It sounds like stud first-round pick Graham Barton won’t be gifted a starting job at center, and no, he’s not competing for a starting guard gig. [read more]

In today’s column, Ira Kaufman sets the scene at the funeral for legendary Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

The start of training camp was always a special time for Monte Kiffin.

Sixteen years have passed since Tampa Bay’s former defensive coordinator last riled up the crowd on the opening day of camp in Orlando. Kiffin’s energy stoked Buc Nation as players drifted onto the field at the Wide World of Sports and he held court.

On Saturday, the wide world of sports gathered at Indian Rocks Baptist Church to honor the memory of an iconic assistant coach who touched the lives of so many. During an emotional 2 1/2 hour service that generated tears, smiles and laughs, Kiffin was lauded for his faith, his devotion to his family and his unbridled passion for football.

Call it the Tampa 3. [read more]

Podcast (todd-wright-lightning-playoff-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

A draft weekend winner is declared among the AFC West teams, as JoeBucsFan.com draft guru Sean Sullivan explores every pick of the Chargers, Broncos, Raiders and Chiefs. It’s the final chapter of Sean’s exceptional draft-recap series. Enjoy!

Listen by clicking above. Or enjoy at Apple Podcasts and other platforms. All the fun is presented by Bill Currie Ford, where summer savings are fantastic. Sean also is the eager Bill Currie Ford GM ready to help you personally with all of your automotive needs. Fire off questions on football and more to Sean at BestInClass@BillCurrie.com.

Tight end Cade Otton.

Joe was starting to worry about Cade Otton. Thankfully, those worries were premature. [read more]

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht.

So the seemingly official league entity known as NFL Research has weighed in on the Bucs and their NFC South rivals. [read more]

Home run hitter.

Despite former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales trying to turn an offense with explosive playmakers into a ground-and-pound team, the Bucs still hit home runs. [read more]

In recent days, Joe has heard Todd Bowles, former Bucs center and assistant coach A.Q. Shipley, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero and Baker Mayfield himself talk about what’s different for Mayfield this season. [read more]

If…

Joe thinks the Bucs took care of the biggest problem in the secondary. [read more]

Antoine Winfield, Jr.

Jay Gruden, the former Bucs assistant coach, Tampa Bay arena football quarterback legend and Washington Redskins head coach (2014-2019) has become quite a candid voice during his recent forays into media. [read more]

Bucs GM Jason Licht. Is he a man short?

The Buccaneers’ running backs room? Not good enough, says an astute observer and friend of Todd Bowles. [read more]

Done with football.

This is a shocker on the eve of the opening of (most) training camps. [read more]

Joe came across a stat-geeky graphic this summer that blew Joe’s mind. [read more]

Key task.

The way Joe looks at it, running backs coach Skip Peete and offensive coordinator Liam Coen have one main goal this fall. [read more]

First quarter touchdowns would be nice.

How bad has the offense been the past two years? Well, they certainly haven’t been off to strong starts. [read more]

Podcast (todd-wright-lightning-playoff-podcast): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

Who won the AFC South draft this year? JoeBucsFan.com draft guru Sean Sullivan has the answer as part of his fast but deep dive into every draft pick taken by the Colts, Titans, Jaguars and Texans. Sean’s exceptional draft series continues. Enjoy!

Listen by clicking above. Or enjoy at Apple Podcasts and other platforms. All the fun is presented by Bill Currie Ford, where summer savings are fantastic. Sean also is the eager Bill Currie Ford GM ready to help you personally with all of your automotive needs. Fire off questions on football and more to Sean at BestInClass@BillCurrie.com.

Todd Bowles standing in front of K.J. Britt and Vita Vea.

Whose Bucs defense is this?

It belongs to K.J. Britt. [read more]

Todd Bowles is not shy when it comes to his new starting cornerback. [read more]

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs.

Did Tristan Wirfs start all over as an NFL player last year? If so, look out. [read more]

Addressing the credit.

Joe knows it is sort of in fashion to dump on former Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales. He’s now the head honcho in Charlotte. [read more]

Picking on an old man failed.

There is senior abuse in the NFL! [read more]

Produces (in pass game).

Joe is a big fan of Rachaad White, the receiving back.

Joe is not a fan of Rachaad White, the running back. [read more]