Category: Latest Team News

NFL Network analyst James Jones makes a shocking prediction for the Saints-Bucs game

See what NFL Network analyst James Jones foresees happening in Sunday’s Week 11 matchup between the Saints and Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers halted their four-game losing streak last Sunday by taking down the Arizona Cardinals, but didn’t have time to celebrate long.

With their season still on life support at 3-6, the Buccaneers will now face the challenge of trying to take down the New Orleans Saints, who sit atop the NFC South at 7-2.

The Saints are coming off a stunning home loss in Week 10 to the Atlanta Falcons, which dropped them to 7-2, meaning they still sit behind the San Francisco 49ers (8-1) in the race for the top spot in the NFC. A Drew Brees-led offense playing in desperation mode can only spell bad news for the Buccaneers, who have the league’s worst pass defense.

While New Orleans is rightfully favored heading into Sunday’s matchup at Raymond James Stadium, NFL Network analyst and former NFL wide receiver James Jones thinks the Bucs will actually shock the Saints and pull off the upset.

Here’s what Jones had to say:

“After scoring a measly nine points in a loss to the Falcons last week, will Drew Brees and the Saints turn things around against the Bucs’ 32nd-ranked scoring defense? No! The Saints don’t find their rhythm, but Jameis Winston does. The Bucs quarterback continues to prove why he should get paid by throwing four TD passes in the win.”

That’s a bold prediction for sure and one that could come to fruition. There’s no doubt that this Bucs offense can hang with anybody. In their Week 9 loss to the Seahawks, they matched Seattle score-for-score down the stretch, forcing overtime.

But Winston is the unknown in this equation. He can throw you four touchdowns any day of the week. The question, though, is how many interceptions does he throw? And, how many points off turnovers come out of it?

Turnovers have plagued Winston throughout his career. If he can string together a solid, turnover-free performance on Sunday, the Buccaneers could very well play spoiler to the Saints.

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Mike Evans looking for bounce-back performance against Saints in Week 11

Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans has a shot at making history in Week 11, but will need to exorcise some demons from Week 5’s loss to Saints.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans has 924 receiving yards through the first 10 weeks, meaning he’s just 76 away from another 1,000-yard season.

Hitting that mark would make Evans one of only two wide receivers in NFL history — the other being Hall of Famer Randy Moss — to have six-straight 1,000-yard seasons to start their careers.

It seems like almost a given that Evans will get 76 yards on Sunday, especially when you consider the fact that he’s averaged 139.0 yards per game over the team’s last four games.

But, you may want to pump the brakes on the celebratory confetti for now, especially when you consider that Week 11’s opponent is the New Orleans Saints.

When these two teams last met back in Week 5, not only did New Orleans hand the Bucs the first of four-straight losses, but Evans was held without a reception for just the second time in his career.

The only other time it happened?

Week 2 of the 2015 season against — you guessed it — the Saints.

The good news for Evans is that both those performances came in New Orleans. Sunday’s game will be played in the friendly confines of Raymond James Stadium.

Evans has been a tear in the four games since laying that goose egg on the stat sheet. Sunday’s game will be his chance at both redemption and history.

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Buccaneers will have a scout at Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be one of the teams in attendance for free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta Saturday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers don’t travel to Atlanta until next week to take on the Falcons, but, apparently, the team will have at least one representative there this weekend.

Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been out of the league since the 2016 season, is set to hold a workout for NFL teams in Atlanta, a workout schedule by the NFL, itself.

While Kaepernick and his agent didn’t originally receive the list of teams who would be attending, we now know of at least 11 that will be present, including the Buccaneers.

Would Arians’ offense be the right system for Kap? He’s a big mobile quarterback, but, he’s been out of the league for three years and wasn’t exactly the most accurate quarterback.

Still, it’s good for the Bucs to see what’s out there given the uncertainty surrounding Jameis Winston’s future.

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Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks Nick Foles could be the next Bucs quarterback

Find out why Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles could be in a Bucs uniform next season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a big decision to make this offseason when it comes to quarterback Jameis Winston. Do they give a new contract to the former number one overall pick, whether short term or long term? Or, do they let him walk as a free agent and start over at the position?

At 3-6, Tampa Bay may well find themselves in an envious draft position when the season ends. With a quarterback-rich 2020 NFL Draft that will likely include guys like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow, there could be plenty of options for the Bucs.

But, it seems Chris Wesseling of NFL.com thinks there could be a veteran signal-caller under center for the Buccaneers next season: Nick Foles. In his article on the top 10 potentially available passers in 2020, Wesseling listed both Foles and Winston, and offered up the idea that Foles could find his way to Tampa Bay.

Take a look.

“As Minshew Mania entered full bloom, Foles was the quarterback name most bandied about at last month’s trade deadline. Armed with the assurance that they now have an intoxicating young fallback option under center, the Jaguars opted to keep their $88 million investment for a seven-game trial run that will offer ostensible clarity in the 2020 QB room. Should Foles succeed in transmitting his Super Bowl LII magic to a less talented supporting cast than the one he enjoyed in Philadelphia, the best course of action may be to hold Minshew in reserve as a premium insurance policy. Should Foles flounder or suffer yet another injury, however, it will behoove the Jaguars to solicit potential suitors such as the Bears, Broncos or Buccaneers. Yes, the Bucs.”

Foles had a storybook-run to the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, but I think he was in the right system, under the right circumstances. I don’t think he’s worth the big-money investment, though.

If the Buccaneers want to start over at the position, the 2020 NFL Draft is probably the best place to find a quarterback, depending on where they pick. Let a young quarterback learn and grow under Bruce Arians.

Remember, Arians served as the offensive coordinator/interim head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012, Andrew Luck’s rookie year. Indy went 11-5 and made the playoffs, one year after going 2-14.

Translation: Arians knows how to work with young quarterbacks, not just veterans.

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Could Teddy Bridgewater be the Buccaneers quarterback in 2020?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be wise to pursue New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the offseason.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter Sunday looking to avenge their Week 5 loss, when New Orleans Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater torched the Bucs secondary for 314 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-24 New Orleans win.

This week, however, Bridgewater will be watching from the sideline now that incumbent starter Drew Brees is back from a thumb injury.

While the Buccaneers won’t be facing Bridgewater in Week 11, they should keep an eye on him this offseason as a potential replacement for Jameis Winston, according to NFL.com analyst David Carr.

Carr, the 2002 number one overall pick by the Houston Texans and older brother of Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, listed five teams he feels don’t yet have their 2020 starting quarterback on the roster.

Not surprisingly, the Buccaneers were one of the five. Carr didn’t hold back in his criticism of quarterback Jameis Winston, and, when offering up a solution for the Bucs, turned his focus to Bridgewater.

Here’s part of Carr’s explanation:

“Winston is a turnover machine. He has thrown 17 TD passes yet he’s committed 18 turnovers (14 picks, four fumbles lost). This is not a recipe for success. It’s time that the Bucs realize Winston isn’t the future, and go hard after Teddy Bridgewater or Andy Dalton this offseason. There’s a chance the Saints won’t let Teddy, who went 5-0 as a starter this season, hit the market but if they let him walk and he doesn’t end up in Carolina (as I suggested earlier in this piece), he is an ideal fit for Bruce Arians and the Bucs’ offensive weapons.”

I think Bridgewater is the better choice than Dalton. Bridgewater is younger and more athletic, so more upside. Plus, Dalton has shown he’s not the answer in Cincinnati, so why would things be different in Tampa Bay?

Just because Bruce Arians worked his magic with one former Bengal in Carson Palmer, doesn’t mean lightning will strike twice.

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ESPN names the greatest one-hit wonder in Buccaneers history

Find out which player/play was dubbed the biggest one-hit wonder in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history by ESPN’s NFL Nation.

When we think of one-hit wonders, we usually imagine some band from the 90s like New Radicals or Semisonic.

But ESPN’s NFL Nation decided to have a little fun with the concept, looking at one-hit wonders for each NFL team.

Here’s how they summed up the criteria for being a one-hit wonder: These are the 32 players who had one great game or season and never made a big impact in the NFL again.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they picked former wide receiver and return man Michael Spurlock, who in Week 15 of the 2007 season against the Atlanta Falcons, made history with his 90-yard kickoff return.

“Spurlock became the first Buccaneer in the franchise’s 32-year history to return a kickoff for a touchdown in a regular-season game when he streaked down the sideline in the first quarter of a Week 15 game against the Falcons. Legendary Bucs radio announcer Gene Deckerhoff infamously shouted, ‘Run, Micheal, run!’ while Matt Vasgersian exclaimed on the TV call, ‘Could it be that the great curse has been lifted?!'”

For those wanting to see the highlight in all its glory, here it is from the broadcast.

So, whatever became of Spurlock? Jenna Laine has you covered.

“Ironically, after Spurlock was cut and re-signed by the Bucs, he did it again against the Falcons on a squib kick in 2010. He spent the final six seasons of his career (2009-14) with seven teams, including the Bucs. He finished with five combined kick- and punt-return touchdowns.”

I’m sorry, but anytime you return a kick for a touchdown, it’s a highlight-worthy moment. Sounds like Spurlock had several, so maybe one-hit wonder isn’t so accurate a description.

Let’s give the guy some respect.

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‘Good Morning Football’ calls Vita Vea one of the best players we’re not talking about

See what the folks over on “Good Morning Football” had to say about Buccaneers nose tackle Vita Vea.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally got the proverbial monkey off their back last Sunday when they defeated the Arizona Cardinals and put an end to their four-game skid.

The Bucs entered their Week 10 contest just 2-6 after going 1-4 during a brutal five-game road trip away from Raymond James Stadium. Now, back in the friendly confines of their home stadium, the Bucs will look to keep the momentum going in Week 11 when Drew Brees and the division-leading New Orleans Saints come to town.

The Bucs secondary will have its work cut out for them as the team parted ways with cornerback and former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves yesterday. Fortunately, for Tampa Bay, they still have the league’s best rush defense, giving up just 77.8 yards per game.

One of the big reasons they’ve been so great up front has been the play of second-year man Vita Vea. He not only played defense in their win over the Cardinals, but he saw some action on the offensive side of the ball, too.

And, according to NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” Vea is one of the best players in the NFL we aren’t talking about.

Take a look.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vea get some more looks on offense. I think Bucs fans everywhere would like to see a little Refrigerator Perry action at some point.

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Saints vs. Buccaneers: Time, TV and how to watch online

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 11’s action between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have one of the NFL’s worst secondaries, and things aren’t going to get any easier for the Bucs defense in Week 11.

After beating the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday to stop their four-game losing-streak, the Bucs made the surprise decision today to waive former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves, who was benched during Week 10’s win for lack of hustle.

Now, an already struggling secondary will be without their veteran with the New Orleans Saints coming to town. The Saints are coming off a shocking home loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10, so you can be sure Drew Brees — who was out with a thumb injury when these two teams first met back in Week 5 — will look to pick this secondary apart with receiver Michael Thomas.

Find out how you can watch and listen to all of Week 11’s action.

Game information:

New Orleans Saints @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kickoff: Sunday, November 17, at 1:00 p.m. E.T.

Venue: Raymond James Stadium

How to Listen:

98ROCK (97.9 – Tampa)

The Boot (103.9 FM – Brooksville)

ESPN SW Florida (99.3 FM – Ft. Myers/Naples/Punta Gorda)

Citrus (95.3 FM – Homosassa)

WLKF (96.7 FM and 1430 AM – Lakeland)

WYGM (740 AM/ 96.9 FM – Orlando and Melbourne)

ESPN Tallahassee (97.9 FM – Tallahassee)

En Español

WTMP-FM 96.1, 101.9 and WMGG-AM 1470 (Tampa)

WIXC – AM 1060 (Melbourne/Orlando)

Satellite Radio

Sirius/XM Channel 88

Stream

You can stream the game live on Fubo TV. (Start your free trial).

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Cutting Vernon Hargreaves further proves 2016 NFL Draft was one of the franchise’s worst

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers cut former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves, further proving the 2016 NFL Draft was one of the franchise’s worst.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the decision today to cut former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves, just days after Bruce Arians benched the veteran cornerback for lack of hustle during Sunday’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Hargreaves was the team’s first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft (11th overall), and came into the draft ranked as one of the top two cornerbacks in his class. But, after playing all 16 games his rookie year, Hargreaves struggled to stay healthy over the last two seasons, playing a total of just 10 games entering 2019. This year, he’d started all nine of the team’s games, but cutting him was a smart business move by the Bucs given the defender’s history of getting hurt.

Still, biding farewell to Hargreaves further proves that the 2016 draft was a nightmare for both general manager Jason Licht and the Buccaneers franchise. In fact, only one player drafted by the team in 2016 is still on the roster.

Take a look at this tweet, courtesy of Jenna Laine of ESPN.

“Vernon Hargreaves’ departure means that just ONE of Jason Licht’s 2016 draft picks remain on the current roster: Ryan Smith, who has played just five defensive snaps this year. Noah Spence, Roberto Aguayo, Caleb Benenoch, Devante Bond and Danny Vitale were all cut.”

I think Bucs fans will always remember that draft as the Aguayo Draft.

It seemed for a while that Hargreaves may finally develop into the player the Bucs were hoping for, but his lack of effort in Week 10 was apparently the final straw.

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Cutting Vernon Hargreaves was a smart business move by the Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decision to cut cornerback Vernon Hargreaves likely had a lot to do with his 2020 option.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made the surprising move of cutting former first-round pick Vernon Hargreaves today, just days after the cornerback was benched for lack of hustle during the team’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Hargreaves, who started all nine games this season and had an interception and touchdown back in Week 1, is still guaranteed the rest of his 2019 salary. But, by cutting Hargreaves now, the team made a smart business move, one that could’ve been costly had they kept him on the roster.

While Hargreaves has played in all nine games this year, he played in just 10 total over the previous two seasons, so he certainly has a history of suffering season-ending injuries.

It’s clear Hargreaves didn’t fit into the team’s long-term plans, so better to part ways now rather than risk paying him more.

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