If JPP is supposed to provide a spark, that means the spark is missing right now. Losing and injuries can take it's toll on the morale of a team, but there are ROH and HOF players on this team. They shouldn't need an extra spark to beat losing teams. The Falcons game will be a bellwether game. It should be a clear indicator of whether there is any life in this team.
While true the Bucs do not have many outspoken leaders on this squad. Outside of Evans and now JPP this squad is more of a lead by example group. This is why having Evans and JPP back is very important.
They shouldn't need an extra spark to beat losing teams.
Yeah.
Good coaches can inspire that.
Hence, the signing of JPP (and explanation given) speaks volumes about this coaching regime.
Should’ve been douched years ago.
They shouldn't need an extra spark to beat losing teams.
Yeah.
Good coaches can inspire that.
Hence, the signing of JPP (and explanation given) speaks volumes about this coaching regime.
Should’ve been douched years ago.
I was lambasted for saying Barrett would be a helpful player coach... Largely because Bowles isn't going to give this team a spark
They shouldn't need an extra spark to beat losing teams.
Yeah.
Good coaches can inspire that.
Hence, the signing of JPP (and explanation given) speaks volumes about this coaching regime.
Should’ve been douched years ago.
I was lambasted for saying Barrett would be a helpful player coach... Largely because Bowles isn't going to give this team a spark
Thank goodness he was extended!
I think, like Barrett, at this stage of their careers, JPP is at best a rotational player. I think a best case scenario is that maybe with the “rest“ of a few years away from the NFL, he’ll have some flashes left in the tank, but it will be short lived.They shouldn't need an extra spark to beat losing teams.
Yeah.
Good coaches can inspire that.
Hence, the signing of JPP (and explanation given) speaks volumes about this coaching regime.
Should’ve been douched years ago.
I was lambasted for saying Barrett would be a helpful player coach... Largely because Bowles isn't going to give this team a spark
Thank goodness he was extended!
I’d love to be wrong, physicality and speed just doesn’t often materialize from retired players who have accumulated injuries.
Maybe we just saw the point in bringing back JPP? Seems likke they need a hardy Nickerson more than a JPP, but maybe the point was to see if a player could reach some of these guys.
This was Licht this offseason:
"We put the players that are worthy of being drafted on the draft board like every team does, but then we just kind of take the a–holes and the douchebags off, and the guys that don’t love football and guys that have proven they don’t like it, that are difficult to deal with, and we just kind of mitigate our risk. We’re taking great players that are great humans.”
“The high draft picks who don’t make it are the ones who don’t work hard,” Licht says. “They don’t listen to coaching. And they don’t do the little things they are supposed to do.”
THIS WAS THE EXACT POINT BOWLES MADE LAST NIGHT IN AN OFF-CHARACTER TIRADE.
MAYFIELD TOO. LVD . .
Maybe LICHT was talking about trying to correct an existing problem, a problem that was obvious with guys like Devin White and Carlton Davis but that argubaly carries forward with other defensive players:
Antione Winfield JR
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to a four-year, $84.1 million contract extension in May 2024 making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, with $45 million guaranteed and an average annual value of over $21 million, a significant reward for his elite performance and versatility."
In 2023, AWJ has several INTS, six sacks, 5 or 6 FF and 120ish tackles. I think he is the HIGHEST grade safety in the league by PFF (90.7). We was a ONE MAN GAME WRECKER, All pro, I think.
In 2024, he's heavily injured but alos basically contributes almost nothing when he does play. I think he has 2 sacks, but thats really it.PFF grade drops all the way to 56.7
In 2025, he has 2 INTS, one FF and 1 sack. 80 ish tackles so far. He's better than 2024, but no where near like he was playing for $$
Jamel Dean
Playing great FINALLY because his salary was cut and he's playing for his next contract
McCollum
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers extended starting cornerback Zyon McCollum in September 2025 on a three-year, $48 million deal with over $35 million guaranteed."
Last night he jumped offsides on a freaking FG. Turned it into a TD for the Falcons. head clearly NOT in the game. Bowles often talks about him being mentally lazy.
“[Baker] can look himself in the mirror and be honest with himself. You know, coaches and players have to do that alike,” Bowles said. “That’s what makes him who he is.
“So if everybody did that, we would figure out our problems real quick. So I think it’s an eye-opener for a lot of guys and a lot of coaches on this team. So if we come back Monday and look in the mirror, and everybody can work on the little things, I think that’ll carry us the rest of the way.”
NOW THE INTRIGUE OVER THE PLAYERS WHO NEED THE MIRROR
“[Baker] can look himself in the mirror and be honest with himself. You know, coaches and players have to do that alike,” Bowles said. “That’s what makes him who he is.
“So if everybody did that, we would figure out our problems real quick. So I think it’s an eye-opener for a lot of guys and a lot of coaches on this team. So if we come back Monday and look in the mirror, and everybody can work on the little things, I think that’ll carry us the rest of the way.”
NOW THE INTRIGUE OVER THE PLAYERS WHO NEED THE MIRROR
i mean Baker should accept responsibility. Id be kind of pissed off if he didnt. He just had to not be hellen keller with the football and the Bucs likely go up 31-20. Instead he does what he did and we lose the game.
Dont get me wrong, the defense lost this game but Baker had a chance to put the game away and he was brutally bad.
Defense - 3rd and 28, 4th and 14th - that redzone infamous on X now 5 guys standing around a football and didnt get it fumble; the Zyon McCollum jumping offsides on a field goal. So much bad by the defense but Baker Mayfield choking is not something i expected
Baker appears broken. i think we can salvage him but we need somebody offensive minded to support that notion in '26 and Grizz and Bowles aint it
need to see if this guy is worth 50,60 million a year and this year has given me pause.
