There isn’t much of a secret that the Bucs are in search of their next quarterback with limited cap space to work with. What’s not being talked about is the Bucs potentially losing their top cornerback, Jamel Dean, unless a deal can be reached, meaning Jason Licht is going to have to work his typical number magic to match what they paid their #2 cornerback last year.
Jamel Dean(35) Sean Murphy-Bunting (23) bucpower.com
The third-round selection in 2019 has made his presence known since his rookie season. During his rookie campaign, Dean split reps with MJ Stewart, eventually beating him out for the starting role. Dean also split time with Veron Hargreaves III and fellow rookies Carlton Davis III and Sean Murphy-Bunting, with a majority of the reps coming after the team parted ways with Hargreaves in October 2019. The Bucs began a rotation of corners, including Mazzi Wilkins and Darian Stewart, along with their rookies for the remainder of the season.
The youngsters showed enough promise to be the only ones standing from the previous season, and it paid off as the unit solidified itself and adopted the nickname “Gravediggers” as they were the best cornerback unit in the league after the Bucs’ Week 10 loss to the Chiefs.
During the 2021 offseason, the Bucs came to terms with Carlton Davis III on a 3-year, 45-million dollar deal with $ 30 million guaranteed. This year, it’s Dean’s turn, and there may be a real chance that type of money is going to come from another franchise. Unfortunately for the Bucs, they run the risk of losing what’s been their best corner for the past three seasons.
Well Tom Brady ultimately decided to retire…AGAIN! Now, let’s take a look at 4 potential players who could lead the Bucs out of the tunnel to begin the 2023 season come September.
Kyle Trask
Kyle Trask (2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers via thesportsrush.com
The 64th pick in the 2020 Draft is entering his third season in the NFL. With a handful (literally) of snaps under his belt, Trask could easily enter the conversation as Tampa Bay’s next starting quarterback. Trask was a star during his time at the University of Florida (2018-20), throwing for over 7,000 yards with 69 TDs, while a majority came during his 2020 Heisman Finalist campaign.
Jimmy Garoppolo
Tim Heitman/USA Today Sports
If San Francisco decides to part ways with Jimmy G, look for Tampa Bay to be in the running for his services. Garappolo, who was drafted in 2014 by the New England Patriots and traded to the 49ers in 2017, has thrown for 14,289 yards and 87 touchdowns with a 99.6 career QBR. Jimmy G could flourish in Tampa Bay with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Cam Brate if he does indeed land in the 813.
Derek Carr
Photo by Joe Glorioso/All-Pro Reels
One of the favorites to land in Tampa Bay is soon-to-be-former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. The 2014 second-round pick has endured quite a bit of up and downs during his stint with the Raiders. Carr who managed over 3,500 yards and 24 TDs during the 2022 season, landed him 14th in the league just behind Denver’s Russell Wilson.
Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield is not the first Heisman Trophy quarterback to be passed around the league like an appetizer at a party. The former first-overall pick in the 2017 Draft has had an emotional career. After breaking the Browns’ 19-game winless streak during his rookie season. During the 2020 season, Mayfield ended another streak for the Browns, as they qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and their first playoff victory since 1994. Mayfield ultimately was traded to the Panthers in 2022, after the Browns acquired the services of Deshaun Watson. Mayfield was later released by the Panthers and claimed by the Rams, where he won his debut only days after joining the team.
Who do you believe will be under center once teams kick off OTAs and camp later this summer? Let us know in the comments below.
After falling in the Wildcard Round to the Dallas Cowboys, the offseason began with the firings and/or retirement of six coaches, including Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich. Many felt more should firings should have followed–this is as good as it’s going to get. With no offensive coordinator interviews being made public at this time and no idea of the status of QB Tom Brady, there is little to no certainty on what the team looks like next season.
Leftwich fired after four seasons
Bucs quarterback Tom Brady (12), left, quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11) and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich sit together on the bench during the recent Monday night game against the Giants at Raymond James Stadium. The Jaguars have sought permission to interview Leftwich for their head coaching vacancy. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]
After four seasons and a Super Bowl, Byron Leftwich has been relieved of his duties as the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although the firing was necessary as the Bucs averaged just over 18 points per game in Leftwich’s first full season calling plays. That is down significantly from the prior two seasons with Tom Brady rostered, as the Bucs averaged 30.8 in 2020 and 30.1 in 2021.
So what was the major difference? It is my humble opinion that it was the absence of Bruce Arians after he retired upon Tom Brady un-retiring just weeks after retiring (say that 3 times fast). Many believe that the abrupt retirement of Arians was sparked by the future Hall of Fame quarterback deciding to return and stemmed from previous issues between the coach and quarterback.
Amongst those issues, the Bucs failed tremendously in their running game, averaging less than 3.5 yards per attempt and 76.9 yards per game, not to mention only five total rushing touchdowns (2020: 16, 2021: 18). All 3 of those totals were the worst in the NFL, and worse in franchise history. It was clear to see, in every game this season, that Leftwich didn’t learn anything while under Arians the first three seasons here, including a previous stint in Arizona as the QB coach and interim offensive coordinator, where they spent four seasons together. In that time frame, Leftwich failed to learn from Arians; and it was evident this season. Although he’s still not found a job, there are some teams that are interested. The best advice for Byron, stick to being a QB coach.
Why the Brady-Effect ultimately screwed the Bucs’ roster
Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Lavonte David (54) reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Although many fans are on cloud 9 after 3 seasons with Brady under center, it’s hard to ignore at this point the potential damage that the team faces regarding the salary cap. The Bucs will be $54.5-million over the cap and have a bunch of players who may not be in pewter and red next season. Three of the 24 players with expiring deals are considered one of the highest rated at their position, Tom Brady (third), Jamel Dean (sixth), and Lavonte David (seventh). $35 million of the cap does count for Brady as dead cap and could be reduced if he does decide to return to the Bucs.
Of course, the Bucs would love for David and Dean to return to the team next season. Amongst those, I’d expect the Bucs to extend offers to most of their free agents. Of the 24 players, I’d expect the Bucs to extend offers to at least 12 of those players (Sean Murphy-Bunting, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Mike Edwards, Will Gholston, Aaron Stinnie, Anthony Nelson, Carl Nassib, Patrick O’Connor, and possibly both safeties Keanu Neal and Logan Ryan).
In a truly messed up way, the Bucs are paying the ultimate price after obtaining Brady. Time will tell everyone how this story plays out–as Bucs fans are learning, there’s a price tag with every Lombardi, and the Bucs are feeling the wrath.
The Bucs have fallen to 3-4 after losing to the Carolina Panthers 21-3, losing their first divisional game of the 2022 season.
The Bucs have lost 4 out of the last 5 games and have to quickly rebound as they host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. But where do you begin to look when wondering how you’ve gotten to 3-4 so quickly? They were squeaking by the Falcons and then losing to the Steelers and then a Panthers team that traded away their 2 leading offensive weapons earlier in the week. Here’s the Rapid Reaction:
Tom Brady gets his 7th win vs the Dallas Cowboys via Skysports
Tom Brady misses Giselle and Byron showing he still needs BA
This definitely isn’t the Bucs offense we’re used to seeing. Turnover jokes aside, 1 game of 30 points! ONE! The Bucs have been averaging at least 30 points per game since 2018, and to have only one is absolutely absurd, especially when you have the G.O.A.T. under center. Not only is Byron Leftwich showing why Bruce Arians always kept training wheels on him but is in desperate need of learning how to actually call plays.
You can’t wholly blame Byron without holding Tom Brady accountable as well. It’s been well documented and even regularly mentioned that Brady has damn near complete control of the offense, including play-calling. If that is indeed the case, he deserves his fair share of the blame for the vanilla-style offense that has shown up this season in Tampa. You can’t make excuses for injured lineman as a defense after the 45-year-old quarterback took an 11-day hiatus from training camp just days after un-retiring. It’s evident that Brady’s body came back, but the mind stayed retired, and rightfully so, considering your pride in returning came at the price of ruining your marriage. It’s clear that Tom has Giselle on that part of the brain that was once consumed by the game of football.
Todd Bowles / AP
Bowles continuing to show he’s a better coordinator
It’s becoming quite clear that Todd Bowles is not going to yell or even raise his voice. This man just sits there calmly with his arms folded on the sideline and speaking in that soft tone when it’s media time. Bowles, who is in his first season as Head Coach, is giving Bucs fans a glimpse first-hand on why his stint as a Jets Head Coach was cut so short.
It seems like whatever was going on behind the scenes involving Brady and Bruce Arians was really the glue that brought a Super Bowl in 2020. The Bucs’ defense has suffered as well in not retaining Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh in the off-season. Devin White (who is indeed still living in his post-Super Bowl dream world) is also finding new ways to “Make Defense Fun Again” by leading the team once again in missed tackles.
Devin White via buccaneers.com
Whatever the excuses are for the team to look this ridiculous, things need to change and change fast if the Bucs or Brady want a Lombardi before the “old man” finally rides off into retirement. If you would’ve said the Bucs would be 3-4 this early in the season and struggling to score, I would’ve expected it to be because Brady indeed retired and we were living off Gabbert and Trask, but nope here we are 3-4 and Brady leading the charge.
Thursday just might be Lamar Jackson’s playing interview for Bucs fans hoping the team can land him in 2023.
After listening to Tom Brady make it a point to apologize for his choice of words comparing the football season and military deployment, as a Veteran, I can accept that. In my opinion, you made it a point to address it before you began taking questions. You took complete accountability and I respect that. It’s still not a pass with all due respect.
For a person such as Brady to begin his presser with a sincere apology while taking accountability, it shows integrity and character. Now, with hearing that podcast where those words were made, I can understand where the mindset was, but just understand that they are entirely different and two different worlds. You witnessed a glimpse of it in 2018 when you visited Qatar. Thank you for admitting that there is no comparison.
“To be honest, I don’t really want to expand on it too much. But I have a tremendous amount of gratitude to everyone who served. In the end, we play a game, and the military is defending our country. It’s two very different things and I shouldn’t have made the comparison.”
I think the one thing that truly baffled me though is that there are actually individuals that attempted to validate those “choice of words” on social media. Next Gen Stats state that everyone of those individuals never served in any branch of the service nor have been deployed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) laterals to running back Leonard Fournette during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Don Wright)(Don Wright / Associated Press)
Week Six will bear witness to the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2). This will be the 16th meeting between Tom Brady and the Steelers, as Brady looks to go 13-3 against his former AFC foes. This will be the first time that Brady faces the Steelers post-Big Ben.
Featured Image Credit: Kyle Zedaker- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady and company could have a huge day through the air. Pittsburgh allowed Bills QB Josh Allen to torch them for 424 yards passing and four touchdowns last week. Brady passed for 351 yards and one touchdown in a 21-15 victory over the Atlanta Falcons last week. With Tampa Bay getting their receiving corps back to health and on the field, the Bucs look to put the league’s third-best passing attack on full display. The Bucs are averaging 271.6 yards per game through the air, whereas Pittsburgh’s pass Defense is ranked 31st, allowing 287.6 yards per game. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have the chance to feast on a very vulnerable Steelers’ secondary that is tied for first in the league with 8 interceptions and allowed Bills Wide Receiver Gabe Davis to have a career day with 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns, one of which went for 98 yards and the other for 62 yards.
Tampa Bay’s ground game should be favored often as well as Pittsburgh’s Defense is allowing just over 124 rushing yards per game to opponents, which ranks 22nd in the league. Leonard Fournette could return to “Week 1 Lenny” if the Buccaneers take an early lead and decide to feed their running backs the ball. Tampa Bay is 31st in the league in rushing currently, averaging a measly 66.0 yards per game. Regardless, the Bucs plan to improve on their 20.6 points per game average on Sunday.
A major part of if the Steelers are going to have any life in their Offense is how well Tampa Bay’s 17th-ranked rush Defense responds to Pittsburgh’s Najee Harris. The second-year Running Back has the ability to break a big one if the Bucs are caught sleeping. Don’t let his 44 yards per game fool you. Harris has the ability to open the game up against a Buccaneer Defense that is currently allowing teams to average over 115 yards per game on the ground. Can Tampa Bay finally find an answer to what seems to be the weak link of the defense?
It will indeed be a long day in Pittsburgh if the game plan is to attempt to test the seventh-best pass Defense. The Bucs are allowing an average of 193 yards per game through the air while coming away with six interceptions (T-3 in the NFL) and 19 sacks (also 3rd in the NFL) against an Offense that has allowed 11 total sacks and 6 total interceptions. Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett is going to have a long day in search of his first career NFL passing touchdown. Pickett, who had an atrocious starting debut against the Jets last week, passed for 120 yards and three interceptions while managing a 76.9% completion rating. Eleven players on the Bucs have contributed to sacks this season. It’ll be interesting to see if that number grows. Can the grave diggers continue to snatch the souls from the opposing offense’s passing attack?
Player to watch:
The Steelers do have a player that could make an impact in the Steelers less than average passing attack. Receiver Diontae Johnson, who leads the Steelers with 267 yards this season, could be a weapon for rookie Kenny Pickett. Johnson is the Steelers’ clear number one WR, along with Chase Claypool and George Pickens
Prediction: It will not be this week, as the Bucs will beat the Steelers 38-10.
Bucs: -8.5, Over/Under: 45
Game Notes: via NFL Communications
-Pittsburgh rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, the No. 20 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, recorded 327 passing yards in his first-career start last week. With at least 300 passing yards against Tampa Bay, Pickett will become the fourth rookie quarterback ever with at least 300 passing yards in each of his first two career starts, joining JUSTIN HERBERT (2020), KYLER MURRAY (2019), and CAM NEWTON (2011).
-Five years ago this season, both KENNY PICKETT and TOM BRADY secured significant victories on the same field in Pittsburgh. As a true freshman, Pickett made his first collegiate start in Pitt’s season finale and led the Panthers to a 24-14 victory over the No. 2-ranked Miami Hurricanes. Three weeks later, on the path to a berth in Super Bowl LII, Brady guided New England to 11 points in the final four minutes, including a two-point conversion to ROB GRONKOWSKI, to give the Patriots a 27-24 win over the Steelers and clinch the AFC East.
Bucs narrowly escape with a divisional win and sole possession of the NFC South
Let’s be honest about this game. We won, but we had luck on our side.
Our offense isn’t producing the way that it should be, but it has managed. The Buccaneers have truly left so many points out on the field to begin the season. Scotty gets a pass this week; because, for once, he actually caught some passes and had a great chance at another with a missed pass interference call. M1K3 was once again the G.O.A.T. that we know he is.
We just somehow couldn’t score in the second half. Without that lucky roughing the passer call that killed every bit of Atlanta’s momentum, the Buccaneers may have been playing defense to stop the Falcons from a potential game-winning score. Our play-calling is completely lackluster. Whose feet do you hold to the fire? Most people are pointing fingers at Byron Leftwich, but could it indeed be Tom Brady?
I can’t give our defense a pass this week, at least not when it pertains to the run defense. We’re missing Suh. Vita is taking all of the double teams that Suh had in past seasons. Hicks has been for our defense the way that Julio has for our offense..not worth it. Without another big guy in that rotation, our run defense hasn’t been the same. We’ve given up over 100+ yards rushing in 3 straight games. It’s like roles have reversed on the blueprint against us. Our pass defense is stout. Against the run? It’s a field day for teams. Mariota reminded the Bucs of his ability.
If I was Jason Licht, I’d release Julio and Hicks; call Suh and bring him back. He’s needed in Tampa more than OBJ, although it’d be great to have them both.
Now, it’s time to get ready to travel to Pittsburgh to take on a Steelers team that was embarrassed by the Bills 38-3.
Featured Image Credit: Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Twitter
The Bucs have finally lifted the dark cloud from over their heads after beating the Saints 20-10. This is the Bucs’ first win against New Orleans in the regular season since 2018; and their first in New Orleans since defeating the Saints 30-20 and retiring Drew Brees in the 2020 Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Devin White continues his reign of terror as the defense generates sacks and turnovers.
Bucs Devin White smiles as the defense picks off Saints’ Jameis Winston/photo credit: Tori Richmond, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After leading the team with 8 tackles against Dallas the previous week, “Get Live 45” once again had his name atop the stat sheet with 11 tackles.
The fourth-year linebacker has continued to show his growth while leading the league’s top defense. White is tied for third in the league, with 3 sacks, and tied for 14th with 19 total tackles.
Bucs’ secondary has grown with the potential to be elite.
Bucs’ CB Jamel Dean celebrates after his interception during the Bucs’ 20-10 victory over the Saints/Photo Credit: Cliff Welch
The Bucs’ defense did their job from front to back, and it showed, registering 6 sacks (White accounted for 1), 4 forced fumbles, recovering 2 fumbles, and their 3 interceptions, with one being returned for a touchdown by Mike Edwards. Jamel Dean, also recorded 2 interceptions on the Saints.
The secondary managed to hold Jameis Winston to a 55.8 rating while allowing 236 yards passing on 40 attempts. The defense brought back to light that Winston throwing that many times is a recipe for disaster for your offense and a huge day for the defense. Following the game, Devin White understood the assignment:
“When Jameis left our team, everybody knows what he did that last year here — he threw 30 picks. We just knew he would give us the ball!”
–Devin White’s comments following the Bucs 20-10 win over the New Orleans Saints
Bucs’ safety Antoine Winfield Jr celebrates during the team’s 20-10 victory of the divisional foe, New Orleans Saints/photo credit: Tori Richmond
The Bucs’ defense is tied for second in the league in turnovers with 4, leads the league in sacks with 10, 5th in yards allowed while only allowing 6.5 points per game.
They will look to continue to make their mark when the Bucs host Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday for the team’s home opener. The Bucs beat the Packers in both matchups when both teams faced off in 2020. The Bucs will see the Saints once more on December 5th at Raymond James Stadium.
When it comes to hating a player, it doesn’t have to always be personal. The saga of Antonio Brown continues, as the defending Super Bowl Champions have parted ways with the player who walked off the field in the middle of Sunday’s last second win against the New York Jets. Brown, although not fully innocent, has been in the media for years with his antics. What the media has done though, has made you dislike the man himself instead of just the player.
It’s come at no surprise especially following a statement released by Antonio Brown’s attorney. In typical AB fashion as well, expressing himself via social media. This is the side of the veteran receiver that the media will talk about all-day long, but yet refuse to ever bring up a solution that could potentially lead to Brown finally getting the help he needs.
Statement from Antonio Brown/credit: Antonio Brown Twitter
Brown, used a few excuses and placed a huge chunk of the blame on the coaching staff, stating he had an ankle injury and that he was signaled by Bruce Arians, that he was done, referring to his time with the organization. Others close to the situation stated that there was animosity with Brown at half due to his lack of the gameplan involving him. It has been noted that AB was upset of Mike Evans involvement in regards to his statistical milestone compared to Brown’s financial incentive.
Now, it’s time for the NFL and NFLPA to get involved
The next step in the Brown saga, is the league needs to suspend him for the remainder of the season and placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. This will be the same method they used against Josh Gordon amid is failure of multiple drug tests for his use of Marijuana.
Credit: Johnny ‘BucDad’ Bowers
At the end of the day, Brown walked out in the middle of the job. In a normal place of employment, that would’ve warranted termination and in the sports realm, shows his true character towards the only team that took a chance on the troubled athlete. His actions should warrant that suspension for the remainder of the season, as Brown was previously suspended a for three-games for violation of COVID-19 protocols and originally lying about his vaccination status. Further punishment as a repeated offender is placing him on an exemption list, barring him from returning until certain requirements are met. Furthermore, the NFLPA needs to insert themselves in this situation and conduct a full investigation.
What should be the next stop for AB
As I mentioned during Part 2, Brown needs to be evaluated psychologically before being allowed to think of returning to the field. During what should be a suspension, Brown should be referred to the Mayo Clinic for possible traumatic brain injury, also known as TBI which could also be linked to CTE in the near future.
Credit: Johnny ‘BucDad’ Bowers
If the NFLPA and league and both committed to helping it’s players, they should take these proper precautions that could potentially prevent further tragedies such as Junior Seau and Vincent Jackson. This could also be an opportunity for light and knowledge to be shed on this subject. The league dedicates a month to mental health, it’s time to do more an reap financial benefits from these things. Time to save these players lives in regards to concussions, mental health, and behavioral health.
Well, here we are again, with Antonio Brown being the topic of discussion.
Since his abrupt departure during the third quarter of the Bucs games the Jets, fans have been critical of his actions. Many fans were calling for the former sixth-round pick to be immediately released, which the Bucs still have not done. Much of us are still wondering what really happened that made AB decide to walk out? Could Brown possibly be a walking CTE case?
Antonio Brown (81) AP Photo/Gerry Broome
Brown hasn’t been right for years.
Since Brown took that vicious hit from Bengals’ LB Vontaze Burfict in 2016, AB hasn’t been the same. Brown may have continued to produce on the field, but his off-field actions have been the talk of all media. Along with his Pro Bowl selections and leading the league in numerous categories, Brown began having issues with the coaching staff, which eventually led to the two parties parting ways, sending AB to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Within his first few months with the Raiders, Brown got into it with both head coach Jon Gruden and GM Mike Mayock. He was suspended from the team. Shortly thereafter, he was released from his contract with the Raiders. Being available to sign with any team, Tom Brady brought the dynamic receiver under his wing for a short stint with New England. Then an off-field issue had the receiver indefinitely suspended.
Following a year off the field, Brown was eventually signed by the Bucs and would play an instrumental part in the Bucs winning Super Bowl LV.
Antonio Brown | NFL.com
Could Brown potentially be diagnosed with an early form of CTE?
It’s been no secret that Brown has had a network television series worth of issues. When he was suspended after joining the Patriots in 2019, media outlets had a field day going after Brown and crucified the wideout for his actions. As his legal situations progressed, teams steered clear until the Bucs came calling last season and Bruce Arians, stating that Brown was going to be held on a short leash, and with that, Brown took flight in Tampa.
After his actions on Sunday, when he walked off during the third quarter of the game, many fans are pretty much demanding and calling for him to receive mental help. If the league truly wants to get in front of the AB debacle, they need to have Brown sent for a mental evaluation. The NFLPA needs to step in and intervene before Brown eventually becomes another Junior Seau or Vincent Jackson tragedy. Unfortunately, a CTE study can’t be done until prior to death. But they can do the evaluation for possible TBI (traumatic brain injury). One way or another, they need to get Brown help before they allow him to play another down in the league. If Josh Gordon has to pass a drug test for employment, Brown should be cleared psychologically.
