and only let them out for practice and games. I get why the Bucs had to let him go even though I said at the time he’d still have a long career in the NFL as he’s a really good player with special talent. But he apparently didn’t get a wake-up call on what a disaster he personally had become until he was released – but it appears he figured it out and good for him doing so.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:01 pm
The stupid part is if you don’t go get better players, what difference does it make if JW is suspended or not. If Fitz has to go in there he would also benefit from better D and a better O-line. Even saying that the players you acquire would most likely be here after this and so would benefit from playing together. It just completely sucks that they threw in the towel without trying.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:01 pm
At least the Packers have some balls…..THIS Bucs fan mentioned 2 weeks ago that Kyle Fuller’s “transition tag” meant nothing, since there is no compensation going back to the Bears. They only have the right to match the offer sheet.
Packers could, might have created….an offer sheet to Kyle Fuller NOW that Bears might not be able to meet.
BUCS….should’ve/could’ve done that…THIS fan said.
Go Bucs!
March 16th, 2018 at 6:06 pm
I thought eagle fans had tears before last month.. Lmao!! Good lord.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:06 pm
For ASJ to essentially blame the coaches and players for HIS problem is laughable……there are hundreds of players that leave college and turn out just fine…..I simply think ASJ didn’t listen to coaches and players….and perhaps needed to be shown the door in order to grow up.
I’d bet OJ Howard, Brate and Auclair our other TEs don’t have the same problem.
We seem to want to blame everyone else but the individual….I guess that is the society we have become.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:17 pm
The bottom line is this……..this is a horrible free agent class. Teams spending huge amounts of cash on these players will regret it next year at this time.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:20 pm
This free agency period in the first couple days to me shows maturity in the front office.
There will be an opportunity to grab some difference makers for this team, the first 48 hours THIS year was not the time.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
Donuts (staying on subject) just because he “says” he had no support structure doesn’t make it so. For at least 10 years each team (ICW the NFLPA) have assigned advisors to rookies. Perhaps he just didn’t listen?
March 16th, 2018 at 6:23 pm
This is complete horse sh!t. Jensen and Curry are just sitting sucks. Pay them!
I keep forgetting it doesn’t matter Mike Smith is still here
March 16th, 2018 at 6:28 pm
Buc365, I agree. Many Bucs fans can find a reason to cry about somthing the team didn’t do every day. Doesn’t help. Well said. Go Bucs!
March 16th, 2018 at 6:40 pm
I’m not going to try to put an optimistic spin on this…..what we are all dealing with is unmet expectations again….just like last season….we all expected a big splash that didn’t happen…..I’ll reserve final judgement on our roster at the beginning of the season.
We better be seeing some improvement at Oline, RB, DE, DT, CB & S…..
Let’s see….It really won’t take a whole lot to improve on the players we had.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:41 pm
The HC and DC had the same type of team in ATL – all offense, no D for years…why would we expect anything different
It certainly appears we plan on outscoring everyone, somehow, when we can barely convert 50% in the red zone
Get ready for a bunch of 42-38 scores – and guess who has 38, 24 of which came in the final qtr when the other D is in prevent
BUCS LIFE!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 6:46 pm
Bucs fans has millions of reasons to complain.
No double-digit sack player since 2005
10 year playoff drought
Haven’t won a playoff game since the 2002 season
7 of the past 9 seasons, last place in the NFC South
Worst defense in the NFL
Last place in sacks
Why should they be happy about this piss-poor team?
March 16th, 2018 at 6:48 pm
Licht needs to get in a hurry,
and quickly sign Vinnie Curry,
before the fans unleash their fury,
Raymond James empty on Sunday,
Don’t believe me just ask Suri.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:58 pm
Geez – how often do I have to say it?
No formal complaint – no LEO involvement – no charges obviously and none forthcoming – and most importantly, NO EVIDENCE = no suspension! The NFL standard is its own. The “formal complaint” you’re referencing went to Uber within hours of the alleged incident. A civil suit could still be filed. There is evidence to investigate, if you understand what evidence is. You might want to look deeper at deflategate when you say no evidence = no suspension.
Ira and the Joes are fear-mongering every week with this ongoing “Jameis just might get suspended” narrative.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Hunger strike until this team signs a legit starter. I haven’t eaten in 77 hours and this team is causing me physical agony.
I didn’t think it would last this long and the Bucs have made me the fool. Just like they always do to their fans. The organization goes longer then a decade giving its fans no legitiment reason to Truely be excited or to have hope. Yet year in and year out we find a way to get back up and dust ourselves off. Year in and out we are suckers to this team. All I ask for is for one guy that can come in and start for this team next year. One guy to help give me false hope. One reason for me to be a sucker for another year.
It’s the same deflating mode with this team again. Just like the stadium. I have been in that stadium early in a season where the crowd has hope and gets loud to support their team…..As the action plays out the roars of noise grow. The fan base start to really get excited and the crowd gets close to deafening for a spilt second…….Then something dumb happens like a needless pentalties. The crowd quiets just a little bit struggling to hold hope. Then the team does something unprofessional l8ke miss a 25 yard FG and the crowd really starts to simmer……Then the other team usually takes over and smashes the ball down the field to take the lead and half the crowd just gives up and goes to the beer line.
Half my time over the last sixteen years in Ray Jay has been spent drinking beers in the corridors and cussing with other upset fans about how much our team sucks and striking up conversation with all the chicks that come out to the games. It’s honestly more fun then watching the garbage product they put on the field yea4 in and out. It’s quite a same the neighbourhood Hooters and Winghouse can rival the experience at Ray Jay for a third of the price.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Rod, your premise is ridiculous. If the Bucs go 3-13 Licht is gone too. This is the Glazer only. Licht would sign anybody he could to try and save his job. I think the Glazers have thrown in the towel in 2018 and there is nothing Licht can do to try and save his job. If I was him I would resign now and throw the Glazers under the bus for not spending. At least then he might be able to salvage some of his reputation.
March 16th, 2018 at 6:59 pm
***ENDRANT***
March 16th, 2018 at 7:00 pm
Why would any free agent choose the Bucs over other teams?
Rashaan Melvin has signed with the Raiders
Why work at Burger King, when Microsoft will hire you for the same position?
March 16th, 2018 at 7:11 pm
@Touchdown
I agree…..this is owner-driven….not Licht….he would do anything to win under the circumstances….he isn’t concerned about deals….only players that could help him win…he is gone if he doesn’t.
The Glazers put the halt on his FA spending…
They wanted to retain all draft picks….so no trades.
They wanted to renew good young players…..done!
They didn’t want to can everybody last year after 2 years again…
And, I think the Glazers are concerned about Winston….not only a suspension….but perhaps his behavior and not coming clean by reporting the incident to the team. I don’t think they will give him much of a second chance if he’s guilty…..he already got his chance coming out of college being picked as #1 and the “face” of the franchise.
It’s sink or swim time….It will be interesting to see Koetter with an very aggressive offense.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Deeyham there Jimmyjack..you worse than me!! I’ve been a fan since knee high and remember shaking Leroy Selmons hand after a loss as a kid. Big monster who played his heart out. I don’t know man. Something has got to change in BucLand. Maybe its gonna take what J-Ville did. Bring in some real football knowledgeable people. But I do know Buc fans deserve better. I joke about it. But it slays me to see us not win our division. at least. I don’t know what its gonna take for the Glazers to get the message. The tide will turn. The question though is when. Its not looking like its going to be this upcoming season.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:20 pm
TBBF…..For sure the owners give Licht, and anybody else that has been under them, the spending budget each season. Anybody that thinks otherwise is a fool IMO.
There’s no way this team would be so far under the cap every year if the front office was given total spending freedom.
But I do think Licht has enough room to do something. Why else would he bring in Jensen?
If Licht doesn’t make a move then the Glazers are making a big mistake in my opinion. Look at what it’s doing to the fanbase…..Granted we posters here ar3 just a sample size but any other Buc fan I talk to outside of this site mirrors our current distance. The franchise owes it to its loyal fans to add talent to the team.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:21 pm
****distain….not distance
March 16th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
another forum says Honey Badger and Bucs are close pen and paper…..yawn…I want Pouncey or Jensen
March 16th, 2018 at 7:45 pm
Yeah Mike that’s just it. The football knowledge in this front office has been shabby at best. It is very hard to pinpoint where the main problems are from a fans perspective. All we see is the finished product on Sundays.
A couple things do jump out at me.
#1 is the hire of Dirk Koetter. The speculation of many is that he was hired to give Winston continuity. Yet we have seen our offensive line get worse our running game get worse and our passing game hasn’t put up the points to say that Dirk has been successful? It begs the question who was the main person responsible for hiring him?
#2 is the hire of Mike Smith. After seeing his defense for two seasons it’s easy to see that the main thing needed for it to work is front four pressure on the QB. This was and still is the biggest weakness on the entire team. It begs the question who is the main person responsible for hiring him?
#3 is the DJax signing. This team doesn’t buy high priced free agents often. When they do it usually comes after they show they can win. Coming off a 9-7 season Licht was given some money to help the team get into contention. Now you can look at other problems and excuses about last year but also look at how that money was spent. DJax played th3 whole year. Where were the results? There were none. The team went backwards too. Our pass attack didn’t get any better. Our running game got worse, our pass rush got worse and our run D got worse, even special teams got worse. Even a novice fan can see that the 20,000,000 dollars we committed to DJax did not help this team and, almost for sure, should have been spent on a different part of the team(not the passing game). It begs the question who was responsible for “wasting” our free agent money on DJax?
There’s a ton more questions aside from those three but those ones have been the biggest blunders leading us to our 5-11 season IMO.
Sorry for all the novel-long post but I am very pissed off about this team. Only getting angrier.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Altered don’t be a jerk…..I am so danged hungry right now. That’s not even funny to say that.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Lamar Houston de
Ej Gaines
Ryan Jensen.
Honey badger maybe to much. Quintin demps at strong safety.
Then you can draft more best available.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:54 pm
Joe says:
“There is evidence to investigate, if you understand what evidence is.”
Yea – like what?? Can you articulate the specific “evidence to investigate” that you are referring to?
Are you talking about her original complaint to Uber? (Which is NOT a “formal complaint” btw – a formal complaint would be to law enforcement who actually have the authority and means to investigate to see if there is any merit to the claim. Uber drivers can say anything they want to Uber and will always get backed just on the driver’s say so – has happened many times already where it was proven Uber drivers made false claims).
This didn’t even come out until 18 months after the fact (in TMZ style no less) and after the driver had hired the cleatchaser’s former lawyer. If those aren’t seen as red flags that this is all BS – then I don’t know what to tell you.
Jameis has a witness that says Winston didn’t grope her and couldn’t have because he was in the back seat. What does she have?? Nothing!
March 16th, 2018 at 7:54 pm
@ JimmyJack
First of all….I’m not a fool….just have an opinion…..
Second of all….I certainly hope you are right…..
I’m curious as to who you think we will be bringing in…..because to date we haven’t addressed Oline, RB, DE, CB, S.
These are pretty glaring needs….and we have passed on many players who could have helped…
It’s certainly not over….and I did say I’d reserve judgement until the start of the season….only a fool wouldn’t do that.
March 16th, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Is this team trying to compete? Or is it time to move on? Adrian Claiborne and Talon have had great careers since leaving tampa…
March 16th, 2018 at 7:59 pm
Pickering…….I think Joe is just correcting you saying things as facts which are unknown at this point.
You said there is no evidence. Have you personally investigated the matter to know this to be true? If so please explain.
Now you are saying that the driver has nothing. Please let us know who you have interviewed to know that to be true.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:02 pm
KEEP THE FAITH GUYS. we..shall reign supreme again in the NFl. Our time will come. Its just not going to happen now. I’m on my way to the Sports grille up the street to..knock down a few!!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:08 pm
TBBF…..I was agreeing with you so I didn’t call you a fool. I was calling some others fools but also said that was my opinion so that shouldn’t really mean much.
If you’re asking how I would address this team it would not mean much at all because I would not have signed any Olineman. Seems the Bucs want a free agent upgrade and feel differently then I do there already bringing in Jensen. I also would have brought in an older DE as a bandaid fix….Bennett, Peppers, Mo. Of course would have liked Quinn but I think they wanted to deal outside NFC so that may have not been possible.
Basically anything I would have done the Bucs are doing different.
I feel like you that I’m not ready to judge this team on paper. I honestly won’t judge this team til I see them on the field.
But I am on a hunger strike until they add a legitimate upgrade via FA. Haven’t eaten in 78 hrs and am slowly dying. They do owe it to the fanbase after last years abomination.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:10 pm
Jimmy if there was any evidence whatsoever against Winston in this “case” – it would be known already – the lawyer would have made sure of that.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Pickgrin you seem to know how the proceedings of a case like this works in the NFL. As far as I know this one is unique as it does not involve law enforcement, I think.
Anyways please explain how the process for this investigation works? Your fellow fans would appreciate it very much since many are still nervous about a looming suspension.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:22 pm
If there was evidence they would be on him nonstop. They aren’t. Posters and this blog keep the idea alive. Why? Ask them. Only was JW doesn’t start 16 games for us next year is if he gets injured and everyone knows it.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:29 pm
remember it is always darkest before
it gets
darker
March 16th, 2018 at 8:33 pm
IMHO. You put stories out around the peripheral issue, but can’t hone in. Speculation, yes, but it’s been around for months. Indeed, Ownership is coasting this year. Duh. That aside, I think it’s because the the Bucs don’t have confidence in the QB they risked it all for. Confidence? I mean will he be around. Now, the two-year statute on the allegations runs out this weekend, so no lawsuit is good for Jameis. But did he lie about number in the car? No weapons for Jameis? Gee, why not? Again, Duh. Fool me once…right. You want to talk “fair”? AYSM? Fair? LOL. What a joke. You have a QB who is already questionable in character and a team that supported him through all that, and then left him unsupported in his very first off-season in that they believe this 20+ YO when he lays it on. Meanwhile, the NFL is still trying to clean up its image against stuff like this Jameis is ACCUSED of but seemingly not coming clean in. So yeah, penalize the team, penalize Jameis. Drag it out. CBA, Bucs, all let Jameis be who he is…or so the NFL may be thinking. So why hurry? The Bucs suck anyay. And don’t forget, this is the same NFL who played the PR game during National Anthem sittings…first supporting players, then seeing revenues fall and trying to get fans back. And today, I get this odd offer from the Bucs to go get MORE season tickets at ’17 prices when last year, all I got was “we can’t sell you more in the West Club because demand is so high. After they gave me crap for selling two of ten games. Screw ’em. I went from 8 seat to 2 due to their dufus customer relations manager alone. So, all in all, looks more to me like the Bucs got bamboozled and Jameis is a BS artist. So who pays? The fans. Make a fool of a billionaire and he will make all pay, starting with Jameis. No, I don’t know a thing, but this looks awfully wierd to me. Yes, I think the owners have said “screw it” and it’s because of Jameis. Again, IMHO. But if true, they all suck, from Jameis up to family. And the Glazers: they will be 6-10 this year for fielding a lousy team…still better record than last year. Which means…clean house next year. Which means…five more years of drought.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:33 pm
From the looks of Jensen’s brother he is coming to Tampa!!!!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
When it comes to the Winston thing all’s I’m saying is that I have not heard anything about it as far as any evidence found or not found and how fast or slow they are truely investigating the matter.
Some of the statements y’all make sounds like you know they have investigated the matter fully and have already interviewed all parties involved. I would just like to know how y’all know this. It would be nice not to have to think about or worry about it no more.
If you know something the rest of the fanbase don’t then spit it out.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Agent just tweeted we signed Jensen to a 4 year deal!!!!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Jensen signed to a 4 year deal with Tampa.
Finally a somewhat significant addition to our trenches. A legitimate 16 game starter with a nasty streak.
If we get Nelson, our Oline would project as one of the most dominant units in the league.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:36 pm
Go get yourself a nice Steak there JimmyJack.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Quit it GOAT…..I’m too hungry for this
March 16th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Jimmy – All I know is that if Goodell suspends Winston without being able to show or at least articulate any specific evidence against him that PROVES he grabbed that woman’s crotch – then he will likely be facing a big, messy, very public lawsuit that just might even threaten his King-like status as far as disciplinary decisions go. He won’t risk that on such a flimsy
“case”.
NFL were IDIOTS for ever announcing they would “investigate” the matter in the 1st place. There’s nothing to investigate. Its been 4 months – crickets. Nobody involved w/ the NFL even wants to talk about it – because there’s nothing to talk about.
If I’m wrong – fine – roast me for it – but I can pretty much guarantee that nothing will come of this farce of a “Winston Investigation”.
Jameis will not be suspended.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:38 pm
JimmyJack
It’s official!!!!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
We got C Ryan Jensen.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
we signed Jensen
March 16th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
jensen officially signed thought we lost him to indy kudos lol
March 16th, 2018 at 8:40 pm
I don’t have Twitter GOAT….I won’t end my hunger strike until I’m certain.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:40 pm
We got Jensen. Thank God
March 16th, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Finally a piece that fits the puzzle….
March 16th, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Jensen – SWEET! Now maybe we can have a running game.
Break out the filet mignon Jimmy!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:41 pm
4 year 44 mill 22 guaranteed
March 16th, 2018 at 8:42 pm
Yes it over!!!!! Thank you Bucs!!!! I can eat again!!! Bbl
March 16th, 2018 at 8:44 pm
Man – that’s alot. Thats what I hoped we could get Norwell for.
Damn these FAs are expensive…
March 16th, 2018 at 8:45 pm
Hell yes! Finally! Great news! Marpet to OG and let the Hobart Hammer eat people in space!
We just got a lot bigger and uglier up front. I dig it.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:45 pm
To all who said Jensen wouldn’t sign with this (insert derogatory term) franchise please begin posting your apologies below. You know who you are.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Finally!!!!!! Nice job, credit where credit is due!!!!!! 🙏
March 16th, 2018 at 8:46 pm
Jensen may well be here to play Guard and Marpet stays at Center. We shall see…
March 16th, 2018 at 8:49 pm
Average salary for Centers was 10 million per. His deal averages out to 11 per, without a doubt there will be certain performance incentives. Actual cap hit shouldn’t be bad at all.
God willing we come away with Nelson in the draft to and we have him on a rookie deal for 4 years while we are paying Jensen, Marpet and Smith bigger than average contracts.
Can’t say anything negative about this signing.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:49 pm
We resigned LB Cameron Lynch as well.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
Ali Marpet is better at OG. He’s nasty and can focus solely on eating up the guy in front of him.
Jensen should be C.
Regardless of how it shakes out, we have two guys that can do both. Great to hear we did something. Hallelujah
March 16th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I called it over an hour ago. His brother kinda gave it away. He kept liking all the Bucs tweets and memes like he knew something.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:51 pm
Scbucsfan,
Why focus on apologies, when we need to win some damn ball games!
Lol fans have a right to be hacked off. We’ve been a bad team for far too long.
Let’s celebrate the initiative and for taking the risk to pay a quality OL.
Boo yah!
March 16th, 2018 at 8:52 pm
Don’t say that Pick, don’t ruin this glimmer of hope for us, lol. Btw signed Cameron Lynch as well- dude is a good ST-er. Next Mathieu? Curry? Gaines? Licht will soon go from Zero to Hero (maybe)
March 16th, 2018 at 8:53 pm
Can we get a solid LT to protect the blindside please? Hoping for it in the draft. At least some competition. And I’d like an update on Sweezy.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:55 pm
I’m with you lamb chop, D Smith can be a dominant RT but is just average at LT IMO
March 16th, 2018 at 8:55 pm
Jensen signs 4 year deal to play center…
March 16th, 2018 at 8:55 pm
@ JimmyJack
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo dosen’t recommend Mexican food for you at this point….stay away from Chimichangas…….Pablo thinks his friend JimmyJack should have a snickers bar…..some McDonalds fries and a chocolate shake with some key lime pie and some pork egg fu young……perhaps a quick trip to IHOP….but no TACO BELL”
March 16th, 2018 at 8:56 pm
The most meaningful thing this organization has done in a decade is promote and pay Raheem so he could afford get new teeth. Since then, Nicks and Tynes lost body parts. Freeman lost his mind. Brian Price lost his hips and a fight with Barron- who himself lost his way in Lovie’s scheme. There have been gaines too- pun NOT intended w/respect our Gaines, who sadly lost his life. No, Martin and ASJ gained addictions, Talib and Blount gained SB rings from other teams, Aguayo gained the yips, Geraldini gained a chip on his shoulder, Vincent Jackson gained major attitude, Schiano gained billboards and a nice buyout, Gruden gained leverage, Bowers gained weight, Swaggy copulated with a palm tree and Jaboo tried to eat his fingers…just to name a few.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:56 pm
I moved to Orlando in 76 and decided not to jump on the Dolphin bandwagon. After Culverhouse, nothing surprises me and I question nothing about the Bucs anymore. The Bucs were a late night punch line. I want another championship before I die. The Dungy years made me smile for several football seasons. Nobody wanted to play the Bucs. I still wear the gear but I get sneers or pity just like the old days. Every one has forgotten January 2003. The Bucs didn’t just beat Oakland, they were kicking dirt on their grave by half time. Sigh…………….
March 16th, 2018 at 8:57 pm
Nice.
Lots of cash but got to improve team. Awesome. This guy is non-stop. Players hate playing against him cause he keeps beating you up. Nasty. Physical.
March 16th, 2018 at 8:58 pm
Great post Frank Pillow!
What a wild ride it’s been. Here’s to hoping better (winning)days are ahead!
March 16th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Can’t wait to see Marpet back at OG! I think he’s an absolute stud.
Fingers crossed that Quentin Nelson is our pick at 7. We’d be some nasty MFers.
March 16th, 2018 at 9:08 pm
Jensen is left guard
March 16th, 2018 at 9:09 pm
Jensen got Swaggy & Martin money……love it, but this is gonna’ cost us when Marpet & Smith come up.
Like to see what Barber can do behind this line….
March 16th, 2018 at 9:11 pm
For that kind of money, Jensen is at C. He’ll be the highest paid C info the league. # turnonthelichtdammit
March 16th, 2018 at 9:12 pm
Well I’ll be damned the clowns actually closed a deal for a decent player… still tons of work needed on that roster and the cancer93 needs to be eradicated but Jensen is a piece.
March 16th, 2018 at 9:13 pm
Tampabaybucfan
FEAR LOSING NOT THE SALARY CAP
March 16th, 2018 at 9:15 pm
Johnmeeks will be one of the fans begging to buy tickets when we are good again. And you know what? If we NEVER become good again I still will have had a blast watching the games…. in person. You spend your money your way I will spend my money my way.
March 16th, 2018 at 9:27 pm
This is becoming humorous. Look at last year’s 5-11 team. From that we’ve ‘lost’ Baker (not a huge loss), McDonald (still hope Licht re-signs him), Siliga, Russell, McClain, Jude, Ward, Pamphile, E. Smith, Hawley, Sims & several others. To replace Baker, Russell & McDonald (7.5 sacks together) it appears that we’ve signed Allen & Unrein (3.2 sacks together). We’re now down at least 2 DE, 1 SS, 2 CB, 3 OLinemen, 1 RB … 9 key players.
Right now we have 8 draft picks I believe and we’d be very lucky to hit on half of those. Looking at what Licht has done thus far in FA, suspect that we’ll be re-signing several of our own FAs. Hopefully Licht sees the light and re-signs McDonald, Russell, McClain (and possibly Jude), plus Pamphile, E. Smith & Sims. They’re all better than some of the questionable players we’ve got signed on to our current roster.
March 16th, 2018 at 9:34 pm
Please no Sims, Koetter has no idea how to use him.
March 16th, 2018 at 10:26 pm
D R
Are they truly better or do you just hate change or new…. we lost with those bums why not give a shot TO new bums
March 17th, 2018 at 12:43 am
Quit whining about free agency. It’s a money grab.