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. (more…)

It’s the weekly, 24-hour Dirk Koetter Confidence Poll. Poll posted at 10:04 a.m. See last week’s results linked here.

Bucs coach speaks on trade rumor.

This morning an NFL Network report claimed Bucs receiver DeSean Jackson had asked for a trade. (more…)

It’s the weekly, 24-hour Dirk Koetter Confidence Poll. Posted Wednesday at 11:13 a.m. Last week’s results linked here.

Scolded by national scribe.

People in the NFL who know America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, rave about his football smarts. Even Bucs coach Dirk Koetter beats the drum for Jameis’ IQ. (more…)

“Hurry back, big fella.”

The Eagles and Cowboys? They have records worse than the Bucs’. (more…)

As promised with the Aug. 28 Jason Licht Confidence Poll, here is a new, 24-hour poll at the bye week. See the post-training-camp results here. Poll posted at 9:20 a.m.

The guy responsible for fixing the brutal 2017 Buccaneers defense is the same guy who will be responsible for repairing the awful 2018 Bucs defense.  (more…)

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Admit it.

If you would have known that the Bucs were going to split their first four games this season, you would have been thrilled.

Now, you’re pissed.

As they have too many times in recent memory, the Bucs failed to show up for a road game. They deserved every bit of that 48-10 drubbing at Soldier Field, where conditions were perfect and Tampa Bay’s execution was anything but. (more…)

On the cusp of infamy.

Yes, earlier today Joe called for Bucs defensive coordinator Mike Smith to be relieved of his duties. Joe takes no joy in this. (more…)

Yes, Joe gets this afternoon’s post-blowout outrage, and it’s reasonable to direct it at Mike Smith and join Joe in calling for him to be defrocked like Jim Bates was.

However, there’s no reason to throw in the towel on your 2-2 Bucs. (more…)

It’s the weekly, 24-hour Dirk Koetter confidence poll, posted at 8:51 a.m. See last week’s results linked here.

Yes, the greatness you’re seeing hasn’t been accomplished before on various levels. (more…)

Former Bucs receiver Michael Clayton (2004-2010 preseason) is a busy man these days working Bucs pre- and post-game shows.

And man, does Clayton have a lot to say about the Buccaneers. (more…)

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Grit, but no glory.

It was a tale of two halves at Raymond James Stadium Monday night and while the Bucs displayed character and resolve, the Steelers won a close game on the road by capitalizing on some sloppy play.

Pittsburgh hardly played a clean game, incurring 13 penalties for 155 yards, but Mike Smith’s defense didn’t make enough stops.

A 2-1 record should be a point of pride, especially considering the rugged schedule, but the prevailing sentiment in the Tampa Bay locker room is this was a game the Bucs should have won.

Here’s how it went down in prime time: (more…)

So who will quarterback the Buccaneers on Sunday in Chicago?

Dirk Koetter was asked whether he has made that decision moments ago during his postgame news conference at the Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway.  (more…)

Slingin’

So far Dirk Koetter’s football wisdom has his team undefeated. (more…)

It’s the weekly, 24-hour Dirk Koetter Confidence Poll. Poll posted at 12:05 a.m. Last week’s results linked here.

He knew.

Look who is laughing now. (more…)

Bucs fans love when their team gets the national spotlight, and here it is right here.

Fun, fiery interview with DeSean Jackson. (more…)