Defense may get a break.

How bad was it yesterday in the first half? Bad enough to get Bucs coach Todd Bowles mad. [read more]

Some ancient Bucs fans of the 1979 team might be a little annoyed by the following: [read more]

While securing the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoffs would come with potential advantages for Tampa Bay, the No. 4 seed would, too. [read more]

Sack No. 7 1/2 came early yesterday for defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. [read more]

A happy Tristan Wirfs jogs off the field after the Bucs crushed the Stinking Panthers. Minutes later, Wirfs bragged about the Bucs’ three-headed monster backfield.

Nothing seems to make offensive linemen happier than a good running game. Well, except for cold beer and hot steaks. [read more]

NextGen Stats links the star signal-callers.

This is the first time Joe can recall Baker Mayfield and star Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes linked outside of the mentions that they both played for Kliff Kingsbury at Texas Tech.

(Mayfield later transferred to Oklahoma where he played for Bob Stoops and Lincoln Riley). [read more]

Defensive tackle Vita Vea hugs OLB YaYa Diaby in celebration of a defensive play in the Bucs’ beat down of the Stinking Panthers.

Happy Victory Monday! Fun game yesterday. But Joe senses Bucs fans couldn’t fully let loose with robust hilarity and emotion because they were on pins and needles over the Dixie Chicks game late last night. But everything turned out fine. So grab your mug of coffee and let’s roll! [read more]

Welcome to your Morning Cup of Joe, an eye-opener to help Joe’s readers ease into their busy workday with a few football links, wacky news and a pleasant distraction. [read more]

Locker room sighting.

Here is what the Bucs have said about Jamel Dean injuring his knee late in the second quarter of yesterday’s destruction of the Stinking Panthers. [read more]

Shortly before midnight, the NFL emailed its updated schedule for Week 18, the final week of the 2024 regular season. [read more]

One more win.

There is joy in the streets of central Florida, from Venice to Crystal River all the way to Cocoa Beach. That’s because the Commandos beat the Dixie Chicks tonight. [read more]

The most important game of the Buccaneers’ season kicks off at 8:20 p.m. on NBC.

If the Falcons’ lose to the Commanders at Washington, the Bucs can win the NFC South crown with a win next Sunday against the miserable Saints in Tampa.

Comment all game long with stressed Bucs fans below.

“‘Wins’ is the wrong word.”

Right now with the playoffs on the line, Todd Bowles isn’t worried about records or wins. [read more]

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BY IRA KAUFMAN

That’s the way you handle your business.

To give themselves a chance at a fourth consecutive NFC South title, the Bucs had to do their own part by beating the Panthers. They stomped Carolina, handing former offensive coordinator Dave Canales a stinging 48-14 setback, matching the franchise record for most points scored in a home game.

It was a complete performance led by Baker Mayfield and an unstoppable offense that rolled up 33 first downs and 551 yards. [read more]

Jalen McMillan hopes over the goal line for a score Sunday.

Right when many rookies have hit the infamous rookie wall or even succumbed to it (even Bucky Irving admitted he’s struggling with the wall), wide receiver Jalen McMillan is beating the rookie wall like the East Germans did to the Berlin Wall late last century. [read more]

So halftime social media buzz got a shot of juice today when Todd Bowles told the Buccaneers Radio Network that defensive backs needed to get their heads out of their collective asses. [read more]

Bucky Irving gets loose.

Today, running back Bucky Irving made a little Bucs history. [read more]

So Bucs backup tight ends Devin Culp and Payne Durham combined for 5 catches for 88 yards and a touchdown. And the grabs didn’t even come in garbage time of the 48-14 win.

Whaat? [read more]

If Liam Coen coached the Bucs in an angry mood last week, do you blame him? [read more]