Tampa Bay Bucs thread: back to back to back to back NFC South Champs (2 Viewers)

[Grahamburn]

Todd Bowles

His team is certainly responding to him.

 

[UncleZen]

The schedule really is soft for the Bucs

They got a Bye week, then Detroit and Atlanta visit Tampa Bay for a hot n humid 1:00 affair both weeks, that's a big advantage for the Bucs
They got some road games including SF and Buffalo but most teams lose to those guys, you can't gauge your whole season just based on a couple road games vs Elite
But then even with road trips they have a strong chane of winning games the rest of the season where the point spreads are likely to be very thin or the needle might point in the direction of the Bucs

I'm surprised and still underwhelmed vs what we had a few years ago but they might win the NFC South and host a Playoff game, that means Todd Bowles likely to be retained
That makes me sad, he's limited in his thinking when it involves the offense.

Agreed about Bowles. I was hopeful last year but he showed me that he is just not head coach material. Offensively, the Bucs are better this year but they still lack creativity. Is that on Canales or Bowles?

I’m not sure that’s necessarily true.

They’ve had several plays that obviously look completely different. Godwin’s play to get inside the 5 on 3rd down in the 4th quarter was completely schemed open.

They may not look like an offensive juggernaut yet, but there’s definitely more creativity than there was during the Arians/Leftwich years.

Bowles’ defenses have been great. I think he may finally have a complimentary play caller on the other side.

Lot of people buried this team because Tom left. Baker is making plays Tom couldn’t dream of making last year.

No doubt they are better. I thought they showed more creativity this past weekend than they had so far. I would just like to see more. Make no mistake though, I'm 100% behind them and not a doomsdayer.

 

[FFWhiskey]

It's pretty much the same core that won a Super Bowl... and dare I say Baker looks better than Tom did last year?

 

[Grahamburn]

It's pretty much the same core that won a Super Bowl... and dare I say Baker looks better than Tom did last year?

I wouldn’t go that far (Tom, Gronk, AB, Marpet, Jensen, Smith, JPP, Suh, etc.), but yes, there are still a fee holdovers on both sides from those teams. Which is why I felt like the tales of their demise back to a top 5 pick were premature.

But, even I didn’t think Baker would play this well. He looks as good as just about anyone. And for $4M.

They have $75M in dead cap. Licht and the front office look pretty smart at the moment.

 

[Capella]

It’s still hard to believe people had them at 30th preseason. Peter King had them at 2 wins. The disrespect for a core that just won a Super Bowl (yes a lot are gone but a lot aren’t) was pretty unique.

I’ve been a huge Bowles critic but he’s been awesome this year so far. The team is behind him and he’s making all the right 4th down decisions. It’s clear he did some self-reflecting and finally started to listen to those who were telling him the math on the decisions.

I don’t know what the upside is for this team but making the playoffs is fun and if they do that for a 4th straight year I’ll be pleased.

 

[Grahamburn]

Did we find our Drew Brees?

Drew Brees 2006 first 4 games:

3-1 record, 1,063 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs, 91.2 rating

Baker Mayfield 2023 first 4 games:

3-1 record, 882 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs, 101.5 rating

 

[BobbyLayne]

Looking forward to this game. Both teams playing well and bringing back the Creamsicle.

We're traveling to the Ravens game next week but def jelly of anyone headed to Raymond James Sunday.

Really challenging matchup, the offensive scheme you guys run (similar to the Seahawks) typically gives the Lions fits.

On defense the Bucs have some great players but I think the line matchups are going to be critical.

We're doing a good job up front and the Bucs have had trouble stopping the run. Still, injury report on the D side was encouraging, Dean and a couple others were FP yesterday.

On the other side, Baker & the boys are cooking pretty good but it's going to be a slog trying to run on Detroit. Evans could have a monster game v Jerry Jacobs or whoever is pretending to be a Slot Corner (we'll likely be without Brian Branch again.)

Good luck! Hope it's a fun game and nobody gets hurt.

 

[Grahamburn]

Creamsicle Redemption! I’ll be there.

The first game I ever went to was against the Lions in Houlihan Stadium. Metal bleacher seats. Imagine how hot those got. Barry torched us for 200+ on the ground. Unstoppable.

Looks like a great matchup this time. Bucs should be fully healthy. Lions riding high but maybe a little dinged?

Beautiful Florida weather incoming. Although we’re pre-paying for it this morning. Humidity must be over 1,000%.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Any opinions on who may have a better chance at FF relevance (now or in the future) between the young receivers Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins?

 

[Grahamburn]

Any opinions on who may have a better chance at FF relevance (now or in the future) between the young receivers Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins?

For this year I'd say relatively even. Next year? Palmer. Size/speed combo is starter worthy. Especially if Evans leaves. He has already shown a propensity to win contested balls in the end zone as a rookie. I think we'll see him get loose deep here pretty soon. Elite speed.

Thompkins can jump out of the gym, but he is really small.

 

[Grahamburn]

Must have been 1992. It wasn't 200+ yards, but Barry went 21 for 122 and 2 TD's. The last a 55 yard run to ice the game in the 3rd quarter. It sure felt like 200+. Lions won 38-7.

 

[RJS113]

Any opinions on who may have a better chance at FF relevance (now or in the future) between the young receivers Trey Palmer and Deven Thompkins?

Neither this year if Evans is healthy. If Evans is out this week, I’d start Palmer against the Lions with confidence. Palmer is going to end up being the steal of this past draft.

If the Bucs don’t re-sign Evans next year, I think Palmer will be a top 20 WR next season.

 

[Grahamburn]

Back to Hell.. officially.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

 

[Jmiller21kg]

That was a total #itsabucslife loss. Maybe Bowles will be out next year though

 

[ShamrockPride]

Aside from Green Bay, I don't see one team left on the schedule this year that I would call a lock for a win. We suck.

 

[Capella]

Gotta get Bowles out of here. Didn’t take a timeout (had 3 of them) with 50 seconds left in the first half. Horrible timeout at the end of the game. I feel like I’m going mad. Jesus Christ he’s so bad.

 

[Capella]

Aside from Green Bay, I don't see one team left on the schedule this year that I would call a lock for a win. We suck.

Wouldn’t call them a lock but the panthers are really bad.

 

[The Gator]

Any of you guys here have any insight on Trey Palmer?

He's been a stash for me for next year, so just feeling things out seeing if anyone who watches him more than me can chime in. Love his consistency with targets and that should be a plus for his development.

 

[Capella]

Any of you guys here have any insight on Trey Palmer?

He's been a stash for me for next year, so just feeling things out seeing if anyone who watches him more than me can chime in. Love his consistency with targets and that should be a plus for his development.

He gets open. Has had a few bad drops but I think he’s going to be a pretty good player.

 

[Capella]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

 

[Grahamburn]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

 

[Capella]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

 

[Grahamburn]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

He knows what's on the line and he's responding. 3 games to go. Next week ultimately doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we can win the NFC South, but I'd love to see them continue to play well obviously. Hoping they make a statement against a desperate Jags team. Then it's the Saints and Panthers. Win them all and they'll have won 6 in a row to finish the season. Dangerous team at home in the playoffs.

If they do that Baker probably gets a $100M contract.

 

[Capella]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

He knows what's on the line and he's responding. 3 games to go. Next week ultimately doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we can win the NFC South, but I'd love to see them continue to play well obviously. Hoping they make a statement against a desperate Jags team. Then it's the Saints and Panthers. Win them all and they'll have won 6 in a row to finish the season. Dangerous team at home in the playoffs.

If they do that Baker probably gets a $100M contract.

It is easy to watch that game Sunday and think they could win a playoff game if they play like that. But then that’s ignoring all the bad play they’ve accumulated prior to that. However, teams get hot right before the playoffs every year. You never know. Nice to have hope. Wasn’t expecting any this year.

 

[BassNBrew]

It’s still hard to believe people had them at 30th preseason. Peter King had them at 2 wins. The disrespect for a core that just won a Super Bowl (yes a lot are gone but a lot aren’t) was pretty unique.

I’ve been a huge Bowles critic but he’s been awesome this year so far. The team is behind him and he’s making all the right 4th down decisions. It’s clear he did some self-reflecting and finally started to listen to those who were telling him the math on the decisions.

I don’t know what the upside is for this team but making the playoffs is fun and if they do that for a 4th straight year I’ll be pleased.

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

He knows what's on the line and he's responding. 3 games to go. Next week ultimately doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we can win the NFC South, but I'd love to see them continue to play well obviously. Hoping they make a statement against a desperate Jags team. Then it's the Saints and Panthers. Win them all and they'll have won 6 in a row to finish the season. Dangerous team at home in the playoffs.

If they do that Baker probably gets a $100M contract.

It is easy to watch that game Sunday and think they could win a playoff game if they play like that. But then that’s ignoring all the bad play they’ve accumulated prior to that. However, teams get hot right before the playoffs every year. You never know. Nice to have hope. Wasn’t expecting any this year.

LOL...your posts are all over the map. I'm not being critical because it's warranted and understandable, but still funny to read. Like you said earlier in the year, a lot of good players on this team. Combine that with a soft division and the best QB in the division and the wins will follow. Congrats on a nice year and being in a playoff race.

 

[Capella]

LOL...your posts are all over the map. I'm not being critical because it's warranted and understandable, but still funny to read.

Well that’s because the team is all over the place. 7-7 is one thing, but starting 3-1, then going 1-6, then 3 in a row punctuated with a dominant win is pretty strange.

Not a 100% sure what to think of Bowles and Baker going forward but it would be unfair to suggest they don’t deserve another year. When you look at the whole thing with clearing off the salary cap and needing a qb, the year has been a success.

 

[Grahamburn]

It’s still hard to believe people had them at 30th preseason. Peter King had them at 2 wins. The disrespect for a core that just won a Super Bowl (yes a lot are gone but a lot aren’t) was pretty unique.

I’ve been a huge Bowles critic but he’s been awesome this year so far. The team is behind him and he’s making all the right 4th down decisions. It’s clear he did some self-reflecting and finally started to listen to those who were telling him the math on the decisions.

I don’t know what the upside is for this team but making the playoffs is fun and if they do that for a 4th straight year I’ll be pleased.

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

He knows what's on the line and he's responding. 3 games to go. Next week ultimately doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we can win the NFC South, but I'd love to see them continue to play well obviously. Hoping they make a statement against a desperate Jags team. Then it's the Saints and Panthers. Win them all and they'll have won 6 in a row to finish the season. Dangerous team at home in the playoffs.

If they do that Baker probably gets a $100M contract.

It is easy to watch that game Sunday and think they could win a playoff game if they play like that. But then that’s ignoring all the bad play they’ve accumulated prior to that. However, teams get hot right before the playoffs every year. You never know. Nice to have hope. Wasn’t expecting any this year.

LOL...your posts are all over the map. I'm not being critical because it's warranted and understandable, but still funny to read. Like you said earlier in the year, a lot of good players on this team. Combine that with a soft division and the best QB in the division and the wins will follow. Congrats on a nice year and being in a playoff race.

We're probably all conditioned that way. To be fair the last 4 years and this season in and of itself have been an absolute roller coaster.

 

[Grahamburn]

LOL...your posts are all over the map. I'm not being critical because it's warranted and understandable, but still funny to read.

Well that’s because the team is all over the place. 7-7 is one thing, but starting 3-1, then going 1-6, then 3 in a row punctuated with a dominant win is pretty strange.

Not a 100% sure what to think of Bowles and Baker going forward but it would be unfair to suggest they don’t deserve another year. When you look at the whole thing with clearing off the salary cap and needing a qb, the year has been a success.

If nothing else I want another year just so we can keep Canales.

I feel like this is a week where great coaches will have their teams motivated and ready to go. This Jags team coming in probably will have a backup QB, but the Bucs don't need to win this game to secure the division. Still, you're at home and want to keep your momentum. How will Bowles' team respond? We started 3-1 and then crapped the bed for 7 weeks. Will some success give them confidence or do they shy away from the spotlight?

 

[BassNBrew]

It’s still hard to believe people had them at 30th preseason. Peter King had them at 2 wins. The disrespect for a core that just won a Super Bowl (yes a lot are gone but a lot aren’t) was pretty unique.

I’ve been a huge Bowles critic but he’s been awesome this year so far. The team is behind him and he’s making all the right 4th down decisions. It’s clear he did some self-reflecting and finally started to listen to those who were telling him the math on the decisions.

I don’t know what the upside is for this team but making the playoffs is fun and if they do that for a 4th straight year I’ll be pleased.

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Stroud said last week 2y at 17M a year but that was last week’s numbers. If he plays out the season close to this I guess it could get in the 25M range. He’s had a good season.

He knows what's on the line and he's responding. 3 games to go. Next week ultimately doesn't matter in terms of whether or not we can win the NFC South, but I'd love to see them continue to play well obviously. Hoping they make a statement against a desperate Jags team. Then it's the Saints and Panthers. Win them all and they'll have won 6 in a row to finish the season. Dangerous team at home in the playoffs.

If they do that Baker probably gets a $100M contract.

It is easy to watch that game Sunday and think they could win a playoff game if they play like that. But then that’s ignoring all the bad play they’ve accumulated prior to that. However, teams get hot right before the playoffs every year. You never know. Nice to have hope. Wasn’t expecting any this year.

LOL...your posts are all over the map. I'm not being critical because it's warranted and understandable, but still funny to read. Like you said earlier in the year, a lot of good players on this team. Combine that with a soft division and the best QB in the division and the wins will follow. Congrats on a nice year and being in a playoff race.

We're probably all conditioned that way. To be fair the last 4 years and this season in and of itself have been an absolute roller coaster.

Yeah...all fans are like that. The Eagles thread is particularly funny as they went from trolling other fans to giving up on their team and calling them losers. As cappy mentioned above, it's been a roller coaster for sure. That said, even the 49ers had three losses in a row. Vegas goes from scoring 0 points to posting over 60. Denver gives up more points and rushing yards than anyone can count and then ends up being a decent defense. I think the new norm in the league is that dominant teams we remember from years past just don't exist any more.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Can anyone in the local Tampa Bay area share what happened with Devin White?
I heard he refused to take the field
Then I hear he was benched
Then I hear...and by that point there are multiple rumors so what is the real story?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Baker lit them boys up today. White is a stud at RB. Getting hot? Not sure what to think but first place at the week before Christmas doesn’t suck.

What a roller coaster ride. Start 3-1. Lose 6 of 7. Win 3 straight with the last two basically being playoff games. After the Indy game I was ready to blow it up. Fire everyone. Draft a QB. Full reset.

Now after the last two I'm on spotrac wondering what an extension for Baker Mayfield looks like. He has been incredible the last two weeks with the season on the line. Hell of a time to have the best game of your career. I bet that flight home was fun.

Let's not allow a career game vs a 6-8 Packers team with Jordan Stinkin' Love derail what these guys did when they lost 6 of 7.
The Bucs don't have a single skill guy that could start for the Miami Dolphins, let's start there. Baker, Evans and I'm sorry but Godwin has not done much all year, good for the 10/150 game but he's not come back to what he was prior to the injury a couple season ago
I'm mostly talking to Cappy here but Raschad White is a stud? 225-800-5 rush TDs is a stud?

I'm not as excited as you all. Look at Jason Licht as GM anywhere when they don't have Tom Brady on the roster.

41-68...less than 40% of the games the Bucs have won outside of Brady in this man's 10-year history
I give him credit for getting Brady but prior to that and after that the Bucs have never won 10 games in a season with Jason Licht as the GM
I'm sure many of you will say just fire Bowles and keep Licht, decent in the Draft and yada yada, but the pudding or track record I list is proof

It sounds like some of you want to just keep going forward with this team, they need an entire makeover on Offense, Baker is not a long term solution so flush that
Sure, bring him back on a 1 year deal but if they do something like Seattle did with Geno Smith then i'm burning the Bucs-Brady jersey in their parking lot
I don't see what you guys see in the current Bucs team and roster, they beat the Packers at Lambeau, guess that's a reason to celebrate any time.

Don't drink the Kool-Aid right now is my message
Sunshine Showdown with Jacksonville this week at home, Bucs Stadium should be pretty electric on Sunday

Jason Licht Football Executive Record | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Team Results and more for Jason Licht on Pro-Football-Reference.com

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Capella]

The Bucs don't have a single skill guy that could start for the Miami Dolphins, let's start there

LOL come on man.

 

[Capella]

I'm mostly talking to Cappy here but Raschad White is a stud? 225-800-5 rush TDs is a stud?

Why are you leaving out the best part of his game. I mean I know why you are doing it but stop.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Bucs don't have a single skill guy that could start for the Miami Dolphins, let's start there

LOL come on man.

I'm mostly talking to Cappy here but Raschad White is a stud? 225-800-5 rush TDs is a stud?

Why are you leaving out the best part of his game. I mean I know why you are doing it but stop.

50/469/3TDs receiving, didn't mean to slight him
I expect you to defend the Bucs thru thick and thin, it's always been that way between us even when I'm rooting and cheering alongside with you,
-There was a lot more meat there than just White's rushing stats but i do want to engage you and figure out why you are so happy?
The Bucs winning the Division likely keeps Bowles as Head Coach and god forbid they hold serve at home in the Wildcard vs say Philly or Dallas the likely No 5 seeds
It only is setting the team back more seasons from a Super Bowl run

Look and see what Philly did post-Super Bowl, post-Pederson, it's tough to tear it down and build it back quickly but you always say they have a ton of talent, it's time to get it aligned and acquire the necessary pieces to compete.

Bucs have won 2 Super Bowls with a journey man QB and Brad Johnson
I'm kidding but the Bucs way is to go rent a QB after they get the rest in place. I think that script needs to change and they need to find their franchise QB, Baker is not it.
Don't be foolish into thinking the performance you saw last weekend can replicate or be consistent.
When you lose 6 out of 7, it's likely the RB is going to catch a lot of passes when you are playing from behind

-I try and stay out of your way because you have a slight bit of blind homer that honestly I appreciate and I like it when defend the Bucs, I'm a fan too.
You know what it feels like to win the Super Bowl and this isn't it right now.

 

[Capella]

Nah, I am a super realistic Bucs fan and have always told it how it is here. Don’t do that blind homer thing with me lol. I’m not that guy. I don’t care much for Bowles but if they go 9-8 or 10-7 coming off losing the best qb ever and having no cap space…what are you supposed to do? You can’t just go crazy firing guys because you don’t make the Super Bowl every year. They’ll get another year with continuity and cap space and if they blow it then he’ll be gone.

A lot of players have developed well this year, R. White especially and they are having a fairly successful season coming off an offseason where they couldn’t improve the team. If they close out the season going 0-3 and getting blown out in the process we can reevaluate then.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Nah, I am a super realistic Bucs fan and have always told it how it is here. Don’t do that blind homer thing with me lol. I’m not that guy. I don’t care much for Bowles but if they go 9-8 or 10-7 coming off losing the best qb ever and having no cap space…what are you supposed to do? You can’t just go crazy firing guys because you don’t make the Super Bowl every year. They’ll get another year with continuity and cap space and if they blow it then he’ll be gone.

A lot of players have developed well this year, R. White especially and they are having a fairly successful season coming off an offseason where they couldn’t improve the team. If they close out the season going 0-3 and getting blown out in the process we can reevaluate then.

I looked down the pike at 2024 and I'm sure they can make this number grow larger but it looks like they are close to $50M under the cap right now
Fair enough on the homer, they still need to part with Todd Bowles

Cap space, perhaps a Draft Day move up to grab a QB, soft division currently, this is going to be an attractive position whenever they try and seek someone out of house.
Bowles was promoted, the Bucs didn't seek out candidates far and wide.

Mike Evans has 66/1,077 and 11 TDs? I'm shocked but I shouldn't be 10 straight seasons of over 1,000 yds since he was drafted and 5 of them were also Double Digit-TDs
Rachaad White 50/1,300 and 8 TDs if we do combined yds which I think is pretty fair since I casually left them off first time around
I forget Brady was still the QB in '22 and the Bucs went 8-9, won a weak Division like this year, Baker has a QB rating of 94.7...Brady was 90.7

I still haven't recovered from that Rams loss in the Playoffs, Bucs were actually better in regular season wins/losses vs their Super Bowl year
I feel strongly the Godwin injury and as I recall we lost Shaq as well, no pass rush with JPP and it was downhill from there late in the season.

I'm realistic but more of a glass half-empty type. I don't have faith in Mayfield even if they reach the Playoffs.
I guess 7-7 in a year with Baker as your QB and big deficit in cap space or having to pay like the Rams did for winning theirs, I guess it's to be expected.

 

[Grahamburn]

Wtf is going on in here?

 

[ShamrockPride]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

 

[Grahamburn]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

 

[doeseatplace]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

He’ll beat the Jags this weekend, Trevor or no Trevor.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

Did you say Franchise Tag Baker?


-I'm trying to gauge the temperature of my Bucs faithful in SP and I'm getting a real feel for how some of you see things.

I looked up Geno Smith who was the back up in Seattle for 5 full seasons before he got his deal
With his various bonuses he got 3yr/$105M with about $40M guaranteed and also part of that is $30m in an array of bonuses that he has to hit

I don't want to see Tampa entertain a long term contract with Baker

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

The Bucs are just 7 wins away from another Super Bow trophy
Let's go with that

 

[Grahamburn]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

Did you say Franchise Tag Baker?


-I'm trying to gauge the temperature of my Bucs faithful in SP and I'm getting a real feel for how some of you see things.

I looked up Geno Smith who was the back up in Seattle for 5 full seasons before he got his deal
With his various bonuses he got 3yr/$105M with about $40M guaranteed and also part of that is $30m in an array of bonuses that he has to hit

I don't want to see Tampa entertain a long term contract with Baker

If Bowles/Licht/Canales are back I think Baker is definitely back too. It’s trending that direction.

But, he’s obviously a free agent and if these next 3 games and then a 4th go well he’s going to command a mid-level QB $100M+ kind of contract.

They must extend Antoine Winfield Jr. and I hope Mike Evans as well. Tristan Wirfs is also in his 4th year and due for an elite LT payday.

The tag is in play on one of those 3 guys. ME13, AWJr., or Bake.

“Long term” to me is 5 years. I think he has earned a 3 year deal that’s basically over after 2. So far anyway he has shown me enough to get that kind of an extension.

Who knows though? These next 3 games could be a disaster and we’re talking about an entire organizational overhaul.

 

[UncleZen]

Licht gets a pass to me because we did just have a very successful run and a SB. Who cares how it happened, it happened and he put the team together.

Bowles, I would fire him unless the Bucs go on some magical playoff run but I don't see that happening. I expect we will also see another year from Bowles since I don't run the team.

Canales, gets an incomplete from me. I have seen improvement in the offensive design, but not much. Is he being held back by Bowles or is this it for him? I don't know the answer to that one.

Baker, I agree with the thought of giving him a 3 year deal. I like his moxy and the Bucs are not in position to get anyone better in the draft.

Overall, most realistic fans knew this was going to be a tough year with all of the dead cap they were absorbing. I thought they still had the talent to compete for the division as long as Baker performed average and this has proven to be true. They don't have the talent or coaching to compete at the next level though.

 

[Grahamburn]

Licht gets a pass to me because we did just have a very successful run and a SB. Who cares how it happened, it happened and he put the team together.

Bowles, I would fire him unless the Bucs go on some magical playoff run but I don't see that happening. I expect we will also see another year from Bowles since I don't run the team.

Canales, gets an incomplete from me. I have seen improvement in the offensive design, but not much. Is he being held back by Bowles or is this it for him? I don't know the answer to that one.

Baker, I agree with the thought of giving him a 3 year deal. I like his moxy and the Bucs are not in position to get anyone better in the draft.

Overall, most realistic fans knew this was going to be a tough year with all of the dead cap they were absorbing. I thought they still had the talent to compete for the division as long as Baker performed average and this has proven to be true. They don't have the talent or coaching to compete at the next level though.

The 2021 draft looks like a disaster, but 2022-2023 look like home runs. You have to tip your cap to them at least a little for this season. They're paying the tab on that Super Bowl run big time, and they're still out there competing every single week. Most national writers had us in contention for the #1 overall pick.

Unless they lose 3 straight I think they get another year at minimum.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

I kind of like the guy. Everybody loves an underdog story.

I guess you’re hoping they lose 2 of these next 3 then? He wins 2 and beats the Saints as one of them he’s at least getting a franchise tag. If they win a playoff game he’s definitely getting extended and Bowles hangs on another year.

Did you say Franchise Tag Baker?


-I'm trying to gauge the temperature of my Bucs faithful in SP and I'm getting a real feel for how some of you see things.

I looked up Geno Smith who was the back up in Seattle for 5 full seasons before he got his deal
With his various bonuses he got 3yr/$105M with about $40M guaranteed and also part of that is $30m in an array of bonuses that he has to hit

I don't want to see Tampa entertain a long term contract with Baker

If Bowles/Licht/Canales are back I think Baker is definitely back too. It’s trending that direction.

But, he’s obviously a free agent and if these next 3 games and then a 4th go well he’s going to command a mid-level QB $100M+ kind of contract.

They must extend Antoine Winfield Jr. and I hope Mike Evans as well. Tristan Wirfs is also in his 4th year and due for an elite LT payday.

The tag is in play on one of those 3 guys. ME13, AWJr., or Bake.

“Long term” to me is 5 years. I think he has earned a 3 year deal that’s basically over after 2. So far anyway he has shown me enough to get that kind of an extension.

Who knows though? These next 3 games could be a disaster and we’re talking about an entire organizational overhaul.

Hey bud, my apologies if I derailed or sent out a solar flare in here
I love my fellow Bucs' fans, not wanting to argue but do want to hear what you all think needs to be done moving forward.

I would like to see the Bucs draft a franchise QB, it has eluded them forever. Doug Williams was pretty good, Testeverde failed because of the surrounding cast IMHO, Dilfer was a disaster, King was the QB for a while, and as I pointed out, the Bucs have done best when they go and rent a QB like a journeyman Brad Johnson or an aging but still savvy Tom Brady that got them their 2nd trophy inside of 20 years under the Glazers who also owned the team when Dungy and McKay got things turned around.

Thanks for the insights and info

 

[Capella]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

Who do you go get then? Most advanced stats have him around QB 12-15 this year. That’s on a 4M dollar salary. Obviously more expensive next year but how do you get somebody better?

 

[Capella]

still haven't recovered from that Rams loss in the Playoffs, Bucs were actually better in regular season wins/losses vs their Super Bowl year

I haven’t either. That team would’ve went back to back if Bowles didn’t blow that coverage. Still hate thinking about it. Very high on my what-if list, which recently added 2023 FSU.

 

[Grahamburn]

Please god no, can we please stop the Baker extension talk. I want nothing to do with it. He's always done this, its been his career in a nutshell. There's literally been memes made about it.

He's never been able to sustain a high level of play. The crash is coming. Thank you for your service and providing enough talent to extend Mike's 1k streak. It's been a fun year, but bye.

Who do you go get then? Most advanced stats have him around QB 12-15 this year. That’s on a 4M dollar salary. Obviously more expensive next year but how do you get somebody better?

He gets a $1M bonus if they win the NFC South! Bunch of other statistical incentives too. The guy really bet on himself this year. Out of necessity I think, but still. He probably could have made almost $10M as a backup elsewhere.

The still have Trask under contract next year too.

Expect Baker to get a 3 year deal and the Bucs will draft another QB in round(s) 2 or 3.