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									The Red Board - Pewter Report Forum				            </title>
            <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/</link>
            <description>Pewter Report Discussion Board</description>
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                        <title>Week 1: Bucs Win If / Bengals Win If</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/week-1-bucs-win-if-bengals-win-if/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2026 21:49:24 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[It&#039;s an exciting time as we gear up to see our Bucs play real football again! With the starters having limited time in the preseason and several new additions to the team, many questions rem...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It's an exciting time as we gear up to see our Bucs play real football again! With the starters having limited time in the preseason and several new additions to the team, many questions remain. Facing the Bengals in Week 1 isn’t the ideal way to kick things off, but here’s how I see both teams positioning themselves for potential victory.<br /><br />BUCS WIN IF…<br /><br />Bucs on Offense: The offensive strategy under new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson remains largely untested. Will he favor the wide zone run scheme, or will he incorporate a short passing game as an extension of the run? Last night, the 49ers found early success with a 16-to-4 pass-to-run ratio, utilizing quick, short passes and screens to neutralize the Rams’ pass rush. I like the idea of keeping the Bengals off balance and unpredictable.<br /><br />However, I’m uncertain about what to expect from our offensive line. Many fans and analysts consider it a top-five unit when healthy, but that was last seen in 2024. Last season, even when four of the five starters played, they struggled, with most players (aside from Tristan Wirfs) losing one-on-one matchups far too often. I hope Robinson can create space and open up the field with varied play calls, attacking the Bengals' defensive weaknesses without becoming too predictable.<br /><br />If Baker can establish a rhythm with quick, designed passes to primary receivers, he could find his groove. He’s a streaky player, so let’s get him firing. As the game progresses, I can see Gainwell exploiting the Bengals' defense with wide zone cutback runs, followed by Bucky Irving powering through behind duo scheme blocking.<br /><br />If Chris Godwin can convert a few crucial third downs and Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson stretch the field, while the offensive line finds some cohesion to open running lanes, the offense could score 27 or more points against the Bengals.<br /><br />Bucs on Defense: Similar to the offense, the defense holds its own mysteries, particularly regarding new personnel. How will Bain handle NFL-caliber players? Did Anzalone get enough preseason time to adjust to the new system? And how will A’Shawn Robinson fit in? These are significant questions. Perhaps the most crucial is whether Coach Todd Bowles will continue his usual blitzing frequency or allow his revamped front four or five to pressure the quarterback.<br /><br />If players like Yaya Diaby, who entered the offseason with high expectations, can’t generate pressure, it could signal a long season ahead. Conversely, if they all perform to their potential, we could see a formidable pass rush. Given that our cornerback room isn’t a strength, getting pressure on quarterbacks will be vital to prevent our corners from getting taken advantage of. While Keionte Scott shows promise as a fourth-round pick, it’s unlikely he’ll surpass what Jacob Parrish accomplished last year—Parrish had a strong rookie season, setting a high bar for Scott.<br /><br />If Bain can consistently apply pressure while Kancey, Vita, and Robinson collapse the pocket around Joe Burrow, we might keep him uneasy. A surprise blitz or two from Anzalone or Winfield could also make a difference.<br /><br />BENGALS WIN IF…<br /><br />Bengals on Offense: Can Joe Burrow break his trend of slow starts to the season? He’s undoubtedly a top-five quarterback talent, but he often struggles early, leading to sluggish beginnings for the Bengals. If the Bengals' offensive line can protect him, he should be able to exploit our corners and nickelback effectively.<br /><br />Having healthy receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is a plus, and Chase Brown proved to be a productive runner and receiver last season. If their offensive line can hold up against the Bucs' defense, the Bengals should find success in the passing game. However, running the ball may be challenging, as Bowles’ defense is designed to stop the run on early downs.<br /><br />If Burrow has time in the pocket, he should be able to connect with Chase and Higgins for significant gains. Keeping Burrow protected is key for their success.<br /><br />Bengals on Defense: The Bengals’ defense has faced challenges since Burrow’s arrival, prompting changes this season. They acquired former 10th overall pick Dexter Lawrence in a trade with the Giants, signed DT Jonathan Allen, and added edge rusher Boye Mafe in free agency. This revamped defensive line could effectively stop the run and apply pressure.<br /><br />The question remains whether corners Dax Hill and Tacario Davis can hold their own. The Bengals find themselves in a similar position as the Bucs, needing their defensive line to pressure opposing quarterbacks. If they can contain the Bucs' running game early, they may establish enough of a lead to start pinning their ears back in passing situations.<br /><br />FINAL WORD<br /><br />It’s a tall order to expect the Bucs defense, with two rookie starters and possibly another in nickel situations, to contain Burrow and the Bengals’ arsenal. I don't see that happening in Cincinnati for Week 1. I predict the Bengals will connect on a few big passes while the Bucs’ offense starts slowly, putting the rusty offensive line in a tough spot, ultimately leaving Baker vulnerable.<br /><br />Prediction: Bengals WIN 27-19</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>ehinote</dc:creator>
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                        <title>The Bengals</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/the-bengals/</link>
                        <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:15:22 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[The strength of this team is clearly in their offensive skill groups.  QB Burrow will be throwing to a very talented group of WRs, TEs and RBs.  It will come down to if the Bucs front seven ...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The strength of this team is clearly in their offensive skill groups.  QB Burrow will be throwing to a very talented group of WRs, TEs and RBs.  It will come down to if the Bucs front seven can overcome a very mammoth OL group.  Orlando Brown Jr and Amarius Mim are big, big tackles.  Diaby and Bain usually use power rushes but may need to change things up to overcome them with some spins and inside moves.</p>
<p>The interior Bengals OL is around league average these days in terms of relative size.  This is where Kancey, Robinson and Vea need to make their mark along with a deeper DL rotation of Roberts, Capheart, Simmons and Roches.</p>
<p>Bowles made it a a clear objective to stop the run or be better at it this off season. Trotter Jr and Anzalone are bigger LBs and they will be challenged by Chase Brown, Perine and Brooks so the emphasis on stopping the Bengals WR trio is important too.  But the reality is that this game will come down to if the Bucs can control the LOS defensively and stop the run. </p>
<p>Sample, Gesicki, Chase, Higgins and Iosavas are going to test the Bucs young secondary constantly and relentlessly. Parrish, Morrison, Garnes and Scott need to on point because any pass can become a big play with these opponents.  Winfield Jr is the veteran in the secondary now and has to take clear command along with Smith to rotate everyone correctly.</p>
<p>Defensively the Bengals went all out to improve a defensive front that needed and overhaul.  </p>
<p>They traded for Dexter Lawrence to man the middle and give them a chance of slowing down rushing attacks.  Allen and Mafe are also in the mix to help stop the run but also generate pressure against the passsing game.   They drafted Casius Howell as a reserve to rotate in so Wirfs and Goedeke will be tested along with the Bucs interior of Bredeson, Barton and Mauch. </p>
<p>Bengals secondary is a little more seasoned than the Bucs but this is where the Bucs WRs can overwhelm them. Bucs are so deep at WR that the Bengals run out of players to defend them all.  Mayfield if given time is going to make them pay through the air.  But that Bucs OL has to hold up against Mafe, Allen and Lawrence from collapsing that pocket. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>Alldaway 2.0</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/the-bengals/</guid>
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                        <title>Baker Extended</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/baker-extended/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 08 Sep 2026 21:21:49 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Not a surprise. 
Well, I mean, to most of us.]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not a surprise. </p>
<p>Well, I mean, to most of us. </p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>Donkey_Hunter</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/baker-extended/</guid>
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                        <title>College Football - Future Prospects List</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/college-football-future-prospects-list/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 22:00:35 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Still need a LVD replacement for the long haul. 
Also, EDGE, CB, OL, and IDL. 
Gonna watch quite a bit of Austin Romaine, Ben Roberts and John Curry from Texas Tech. 
Evan Tengesdahl from...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Still need a LVD replacement for the long haul. </p>
<p>Also, EDGE, CB, OL, and IDL. </p>
<p>Gonna watch quite a bit of Austin Romaine, Ben Roberts and John Curry from Texas Tech. </p>
<p>Evan Tengesdahl from Cincinnatti. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>Donkey_Hunter</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/college-football-future-prospects-list/</guid>
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                        <title>What Percentage of Posters Want Us to Fail</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/what-percentage-of-posters-want-us-to-fail/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 18:05:35 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Would be curious to know this.  
&nbsp;
&nbsp;]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Would be curious to know this.  </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>theknees</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/what-percentage-of-posters-want-us-to-fail/</guid>
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                        <title>Game-By-Game Predictions- Bucs 2026</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/game-by-game-predictions-bucs-2026/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 22:38:30 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Season predictions are a funny thing. They’re built on how healthy teams look heading into Week 1, what you know about the opponents on your schedule, and what your gut tells you after watch...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Season predictions are a funny thing. They’re built on how healthy teams look heading into Week 1, what you know about the opponents on your schedule, and what your gut tells you after watching a full offseason of football. But everything can change in an instant. Teams ride waves. You catch some opponents at their peak and others at their lowest. Last year I predicted a 10-7 season with a 4-2 start. We were headed exactly that direction — until the wheels flew off. Here’s hoping for a smoother ride in 2026.</p>
<p><img class="size-medium wp-image-1061 aligncenter" src="https://buccaneerblitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/IMG_5205-300x200.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></p>
<p>WEEK 1 — Bucs at Bengals</p>
<p>I’ve always believe in Todd Bowles on opening week. The Bucs are 3-0 in season openers under his leadership, and he is at his absolute best when given an entire offseason to craft a defensive game plan. It doesn’t hurt that as good as the Bucs tend to be in openers, the Bengals are historically bad. Cincinnati has gone just 1-6 in season openers under Zac Taylor. But I’m not sure that trends holds up this year.</p>
<p>The Bucs defense will be tested by Joe Burrow and his talented skill players, but this is a favorable matchup for Tampa Bay’s front four. The Bengals’ offensive line is not special, which should allow Rueben Bain Jr. and company to get after Burrow without requiring Todd Bowles to overcommit to the blitz. Hopefully he lets the front four work and keeps the back seven in multiple coverage looks.</p>
<p>On offense, the Bucs will need to mix things up early. I’m eager to see how Zac Robinson’s wide zone scheme translates in a real game. Will it open up enough space to run consistently? Or will we find ourselves in a parade of third-and-sevens? Either way, I’d love to see Baker throw on first down early and keep Cincinnati’s defense off balance.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 19, Bengals 27)</p>
<p>WEEK 2 — Browns at Bucs</p>
<p>This should be a hot afternoon at Raymond James Stadium, and hopefully the Bucs take full advantage of it by jumping out to an early lead. The Browns offense is a mess, and Tampa Bay’s defense should be able to contain Deshaun Watson and a Cleveland offense that has very little to threaten you with. If they can’t, we have bigger problems than this one game.</p>
<p>I expect the Bucs offense to come out noticeably sharper in game two. Baker finds his rhythm early with short, efficient completions. Rueben Bain Jr. records his first NFL sack. Calijah Kancey adds one of his own. And Alex Anzalone and Antoine Winfield Jr. combine on a sack that had the coaching staff drawing it up all week. Good day to be a Buc.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Browns 13, Bucs 30)</p>
<p>WEEK 3 — Vikings at Bucs</p>
<p>The Vikings represent a genuine coaching challenge for Bowles, though he did get the best of Kevin O’Connell in their only meeting back in 2023. Kyler Murray is never an easy out. His ability to extend plays and create with his legs puts enormous pressure on a defense’s assignment discipline, and missed assignments in the secondary could mean wide open receivers in a hurry.</p>
<p>Defensively, Brian Flores gives offenses nightmares as a coordinator. The Bucs absolutely cannot afford to get into third-and-long situations against his scheme. Stay ahead of the chains. Control the tempo. Even with those challenges, I think Baker and company have enough to pull this one out at home.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Vikings 23, Bucs 27)</p>
<p>WEEK 4 — Packers at Bucs</p>
<p>It’s genuinely hard to know what to expect from this Packers team between injuries and suspensions that will keep key players out early. But Matt LaFleur remains one of the sharpest offensive minds in football, and his run-heavy scheme presents an interesting matchup against a Tampa Bay defense built to stop the run. The key is keeping Jordan Love from getting hot. He is as streaky as any quarterback in the league.</p>
<p>This feels like one of those quietly frustrating games where Baker throws two unexplainable interceptions that put the team in a hole they can’t quite climb out of. We make it interesting late but ultimately come up short.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Packers 27, Bucs 17)</p>
<p>Record after Week 4: 2-2</p>
<p>WEEK 5 — Bucs at Cowboys (Thursday Night Football)</p>
<p>Dak Prescott is a stat accumulator and receivers like CeeDee Lamb give Todd Bowles’ defenses real problems. Dallas has also added some meaningful pieces to their defense this offseason. This is an important game for both teams as they meet with identical .500 records under the Thursday night lights.</p>
<p>I have a feeling the Bucs finally show up for a Thursday Night Football game and Baker absolutely bakes. Too bad Dak bakes right back. The scoreboard will struggle to keep up with both offenses. Baker throws three touchdowns, Godwin, Hurst, and Gainwell. Dak throws three of his own to Lamb twice and George Pickens, then runs one in late for the difference.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 30, Cowboys 34)</p>
<p>WEEK 6 — Steelers at Bucs</p>
<p>I’m genuinely not sure what to make of the Mike McCarthy era in Pittsburgh. I get the feeling the game has passed him by a bit. That said, they still have T.J. Watt and Aaron Rodgers, two players capable of changing a game completely on their own.</p>
<p>This is essentially a must-win for the Bucs. A 2-4 start would be a very uncomfortable place to be in the NFC South. T.J. Watt gives our offensive line fits all afternoon, but Baker makes enough plays with his legs to keep points on the board. And Jacob Parrish puts the game away with a late interception of Rodgers.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Steelers 16, Bucs 20)</p>
<p>WEEK 7 — Bucs at Panthers</p>
<p>Carolina will be coming off a two-game losing streak with a tough schedule looming. The Bucs smell blood and play accordingly. Baker bounces back with two touchdown passes and a rushing score. Rueben Bain Jr. has the first two-sack game of his NFL career. This is the kind of winnable road game the Bucs need to capitalize on.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Bucs 27, Panthers 16)</p>
<p>WEEK 8 — Falcons at Bucs</p>
<p>The Bucs haven’t forgotten last season’s Thursday night debacle against Atlanta, the third-and-28, the fourth-and-14. None of it. Tua is back under center for the Falcons, and the Bucs’ defensive line lights him up. Five sacks on the night, Diaby, Bain, Walker, Kancey, and Tykee Smith. Bucky Irving runs for over 100 yards. Cade Otton catches two touchdowns. The Bucs rattle off their first three-game winning streak of the season.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Falcons 10, Bucs 24)</p>
<p>Record after Week 8: 5-3</p>
<p>WEEK 9 — Bucs at Bears (Sunday Night Football)</p>
<p>The stage is set for the Bucs to carry real momentum into their bye week. Instead, Caleb Williams celebrates on the Sunday Night Football stage, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Bucs defense looks like it’s playing with ten players at times, the middle of the field wide open all evening. A missed opportunity heading into the bye.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 17, Bears 28)</p>
<p>WEEK 10 — BYE WEEK</p>
<p>WEEK 11 — Bucs at Lions</p>
<p>Coming out of the bye, the Bucs look like their heads are still on vacation. Jared Goff carves up the middle of Tampa Bay’s defense all afternoon. Amon-Ra St. Brown catches two touchdown passes. Gibbs takes a screen pass 45 yards to the house. The Bucs offense never gets going in Detroit, and a promising second half of the season gets off to the worst possible start.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 12, Lions 30)</p>
<p>WEEK 12 — Panthers at Bucs</p>
<p>After last season’s slip-up against Carolina, the Bucs won’t look past them twice. Kenny Gainwell scores twice — one rushing, one receiving — and the defense puts constant pressure on Bryce Young from start to finish, nearly eliminating the Panthers from playoff contention in the process.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Panthers 10, Bucs 23)</p>
<p>WEEK 13 — Chargers at Bucs</p>
<p>On paper this is a favorable matchup. The Chargers love to lean on their run game, and the Bucs are built to stop the run first. But Jim Harbaugh won’t play into our hands. He’ll let Justin Herbert throw early and often, catching the Bucs’ defense out of position on early downs. The Chargers are fighting for a playoff spot of their own and bring a desperate edge to Raymond James.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Chargers 27, Bucs 16)</p>
<p>Record after Week 13: 6-6</p>
<p>WEEK 14 — Ravens at Bucs</p>
<p>Lamar Jackson is one of those players and systems that Todd Bowles has never figured out. Two years ago, Ravens receivers were running so wide open downfield it looked like a walk-through against air. I’m not expecting much different, because stopping Baltimore is purely a schematic challenge. Overplaying one phase inevitably opens up another for big plays.</p>
<p>Tampa Bay slows the Ravens’ run game for much of the first half, but Baltimore inevitably breaks two long touchdown runs and continues finding receivers open over the middle with systematic defensive breakdowns.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 17, Ravens 38)</p>
<p>WEEK 15 — Saints at Bucs</p>
<p>Many analysts believe the Saints could make a division run this year. I’m not one of them. How many times have we seen a team end a season on an upswing with a young quarterback who does just enough, only for everything to fall apart when expectations actually arrive? I see a quarterback who overachieved when asked to do very little. Now he’ll be expected to lead. That’s a different job entirely.</p>
<p>The Bucs finally dominate the Saints at home. Three sacks. Two interceptions, including Zyon McCollum’s first pick of the season.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Saints 6, Bucs 23)</p>
<p>WEEK 16 — Bucs at Falcons</p>
<p>Thanks to the Panthers faltering early and the Saints not meeting expectations, this one could decide the NFC South. Yes, sadly it may once again come down to an eight or nine-win division champion.</p>
<p>After a quarterback carousel in Atlanta, Michael Penix finds himself back in the starting seat. Too bad the Bucs are ready for him. Bain dominates with two sacks and relentless pressure. Kancey and Vea each add one of their own. The offense does just enough to get the job done.</p>
<p>Prediction: Win (Bucs 20, Falcons 13)</p>
<p>WEEK 17 — Rams at Bucs</p>
<p>Even with a chance to lock up the division championship at home, the Bucs continue their baffling inability to solve Sean McVay. His offense glides down the field with ease during the first half for three touchdowns and a field goal, then takes the foot off the gas in the second half for a win that was never seriously threatened. Same story, different year.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Rams 34, Bucs 15)</p>
<p>Record after Week 17: 8-8</p>
<p>WEEK 18 — Bucs at Saints</p>
<p>Even after losing to the Rams, the Bucs have backed into the NFC South championship and hold all tiebreaker scenarios regardless of what the Saints do. Because of this, the Bucs rest their starters, hand the ball to the backups, and wave goodbye to any chance of a perfect division sweep.</p>
<p>Prediction: Loss (Bucs 7, Saints 23)</p>
<p>FINAL RECORD: 8-9</p>
<p>NFC South Champions. Yes, you read that correctly. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers again win the NFC South division title with a losing record. Whether that’s a celebration or an indictment of the entire division is a conversation for another day. Either way, the Bucs are in the playoffs. And in January, anything can happen.</p>
<p>More at www.buccaneerblitz.com</p>
<p>Follow us on Facebook</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>ehinote</dc:creator>
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                        <title>JQ Drops a Trotter Bomb</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/jq-drops-a-trotter-bomb/</link>
                        <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:55:23 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[This would be great news if it turned out true, but also could mean the coaching staff and FO are NUTZ!
;-)
 
Forecast: A Bucs Rookie Better Than Rueben Bain Jr.?
Now for the first time ...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2><span style="font-size: 12pt">This would be great news if it turned out true, but also could mean the coaching staff and FO are NUTZ!</span></h2>
<p>;-)</p>
<h2> </h2>
<h2 id="toc_Forecast_A_Bucs_Rookie_Better_Than_Rueben_Bain"><em>Forecast: A Bucs Rookie Better Than Rueben Bain Jr.?</em></h2>
<p><em>Now for the first time in Cover 4 history we are going to talk about a forecast that is not my own. On the most recent episode of the Rondé Barber Show, the Bucs Hall of Famer said something that was quite eye-opening.</em></p>
<p><em>To be clear, Barber is not saying he believes Trotter is/will be the best player from this Bucs rookie class. Similarly, it is not my forecast that he will be either. But after watching a whole summer of practices, and a limited slate of preseason games, <strong>Barber has been told by people inside the Bucs organization that they believe Trotter will be the best player from this class</strong>.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>We at Pewter Report get the same sense from the team</strong>. And in case you forgot, this is the same rookie class that includes Rueben Bain Jr., who the Bucs were over the moon to select with the 15th overall pick.</em></p>
<p><em>This is incredibly high praise for a 21-year-old who had legitimate warts coming out of Missouri. Keep in mind Trotter was the third linebacker taken in the 2026 NFL Draft, following Sonny Styles to Washington in the first round and Jacob Rodriguez to Miami just a few spots before him in the second.</em></p>
<p><em>Trotter’s physical skills are impressive. And his early <a href="https://www.pewterreport.com/queipo-cover-4-josiah-trotter-debut-z-rob/"><strong>preseason work</strong></a> was encouraging. The Bucs have a long history of developing premier linebackers. Derrick Brooks and Lavonte David were each at or near the top of the league during their respective careers. <strong>It would appear general manager Jason Licht, head coach Todd Bowles and the rest of the organization believe they may be on to another one.</strong></em></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>OlafSnowfake</dc:creator>
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                        <title>Breaking Down Every Key Decision of the 53 Man Roster</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/breaking-down-every-key-decision-of-the-53-man-roster/</link>
                        <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:58:31 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[The dust has settled. The cuts have been made. Here&#039;s the the biggest decisions behind the make up of the roster.JALON DANIELS WINS THE BACKUP JOBThe biggest story of cutdown day. Jake Brown...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The dust has settled. The cuts have been made. Here's the the biggest decisions behind the make up of the roster.<br /><br />JALON DANIELS WINS THE BACKUP JOB<br /><br />The biggest story of cutdown day. Jake Browning has been released. The veteran signed in the spring to be Baker Mayfield's trusted backup and came in as the overwhelming favorite to make this roster as the number two.<br /><br />And then an undrafted kid from Kansas walked into training camp and simply outplayed him.<br /><br />Jalon Daniels engineered five scoring drives across three preseason games, orchestrated two come-from-behind wins, and won over a coaching staff that didn't know his name when camp opened. Releasing a proven veteran in favor of a player who had never taken an NFL snap before this preseason is a bold decision. But Daniels earned it every single day. Welcome to Tampa Bay, for real this time.<br /><br />TUCKER OVER WILLIAMS: TOUGER DECISION THAN YOU THINK<br /><br />This one stings a little, at least from my perspective. Josh Williams looked noticeably more explosive, more decisive, and more physical than Sean Tucker on virtually every carry throughout the preseason. His 12-yard touchdown run against the Jets, his burst through gaps, his acceleration after contact — all of it pointed to a player who deserved this spot.<br /><br />Tucker survived, and I understand why the coaching staff kept him. He's reliable, catches the ball out of the backfield, and doesn't make big mistakes. But he doesn't do anything great either. He's exactly average, which is probably the most frustrating thing you can say about a player competing for a roster spot. If Tucker struggles early in the regular season, don't be surprised to see Williams surface quickly on the practice squad. This decision may not be final.<br /><br />CHRIS BRASWELL: THIS ONE SHOULDN’T BE A SURPRISE TO ANYONE <br /><br />I said it when the Buccaneers selected Braswell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft and I'll say it again now: that was a reach. THE Bucs needed to draft an edge and they didn’t take one in the first round. Too bad edge wasn’t a depth position in 2024. Two years later, he's been waived before ever carving out a meaningful role. When a second-round pick can't beat out undrafted free agents for a roster spot, that is the definition of a failed draft pick. It hurts to say, but it's the truth.<br /><br />CADEN FORDHAM: I LOVED THIS DECISION <br /><br />The feel-good story of cutdown day. Undrafted free agent linebacker Caden Fordham out of NC State has made this 53-man roster, and honestly it felt inevitable from the moment I watched him in the preseason opener against the Jets. Assignment-sound, instinctive, and comfortable in space from the very first rep — Fordham looked like he belonged every time he was on the field. While Nick Jackson looked out of place the earlier he played, Fordham looked more confident the earlier he played. That's the hallmark of a player who belongs. You earned this, Caden.<br /><br />THE BIGGEST CONCERN: OFFENSIVE LINE DEPTH<br /><br />The starting five of Wirfs, Bredeson, Barton, Mauch, and Goedeke is legitimately one of the better units in the NFL when healthy. But we saw throughout this entire preseason what this offense looks like without Tristan Wirfs, and it wasn't pretty. Jake Browning was pressured on 58% of his dropbacks and sacked three times against the Chiefs. The backup offensive line was described as "veritable turnstiles" and nearly got Browning killed on multiple occasions.<br /><br />The depth behind the starting five is Dan Feeney, Luke Haggard, Ben Chukwuma, Justin Skule, and rookie Billy Schrauth, who is already dealing with a knee injury. That is a group that has struggled badly whenever called upon this preseason. If Wirfs or any other starter goes down during the regular season, this offense is going to look very different very quickly. It is the most significant vulnerability on this entire 53-man roster and the one that concerns me most heading into September 13.<br /><br />The roster is set. The season is 12 days away. Time to find out what this team is made of when the games count for real. GO BUCS!<br /><br />More at www.buccaneerblitz.com<br /><br />Follow us on Facebook<br /><br /></p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>ehinote</dc:creator>
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                        <title>53-roster cut</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/53-roster-cut/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:08:48 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[my 53-roster + ps:
QB(2) Baker Mayfield, Jalon DanielsRB(3) Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, Sean Tucker*WR(6) Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Ted Hurst III, Tez Johnson, Kameron...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>my 53-roster + ps:</p>
<p>QB(2) Baker Mayfield, Jalon Daniels<br />RB(3) Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, Sean Tucker*<br />WR(6) Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Ted Hurst III, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson(KR-PR)<br />TE(4) Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Bauer Sharp, Ko Kieft<br />OL(9) Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Justin Skule, Ben Chukwuma, Billy Schrauth*, Dan Feeney<br />ST(3) K Chase McLaughlin, LS Evan Deckers, P Riley Dixon<br />DL(6) Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, A'Shawn Robinson, Elijah Roberts, DeMonte Capehart, Rakeem Nunez-Roches<br />OLB(6) YaYa Diaby, Rueben Bain Jr, Al-Quadin Muhammad, David Walker, Anthony Nelson, Jack Pyburn<br />ILB(5) Alex Anzalone, Josiah Trotter, SirVocea Dennis*, Christian Rozeboom*; Caden Fordham<br />S(4) Antoine Winfield Jr, Tykee Smith, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Miles Killebrew<br />CB(5) Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, Keionte Scott(NB), Benjamin Morrison Jr, Ayden Garnes<br /><br />IR: OL Billy Schrauth*, OLB Mohamed Kamara, ILB SirVocea Dennis*, Christian Rozeboom*, DB Josh Hayes</p>
<p><br />practice squad (16/17): QB Jake Browning, RB Josh Williams, WR David Sills V, Dean Patterson IV, Garrett Greene (or Eric Rivers Jr), TE Devin Culp, OL Paul Rubelt(IPP), Luke Haggard, Ben Scott, DL Elijah Simmons, Jayson Jones, Josiah Green, ILB John Bullock, S Rashad Wisdom, NB J.J. Roberts, CB Pepe Williams<br /><br />* looking for 4 new additions at:<br />RB if Sean Tucker refuses to take a pay cut =&gt; waivers/stfa<br />iOL if Billy Schrauth begins the season on IR =&gt; waivers/stfa<br />DB (CB or S?) if ILB Christian Rozeboom or SirVocea Dennis on IR (or Pyburn back to LSU) =&gt; waivers/stfa (or trade market?)<br />Punter (ps) to compete with Dixon =&gt; stfa</p>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>The Freeman</dc:creator>
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                        <title>Daniels named qb2</title>
                        <link>https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/daniels-named-qb2/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:06:49 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Well deserved
&nbsp;]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<blockquote>
<p>Well deserved</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>]]></content:encoded>
						                            <category domain="https://www.pewterreport.com/community/the-red-board/">The Red Board</category>                        <dc:creator>DEBUCSOWN</dc:creator>
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