Ira Kaufman’s 10 Takeaways From Bucs-Panthers
November 4th, 2018
BY IRA KAUFMAN
Dirk Koetter says the Bucs are mired in a depressing pattern this season.
Make that 11 seasons.
Koetter was referring to Tampa Bay’s habit of falling far behind in the opening half, only to stage a comeback bid that falls short. We’ve seen that play out against the Steelers, Falcons, Bengals and Panthers while the Bucs dropped 5-of-6 after a 2-0 start.
The overarching pattern, however, is far more depressing. The playoff drought is almost certain to reach 11 years and another regime change appears likely.
This team has changed defensive coordinators and quarterbacks, yet the losing continues.
Carolina’s 42-point outburst shouldn’t have surprised anyone because the Bucs came into the game allowing an average of 40 points on the road.
Ryan Fitzpatrick played well enough to keep his starting job for at least another week, but Jameis Winston needs to stay sharp because I smell a return under center before Thanksgiving.
While the Falcons have rebounded nicely from a 1-4 start, the Bucs are reeling. The Panthers had their way Sunday, with only token resistance in the opening half, as another Buc season fades into obscurity.
Here’s how Cam Newton’s crew went out for a Sunday stroll in Charlotte:
* His name is James Bradberry and he’s a second-round draft pick out of Samford in 2016. He’s also the rangy, aggressive cornerback who made Mike Evans disappear. Evans was targeted 10 times by Fitzpatrick and latched onto only one football as Bradberry showed Buc fans and Buc coaches how to excel at press coverage. By the time Carolina selected Bradberry with the 62nd overall pick, the Bucs had already chosen Vernon Hargreaves, Noah Spence and Roberto Aguayo. Yikes.
* This game was always going to be about whether Tampa Bay could match Carolina’s physicality. Fat chance. Instead, the Bucs couldn’t run the ball or stop the run. Take away Peyton Barber’s 18-yard dash in the third quarter, with the Bucs down 35-14, and he had 10 carries for 13 yards.
* Mario Addison, who quietly registered 11 sacks in 2017, was in Fitzpatrick’s grill all afternoon. He finished with 3 sacks, 5 tackles, including 2 for loss, 3 QB hits and a forced fumble. This game film won’t be used by Donovan Smith’s agent during contract negotiations.
* The red-zone continues to be a black hole for Mark Duffner’s defense. At this point, Buc fans would be shocked if opponents settle for a field goal instead of a TD. Make a stop … somebody.
* We keep saying this team doesn’t tackle well — and these guys don’t do anything to change our mind. Carolina players reached the second level time and again and when they did, linebackers and defensive backs took awful angles and failed to wrap up.
* The defensive line was manhandled, and that might be putting it kindly. Gerald McCoy was credited with two stops, which was one more than Beau Allen or Vinny Curry. Vita Vea didn’t even make the post-game stat sheet and Jason Pierre-Paul was no factor.
* The Bucs forced two turnovers in each of the first two weeks, helping them win both matchups. But since that point, Tampa Bay has two takeaways in six games. Justin Evans has the only interception all season, giving the Bucs a shot at the NFL-record low of 3 picks by the 1982 Houston Oilers. That was a strike-shortened season … 9 games for goodness sake.
* Who showed up Sunday? Adam Humphries was outstanding, catching all 8 of the balls sent his way and scoring twice. O.J. Howard continues to blossom. He’s a heck of a matchup problem and he’s only going to get better. Wish I could say the same about this forlorn franchise.
* Best news of all? Only 3 road games remaining.
* If the Bucs lose at home to Washington, my money is on Winston returning the following week at the Meadowlands — no matter how well Fitzpatrick plays. At 3-6, the Bucs might as well see if Winston can turn his career around in Tampa or increase his trade value.
Now in his 40th year covering the NFL, Ira Kaufman is the most revered sports personality and writer in the Tampa Bay area. He scored a full-time seat at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters in July of 2016. Tampa Bay’s only Pro Football Hall of Fame voter busts out columns here every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and his award winning podcasts fire Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can also hear Ira on SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Also a TV star, Ira is part of the FOX-13 Tailgate Sunday NFL show at 10:30 a.m. He’s also on BayNews 9, Wednesdays at 10:30 p.m. “The Sage” enjoys beet salads, Riesling, tennis, Bette Midler, Chiefs victories and needling Joe. …WATCH IRA AND DERRICK BROOKS on the new TAMPA TWO show from The Identity Tampa Bay and JoeBucsFan.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:29 pm
Does not matter if we totally clean house from the janitors receptionist to the head coach and GM NOTHING will change let’s say that again NOTHING swill change until the trust fund kids AKA Glazer boys sell the team. They simply do not know how to win.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:30 pm
I always enjoy your columns Ira, been reading you since I was in high school.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:31 pm
I noticed you only mentioned Dirk “We were done before Halloween” Koetter’s name once.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:31 pm
1. Bucs have 1 pick and have given up 20.
2. Fire Jason Licht.
3. I take some consolation that after buying 4 season tickets since 1985, I was finally smart enough to opt out of auto-renewal before the deadline. No More paying for this crud.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:34 pm
Fitz has played good enough and should be starting …This loss fall on no defense and poor draft pics.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
No mention of the 2 inceptions, interesting almost like they didn’t even happen.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:35 pm
OBO- out by October. The Buccaneer way!
November 4th, 2018 at 7:36 pm
Ira’s Ten Takeaways Summary:
1) Bucs aren’t very good
2) Koetter and Licht along with entire staffs are toast.
3) Return of JayMiss immenent.
Who cares about 4-10? Season is over anyway
November 4th, 2018 at 7:37 pm
Did you ask Koetter why the final two months of the season are useless?
November 4th, 2018 at 7:37 pm
I also am in your fan club Ira. I meet you once and your even better lookin in person:>))
November 4th, 2018 at 7:37 pm
Time to blow out the GM and bring in a replacement in time to execute draft prep and a coaching search.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:37 pm
I think the Bucs should keep Koetter because he has given them the explosive offense they’ve wanted since the 90s. BUT, they need to insist that he fire his entire defensive staff. I think Jack Del Rio is available. If he is, I’d like for the Bucs to bring him in and let him hire his own defensive staff.
Then, they need to address: left tackle, right guard, running back, D-line, linebackers and safeties.
Lastly, they need to take a long look at their medical staff. If they had accurate information about Beckwith, perhaps they’re wouldve been able to get a linebacker, or two.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:38 pm
Bad mistake to insert Winston again, he might trick the dummies still falling for that act to pay him 21 million for more regression.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:39 pm
another depressing season for Bucs’s fans…….
we’ve been in a state of suckyness since the SB
when will it end?
when will the Glazers hire the right people
we all thought Koetter and Licht was it……….but no
HERE WE GO AGAIN
November 4th, 2018 at 7:41 pm
Bucs fans feels like Browns fans
……………….we’re just tired of losing
November 4th, 2018 at 7:42 pm
You know it’s bad when your wife tells you ” The Lightning will win more games in 2 weeks then the Bucs will in a Season”.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Ira, how about an article about who you think the Glazers should tap for Director of Football Operations who in turn will direct the search for a new GM and head coach…….
November 4th, 2018 at 7:43 pm
Just imagine watching all the other team’s successes the rest of the year. Two solid months of football knowing your team is out of it for a second year in a row. It is an absolute joke that the fans even have to see Koetter’s face again. I am hoping he doesn’t make it to the day after press conference. It is over.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:46 pm
NPR – part of the staff will remain. The Glazers. That means nothing changes.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:46 pm
Winston is done in Tampa… for Dirk to come out and name Fitz the starter so quickly after such a horrible showing says the Glazers have most likely pulled the plug on Winston for the season & most likely the future… on the bright side Winston will go somewhere & win a Super Bowl… might be on the bench for it but he’ll be a champion LOL #BucCurse
November 4th, 2018 at 7:47 pm
Can you idiots stop with the QB delima, yes Winston has his faults as does Fitz. Incase you haven’t noticed our QBs are the least of our problems.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:48 pm
Also neither QB gives us a better chance to win with this defense and run game we have.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:49 pm
There’s no need to throw Winston back out there this season with this regime. Let him sit it out and get a fresh start next season with a new OC and in a new system. 20 mil is nothing to pay to see if he’s their guy, they’re going to pay that regardless of who they bring in to play QB that’s just what the position pays. Hopefully the new coach will value a physical running game and they can get some play action going and won’t have to throw the ball 40 times a game.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:49 pm
clean house…..again
November 4th, 2018 at 7:50 pm
Ira and buc fans I have a couples of questions. IS it now time to let Koetter go and who should the bucs be taking a look at for a HC
November 4th, 2018 at 7:51 pm
Do you think Dirk “We were done by Halloween” Koetter can rally the troops to beat the Saints? They need to lose four in a row and we need to win four in a row. That won’t matter if the Panther’s continue to win as we just lost another division game. Ho hum. The important thing about this week is McPloy didn’t talk to the media.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:52 pm
Bad drafting has been killing the Bucs for years.
Ira hit on just a few.
Passing up Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt for Justin Evans.
Will stop the list here. Would take too long anyway.
These 42 year season tickets get heavier with every bad football game.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:52 pm
Jason Licht is probably thinking next year we need to draft a punter with a better arm.
November 4th, 2018 at 7:53 pm
The NFL should force the Glaziers to sell or fold this joke of an organization
The sux are the biggest joke in all of pro sports
November 4th, 2018 at 7:58 pm
Is Peyton Barber a No. 1 RB yet? We are anxiously waiting as it is week 9 in case no one noticed.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Face it fans, the Bucs are totally soft where it counts. Both lines and the defensive backfield. They are soft in practice which shows up in games. Never a Schiano fan, but bring some toughness in practices. My goodness ! We are so soft ! Coach Koetter worries about practice injuries, but watches over this disaster.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Why consider JW back in there now? 6 TDs and 10 Ints, Fitzpatrick 17 TDs and 7 Ints. Just no comparison.
Its not about throwing for 4000 yds in a season. Heck half the leagues QB will break 4000 this season. Its about executing in the Red Zone and keeping Picks and Fumbles to a minimum which Jameis cant seem to fix after 4 seasons.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:00 pm
Good or bad drafts the bucs have enough talent on both sides of the ball to be better than a 6-10 team the bucs need coaching they have yet to develop a top corner or QB or many other positions
November 4th, 2018 at 8:01 pm
The Bucs seem hopeless when it comes to the draft. They constantly make the wrong picks. And they never have the right coaches to make the right picks get even better.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:01 pm
OK
People are forgetting Licht was drafting heavy secondary players because last year the Secondary was putrid as well and he wanted to fix it…..
…..he went after ROJO to replace druggie martin
….he went after Vea to replace McCoy
So far, only Jordan whitehead seems to be turning out to be a keeper and while there are still question marks for everyone else.
the 2018 draft may go down as one of the worst drafts in bucs history
OH no WAIT A MINUTE……….I take that back…..the DRAFT JAMEIS was in will go down as the worst since JAMEIS IS A BUST NOW
November 4th, 2018 at 8:04 pm
Sell the team to an owner that cares.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:05 pm
I am so angry and full of rage idk what to say honestly. I will go with that before I say something truly terrible.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:07 pm
You have the best offense in the history of the team.
You have the worst defense in the history of the team.
Obvious answer from Dirk, blame the QB.
LOL!
Anywho if you want to be more than a member of a lynch mob you look at the two numbers above and you say, humm, maybe if we fix the defense we’d win some games. Maybe if we didn’t have a historically bad defense, one on pace to be the worst defense ever, perhaps that is why the team is losing games.
Nah, just blame the 24-year old franchise QB who had a bad road game, that’s the best thing to do.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:08 pm
lol csidedave, that was a good one.
Joe nailed it earlier, we had 4 picks in the first 2 rounds of the draft and only 1 of them is playing at a decent level (C. Davis), though he did have the absolutely boneheaded penalty today.
I was willing to give Licht a pass on the 2016 draft since VH3 looked like he might finally be improving this year, and I thought Spence would come back. But that year combined with what we’ve seen from the 2018 draft picks so far is just not acceptable.
The only question is, is it the talent, or the coaching? Or both?
November 4th, 2018 at 8:11 pm
@ Bucs anthem, how do you think Mariota would’ve faired in Tampa? Just want to here the opinion of an expert
November 4th, 2018 at 8:15 pm
As I’ve said before bucs or not developin the talent they have how many defensive players have left tampa and are stars somewhere else
November 4th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
Anthem is the biggest troll here. Your no fan and win or loss, good or bad game for Winston your here complaining as if he’s never played a good game in his career. Unfortunately your going to have to cry or go root for another team. If Winston was done here and they were so concerned about him getting injured he wouldn’t be active and that conversation would have already happened and he would be preparing for a future elsewhere
Do we have 2 quarterbacks active on game day or 3. Sorry hater dirk is also a loser and a failure as a head coach so he won’t be the one to make a decision about Winston future since he won’t be here
November 4th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
TheBucsAnthem – You can not draft a couple of corners in the 2nd and a safety in the 4th and think that fixes the issue. Maybe in 2 or 3 years it fixes the issue, but not in year one. He put the team in a position to have to start Chris Conte and Ryan Smith, that’s what an incredibly bad job he’s done. He gambled that Grimes would once again not show his age and that VH3 would be healthy and revert to where he left off his rookie season, it was two huge gambles. Then, as the top reserve, he put the team in a position to have to play Ryan Smith if either guy got hurt, and Ryan Smith is literally the worst corner I’ve ever seen in my life – ever – at any level – he’s terrible. As for Conte it’s inexcusable what Licht did. Conte has been the worst starting safety in football for years and he put the team in a position to have to start him again.
I get what Licht is thinking, you build the defense from the defensive line backwards, but you do that in year one of taking over a team.
Between not addressing corner (and again, two second round rookies is not addressing the situation), at safety, and giving big guaranteed money to yet another kicker, Licht has punched his ticket out of town.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:18 pm
You know what I think I hate this team. all the money I have spent on going to to games and purchasing Sunday Ticket to watch them and the merchandise I am sick of this crap!!!!! The hell with them. PLAY BETTER!!! I will not go to another game unless the stop this crap!!!!
November 4th, 2018 at 8:20 pm
Koetter actually wanted Mariotta because he was linked to some info to coaching staff in Oregan
But rumors were he was overruled by Lovie, Licht and the Glazers……no one knows for Sure.
I’m not sure if Mariotta would’ve faired any better, but he would’ve been more accurate….that’s for damn sure.
The problem with Mariotta is that he’s fragile and seems to always get hurt compared to Winston
Mariotta has a WAY QUICKER release, accuracy, and is more mobile……
Koetter would’ve loved Mariotta honestly speaking, but Jameis at the time has way more upside physically……
In the END….the BUCS rolled the dice and LOST
November 4th, 2018 at 8:22 pm
Sandwitchman I feel your pain. The game that tilted me was the loss in Atlanta. Since then my expectations have gone down with each passing game.
I hate that I expected us to fail today but it’s just more healthy then dealing with the rage.
I would suggest to expect nothing but garbage from this team. It’s just a lot easier IMO.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:24 pm
Sandwitchman man. Two words for ya. Jersey tee-shirt.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:24 pm
unbelievable – I just disagree with the concept of saying Licht nailed or missed on the draft picks, we’re at the halfway point of their rookie years and you really can’t, and shouldn’t, start saying guys are busts at this point. Again, the example I always think of is Ronde Barber, who didn’t play his rookie year, and I remember at the time people saying he’s a bust, if he was any good he’d be out there, I can’t believe McKay once again busted on yet another guy.
With that said I think Davis looks pretty good so far, with the caveat being he looks pretty good for a rookie.
Way too early to know anything about Vita, interior defensive lineman almost never show anything their rookie years.
MJ I’m really worried about, so far he looks like a slow Ryan Smith. He is so far a major red flag but again, I’m not going to judge him on being thrown out there when he’s clearly not ready for it.
For Jones, that is one pick where players often produce early, but no one can run in this offense where Dirk just rams guys up the gut on 1st down when teams know it’s coming and have 27 guys in the box, and Dirk does it anyways. Again, it doesn’t look good so far, but I’m not writing him off yet, just like I’m not writing off any highly drafted rookie half way through their rookie season.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
………yeah but that’s why Licht went heavy with secondary players in the draft…….
hell….alota so called experts said Licht nailed it for the 2018 draft.
Now, I’m starting to think he doesn’t have very good personnel in the scouting department……….something seems wrong.
The GM leans hard on his scout but one has to think that maybe he was drafting those players with Mike Smith’s scheme in mind of playing a hybrid defense.
Well, whatever the case maybe, it’s not looking good.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:26 pm
Ira and bucs fans do you think John Harbaugh would be a good fit and get more out of the buc players. Pretty sure he will be released from the Ravens in December I think he’s still a very good coach just think he need a fresh start
November 4th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
TheBucsAnthem – If you think Mariota is the better of the two QBs you should do the following, go shove your head into a microwave, if you can’t shut the door just remove your head with a can opener, then set the timer to 5 hours. You’re much too stupid to live. LOL!
November 4th, 2018 at 8:27 pm
I’ve never heard of a fanbase judging a entire draft after just a few games………But it’s understandable for fans in search of the root of the problem.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:30 pm
@ Bucs anthem, how do you know Mariota would be more accurate in the same offense. They’re two completely different systems, not mention prior to today’s game Fitz average the most air yards per attempt this season and guess who was second. Anyhow, as I posted early our QBs are not the problem, this team only needs an average QB to succeed with this offense (well with the WR/TE, OL is another story). The only problem is she have a historically bad defense, so an average QB will not suffice
November 4th, 2018 at 8:32 pm
Enought of Grimes too. Slip Sliding away. In every game.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:33 pm
@ Rod Munch
Spoken like a true duesche bag………..
I never said Mariotta would’ve been better……..I know it’s so hard for your tiny little brain to comprehend grammar
…….it’s Ok Junior…..I know your tiny brain hurts
November 4th, 2018 at 8:37 pm
We are just a pile of pissed off Buc fans.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:38 pm
@ JP_09
Mariotta was surgical at Oregan with Chip Kelly’s quick strike offense
Yes, they were in two different offensive schemes, but Mariotta wasn’t a turnover machine at Oregan …….
……Unlike Winston who was a turnover machine that was matched by very good players at FSU
Like I said, I don’t know if Mariotta would’ve been better, but I know Mariotta would’ve been more accurate
November 4th, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Nothing wrong with addressing the CB position in the draft. It’s been done that way forever. It’s what the Panthers did.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:43 pm
@Rod – that’s true, and I’ve said the same thing myself probably a couple dozen times on here about not judging draft picks until year 3. I’m not knocking Vea either as I didn’t expect much from him his rookie season.
But- MJ Stewart looks so damn slow (in addition to being out of position all the time). Guys don’t really get faster. More instinctive for sure, but their speed almost never increases. And we took him high.
As for RoJo, I think RB is one of the easiest transitions from college to NFL and he just doesn’t look the part. The guy falls over after someone looks at him.
So the problem is both those guys were taken high, because Licht was counting on playing them as rookies, as evidenced by the fact that he didn’t sign any FAs for those positions. So as you stated earlier, relying on 35 year old Grimes, VH3 bouncing back, or else rookies playing stout as rookies. It’s just a bad plan.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:43 pm
TheBucsAnthem – “Mariotta has a WAY QUICKER release, accuracy, and is more mobile……
Koetter would’ve loved Mariotta honestly speaking, but Jameis at the time has way more upside physically……
In the END….the BUCS rolled the dice and LOST”
You literally said the Bucs rolled the dice on Winston while comparing him to Mariota, that literally implies that Mariota is better… as in literally… as in you literally said that.
Also I don’t jump on the spelling of words bandwagon, I mean it’s the internet, who cares if you spell correctly, but if you’re going to go to bat for Mariota and talk about what a great QB he’d be here then you should spell his name correctly. Yes, feel free to bash me for my next spelling error, there’s probably 8 of them in this post, but I try in general to spell players name correctly if I’m putting them in the HOF. LOL!
November 4th, 2018 at 8:45 pm
The Bucs are so far away from everything now
No fanchise QB
No defense
NO FREAKING IDENTITY
………………..this team has been searching for it’s soul for years and is still lost
November 4th, 2018 at 8:45 pm
Our secondary is also very young besides Grimes, so they’ve kind of been set up to fail.
I dunno man, there are so many different things I can point to as being the problem- players, coaches, game plan, etc.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:47 pm
@ Bucs anthem, I’d say Mariota had decent player as well. Again, I will say this prior, I am a FSU fan, and yes I want to see Winston succeed with Tampa. But there were two options that year, we had to take Mariota or Winston and neither have shined in the NFL for one reason or the other
November 4th, 2018 at 8:47 pm
Until the Bucs fix the trenches it will not matter
November 4th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
This season is a loss. They should just start Jameis but magic will get the keys, don’t understand that one and the fake punt! I hope they have a therapist stationed at the skyway for buc fans that have lost all hope. But it’s a Bucs life! Freaking annual deal this is at mid season now to start talking draft,coaches and probably GM!
November 4th, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Unbelievable. But look how young the Panthers secondary is. Nobody’s saying they been setup to fail.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:50 pm
I don’t really judge any of these players under this coaching staff.
If we ever get compentent coaching then we might be able to see how good this team could be.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:51 pm
@ Rod Munch
Once again, I know your tiny little brain hurts so I’ll spell it out for you –
Just because I said things that Mariotta did better doesn’t imply he would’ve been a better QB for the BUCS….
So listen little kid, I normally don’t respond to dumb dumbs like you that love to engage in childish rants as you started.
Now I think your mom is calling you to go to bed, so run along little kiddie
November 4th, 2018 at 8:52 pm
How this plays out :
Fitz will get killed again in the redskins game next week as they have a top 5 defense.
So Jameis returns against a horrible /pathetic giants team
I’ve already seen what Jameis can do against garbage defenses this year (bengals /browns /Atlanta are right there with bucs). so yah I hope he gets shot in redskins game. I want to see progression if they are gonna give 15 mil next year
Is fitz the future. Hell no. He is sure fun to watch when he is upright.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:53 pm
The dude that was hosting the radio post game said Benechot looks like a fish out of water playing guard.
So yeah maybe Benechot is just bad but maybe a better coach could put him at tackle where his strengths are utilized. Maybe he’s not bad maybe it’s coaching.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:54 pm
“Cut Jameis and start over…
If the saints or patriots win the superbowl, the winning QB Brady or Brees will retire on top…
Jameis winston will be starting QB and replace the retired QB on 2019”
Kobe Faker
November 4th, 2018 at 8:54 pm
Stop with the Winston / Mariota
They both have not lived up to the hype. Bucs were forced to pick a franchise and They had option a or option b . Unfortunately wrong year for that cause there are some good young qbs in he league in last few years.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:55 pm
unbelievable – I don’t disagree with you on MJ at all, and that’s what I see too, however, I’ll give him a chance to improve as guys can PLAY faster once they’ve been around for a year. They don’t get any faster but they just play faster since they know what they’re doing – I’m really holding out hope that he does that…. but, yeah, it doesn’t look good so far. BUT, I’m just not ready to throw him away yet. I think by this point next year we’ll know what we have, and hopefully he makes one of those huge 2nd year leaps.
For Ronald, again I don’t disagree, but I don’t know what anyone can do with this offense. Dirk is so incredibly predictable with his run game and I think that in general kills any chance guys have to do anything. Ronald isn’t a quick guy, he’s a fast guy, he reminds me a ton of Gary Anderson if you were around then, and seemingly you need to get him in space to do anything. But instead of getting him space they run him up the gut and seemingly most of the time there is a run blitz straight up the gut. Or if Dirk does do a pitch outside there’s seemingly always 3 defenders waiting for it with no blocking. Ronald hasn’t done a good job picking holes and he will dance a bit too much, but if he got some decent blocking or put in an area where he can use the speed he’s supposed to have, I’d love to see what he can do. Oh and Ronald does seem to have improved his hands a bit, so that’s at least some progress. Like Vita however I’m worried he’s not a fit for the scheme, and frankly the team didn’t need a 2nd round RB when they have so many holes on defense, it was a pick I hated and he wasn’t on any draft board I saw anywhere, so I’m not defending Ronald because I liked the pick – I hated it.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:57 pm
JP_09 Says:
November 4th, 2018 at 8:47 pm
@ Bucs anthem, I’d say Mariota had decent player as well. Again, I will say this prior, I am a FSU fan, and yes I want to see Winston succeed with Tampa. But there were two options that year, we had to take Mariota or Winston and neither have shined in the NFL for one reason or the other
=================================================
I agree with you……..but I saw more experts that said Winston had more upside before the draft than I did for Mariotta.
The only people saying not to take Winston was because of the Off the field issues.
Winston has a magnetic personality, a good locker room guy, people wanna be around him and has a great smile………but unfortunately, that’s not what wins games.
Whatever team Winston goes to, I hope he turns it around because he needs fresh start in a new city because he’s worn out his presence here.
November 4th, 2018 at 8:59 pm
Winstopologists are so predictable.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
JP_09 – If you think Mariota is anything close to decent then you obviously haven’t watched any full games of him playing. If you think Winston is a bust then I have no idea what you’d think Mariota is, because he’s like 10 levels below Winston unless you’re running a wishbone offense where you never throw, and even then I’m not totally sure Winston still wouldn’t be better because at least he wouldn’t be getting hurt every 5th play.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Mariota is a garbage pro QB that debate has been over. Once Demarco Murray was injured last season and he didn’t have those 2 big RB’s to lean on he struggled. Winston would dominate in that weak division espcially with Watson and Luck injured most of last season.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:01 pm
IrA
11. Joes knows quarterbacks implied thru his “friend “that fitz has no heart
What ‘s great is Jameis loses and it’s everyone else ‘s fault . Dang Whitfield during suspension . Dang Uber driver . Dang coaching. Throws pick after pick and calls it a “mixed bag”
When Jameis wins he is America’s quartback. Gets 10 articles and I told you so and questions where are the haters.
Fitz throws 4 tds in 3 games this season setting a buc record and when he wins he gets 1 article about the win and Atta boy.
Shame shame shame.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:02 pm
LOL ^
November 4th, 2018 at 9:03 pm
that’s funny Bird
November 4th, 2018 at 9:04 pm
The season is over so Dirk should start Winston next week. Winston needs all the work he can get. No way they make the playoffs. The Saints are going blow out the Bucs. Carolina is going to beat them again badly and so will the Falcons. The Bucs will not win another game. The players don’t care anymore so let Jameis play. It really doesn’t matter at this point.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:04 pm
Please take your hands away from that man’s nether region
November 4th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
^
awwwwwwwww………cute little fella
November 4th, 2018 at 9:05 pm
@ Bucs anthem, last question for you. If the Bucs decide to let Winston go, what’s the plan going forward. Do you use another high first on a QB and lose out on either a potentially dominant d or o-lineman or bring in a free agent QB (Not many good ones out there next year). This is why I say it’s not the QB that is our problem, we have way bigger needs than replacing Winston, there are much bigger problems on this team than Winston or Fitz
November 4th, 2018 at 9:10 pm
@JP-09 Kaepernick is out there.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:11 pm
@ JP_09
Yeah, you’re right……
But honestly, does it really matter at this point?
There are so many problems with this team right now, it now doesn’t matter who’s under center ……CASE IN POINT – —- Ryan Griffin is starting……….it’s like it’s preseason again trying to see what you got in players.
Well I know this wasn’t just Koetter spouting off either, it’s the GM tugging the coaches drawstrings with the Glazers backing him.
I’ll tell you what, Left Tackle is a major concern now……….
November 4th, 2018 at 9:17 pm
There might be bigger problems then QB on this team but that doesn’t mean QB isn’t a problem. It is a position that will need to be addressed. Just add it to the list……..top, bottom, somewhere in the middle. It doesn’t matter.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:18 pm
@ Bucs 14, that’s the plan, let Winston go and bring in Kaepernick
November 4th, 2018 at 9:23 pm
I don’t think any bucs fan would’ve thought it would’ve been this bad this soon into the season…….
Nov 4 2018………..the day the bucs season unofficially ended
November 4th, 2018 at 9:29 pm
The immediate problem that I see is the defense. Whether or not that is because they lack heart, or are simply this bad, is beyond me. Granted, the current state of NFL rules allows for these high scoring shoot outs. Personally I hate the current NFL Wuss Rule Set.
The offense is average at best. We get a lot of yards and points once we are down by a couple of scores. Problem on O is no running game. We do not utilize our skill players in runs like other teams do….as Carolina did to us with the reverse. Our play calling has no misdirection.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:30 pm
Can we blame the schedule this year?
November 4th, 2018 at 9:31 pm
@ Bucs Anthem, I agree the roster needs a reboot at every position minus WR/TE (don’t say our LBs are good) And the only reason I’d say the starting QB matters at this point, we’ll it’s the fact the Bucs have a #1 pick invested at the position. You have to let Winston play for that fact, if he sucks or is even mediocre for the rest of the year cut ties with him, or if you don’t want to go the Winston route you need to start Griffen. The bottom line is, this year is done, Fitz has been a below average QB his whole career and only has a few years left, and if Winston isn’t in the future plans he should’ve been traded.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:35 pm
Where is everyone saying Fitz is a turnover machine? 3 vs Pittsburgh that cost us the game, 2 today that costs us the game, if you use the logic that everyone used with Jameis. Why is everyone so upset about the defense all of a sudden, this is same crap Jameis has been dealing with his whole carrer but now it’s a problem cause everyones magic man was the victim? You people are so transparent and why I have been saying all week that this is the worst fan base in the league.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:37 pm
Bucs 14….nice analysis. You can factor in awful special teams to that also.Our only consistently good player used to be Anger but even he sucks this year. His distance distance kicks have been amateur this year
November 4th, 2018 at 9:37 pm
Bucs 14, agree with the assessment on defense. In today’s game, that’s where the problem was. A double reverse is a pee-wee play, and just like in pee-wee football on defense your thought to set the edge and force plays inside. It’s unbelievable to me how (not just the Bucs) defenses fail to keep containment in the edge when facing these RPO offenses….cough cough….,COACHING
November 4th, 2018 at 9:38 pm
You all said the above comments to say. ITS A BUC-LIFE BABY!!!
Look at the remaing schedule and ask yourselves, How many of those 8 games do you realistically think we will Win? Realistically? 2. Probable 4. This Defense ain’t improving that much guys. And its hard to win shootouts with no Defense.
Vita Vea looks slow as molasses. And GMC has gone silent. And is smilin like he knows….whether he’s here or not, sombody is gonna pay him.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:39 pm
Whatever Ndog. Go stick it up your rear. This team has been straight garbage for 2 decades and we are still here cheering for them and you tell us how crappy of fans we are?
You pretty danged stupid bro.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:41 pm
LOL…………yeah…….blame the schedule…….LOL
I hate excuses
Excuses are like A-holes…..everyone has them and they all stink!!!!!!! LOL
Well we all don’t know what’s going to happen come (Draft) May 2019
But one thing we know for SURE……Koetter and Licht will be gone cause the Glazers will clean house again
November 4th, 2018 at 9:43 pm
Tony Dungy – President and head of football operations
GM – whoever the Saints or Chiefs have as their assistant
Coach – Bruce Arians
DC – Raheem Morris
QB – Teddy Bridgewater
Start from there
November 4th, 2018 at 9:50 pm
@ rrsrq
What you smoking?????????
You can’t be serious
November 4th, 2018 at 9:50 pm
Wtf are you talking about, Ndog? Everyone has complained about the defense for years. Brady seems to win with bad defenses. Marino and Manning won with bad defenses. How many advantages does Winston need before he gains an advantage? All Buc fans thought taking Winston was the advantage as the team drafted him No. 1 overall. Just imagine our shock as the truth revealed itself.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:56 pm
Season. Brady, Manning and Marino didn’t make a habit of getting down by three scores.
When them guys play they score when they need to. They don’t go into a shell like our offense.
If they get down by a score or two they answer back before the game gets out of hand.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:57 pm
Dirk’s offense has no ability to answer back. Never has.
November 4th, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Dirk’s offense had no answer vs Pitt. No answer vs Chicago. No answer vs Car…….and even against Atlanta.
They #1 in stats but their not that good. Overrated badly
November 4th, 2018 at 10:09 pm
J.J.
“I’ve never heard of a fanbase judging a entire draft after just a few games………But it’s understandable for fans in search of the root of the problem.”
That’s true. The general rule of thumb is three years. Let’s see where we are two years from now before we truly judge it.
BTW I watched Vita a couple of times focusing just on him as the camera shots permitted. I saw a rear view…safety high…great perspective on the line play once…Vea had two Panthers TOTALLY tied up. No he couldn’t break through them but they got NO push on him….push went to Vea…dude IS strong.
Trouble is guys sucking up two players don’t get any stats and very little pub but when you focus on it….it’s actually pretty cool ONE of our guys getting push on TWO of theirs.
Now…which of our DL should have been free I do not know…seemed like Nassib had a pretty good game maybe he was the beneficiary. Football is a team sport…gotta have guys to do the dirty work as well as sack artists.
November 4th, 2018 at 10:10 pm
Our problem is not our QBs…..either of them…
Anyone who think that hasn’t been watching……our Defense and Running Game are absolutely horrible…..
I have never seen such poor run-blocking…..and poor tackling.
And, it looks like we may have missed on several high draft picks…..
November 4th, 2018 at 10:15 pm
So I guess many of you are also watching SNF.
What a freaking classic! The QB many if not most consider the best QB in the NFL against the man some think may be better but is still a close second.
One is zipping these darts…move the chains…the other is able to arch long beautiful flowing spirals that literally land in the receivers hands as he runs full speed. It is truly a thing of beauty and comforted me some…after this afternoons disgusting debacle it’s nice to see excellence!
November 4th, 2018 at 10:30 pm
Yeah
If only this franchise could’ve been blessed with a Rodgers, Brees, Brady…………………..etc
Dreamers can dream
November 4th, 2018 at 10:36 pm
Season is over wtf are you getting at. Brady, Marino, manning? Those are the names of guys you choose they say winning can be done with a poor defense? Marino didn’t win anything first of all, Brady and Manning never had a defense anywhere near worst in nfl history. Patriots always end up having a good defense by the end of the year and playing for the Super Bowl. Manning the the best in the nfl for his last Super Bowl and played most of his years with the colts having a hall of fame gm.
Your going above and beyond and this is unhealthy hate compared to the people who come here to crush Winston even after a win. Fitz is average and no one is saying nothing about d jack not getting a pass thrown his way until the third quarter of this game.
November 4th, 2018 at 10:50 pm
If we are going to compare Winston’s stats to the greats we have to be fair. I’m not the one bringing up the greats.
November 4th, 2018 at 11:19 pm
From Japan I stayed up to watch that D – Now I get what Jon Gruden is doing. If my Defense team played like that I would send them all packing. Throughout the game it looks like our D line is trying to take OL out of the play so someone else can make the F-ing play. Holy sugar, why can’t our team tackle, is this coaching, scheme, technique, or f-ing panzies. Too many Janes not enough Tarzans!!!! If I see another DL locked on to his OL running up field, right past the ball carrier so hopefully a LB will be there to make the play. Disgusting scheme, shed a f-ing blocker, disrupt YOUR the OL your locked with and make the tackle yourself.
I feel sorry for our young DB’s/Safeties having to make 90% of the tackles, look at the stats, that is crazy. I bet wee could have had Fowler for a 5th and traded Winston and McCoy to the Giants for Collins and Jenkins.
Offense just keep playing steady and score 28 a game until we get our D fixed. Good job not a great game but Ill take 28 every time.
This loss is on coaching and D, fake punt? a 20yd pass to cross? WTF? right before half?
November 4th, 2018 at 11:37 pm
How long before the Winstopologists blame the organization for his failures?
November 5th, 2018 at 1:18 am
Fitz put the Bucs in a hole. Everyone complains about Jameis, but when Fitz does it, it’s ok, he won’t do it again. Fitz lost the game. Cut MeSean, and start Ryan Griffin. As a Jameis fan I don’t want him on the field with that OLine and that historically terrible defense to be associated with. Hopefully Jameis agent gets him out of dumpster fire Tampa.
November 5th, 2018 at 2:14 am
@Frrrreee
It’s the defense that lost this game, not either of the quarterbacks.
I do agree however to give some playing time to Griffin.
November 5th, 2018 at 2:14 am
For some of you, there is still hope the Bucs go 8-0 to finish out 11-5 like you predicted.
November 5th, 2018 at 10:11 am
Turn out the Licht’s. This season is done…
November 5th, 2018 at 11:58 am
I remember a time in this teams past where the D would say give us 17 points and we’ll bring home a W.
Now, 28-30 points won’t guarantee a W here.
How sad is that?
November 8th, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Put Jameis back in and take the lumps that come with it.use his talents correctly by limiting over the middle throws which is where he gets in trouble,forget the real deep ball cause he doesnt throw it well .Use Godwin ,Oj ,and hump to your advantage ,run jameis out of the pocket like Newton does to slow the rush.Then take a few shots down field.
Put a boot in the defenses arse in the tunnel and get this crap on the road.