Joe hates when he thinks like a cynical old journalist. He much prefers to think like a courageous young man.

But cynical Joe can’t always help himself.

Earlier this week, Jeff Faine and Jermaine Phillips gave strong blessings of support for Raheem The Dream to the local media.

Now Joe has to mention that, ironically, Phillips and Faine easily are among the Bucs with the most to lose if Raheem The Dream is fired.

Phillips, after having a good 2008 season cut short by yet another injury, saw his offseason free agent tour net nothing but a return trip to Tampa for a paltry one-year salary. It’s very likely that his only chance to play in the NFL next season is with a Bucs team led by Raheem The Dream.

Faine was the Bucs last big free agent signing, joining the team before the 2008 season with a six-year, $37 million contract. It was reported by the St. Pete Times that he had $12 million of that guaranteed. And per USA Today, that’s what Faine earned in 2008.

So it stands to reason, that with a lucrative contract following a subpar 2009 season marred by a triceps injury, Faine could be someone a new regime would look to trade or release.

Joe just felt compelled to get that off his chest, although Phillips and Faine are likely being genuine in their loud support for the head coach.