24 Season Predictions From Ira Kaufman
September 11th, 2022
“Ira, I’m going to tell Vita what you said.”
If you missed this (or forgot half of them), here are 24 calls on the 2022 season from JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman, as heard on the Ira Kaufman Podcast.
This summary makes it easy for Joe to needle Ira as the season marches on.
Joe doesn’t recommend wagering on any of these, but Sage Ira has fared pretty well in the past:
Sacks Per Outside Linebacker – Shaq Barrett 11, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka 8, Carl Nassib 5, Anthony Nelson 4. “Nassib will take some snaps away from Nelson.”
Interception leader: Antoine Winfield with 5.
MVP of Bucs defense – Antoine Winfield, Jr. … Ira believes “Bowles loves him” and will set him up to be very aggressive.
Defensive player taking the biggest step this season: Carlton Davis. “Davis is gonna make that jump from the 12th best corner to the 5th best corner, and that’s a big leap.” Ira adds that great mentality and health will be key reasons, and Davis can handle the big responsibilities at this point in his career.
Defensive player taking the biggest step back: Vita Vea
Forced Fumbles for Devin White: (The over/under is 1, White has 2 total through the past two seasons) Ira says it’s 3 for 2022.
Bucs defense ranks 8th in points allowed and 10th in yards allowed. Ira cites tough QBs on the schedule.
NFC South records: Bucs 11-6, Saints, 10-7, Panthers 8-9, Falcons 4-13.
Tom Brady finishes with 5,100 yards and 37 TDs, down from his 2021 totals. Sage says Brady lost too many quality players to not suffer at least a little.
Julio Jones plays 11 games with 43 catches for 600 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Giovani Bernard is the running back with the most touchdowns after Leonard Fournette, four, through the air or on the ground.
Offensive player who takes the biggest step forward: Russell Gage. “I think his numbers will be better than Julio Jones’.”
Offensive player who takes the biggest step backward: Cameron Brate, “more playing time means more punishment and he’ll only play around 10 games as a result.”
MVP of Bucs offense not named “Brady” — Leonard Fournette
How will Robert Hainsey do at center? Ira thinks he’s injury prone and not perfectly suited for the position physically. Thinks he’ll play just 8 games.
What tight end contributes most? Rookie Cade Otton. Ira cites his versatility and how he’ll “develop a rapport with Brady.”
September 11th, 2022 at 5:09 pm
Bernard leading running backs with 4 touchdowns? Did I misread that? Fournette will have 4 touchdowns by week 6.
September 11th, 2022 at 5:10 pm
Why yes, yes I did misread that.
September 11th, 2022 at 5:13 pm
OJ scored 2 tuddies for the Texans
September 11th, 2022 at 5:26 pm
“Disturbed-Down with the Sickness”
Hype song!!! Lets Roll!!! <<<—- 9/11 Shout Out!!!
September 11th, 2022 at 5:32 pm
Sage stick to your great journalism skills
Predictions are like buttholes , everyone has one
And most stink
September 11th, 2022 at 5:39 pm
So stoked to see how Cade Otton fairs this season.
September 11th, 2022 at 5:54 pm
Suh wants to be the new Nebraska HC. Hell yeah.
September 11th, 2022 at 6:03 pm
Please put Ira in witness protection for the Vita Vea comment. lol. I’m excited for this year. I’m pumped for our defense revamp. Looking forward to our weapons on offense. Go Bucs!
September 11th, 2022 at 6:45 pm
I agree with anonymous Ira. Your predictions stink.
September 11th, 2022 at 6:57 pm
Thank god Ira does what he does n not coaching the team
September 11th, 2022 at 7:00 pm
I’m also worried about Hainsey for the same reasons. I’m concerned that his base may not be strong enough to anchor and the early returns on his health are a concern, albeit from a small sample size.
September 11th, 2022 at 7:28 pm
Falcons was able to get after Winston, this bodes well for the Bucs next week.
September 11th, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Can;t believe you predicted Cam brate would get hurt. He’s been one of the most reliable players on the team. Any player can get hurt on the next play. I predict you aren’t going to finish the season Ira due to you being grossly overweight and drinking way too much big storm beer. You deserve to be taken out to the woodshed, Ira.
September 11th, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Vea taking a step back?????
Completely disagree there. I think he’s going to take a leap forward
September 11th, 2022 at 9:12 pm
Only 11 wins Ira? Boooooo. Vita will take a step back? He’s still young, no way. I can believe the rest though. Did I miss Ira’s horrible (Love ya man!) wide receiver rankings this year?