Five Things
October 28th, 2024
Rakim Jarrett nearly comes down with the winning catch on a Baker Mayfield Hail Mary pass on the final play of Sunday’s game.
The Bucs have a bunch of star players out. The defense is hot garbage. Let’s try to talk through these troubled times, shall we?
Heinous Defense
This is what Bucs fans are irate about this morning. And Joe can’t blame them. Todd Bowles is supposed to be a sharp defensive mastermind. That’s how he got where he is today, groomed by Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells.
But it seems Bowles is losing his touch. Or lost his touch. Either he’s trying to be too cute and too complex, or offenses have figured him out.
Then there is the matter of Bowles waving off the importance of an edge rush and sacks in general. It seems most other successful teams very much value sacks. Not the Bucs.
The nonsense Bowles pulls on his front seven, well, Joe has had enough. Joe saw on the first possession Calijah Kancey drop back into pass coverage. This is the norm for YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.
If you want these guys to play corner, how about going out and trading for a corner? Joe really believes Chris Braswell, JTS or Diaby were drafted because of their pass rush skills, not coverage skills.
So why exactly does Bowles not let his best pass rushers, you know, rush the passer? Coverage once in a while, like once or twice a game, Joe gets that.
It reminds Joe of a story from former University of Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer about Peyton Manning. Fulmer got scolded by an SEC coach for not running enough. He was told Manning needed to throw less. Fulmer told the guy Manning’s arm gave him the best chance to win and that wasn’t by ordering Manning to hand the ball off or pitch it to the tailback.
Joe thinks the Bucs edge rushers give the Bucs the best chance to win if Bowles uses their strengths: rush the friggin’ passer!
Did Someone Forget Bijan Robinson?
The eventual game-winning touchdown came on a Bijan Robinson six-yard catch. He stayed in the backfield as if he was going to block, then escaped the backfield, ran toward the goal line, caught the ball and scored.
Joe wanted to throw up. No Bucs defender was anywhere near Robinson. How in the hell does a defense not know they have to cover one of the best running backs in the league? That was so, so, so irresponsible and frustrating.
That was like last week when no one covered Mark Andrews, a Pro Bowl tight end. How?
That Robinson play summed up Bowles’ defense this year. Either players don’t understand Bowles’ defense or Bowles has done a p!ss poor job coaching them up.
And there is no way in hell in Week 8 guys have “communication” issues — unless they’ve fully tuned out Bowles and just don’t give a damn. There might be a player or two like that. But Joe can promise you neither Antoine Winfield nor Lavonte David fall into that category.
Virtually every defensive starter has a background with Bowles’ defense. So unless Bowles made wholesale changes unseen by the untrained eye to his defense, there is no way this stupid stuff should be happening week after week.
Is Cade Otton The “Next Man Up?”
Last week, Joe quoted a bunch of Cade Otton’s teammates saying the proverbial next man up has to take fill the void left by the losses of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Otton, however, bristled with the question and, slightly agitated, said the entire offense had to step up. Not just one or two players because no one has the skillset of Evans or Godwin.
Well, it looks like Otton is doing just that to sort of replace Godwin.
Otton has caught 17 passes the past two games on 20 targets for 181 yards and two touchdowns. Darn good.
The thing is, yesterday, per NFL.com, Otton got most of his production from the slot. So while Otton may never be Godwin, he mitigated the Bucs’ production loss without Godwin.
If Otton continues to take over and make catches, it’s sure going to help the Bucs a great deal without Evans or Godwin.
Offensive Line Is Coming Along
Joe has to give props to Bucs offensive line coach Kevin Carberry and the line. Slowly but surely, the Bucs offensive line has gotten better and better each week.
Yesterday? Joe thought the line was solid. They gave Mayfield plenty of time to throw. They opened holes for playmakers to make plays.
Joe stated before the season the line would be playing its best after Thanksgiving, barring injury.
Well, it is almost November. So it appears the offensive line is right on Joe’s timeline.
Joe Still Loves The Creamsicles
Joe senses a growing frustration with fans that don’t want to see the creamsicles.
For too long in the 1980s through the mid-90s, the creamsicles represented dreadful football. The Bucs changed to the pewter and red in 1997 and voila, the team started winning.
Since the Bucs have brought the creamsicles back, the ugly creamsicle tradition also has returned: Losing.
Joe can only recall one game that the Bucs won wearing the creamsicles this century. That was Josh Freeman’s first start when he and the Bucs upset the Packers. If memory serves, that is the same day Lee Roy Selmon had his number retired.
Still, Joe thinks those uniforms are beautiful. While many Bucs fans associate the creamsicles with losing, Joe is always brought back to the era of Doug Williams, Selmon, Batman Wood, Mark Cotney, Kevin House, Jimmie Giles, Ricky Bell, Jerry Eckwood and Charley Hannah among others.
The creamsicles, despite how terrible the Bucs were after Doug Williams left, still bring a smile to Joe. Hopefully, Team Glazer doesn’t succumb to fan pressure and put the creamsicles in mothballs.
Yesterday was a cool scene. Almost two dozen former players of the 1979 NFC Central champions were honored on the field at halftime, including Selmon’s widow. All of these guys are in their late 60s if not 70s.
They walked like they were in their silver years and also walked like they survived the brutal punishment the NFL dished out back then.
However, Joe only saw one former player from the 1979 team use a cane. No, it wasn’t a lineman. Or a linebacker. It was, in fact, kicker Neil O’Donoghue.
The loss sucked. But everything at the game but that loss was pretty cool.
(Funny story: Joe saw Bucs defensive line assistant coach Kacy Rodgers walk out of the locker room. He was in full 1970s regalia. He had on a blue disco button-down shirt, light tan pants and big-heeled dress shoes. No headgear, so his fully-shaved head was on display. Rodgers also wore aviator shades that had dark smoked lenses. Rodgers looked at least 20 years younger like he was going to an Earth, Wind and Fire concert. LOL)
October 28th, 2024 at 5:24 am
I get it joe . Put your players in the best position to have successful plays . However when you have quite a few defensive players who are really hot garbage & a coach who is also hot garbage yesterdays result is what you get .
October 28th, 2024 at 5:26 am
Time for radio to go. Coen HC
Saleh DC
October 28th, 2024 at 5:41 am
I know zero people who don’t like the orange unis. I guess I know how to pick em. Who gives an eff about whiners anyway?? Don’t let the times change ya. And if youre blaming a uniform on the result you didn’t watch the game. You like that?? You like that?? Ok maybe now you’re getting it
October 28th, 2024 at 5:55 am
Just waiting for the next coach up.
Last year’s lion taming attempt in playoffs bought a bit of a reprieve – So, its a waiting game. Can’t imagine getting beasted by non other than ol’ coach “Rah”. Ahh the life of a Bucs fan.
October 28th, 2024 at 5:56 am
Creamsickle curse
October 28th, 2024 at 5:59 am
i know this sounds crazy, but if we can get these next 2 games we are on course for big things, and most problemos wash down the drain…
chiefs are crazy due for a loss…in fact overdue…!
(even though they are now the new america’s team)…
if we can shock the world come monday night, we come ridin’ high back to tampa feelin’ uber good about ourselves…then bring on the somewhat struggling 9ers – then by all means necessary “protect our house” and go into the bye week…
yeah i just gave you the fantasy scenario…but yeah man…someone has to do it…!
anything is possible if if we take our ballz out of our azz…
let coach know!
October 28th, 2024 at 5:59 am
I like that “NEXT COACH” UP PLEASE.
October 28th, 2024 at 6:23 am
I join with the others that say promote Coen to head coach and let someone else coach the D. Unfortunately I know the Glazers aren’t going to do that. And what’s going to happen is they will go on a run at the end of the season due to the offense and the poor schedule and then we will lose Coen to someone else. Then we are stuck with another mediocre year.
October 28th, 2024 at 6:46 am
Is Jason Licht still collecting receipts? Should have been focused on collecting pass rushers.
October 28th, 2024 at 6:51 am
This feels a little like last year when we started that skid, doesn’t it. People name calling Bowles wanting him to get fired. Does Canales know what he’s doing? etc. etc. And then amazingly we turned it on, and we had a good run. That’s not going to happen this year… you know what the difference is? We barely had any serious injuries on offense last year and we were just waiting for Canales and the offense to figure it out. No one is coming to save us this season. Licht isn’t pulling the trigger on any trades. It’s frustrating for the fans because in these scenarios you realize where the mind of management is at. The idea we’re playing for a Super Bowl every year is BS. We saw it with Brady because he brought that magic, so every rumored free agent or trade target was in play for Tampa, not so with this group. And all those that are clamoring for first year offense coordinator to take over as head coach, don’t hold your breath, and frankly we have no idea if Coen can handle both duties at the same time, this doesn’t work for every coach.
October 28th, 2024 at 6:55 am
JBF is waiting on more of a slide for this Bucs team, but the article is coming as Bowles seat gets warmer. Glazers are Belichick fans, they love what he did in New England for 2 decades. Some of his more popular yet failed head coaches are still unemployed. Not sure how well it will go over with the players, especially guys like Lavonte David. Bill will most likely be cleaning house with this coaching staff. I know Licht is linked with the Pats org, but not sure if he survives since Bill likes being both a head coach and GM. Glazers would be giving up complete immersive control to take on this organization, it’s why Bill didn’t pick up a job immediately after leaving New England because teams were reluctant to hand over that kind of power.
October 28th, 2024 at 7:19 am
I’m with you Joe, I love the creamsicle uniforms. Also, something I have seen any comments on. Why did the Bucs basically abandon the run game in the second half after it was very productive early in the game?
October 28th, 2024 at 7:22 am
This is an organizational failure. To know you don’t have competent edge rushers, a strong D-line that is deep, and have no answer at MLB, and do NOTHING is abject failure. The idea was they will develop. You don’t win championships based on hope. You win because you have talent. You win because you have depth. You win because you have tough men who impose their will. The Bucs at best are a tier 3 team because of FO failure and coaching failure. It’s not rocket science.
October 28th, 2024 at 7:27 am
The Season is over Joe
……admit now
October 28th, 2024 at 7:30 am
I’ve seen enough.
October 28th, 2024 at 8:09 am
Coach Rah has both creamsicle wins this century.
October 28th, 2024 at 8:34 am
Did someone forget Bijan Robinson?
That play was an interesting contrast between Cousins and Mayfield
Bucs had same end zone picket fence zone coverage on that play as Ravens did last Monday night- the difference? – Cousins checked down to his open RB while Mayfield ignored an open Bucky Irving and forced an interception.
Turnovers =Losing
October 28th, 2024 at 8:37 am
The arrogant Glazers succumb to fan pressure? Yeah. Right. TV money will keep them profitable. They don’t need fans.
October 28th, 2024 at 9:04 am
Merryplankster- next coach up.
That’s damned right
October 28th, 2024 at 9:12 am
If they don’t make a trade to shore up the linebacking core, dropping back lineman to help the middle will continue… Dennis is missed .
October 28th, 2024 at 9:25 am
F __ r __
B__w____s
Fill in the blanks
October 28th, 2024 at 9:39 am
We need a QB don’t y’all see (JAMEIS MAYFIELD!!!!) Can not get it done we need a QB ASAP!!!!!
October 28th, 2024 at 9:40 am
You’re not wrong Rich.
October 28th, 2024 at 9:47 am
The uniforms aren’t the problem, it’s the supposedly genius DC/HC.
October 28th, 2024 at 10:01 am
I love the creamsicle wish we wore them more! We loss yesterday because defense playing like crap officials and Baker Forcing stoopiddd passes
October 28th, 2024 at 10:03 am
I do think the Bucs have some deficiencies with personnel, but I think the Bucs have plenty of talent on defense to be a good defense. Bowles scheme is the worst in the NFL. His style and gameplans have worked before, but they do not work in today’s NFL. Liam Coen has already proven he is an elite offensive coach. Promote Coen and see what he can do especially with a competent DC.
October 28th, 2024 at 10:24 am
Lost to Raheem Morris again
October 28th, 2024 at 10:48 am
the fans don’t give a damn about how Joe feels about the throwback unis… put them on ice for another 20 years LOL
October 28th, 2024 at 10:50 am
So Joe are you allowed to ask the coach why he’s sending linemen to defend passes instead of rushing the passer?
October 28th, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Big kudos to Cade!
I love the whole retro and creamsicle look! It would be fun to see a pic of Kacy too. When reading on here awhile back, in a comment, about the creamsicle stats I was worried. It does feel as though we were cursed on the no camera end zone and some other plays. Superstition getting the best of us at times.
October 28th, 2024 at 1:40 pm
So where not going to talk about the two interceptions Baker threw. Taking point off the board putting a defense back on the feild. If the gm is not willing to spend money then what can the coach actually do about lack of talent on the dline. We paid a backup qb starter money and he can’t fo what we need him to do he can’t go win you a game when you need it. Giving Baker to much time to throw he panics, give less time he pump fakes himself into a sack. Give him no time were complaining the line is bad. Sports is about scoring more than the other team. Can’t complain that wre in the game but not winning without looking st the offense and seeing that the qb is our issue. He can’t see the middle of the field he has bad ball placement and doesn’t throw with good anticipation. I think this offensive scheme really get players into space and most qbs would thrive.
October 28th, 2024 at 3:27 pm
WOW DEEZ IS SPOT ON WILL SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION LOL( JAMEIS ) IS BEING PAID TOO MUCH MONEY HE IS A BACK UP QB AT BEST MANNNNN !!!!!
October 28th, 2024 at 3:28 pm
WOW DEEZ IS SPOT ON WILL SOMEONE PAY ATTENTION LOl JAMEIS MAYFIELD IS BEING PAID TOO MUCH MONEY HE IS A BACK UP QB AT BEST MANNNNN !!!!!
October 28th, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Every area of the Bucs can play better, but the Bucs hit the lottery getting Baker.
Bucs defense is on pace to be one of the worst if not the worst in franchise history.
October 29th, 2024 at 7:31 am
Why doesn’t Bowles trade for a corner? Why isn’t Bowles picking up the phone to trade for a corner? I cannot imagine why Bowles wouldn’t be out there trying to find us a corner. You right Joe.
October 29th, 2024 at 7:35 am
Anyone calling for Coen to be HC is not a serious person.
How’s Canales doing in Carolina?