BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Dave Canales may have just stumbled onto a plan to deep-6 the 49ers.

Without much expected help from a plodding ground game, Canales is looking for plays that can rattle the NFL’s No. 1 scoring defense. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Grab a cold Big Storm beer and soak in everything Bucs with The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports and Joe.

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

A rare Monday morning edition of the Sage with Joe. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

You either succumb to pressure or you embrace the challenge.

On Sunday, the Bucs gave pressure a big old bear hug en route to a 20-6 victory against punchless Tennessee. What pressure? Glad you asked.

Had the Titans prevailed, the Bucs would have been heading to California trying to avoid their first 6-game losing streak since the 2-14 debacle of 2014.

That’s pressure.

A defense that was ravaged by C.J. Stroud at Houston needed to rebound in a big way against another rookie quarterback, especially since Todd Bowles called on his unit to display professional pride.

That’s pressure.

And speaking of pressure, that’s what spelled the difference against Will Levis, who rarely had an opportunity to feel comfortable in the pocket. Bowles dialed up an ultra-aggressive blitzing scheme that shook, rattled and rolled Levis into a QB rating of 53.3. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Another can’t-miss sitdown with the Sage of Tampa Bay Sports with Joe. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

A 3-5 start is troubling enough for Buc Nation, yet there’s more to the story.

Whenever an NFL team struggles midway through the season, you look for the usual suspects.

Two factors naturally spring to mind in explaining a rough getaway. (more…)

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Rock gives you inside info after spending all week inside One Buc to get you set for Bucs vs Titans. Rock has the Titans’ game plan, too. Catch Rock’s prediction and the exclusive behind the scenes Under the Rock segment and a new feature, Sad Stats!

Listen or download above, or at Google Podcasts, Podcast Addict, iHeart media, and more. Follow Rock @RealRockRiley on X.

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

The art of unnerving quarterbacks used to be a Todd Bowles staple. Now, it’s a lost art.

A solid defense that had been propping up the Buccaneers was just shredded by a rookie quarterback Sunday as C.J. Stroud had enough time to order a slab of ribs and some Texas toast from DoorDash. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Sunday’s stunning Bucs loss requires Sage perspective from iconic Ira Kaufman, who chops up the state of the Buccaneers with Joe. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

There’s a pretty good chance the 2023 Buc season ended Sunday at 4:27 p.m. EST.

That’s when the clock ran out on the visitors in a surreal 39-37 setback that had to be seen to be believed. Buc fans still don’t believe it — and who can blame them?

The NFC South standings say the Bucs are only a game behind the first-place Saints in the loss column, but this was no ordinary loss at Houston. All you had to do was listen to Todd Bowles at the post-game podium. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Massive midseason road game tomorrow for Tampa Bay and Joe and Ira dive head first into that and more. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

The path toward a winning season is wide-ass open for the Buccaneers.

Despite all the penalties, missed assignments, erratic tackling and a brutal ground attack, Tampa Bay’s final 10 games offer a grand opportunity for redemption.

Can Todd Bowles capitalize and save his job in the process? (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Fire up the mighty Sage of Tampa Bay Sports! The conversation is hot and heavy as the Bucs approach midseason. Enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Given their persistent offensive doldrums, the Bucs are relying on the other side of the ball to deliver game-changing plays.

It’s not happening, in large part because two supposed play-makers continue to struggle. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Kick off this pivotal week — trade deadline week — with the Ira Kaufman Podcast. Dive in!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Too little, too late, too depressing.

For the second consecutive year, the Bucs are approaching midseason saddled with a 3-game losing streak. They showed plenty of grit Thursday night in Buffalo against a good football team and a raucous crowd, but that 3-1 start is starting to look like a mirage.

Once again, Tampa Bay’s defense did itself proud, especially in the second half. Buffalo punted on each of its final four possessions, but Baker Mayfield couldn’t get the offense in gear until midway through the fourth quarter.

The Bucs now have extra time to prepare for a trip to Houston, where the Texans have been surprisingly competitive behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

With the trade deadline looming, this franchise must decide on a direction. If the Bucs were 2-5 instead of 3-4, the path ahead would seem clear. Kyle Trask would be on the brink of replacing Mayfield under center and players like Mike Evans and Devin White might be deemed available.

The Glazers would likely weigh in at that point and suggest to Jason Licht that the future is not now. Accumulating draft capital would be a priority.

But at 3-4, the Bucs aren’t ready to abandon plans for a third consecutive division title. The bad news? (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Loads on today’s Bucs pregame buffet with the feisty Sage of Tampa Bay Sports and Joe. Grab a Big Storm beer and enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

Podcast (ira-kaufman-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Sage Ira was stunned by the caliber of football he witnessed Sunday and has plenty to share across the Buccaneers’ spectrum. Fun chatter with Joe. Grab a Big Storm beer and enjoy!

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Owner Arthur Blank looked a little wobbly walking to the Atlanta interview room after Sunday’s game.

Who can blame him? The Falcons owner knew his team didn’t play particularly well, but hey, a win is a win and his franchise now leads the NFC South at 4-3. Sluggish coming off a bye last week, the Bucs were sloppy and unfocused en route to a 16-13 setback.

That’s three consecutive home losses for Tampa Bay, which now hits the road four times in the next five games. (more…)

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Click above to shop now at Tampa’s first family of Ford, BillCurrieFord.com. Reach out to Ira’s friend and GM Sean Sullivan for a hearty JoeBucsFan discount, and remember their nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles at Bill Currie Ford.

Episode 1 of this week has The Sage and Joe honing in fair and unfair criticism, some highlights, and much more.

All the wisdom and fun of Ira and Joe is presented by Bill Currie Ford! Click play above or listen at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Podbean.com, Stitcher, too, and more.

Bill Currie Ford is one mile north of Raymond James Stadium on Dale Mabry Highway, and Bill Currie Ford GM Sean Sullivan is Ira’s great friend. He’s ready to help you personally — and to give you the Ira Kaufman discount on top of all their amazing deals. E-mail, call or visit Sean at the Bill Currie showroom.

Big Storm beer from Big Storm Brewing Co. is the official beer of the podcast. Try Florida’s best craft beer, especially Bromosa, their amazing tangerine IPA. Listening to Ira is fun, free and easy!

BILL CURRIE FORD IS OPEN DAILY! Shop now online and don’t forget to request the Ira Kaufman Discount. Nationwide lifetime warranty on new vehicles.

BY IRA KAUFMAN
JoeBucsFan.com columnist

(Ira is known as The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports because, well, he is the sage of Tampa Bay sports. He’s been covering the Bucs since 1985, following six years on the NFL beat including starting on the New York Giants beat in 1979. Sage is a Pro Football Hall of Fame selector and is a member of the Hall’s prestigous senior committee. Ira drives a cherry red 2020 Ford Escape, “the fancy kind,” he purchased at Bill Currie Ford. Sage can be bribed effectively with a cannoli, a top shelf cuban sandwich or Bette Midler tickets.)

It’s five games into the season and Jason Licht might consider hanging a Help Wanted shingle outside One Buc Place.

At 3-2, the sky isn’t falling on top of the 2023 Bucs, but some storm clouds linger heading into Sunday’s home divisional matchup. (more…)