Sunday A Turning Point For Bucs?
October 24th, 2024
Playoffs?
Joe maintains the Dixie Chicks just aren’t that good.
Sure, they’ve got four wins. One was an accident (Eagles). One was just the Dixie Chicks had slightly more stamina than the trash team they faced (slimy Saints). Another came against a glorified expansion team (Stinking Panthers). A fourth was a gift (Bucs).
(This is why Joe is so steamed about that game and still wants to throw rocks at moving traffic.)
So yeah, the Bucs are tied with the Dixie Chicks. Win this game and maybe Tampa Bay controls its destiny. The more Joe thinks about it, a wild card berth this season might be a fantasy the way teams in the NFL North are playing.
So Joe thinks the Bucs have to win the division, which means this creamsicle game Sunday against the Dixie Chicks may be the Bucs’ first must-win game of the season.
Joe has playoffs on the brain and the PFF tribe dug out their calculators. How pivotal is Sunday’s game? Timo Riske of the PFF tribe seems to think the Bucs’ playoff hopes are damn near doomed if they lose.
With a win the Bucs, per the PFF tribe’s calculations, have a 76 percent chance of making the playoffs. But a loss? Those percentages plummet to 38 percent.
And that’s with the Chiefs and the 49ers (after the 49ers’ bye) on deck.
The Bucs lost two of the league’s biggest weapons Monday in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. The Bucs defense continues to be wretched.
How the Bucs play Sunday will say a lot about the team. How the Bucs play the next three weeks before the bye will say a whole lot about the coaches on this team.
“This Joe” has an ugly feeling after feeling the awful vibe in the locker room Monday that this season could go south quickly with another loss to the Dixie Chicks.
(Graphic courtesy of the PFF tribe.)
October 24th, 2024 at 12:10 am
We heard a lot about this “locker room” this off-season. How this was a team that really loved and played for each other. We’re about to see if that was all talk. There are going to have to be some guys that step in and step up. Will they just roll over and use the injuries as an excuse or will they play with their hair on fire knowing their season is on the line? This became the biggest game on the schedule the moment they gave the last game to the falcons. They lose this game and we’ll go from talking Super Bowl a week ago to talking about the draft before Halloween. Not exactly what I was expecting. I hope they still have the heart it takes.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:16 am
Joe, hope Houston wr we signed n put on practice squad who wears #89 will help us win
We should beat the falcons 4 real Go Bucs
October 24th, 2024 at 12:24 am
So you’re saying Atlanta isn’t that good and their wins were basically luck. Our game was a gift to them 509 yards worth. We have the schedule of a playoff team they have a cupcake schedule. You would think the Bucs would take that into consideration when Atlanta went all in. They have a good secondary and don’t give up a lot of passing. Bucs, commanders and Vikings are the only tough teams left on their schedule unless you want to count the cowboys.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:27 am
If the Bucs win this game it’s because they out coached Atlanta so Todd has to actually do something besides complain about a call the refs make
October 24th, 2024 at 12:27 am
IF the Bucs had a HEAD COACH and a DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, it wouldn’t be as worrisome. But the fact is and has been proven, since on paper we have both, we have NEITHER.
The offense under Liam even without Mike and Chris, would still find a way to get 25+ points — but they’ll need a 40 burger to win and Todd’s comments tell me he’s going to squat on Baker, undoubtedly in the wrong way, the Falcs will have 9 in the box and Todd will demand the run.
Then it’s all over but the crying.
As Joes have said — losing to the Falcs in the first meeting the way it happened is the kind of game management and coaching incompetence that we’ve seen before and which should earn anyone so inept a pink slip.
Should have happened after the Rams playoff debacle with the famous “Cover Who?” call. Then it should have happened after the masturmind gave TB12 the only losing season of his life, capped by the most humiliating playoff loss since 1981.
Oh well. I was hoping for the evolved Todd. At least Liam has overcome Todd’s conservatism on offense — so far. But Todd still thinks that his defense should rule, as do some long-winded keyboard pounders here. It simply doesn’t and won’t until Todd makes adjustments.
And we know — he will not. JC
October 24th, 2024 at 1:18 am
If Tykee Smith can’t play, it won’t matter what we do. There simply isn’t enough DBs to stop Kirk Cousins from doing exactly what he did last time. Kyle Pitts will have another good game and they will run the ball better than last time.
As bad as you think Atlanta is, the fact is they ate better than us with the weapons we have.
Tom Brady couldn’t even score a single point with backups against a good NO defense. That was with Gronk still playing. ME13 and CG14 went down in that game.
There is ZERO cohesion with the backup WRs and Baker Mayfield.
October 24th, 2024 at 1:33 am
We’re losing the next 3….just deal….Todd still running things. Nothing will get better with him
October 24th, 2024 at 2:04 am
Yeah, if they lose on Sunday (especially BIG), then it’s time for the FO to begin thinking and planning longterm. This season will be over. They are going nowhere in a hurry with THIS DEFENSE. Stockpile picks and get the cap in the best possible position. Continue to develop the young talent. When you see an opportunity on ‘high-level’ pass rushers (&/or) offensive linemen in their ‘prime’ then POUNCE. Sucks even worse not being able to see Mike & Chris together in the creamsicles… Just more salt added into the wound. HORRIBLE.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:12 am
“this season could go south quickly with another loss…”
I find these oft-written types of comments from the Joes strange. It’s always “if one more week…”
The season just took a massive nosedive this past week. It literally could not have gone any more south. We got manhandled on the ground and through the air. Our defensive coach gave up 500 yards for the second time in 2 weeks. We lost our top 2 offensive weapons. It was one of the most depressing, infuriating losses in Bucs history.
Why does it take ‘another week’ for this season to go south? We’ve already reached south.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:20 am
No! Todd is a defensive guru! Just ask the resident expert! We mere mortals just don’t understand, but surely the resident Toddophile who is excellent with copy/paste and excuses, will use multiple long paragraphs and capital letters to scold us for being focused on the wrong things. Can’t wait for the next lecture, scolding, and thin skin.
October 24th, 2024 at 3:22 am
Because I cut the cable cord and don’t own a radio (been years), I missed the Ravens game. iHeart didn’t air the game…I’m guessing because it was a espn game.
But…going strictly by the injuries…and they are horrible ones…and the possible suspension of Mayfield…it appears our season already is over.
I don’t see how we can make the playoffs now…unless the defense starts winning games.
October 24th, 2024 at 3:56 am
I’m riding a thre headed monster for the next three games. Play keep away, run the clock…the key to this game…NO TURNOVERS. Take one or two away. Make all the kicks. Does anyone remember Bucball? Can we do it?
October 24th, 2024 at 4:31 am
We are right there. It’s in our reach. Looking at the chart, some other dynamics can change. Daniels is battling a rib injury, Saleh is now helping the Packers, we already won the Lions this season, and Eagles can be somewhat a wild card.
Correct Joe, this Sunday is a turning point and big game for the Bucs. They need it. We all need it. Monday night was horrific. Mike’s hamstring, Chris severely harmed from the hit, Tykee concussed, … Things happen in 3’s. Hoping this is the end of our 3 things.
The Falcons are counting on winning this game and are coming in with that mindset to take over as number one. Can’t let it happen. Go Bucs!
October 24th, 2024 at 5:50 am
Enough with the roller coaster that’s Buccaneer football; Just fire Bowles and get it over with already.
October 24th, 2024 at 6:49 am
I couldn’t agree more. The resiliency of this team will be tested this weekend. How good are our backup WRs? What adjustments can be made to our pass defense? It’s all on the line this weekend. Unlike many on this site, I’m unwilling to give up. Let’s give Baker and Coen a chance to see what they can do with the players we have. The Falcons are not the Ravens.
October 24th, 2024 at 7:11 am
Not giving up either, PSL Bob. Go Bucs!
October 24th, 2024 at 8:43 am
playoffs?..Playoofs?! (Jim Mora Jr voice)
October 24th, 2024 at 9:07 am
Joe is pretty sure he spelled it out in the article.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:08 am
NNNOOOO. That was Jim Mora, Sr.! He was a competent coach.
His son is a clown.
October 24th, 2024 at 9:24 am
“I just hope we can win a game!” — Jim Mora Sr, and Bucsfans objective about Defensive Masturmind, Todd Blowes.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:05 am
Dave Pear and a few others on here are no fans. That’s one reason why I’m posting less and less. Harbaugh called a dirty tackle on CG14 and got away with it. The Bucs lost the game in the first quarter when BM would not run a QB option play. If he had done so, score would have been 14-0 Bucs. I’ve been waiting for bootleg option calls by Mayfield and Coen all season. Also Joe is awfully quick to tell us on a “fan” site that the season is over. Why is that? And BTW, is Otton in concussion protocol? He has been the victim of several dirty hits in that red zone the last two games. Why can’t the Bucs beat Atlanta> And what’s with the constant negative attitude including Joes towards the original uniforms and logos? Hmmm?
October 24th, 2024 at 10:06 am
Atlanta?
October 24th, 2024 at 10:35 am
If you had asked me at the beginning of the season, I would have said the unknown was the offense mainly because of the line. D end too of course. After the first 4 games I would have mentioned some concerns with the defense but mentioned the mass of injuries. Now? I don’t know what to say. Giving up 500 yards on defense multiple times? No matter who we are playing that’s a concern that I don’t even know how to comment.
If that doesn’t correct itself damn quickly I can’t imagine Bowles surviving the season.
October 24th, 2024 at 10:38 am
MNF loss was basically two losses
No Evans, No Godwin and Todd Blows questionable decision making along with an awful defense will turn 4-2 to 4-5 really quickly
Todd Blows handed Raheem and ATL the division on MNF
This is what happens when you hand an undeserving assistant a Head Coaching job
October 24th, 2024 at 10:53 am
Don’t cry dry your eyes there goes Evans and Godwin the main two guys lol
October 24th, 2024 at 12:41 pm
Guess there is no reason to watch the game this weekend. Dave Pear has spoken we have already lost.
October 24th, 2024 at 12:51 pm
Won’t count us out…Just yet. But Cohen is going to have to be innovative with our Offense come Sunday. And if ever it was time for Bowles to show his Defensive mastery? Sunday is the time. We have to stop somebody. Because The Falcons can score. Do or Die Bucs. All hands on ship!!
October 24th, 2024 at 1:04 pm
Bowles is the interim coach. He’s not getting fired. His job is to suffer through the dead cap misery this year and maybe next. Then they send him on with a pat on the head and our shiny new savior coming to coach with a good young team and plenty of cap room. Todd’s not going anywhere. This is carefully planned. Slow motion rebuild. Todd will 50% us until the end. Season is not over. Team should not give up. If they get Jason to add a couple pieces at the deadline we could be OK.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:00 pm
It will be tough sledding without Evans, Godwin, Bucky, Dean and Tykee this week.
I have enough faith in Coen and Baker behind that OL (which is looking better and better) to put up some points with this cast of players.
Our D better be much better vs ATL this week. Winfield and Kancey > Dean and Tykee. Vea and Kancey and Diaby better be out there for 75% of the snaps minimum. There’s no saving the horses this week. They can take more rest vs the Chiefs. 3 of 4 losses vs the AFC won’t hurt much. This season is far from over and I’m confident our guys will prove it Sunday.
Very funny to me the roller coaster of Todd Bowles. We cannot be surprised that he has blown it a couple times this year already. It’s what he is, it’s what he does. I am trying to keep a level head, no Winfield and Kancey for the 1st 500 yard debacle, leagues best offense in the 2nd and the wind got sucked outta our sails in the 2nd quarter. That shouldn’t happen and again for the millionth time is when we need some fire on the sidelines. Last month Bowles was great and now half the board here wants him run outta town haha. Better win and finish strong or I will bang that drum again for a coaching upgrade.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:04 pm
On the coaching note, I will stick behind Bowles for now but he’s on thin ice again. This week won’t make him but it could certainly break him. If I am JL I am starting to think about a coaches room of Belichick, Vrabel and Coen. We should be a SB contender next season and Belichick coming here to help us win it would be some kind of universe balancing act after Tom did it.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:24 pm
I don’t see us outscoring ATL. it’s a given that ATL will score alot of points. IF we had ME and CG, I think we could keep up…but thinking that our #3, 4, 5 WR’s will pick up the slack left vacant is ludicrous. Our only hope is that we can grind out a bunch of long, time-clock sucking drives with our running game…scoring TD’s. As soon as we settle for FG’s it’s over.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:51 pm
garbs65, who exactly are you? A longtime Bucs fan? Nope. I’m skilled in English communication. I’ve also been a devoted Bucs fan for 45 years. This team was humiliated this past Monday night. Harbaugh pulled a cheap shot on Godwin for no reason. That’s not the FIRST time that’s happened over the years! If CG14 doesn’t retire, he can not get the $$$ he deserves, You get my drift? I hope a plane crashes with the entire Ravens posse in it. It’s called karma BTW. Look it up if the meaning escapes you.
October 24th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
Falcons aren’t that good so what does that say about the bucs when you lost to them #?
October 24th, 2024 at 2:58 pm
I’ll enjoy this season watching our rookies again experience and cohesion for next year’s run. It’s gonna be great
October 24th, 2024 at 4:25 pm
Atlanta better be ready this weekend and Raheem Morris knows it. Tampa Bay beat themselves. Morris has coached here. This area has been through a bad storm season. There are Buc faithful who have lost everything. Glazer Boyz had any brains, they would give away the unsold home tickets in a charity drive.
October 24th, 2024 at 4:31 pm
I think that if the Panthers want to let that WR go that would be the best option. Kupp is not the answer, he’s been around and he’s been hurt also might have lost a step. That would be like Julio Jones and Sherman waisting money for them to sit on the sideline. If McMillan can return to his 2022 play he will be pretty awesome. Let’s Go Bucs!!!! Next Men Up and they have the talent. All week should have been about these guys getting prepared for what is now a really good opportunity to be a STAR!!!