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The Bucs’ season is going down with the ship after falling to the Colts 27-20

Well, that just about does it. There’s a hole in the ship, it’s taking on water, and soon everyone is going to bail. The question is will they get tossed over the ledge or will they find a lifeboat - because there aren’t enough lifeboats for everyone.

After falling 27-20 to the Indianapolis Colt, the Bucs face a situation where they have to win five of their next six - including all four divisional games - if they’re going to have a chance to make the playoffs. Let’s be honest - there isn’t a lot of faith that can happen after the Bucs have lost six of their last seven.

Let’s Pick Six.

Six Topics Suitable For Conversation

1.) Dead Man Walking. While the season isn’t completely over, there doesn’t seem to be a very high likelihood that Todd Bowles is the head coach of the Buccaneers next season. As history has a way of repeating itself, Bowles couldn’t seem to ge the best out of his players as a head coach in New York. Now, with many of the same defensive players that had been a dominant unit under his direction as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator, the Bucs can’t seem to stop a nosebleed when they need to. Now, if the Bucs do rattle off four division wins and get a win over either the Packers or Jaguars, you’re looking at 9-8 and the winner of the division - but why would anyone have faith that Bowles and the Bucs can accomplish such a feat? They’ve given no reason to believe they can so fans are turning their attention to coaching candidates, the NFL Draft, free agency, and the quarterback - which shouldn’t actually be very high on the list of things wrong with this team.

2.) So Let’s Talk About It. Let’s talk about the quarterback situation. Going into Week 12, Baker Mayfield had the same touchdown passes and fewer interceptions as MVP front runner Jalen Hurts. Don’t hear what I’m not saying - no, Baker Mayfield is not as good or better than Hurts, but he isn’t the problem. He’s not even sniffing the top five on the list of problems with this team. Injuries, coaching, under-performing stars, offensive line, pass rush, secondary - all of these are much larger, glaring issues than that of the quarterback. But, as always, the people that hate Mayfield are going to continue to hate him regardless and the Kyle Trask fan club is going to continue to pound the table for him to come in and somehow be the savior. Because, y’know, Trask is going to make sure a tight end isn’t left uncovered for a 30-yard gain on 4th and 1 or he’s going to make sure a linebacker isn’t put on skates when the opposing quarterback runs in for a touchdown. Those are obviously issues that should be placed on the shoulders of Baker Mayfield and can be fixed by changing quarterbacks,

3.) It’s Groundhog Day, Again. In a constant deja vu, the Bucs seem to love making the same mistakes over and over and over again. Costly penalties that negate positive plays, blown coverages, missed assignments. Mayfield talked about it with us after the game, saying “It hurts to not win these games and to keep hurting ourselves. It’s very frustrating to have the same story over and over again. Until everybody gets pissed off enough to get it fixed, there will be no changes. So, I know I’m gonna head this week and what I need to get fixed and try to drag as many people along as well.” Shaq Barrett had similar feelings, telling us they’re one drive away in each game from being 7-4 or 8-3. Yet, nothing gets fixed, nothing changes, and then it repeats. Is it the players? Is it coaching? Honestly, it’s probably a combination of the two - but this is something that’s going to reflect on Bowles more than anyone else.

4.) Bright Spots. Calijah Kancey seems to be the real deal - and he keeps getting better every week. He is what the defense has been missing since the loss of Ndamukong Suh - that player that can be a game wrecker alongside Vita Vea. Had he not missed the beginning of the season, he might have worked his way into the conversation for defensive rookie of the year. Probably not win it, but he would have his name included in those conversations.

5.) Mike Evans Continues To Do Mike Evans Things. Two more touchdown catches and another solid game, Evans is clipping along to have one of the better seasons in his career. In fact, there were talks among Colts media in the press box after the game that Evans is a sure-fire Hall of Famer - which is something that’s been discussed among Bucs media and fans while it seemed like those on the outside didn’t appreciate him the way Tampa did. Yet, he continues to do things no one else has done and is closing in on yet another record. Though, that one might be secured with a new team. More on that later.

6.) Injuries Becoming Too Much. This team was already without Lavonte David and Jamel Dean coming in. With injuries to SirVocea Dennis and YaYa Diaby during the game didn’t help, but the ankle injury suffered by Baker Mayfield on the opening drive seemed to set the tone for the day. The Bucs were clicking on an opening drive for the first time this season. Three straight passes, a few runs, a few more passes and boom - it’s first and goal from the 1-yard line. Baker keeps it and then lays on the field with an injury. He limps to the sideline and in comes Trask. False start, two yard run, incomplete pass. It seemed like the Bucs were marching their way to a 7-0 lead and instead they settle for a field goal and the entire team deflated. Interception, two three-and-outs, and the Bucs are trailing 17-3. It was a hole they couldn’t seem to dig out of, but not for lack of effort. They battled injuries early on and are now getting ravaged by the injury bug again. Combine that with mental mistakes and the coaching and it’s a perfect blend of disappointment.

Six Numbers To Consider

91 - Total touchdowns scored by Mike Evans - tied with Davante Adams, Isaac Bruce, Tony Dorsett, Edgerrin James, Bobby Mitchell, and Ricky Waters for 32nd all-time

8 - Tackles for loss by Calijah Kancey - tied for most among rookies this season

7 - Games this season Rachaad White has gone for 75 or more total yards, second only to Christian McCaffrey among running backs

7 - Games this season Baker Mayfield has had a passer rating of 90.0 or above

19 - Multi-touchdown games by Mike Evans, second among active NFL players (Davante Adams - 22)

15 - Mike Evans’ rank all-time in touchdown receptions

Six Best Tweets

The Domino Effect

This is a little different for Pick Six, but indulge me for a moment. Let’s talk about the domino effect if Todd Bowles is fired.

Todd Bowles gets fired, that means the entire staff is gone as well - including first year offensive coordinator Dave Canales. With a new coaching staff comes different philosophies and different personnel to execute those philosophies. That means a new quarterback.

Some of you are happy and cheering at the thought, but let’s talk about that domino toppling over. Baker Mayfield leaves, the Bucs use high draft capital or most of their available cap on said quarterback. Now you have a team that needs at least one, maybe two inside linebackers. On top of that they need pass rush, a cornerback, a safety, a center, a guard, a running back or two, at least one wide receiver - and you’re looking at losing Mike Evans, so make it two wide receivers.

Why are you looking at losing Mike Evans? Well, look at it from Evans’ perspective. Is he going to want to stick around for a fifth head coach? Not to mention, prioritizing quarterback over other positions of more significant need means one thing and one thing only - you’re blowing it up for a full rebuild. Evans is too old to deal with that again. He’ll get his bag from a team that feels they’re a Mike Evans away from a Lombardi Trophy. Kansas City, Detroit, Cincinnati if they lose Higgins, Baltimore, Dallas - or even an up-and-coming team with a stud young quarterback and head coach close to home like Houston. Somewhere that there’s a path to get to a Super Bowl in the next three to four years. Not a team that is starting from scratch.

And what about Lavonte David? He came back this year, but he’s older than Evans and if he wants to keep playing, surely he’s going to want to go somewhere where he gets a chance at another ring as well.

So now you’re looking at a team that has a new coach, new staff, new quarterback, and likely loses Evans and David, lets Devin White walk, cuts ties with current players to gain even more cap space. And have we forgotten the stellar track record the Bucs have with drafting quarterbacks? Just over the recent years you’re looking at Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon, Chris Simms, Bruce Gradkowski on top of starters like Brian Griese, Jeff Garcia, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Josh McCown, and Baker Mayfield. Out of that bunch, Mayfield is the best. And maybe he doesn’t get you to a Super Bowl, but he’s good enough to win games and get to the postseason while all these other issues are addressed.

So, while Todd Bowles isn’t safe and I’m not sitting here pounding the table for him to stay, there are long lasting ramifications to that decision that most people aren’t considering. The Panthers went all-in on a quarterback that was going to save their team while the rest of their team was trash and what happened? Their coach was fired twelve weeks into the season. A rookie quarterback isn’t a sure thing and he isn’t going to magically manifest wins if the team around him is bad. Just keep that in mind heading into an off-season if the Bucs don’t - or can’t - bring back two of the most beloved players in franchise history and sell their souls for a shot at a rookie quarterback that could be more Zach Wilson, Bryce Young, or Kenny Pickett than Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, or C.J. Stroud.

Six Super Bowl Bets

1.) Philadelphia Eagles - All they do is win

2.) Kansas City Chiefs - Still the best team in the AFC without a wide receiver on the roster

3.) Baltimore Ravens - Lamar looks healthy and the Gus Bus is cruising

4.) San Francisco 49ers - The only real threat to Philly and they face off this week

5.) Detroit Lions - Disappointing loss on Thanksgiving, but still a legitimate threat

19.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sinking faster by the week

Six Final Words

Beat The Panthers Or It’s Over

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!

Lines are set for next week’s matchup.

The wheels on the Buccaneers bus continue to fall off following their Week 12 loss to the Colts. Head coach Todd Bowles can’t seem to get his defense to play the way they did during the first quarter of the season and the offense consistently plays, well, inconsistent.

The Buccaneers find themselves at 4-7 while luckily still being in the hunt for a division title in a very poor NFC South this season.

Perhaps the one thing that just might be saving Bowles his job.

Tampa Bay will be at home in Week 13 to take on the Panthers. The Bucs will try to narrow the gap in the NFC South and our friends over at DraftKings are giving them an edge this week at Raymond James Stadium.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bucs are 6-point favorites against Carolina.

Point spread: Bucs -6
Point total: 39
Moneyline: Buccaneers -238, Panthers +195

Which Buccaneers team will we see next week?

Several reached milestones despite the loss.

- Rachaad White led the Buccaneers with 110 yards from scrimmage, contributing a career-long 38-yard rush in the game. He carried the ball 15 times for 100 yards rushing – the second-highest single-game rushing total of his career. His 6.7 yards per attempt on Sunday marked his highest average in any game of his career. It was the first individual 100-yard rushing performance by a Tampa Bay player since White rushed for a career-best 105 yards on 11/13/22 vs. Seattle. He is also the first Tampa Bay rusher to average 6.5 yards per carry or better in a single game (min. 10 rush attempts) since Ronald Jones on 1/3/21 vs. Atlanta.

- White has accumulated 75-or-more scrimmage yards seven times this season – tied for the second-most such games among running backs this season through Sunday’s 1 p.m. games. He trails only San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey’s 10-such games in 2023.

- Mike Evans hauled in his eighth and ninth receiving touchdowns of the season and the 89^th and 90^th of his NFL career. With his first touchdown in the game, Evans broke a tie with Don Maynard (88) for the 15^th-most touchdown receptions in league history. Evans led the team with six receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns.

- Evans’ 91 total touchdowns in his career surpassed Leroy Kelly and Charley Taylor (90) and tied Davante Adams (active), Isaac Bruce, Tony Dorsett, Edgerrin James, Bobby Mitchell and Ricky Watters for the 32nd-most total touchdowns in NFL history.

- Evans currently ranks second in the NFL in receiving touchdowns through Sunday’s 1 p.m. games, trailing only Miami’s Tyreek Hill (10).

RECEIVING TOUCHDOWN LEADERS – 2023 SEASON

Through Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET Games

Rank Player (Team) Rec. TD

1. Tyreek Hill (MIA) 10

2. Mike Evans (TB) 9

3. Courtland Sutton (DEN) 8

4. Five Players Tied 7

- Evans now has 19 career games with multiple touchdown receptions – the second-most among all active NFL players. Sunday’s game marked Evans’ first multi-touchdown performance since January 1, 2023, vs. Carolina.

MULTI-RECEIVING TOUCHDOWN GAMES – ACTIVE PLAYERS

Through Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET Games

Rank Player (Team) Games

1. Davante Adams (LV) 22

2. Mike Evans (TB) 19

3. Jimmy Graham (NO) 17

4. Tyreek Hill (MIA) 14

5t. DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) 13

5t. Julio Jones (PHI) 13

- Baker Mayfield completed 20-of-30 pass attempts for 199 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception, earning a 93.6 passer rating. Mayfield has earned a passer rating of 90.0 or better in seven games this season – tied for the sixth-most such games in the NFL through Sunday’s 1 p.m. games.

- Carlton Davis III secured his first interception of the season and the eighth of his career. He recorded multiple passes defensed in the game for the 16^th time in his career.

- Davis III and Antoine Winfield Jr. tied for the team lead with 10 tackles each.

- Calijah Kancey notched his seventh and eighth tackles for loss of the season, tying him for the most among rookies in that category this season.

ROOKIE TACKLE FOR LOSS LEADERS – 2023 SEASON

Through Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET Games

Rank Player (Team) TFL

1t. Calijah Kancey (TB) 8

1t. Tuli Tuipulotu (LAC) 8

3t. Yaya Diaby (TB) 7

3t. Brian Branch (DET) 7

5. Will Anderson Jr. (HOU) 6

- Kancey also recorded his third sack of the season, tying him for the seventh-most among rookies in 2023 through Sunday’s 1 p.m. games.

- Joe Tryon-Shoyinka picked up his fourth sack of the season, bringing his career total to 12.0 since entering the league in 2021.

- Jake Camarda punted four times for 208 yards (52.0 avg.), pinning one inside the 20-yard line. Through Sunday’s 1 p.m. games, Camarda ranks sixth in the NFL in yards per punt (50.1) and 10^th In punts downed inside the 20-yard line (20).

- Chase McLaughlin converted both of his field goal opportunities on Sunday, from 21 and 24 yards out. He is now 19-of-21 on field goals this season and ranks tied for eighth among kickers with at least 20 attempts in field goal percentage (90.5%).

It’s been rough for the Tampa Bay fan base.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 4-7 and somehow one game back from the NFC South lead. But bad coaching has been apparent throughout this regular season and the Buccaneers fans have had enough.

Ahead of the Bucs Week 12 loss to the Colts Sunday, 76-percent of Bucs fans felt the team should consider moving on from head coach Todd Bowles.

You have to think that number is higher now.

After starting out 3-1 and many placing the Bucs atop their power rankings, Tampa Bay is putting themselves in position for a high draft pick and a new coaching staff. Sure the players play and coaches coach and we’ve seen poor execution down on the field. However, Bowles has not prepared this team to win week in and week out.

Bowles gets away from what works for his defense, he is too conservative or plays not to lose, doesn’t want to “waste” challenges (see Mike Evans’ first down reception in Indianapolis), is outcoached late in games, etc.

The list of flaws continues to grow with each loss it seems. And only beating teams they’re “suppose” to beat just isn’t enough to buy Bowles an extra season.

Check out DraftKings Sportsbook, the official sportsbook partner of SB Nation.

What can you say at this point? Some good players on a bad Bucs team.

The Buccaneers’ hopes of a winning record and division title look bleaker by the week, as they were once again snuffed out on the road and defeated by the Indianapolis Colts in 27-20 loss.

The defense continued its grueling decline and Todd Bowles demonstrated his repeated issues with both getting guys ready to play and managing the game inadequately. The offense battled through an early Baker Mayfield ankle injury that he gradually shook off as the contest went on. However, a bad turnover and too many stalled drives put the team in a hole that it couldn’t scale out of.

At 4-7, Tampa Bay’s identity seems set in stone. The mental mistakes are overwhelming, the defense is just not good, the injuries are forcing bad depth onto the field, and the offense isn’t explosive enough to compensate for the latter three.

If they incur a loss against the lowly Carolina Panthers next week, you can bet your entire life’s savings on another huge offseason of change in the Bay.

Let’s do shoutouts and get out of here.

Offensive Top Performer: WR Mike Evans

Hall of Fame wideout Mike Evans destroying overwhelmed defensive backs...we’ve written about it many weeks each season for the last 7 or 8 years. The greatest offensive player in Tampa history further tightened his grip on that mantle with two more receiving touchdowns (along with 6 catches for 70 yards) to bring his career total to 90 scores. He’s only the 15th player in NFL history to achieve that accomplishment and finds himself tied for 13th all-time with Davante Adams and Isaac Bruce.

It will be a wild offseason, but Jason Licht and Co. must do right by their iconic stalwart and give him the last big payday he deserves before his career enters its twilight.

Rachaad White’s late-week injury scary didn’t last long as he produced his most efficient outing of the season. With 15 carries for 100 yards (6.7 yards per carry) and two more catches for 10 yards, he did his job well. His growth as the season has gone is encouraging.

Defensive Top Performer: DT Calijah Kancey

At this point, I’m looking for upside plays going forward. Yea Carlton Davis finally got a pick and yes Antoine Winfield was again a tackling machine (good for him but awful for the defense collectively).

We’ll instead spotlight Kancey here, who was disruptive multiple times. He got a key sack on Indy’s penultimate drive to give Tampa’s offense one more chance (which they blew), and he also batted a pass earlier in the game to go along with 3 total tackles (2 for loss). He’s got plenty of growth opportunity in front of him, but the early returns are very promising for the the 2023 first-rounder — already more exciting than either Logan Hall (a total nonfactor) and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (who is fine but seemingly nothing special).

Not really much else to say here for a mediocre unit. I applaud SirVocea Dennis for stepping into Lavonte David’s GOAT-sized shoes and trying his best, he showed some good things but there will be a long road for him as an eventual heir-apparent.

Special Teams Top Performer: K Chase McLaughlin

We don’t need to get cute. McLaughlin recorded another perfect day and is now 19-of-21 on the year for field goals with a perfect 19-for-19 on extra points.

As I’ve said before, the team’s most reliable points scorer all year has earned a long-term stay here.

Besides the game, one of the best (or worst) parts of the football season are Monday mornings.

Any football fan will tell you, whether it’s in school, at work, or on your favorite sports talk show— Monday mornings are for bragging rights, armchair quarterbacks, and “Did you see when?!” This Monday morning, Buccaneers’ fans giving a quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the game will start with the—

First quarter- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense had caught a little bit of a spark lately. The spark was dimmed by a tough San Francisco 49ers’ defense last week, but Tampa’s offense had been clicking— with more than 70 points scored over the last three weeks. Unfortunately, the good vibes ended abruptly when a quarterback sneak, on the game’s introductory drive, led to Baker Mayfield— down on the field. The Bucs brought in Kyle Trask (cold off the bench) to finish the drive and surprisingly, from a yard out, asked him to throw the ball. Tampa’s drive ended with a field goal.

The Indianapolis Colts came out aggressive. Gardner Minshew opened with six passes, completing five of them. The Colts tied the game at three and Tampa Bay fans got good news as Baker Mayfield, taped ankle and all, took the field for Tampa’s second drive. Good news travels quickly, bad news tends to travel just as fast. Baker Mayfield’s first drive back ended with an interception and Todd Bowles’ bend-but-don’t-break defense broke. Indianapolis put the turnover into the endzone and rolled the momentum of a 10-3 lead into quarter number two.

Second quarter- The quarter changed but it was more of the same for Tampa Bay. The defensive tactic of optional tackling led to another Colts touchdown where Devin White— former star, future ‘Please pay me’ linebacker, was unable to bring down journeyman quarterback Gardner Minshew in space, allowing touchdown number two.

The Bucs offense responded with Jake Camarda. Pinned deep, Gardner ‘Fran Tarkenton’ Minshew misfired. Carlton Davis came up with his first interception of the season and the Bucs came away with points. Payne Durham’s ‘Welcome to the NFL’ moment led to the familiar sight of Mike Evans giving a ball away to a fan in the stands. With 4:40 to go before halftime, Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers pushed into Colts territory. The drive finished the way many Tampa drives do— a penalty and then a punt. The Bucs’ promising drive actually led to a Matt Gay field goal attempt. Since this isn’t 2019, that means their promising drive led to a field goal for their opponent. No good. 17-10 at the half.

—Halftime—

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Third quarter- The Colts started with the ball and started with a field goal, 20-10. The Buccaneers’ offense would stay on brand and respond with a punt, following an egregious drop by Trey Palmer. One fourth down stop by Dee Delaney later and Baker Mayfield was back on the field. With possession and good field position the Buccaneers entered their final chance to win the game and their final chance to jumpstart a playoff push.

Fourth quarter- Signs of life from the pirates. Todd Bowles declines challenging a extremely questionable incomplete pass, but actually allows his team to go for a fourth down. On fourth and 10, Baker Mayfield stepped into his throw a ripped a sideline shot to Chris Godwin. Good things tend to come in bunches. Chris Godwin made a big play and Mike Evans wasn’t far behind. A touchdown pass from Mayfield to Evans cut the Colts’ lead to three. Tampa Bay’s defense, rode that high to a low. Gardner Minshew and the Indy offense put their 27th point on the board— Camera pan to Todd Bowles on the sideline, arms crossed.

A short field goal by Chase McLaughlin and the ensuing defensive stop gave Tampa life (short-lived). 2:21 from the 35 yard line, down seven. Baker Mayfield’s second turnover of the day— a strip sack from his blindside— put the Bucs away and likely ended their season. 3-1 to 4-7, collapse.

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Mike Evans was left alone not once, but twice by the Indianapolis Colts

Mike Evans is on another level for the Buccaneers right now and he’s put up both of their touchdowns (so far) against the Indianapolis Colts.

These put him at 90 and 91 touchdown receptions for his career, tying him with Davante Adams, Isaac Bruce, Tony Dorsett, Edgerrin James, Bobby Mitchell, and Ricky Waters for 32nd all-time.

Check out Evans’ first touchdown here;

And his second one here;

Evans now has less than 200 yards to go for his tenth consecutive season of 1,000 yards or more receiving to start a career.

Bucs Nation’s gameday thread for the big game.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to take on the Indianapolis Colts this week in hopes that they can get back on the winning side of things.

Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM EST. Enjoy each other’s company in the comments below!

The Buccaneers face a tough task without linebacker Lavonte David on the field today

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are already facing a must win game and now they have to do it without multiple starters. Linebacker Lavonte David will miss today’s game in Indianapolis as he deals with a groin injury while cornerback Jamel Dean is out with an ankle injury, though he’s considered week to week and may not miss significant time.

However, there were more names to keep an eye on in this one. Devin White, Carlton Davis, and Logan Hall were all questionable coming into Week 12 and were labeled “game time decisions” by head coach Todd Bowles. Defensive lineman Mike Greene was also questionable but will not play.

The Bucs also had a little bit of a scare, adding Rachaad White to the injury report Saturday with a knee injury. According to Adam Schefter, White’s knee locked up on him a little bit but there’s no lingering issue so he will suit up and play against the Colts.

The good news is the Bucs will have White, Davis, and Hall available for this one which takes a little bit of the pressure off rookie SirVocea Dennis, who will be filling in for David. Zyon McCollum will get his fifth start of the season in place of Jamel Dean.

For the Colts, they have their own issues. They’ll be without cornerback JuJu Brents and center Ryan Kelly. The loss of Brents hurts an already weak secondary while Kelly’s absence puts more pressure on Quenten Nelson to try and stop Vita Vea and the interior pass rush of the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers did elevate wide receiver David Moore and defensive lineman Patrick O’Connor from the practice squad and both are active for this game.

Here are the inactive players for the Bucs and Colts;

Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

LB - Lavonte David

CB - Jamel Dean

DL - Mike Greene

RB - Ke’Shawn Vaughn

OT - Brandon Walton

LB - Cam Gill

QB - John Wolford (Third QB)

Indianapolis Colts:

CB - JuJu Brents

C - Ryan Kelly

TE - Drew Ogletree

OL - Arlington Hambright

LB - Cameron McGrone

WR - Juwann Winfree

The Buccaneers and Colts kickoff on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS with Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Amanda Renner on the call.

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!

In this series, we’ll break down different scenarios that could, should, and will happen before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get a chance to play them out.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are back in Indianapolis this Sunday. Last time this matchup played out, the Buccaneers won an exhilarating 38-31 shootout. The Bucs' offense was at the height of its power. Tom Brady was at the peak of his, but it was Leonard Fournette who turned in a stupendous performance. The former Buccaneers’ star was responsible for four touchdowns and over 130 yards (including the game winner). Fournette’s offensive explosion was accompanied by his Hall of Fame teammate, Rob Gronkowski, going for 123 yards on seven catches. Brady, Gronkowski, and Fournette seem like faded stars from a distant past but the game was a short two years ago.

Two years later, the Bucs are back in Indy, hoping for the same end result. Here’s what could, should, and will happen.

What could happen?

A win this week could be the start of something.

The Buccaneers’ schedule is about to get noticeably more favorable in the coming weeks. This week starts off the trend with a very middling Colts team. Tampa Bay has every bit of talent needed to defeat Gardner Minshew on the road. After Tampa’s clash with the Colts, the Bucs face Carolina (twice), Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville, and New Orleans. None of the remaining teams on The Bucs’ schedule strike fear. If Tampa has any hopes of mounting a postseason push in 2023, this week could be the start.

What should happen?

The Indianapolis Colts should ride Jonathan Taylor.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Taylor’s offseason contract situation has lingered (as these situations often do) into the regular season. Taylor has not played like himself yet this season. The Indianapolis Colts are a .500 team piloted by a backup quarterback. Indy would rather do nothing more than filter their offense through the run game and Jonathan Taylor.

On the season, Taylor has 323 yards rushing and just two touchdowns. He’s averaging under four yards per carry and hasn’t broken 100 yards at any point this season. His carries have steadily ramped up in recent weeks (12, 18, 23). Taylor hasn’t taken significant advantage of those increased opportunities but if ever there were a week where that would be likely to change it would be this week, playing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense that may be without each of its two inside linebackers. Having two backups in starter’s roles will leave the Bucs vulnerable to Jonathan Taylor’s first breakout game of the season.

What will happen?

The battle in the trenches will decide this game

Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

This game will consist of a simple formula for both teams. The Tampa Bay Bucs’ number one offensive priority has to be controlling the line of scrimmage. Tampa is 3-1 when Baker Mayfield is sacked one time or less. On the flip side, they are 1-5 if the offensive line allows 2 or more. Considering the injuries the team will be dealing with on defense, scoring points will be as crucial as ever.

Tampa’s defensive priority has to be the same— Win the line of scrimmage. The Colts are 13-1-1 in games where Jonathan Taylor goes over 100 yards since 2020. While Tampa Bay does have an equal level of injuries in the secondary, the injuries at linebacker are likely to play a more significant role on Sunday. With Jonathan Taylor and a backup quarterback, the Colts ability to run the ball by winning at the line of scrimmage is paramount. Tampa’s defense will either win or lose this game in the trenches.

What do you think of our list? Do you agree? No? What are some things you think could happen, should happen, and will happen this week?

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Game info from the NFL Week 12 Capsule

Broadcast Info

DATE: Sunday, November 26, 2023
GAME TIME: 1:00 PM ET
CBS: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Amanda Renner
SiriusXM (also available on the SXM App) TB: 158 or 381 IND: 81 or 226

Buccaneers Notes

• QB BAKER MAYFIELD had season-high 29 completions in Week 11. Has 10 TD passes vs. 2 INTs for 97.4 rating in 5 road starts in 2023, incl. 2+ TD passes & 90+ rating in 4 of 5 starts. Passed for 247 yards & 2 TDs in his only career start vs. Ind. (10/11/20 w/ Cle.).
• RB RACHAAD WHITE had 6 catches, 58 scrimmage yards (30 rush, 28 rec.) & 4th rush TD of season last week. Aims for his 4th in row with TD. Has career-high 813 scrimmage yards this season. Ranks 2nd among RBs in rec. yards (354) & 3rd in receptions (41) in 2023.
• WR MIKE EVANS had 7th rec. TD of season last week & aims for his 3rd in row with TD catch. Needs 2 catches for 10th-straight 50-catch season.
• WR CHRIS GODWIN had 6 catches last week & has 50 receptions in 2023, his 6th-straight 50-catch season. Has 5+ catches in 10 of his past 11 road games.
• LB LAVONTE DAVID had 7 tackles, 3 TFL & 32nd-career sack last week. Ranks tied-2nd in NFL with 14 TFL this season & aims for his 7th in row with TFL. Had TFL, FR & PD in last meeting. Needs 10 tackles for his 10th-career 100+ tackle season.
• LB SHAQUIL BARRETT aims for his 4th in row with TFL. Had 2 sacks, FF & FR in last meeting. Aims for his 3rd in row vs. Ind. with sack.
• LB YAYA DIABY (rookie) set career highs with 2 sacks & 3 TFL in Week 11. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack & 2+ TFL.
• NT VITA VEA had sack & 2 TFL last week. Has career high 8 TFL in 2023. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack & 4th in row with TFL.
• S ANTOINE WINFIELD JR. had career-high 16 tackles last week, most tackles by DB in game this season.

Colts Notes

• QB GARDNER MINSHEW completed 18 of 28 atts. (64.3 pct.) for 194 yards in Week 10. Has 2 TD passes in each of 2 home starts this season.
• RB JONATHAN TAYLOR rushed for 69 yards & TD in Week 10. Has TD in 3 of past 4 & in each of past 2. Aims for 6th in row with 65+ scrimmage yards. Aims for 3rd in row at home with 95+ scrimmage yards. Had 97 scrimmage yards (83 rush, 14 rec.) & rush TD in last meeting.
• RB ZACK MOSS has 401 scrimmage yards (100.3 per game) & 3 rush TDs in 4 home games this season. Has rush TD in 2 of past 3 at home. Has career-high 617 rush yards & 5 rush TDs in 2023.
• WR MICHAEL PITTMAN aims for 4th in row with 8+ catches & 3rd in row with 60+ rec. yards. Aims for 3rd in row at home with TD catch. Had 53 rec. yards in last meeting.
• WR JOSH DOWNS (rookie) had 40 rec. yards in Week 10. Aims for 4th in row at home with 5+ catches & 70+ rec. yards. Ranks 5th among rookies with 523 rec. yards.
• LB ZAIRE FRANKLIN led team with 15 tackles in Week 10, his 8th game this season with 10+ tackles & 3rd with 15+ tackles, both most in NFL. Ranks 3rd in NFL with 117 tackles in 2023.
• DT DEFOREST BUCKNER had season-high 8 tackles & TFL in Week 10. Aims for 3rd in row with TFL. Had sack in last meeting.
• DE DAYO ODEYINGBO had career-high 3 sacks in Week 10. Aims for 5th in row with TFL & 3rd in row with sack.
• DE KWITY PAYE had sack in Week 10. Aims for 3rd in row at home with 5+ tackles. Had sack in last meeting.
• S JULIAN BLACKMON had 2 PD & INT in Week 10.
• S RODNEY THOMAS had 2nd sack of season in Week 10.
• CB KENNY MOORE aims for 8th in row with 6+ tackles.

Series History

REG. SEASON: : IND leads series, 8-7 (TB won 3 of past 4)
THE LAST MEETING: 11/28/21: TB 38 at IND 31

Week 12 Staff Picks

Tampa Bay is currently a 2.5-point underdog via DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are the staff picks for this week’s games as well as the Bucs and Colts.

Taking a look at a few prop bets for Week 12.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are traveling this week to take on the Indianapolis Colts Sunday. We’ve already shared some staff picks along with the latest lines, so here we’ll share some prop bets that may be intriguing for fans to dive into.

Below are some prop bets for the Bucs Week 12 matchup against Indianapolis, courtesy of our friends over at DraftKings Sportsbook.

First Drive Result

The Buccaneers offense still can’t get things going consistently. The Colts have also had some struggles of their own. DraftKings has first drive touchdown odds set at +370 for the Bucs and +215 for Indy.

Defensive Line

This game could feature some weird defensive statistics. Like the leading tackler being a defensive back — but it really indicates the opposition was reach second and third levels of the defense frequently. The over/under in solo tackles is set at 4.5 for Antoine Winfield, Jr. with the over set for +105 and the under at -135. There aren’t many lines from a sack perspective as only Vita Vea is listed. The over (+154) and the under (-200) is set at 0.25.

Passing Yards

While some feel there could be some kind of an aerial asault of sorts Sunday, DraftKings does not feel that way. The over/under is set at 247.5 yards for both Baker Mayfield and Gardner Minshew. Both have over/under lines set at -115.

Chef Mayfield’s week 12 opponent will be the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Indianapolis Colts will host Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday. The Buccaneers are 4-6 entering an “easy” stretch in their schedule. As the weeks pass and the losses pile up, the injury report has expanded like waistlines on Thanksgiving.

Tampa Bay played a physical football team last Sunday and the effects will still be felt a week later. Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Bucs were banged up— To say the least— with Jamel Dean, Lavonte David, and Tristan Wirfs among the walking wounded. Tristan Wirfs’ injury does not seem to be anything serious (He was able to return to the game last week), but a full week later not all the wounded Bucs are as lucky. Tampa’s recently paid, up-and-down starting cornerback, Jamel Dean has been ruled out. Last week, Dean sustained a foot/ankle injury while failing to cover Brandon Aiyuk on his 76 yard touchdown reception. Dean’s season hasn’t been the type of year most Bucs fans were hoping for, after the team locked him up with a long term deal last offseason. No matter his level of play, Dean’s absence will put immense strain on the team’s depth.

That depth will be stressed even more because Tampa’s other starting corner— Carlton Davis— is also on the team’s injury report. Davis (hip) will be a gametime decision. Surviving injuries to both starting cornerbacks will be a sincerely difficult task for Todd Bowles. The challenges for Bowles’ defense don’t stop in the defensive backfield though.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will also need to play defense without Lavonte David. No Bucs fans needs a lecture on how crucial David's role is each week for the Buccaneers. Similarly to the situation Tampa’s facing with their cornerbacks, a double dose of injuries have struck the Bucs’ linebackers as well. Lavonte David (groin) has already been ruled out, Devin White is also questionable. Dealing with a foot injury, White (like Davis) will be a gametime decision. Even ignoring any other injuries, those four alone, could do terminal damage.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are entering the point in their schedule where they need to hit their stride. Tampa Bay’s offense has scored over 70 points in the team’s last three games. With injuries riddling the Buccaneers’ defense, Chef Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s offense will need to shoulder the load in Indianapolis to keep Tampa alive in the playoff race.

For more Bucs coverage check us out here:

@Will_Walsh_NFL

@Bucs_Nation

@Will_Walsh_NFL

Let’s preview a critical matchup for Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers (+2.5) are once again on the road this week, this time in Indy to square off against the Colts (-2.5). The Buccaneers sitting at 4-6 look to avoid a second straight loss while the Colts are coming off of their bye week after two straight wins.

To preview this game, we sat down with Chris Shepherd of Stampede Blue to get a closer look at this Colts team and how Sunday may play out.

1. With the Colts winning their last two games, they suddenly find themselves in the AFC playoff hunt. Was making the playoffs something that Colts fans were expecting heading into the season?

Most reasonable fans were expecting this to be a year of development. Obviously you’re going to have fans who believe the team is a Super Bowl contender every year and others who will believe the team is destined to lose all 17 games and this year was no different. But the vast majority of Colts fans recognized that the team won 4 games a season ago and came into the year with a first time head coach and a rookie quarterback. A playoff berth is always welcome but very few people were predicting it before the season started.

2. Losing QB Anthony Richardson for the season could have buried this team, but instead they have rallied around Gardner Minshew. What has been the biggest key to Minshew’s success?

I would argue they have succeeded in spite of Gardner Minshew. Shane Steichen has done a fantastic job putting the offense in position to move the ball and score points without Richardson. With Richardson, the Colts were leading the league in explosive play rate... without him the offense has been far less exciting but Steichen has done a great job effectively calling an entirely different offense for Minshew than he did for Richardson.

When Minshew has managed to be successful it has been when the run game is working. Without the ground game, however, Minshew hasn’t been able to beat simple coverages and take advantage of what should have been easy plays defenses have been giving him. It will be very free interesting to see what Steichen has up his sleeve after the bye to see if he can get Minshew out of the same behavior-loop of poor post snap play facing loaded boxes. Against the Panthers and Patriots the Colts only scored 23 offensive points combined. So in their last two games, against two of the worst teams in the NFL the Colts offense scored 11.5 points per game. Defenses have figured out how to stop the Colts offense, you just have to have an offense that won’t turn the ball over and score about two touchdowns and you’re all set.

So the Colts aren’t winning because of Minshew, they’re bringing him along with the rest of them.

Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

3. The Colts made headlines this week by cutting star linebacker Shaq Leonard. Were you surprised by this move and why do you think the Colts decided to do it at this time?

I wasn’t surprised that the team moved on from Leonard. I was surprised they moved on from him when they did. Watching Leonard this season, it’s been obvious that he isn’t the same guy he was before the injuries. He just doesn’t have it anymore and a linebacker playing as poorly as he was, making $20 million per year, well the writing was on the wall. It seems that the team did a lot of self scouting over the bye as coaches informed Leonard he would be a healthy scratch from next weeks game before the front office decided to release him outright.

I believe the Colts did it now for Shaq. The move seems cold on the surface but I believe it was made with Shaq’s best interest in mind. He can’t beat out the guys in front of him in Indy and he was probably going to be a healthy scratch the rest of the way. His career is all but over. Cutting him now gives him the chance to possibly sign with a contending team and chase a ring while he can. There’s never going to be more interest in his services than there’s bound to be in the next few weeks as good teams try to fill depth roles and deal with injuries deep into the season.

4. When looking at this matchup, what would you say is the biggest X factor between these two teams that will ultimately decide how Sunday’s contest will go?

The biggest thing from the Colts perspective will be what Steichen has planned to (hopefully) improve Minshew’s play. Frankly, I’m not sure there’s much anyone can do to hide the ways in which Minshew struggles, but Steichen and I are the same age, one of us is an NFL head coach and the other is appearing in this 5 Questions article, so I guess I’ll wait to see before I count him out completely.

From the Bucs perspective on defense (assuming no major offensive changes from Indy) will Todd Bowles be patient enough to just load the box all day and dare Minshew to beat them with his arm? If Bowles does force Minshew to throw, the Bucs defense is going to have a great day. On offense if Baker Mayfield can just not turn the ball over, I think the Bucs offense will be just fine.

5. According to DraftKings, the Colts are a slight home favorite at -2.5 points. How do you see this one shaking out and what is your score prediction?

On defense, the Bucs load the box all day. Jonathan Taylor will be unable to get anything going, Gardner Minshew will continue to panic and not sustain drives. The Colts will have 2-3 scoring drives on the day.

On offense, the Bucs will find success running the ball. The Colts are still without nose tackle Grover Stewart and have given up 154 rushing yards per game without him. Mayfield will be able to take what the defense gives him without the pressure of playing from behind. The only limit to Bucs scoring drives will be their own dumb mistakes and time constraints.

If it doesn’t happen like this I believe it will be due to game changing special teams plays, turnovers or backbreaking penalties.

Final Score:

Bucs: 27

Colts: 13

Thanks so much to Chris for doing this!

Which staff member will nail their prediction this week?

As the Buccaneers get ready to play the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, we here at Bucs Nation are ready to drop some predictions for Week 12.

Tampa Bay is currently a 2.5-point underdog via DraftKings Sportsbook. Our staff weighs in with their predictions for the Bucs game and picks for the rest of the NFL’s Week 12 games.

Staff Predictions

Gil Arcia: Right on time

The part of the schedule that many may call “easy” has arrived for the Buccaneers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been consistently consistent even through the stretches of losses despite just a couple bumps along the way. This week, he’ll connect with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin consistently as the veteran quarterback will have a day throwing for two touchdowns while scrambling for another two. It’s a 2 for 2 sale on Sunday.

James Yarcho: Offense Carries The Day

The Indianapolis Colts, up until their last game, were the only team in the NFL to score at least 20 points every week this season. This time around, they’re going to get caught in a shoot-out. The Bucs are dealing with some key injuries to key players, but Baker Mayfield is going to have the offense humming against one of the worst pass defenses in the league. A triple-shot prediction of Mayfield to finish with a season high in passing yards while both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin each go for over 100 yards with a touchdown. Fire up all your Bucs and Colts in fantasy football this week, kids.

Mike Kiwak: Rachaad Re-Emerges

Rachaad White’s mini-streak of productivity got broken against San Francisco as Baker Mayfield was forced into a season-high 45 pass attempts. White notched just 58 total yards on 15 touches after 3 straight weeks of at least 98 yards. The Colts’ defense has struggled all year and is particularly bad at stopping the run. They see opponents rush almost 46% of the time against them and they allow 129.7 yards per game and the third-worst rushing TD per game rate in the league. White once again finds the end zone and totals 120 yards from scrimmage in this one.

Will Walsh: The winning starts NOW

These are the next five opponents Tampa Bay will be facing— Colts, Panthers, Falcons, Packers, Jaguars. Tampa's record in these next four MUST be 4-1 or better. This week is the week the winning starts, the Buccaneers have found a slight groove on offense in recent weeks and that groove will be enough to carry the Bucs past the Colts. If the Buccaneers manage to go 4-1 over the next five weeks they will be 8-7, with a few tiebreakers in their favor— giving them a chance for a late-season playoff push.

Evan Wanish: Banged up Bucs Somehow Find a Way

The first time the Bucs backs were against the wall, they responded with a dominant win over the Tennessee Titans. This time they face another must win against an AFC South opponent. Even with questions surrounding the availability of Lavonte David, Jamel Dean, Carlton Davis and even Devin White, the Bucs defense somehow finds a way to force a pair of turnovers while the offense does just enough to win a tight one 21-20 and keep their playoff hopes alive for now.

Week 12 Staff Picks

The Buccaneers head to Indianapolis for the third straight year as they look to keep pace in the NFC South race

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to win this week if they’re going to stay in the thick of the NFC South race. Standing in their way are the Indianapolis Colts who are trying to stay in a divisional race of their own.

Also standing in the Bucs’ way is the list of key players they have injured - and may not be able to suit up on Sunday. Lavonte David, Devin White, Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Chris Godwin, and Tristan Wirfs all suffered injuries against the 49ers. David, White, and Dean have yet to practice this week while Davis, Wirfs, and Godwin have all participated in some capacity.

If the Bucs are going to win, they certainly need those players on the field - especially against the likes of Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr., and emerging threat Joshua Downs. On the flip side, having Wirfs there to protect Baker Mayfield and Chris Godwin eating up attention will be vital if the offense is going to take advantage of the team that has allowed the fifth most total explosive plays and the fifth most explosive passing plays in the NFL this season.

Up until their last game, which they won 10-6 against the New England Patriots, the Colts were the only team in the NFL to score at least twenty points per game this season - and that’s with Gardner Minshew at the helm in place of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson who was lost for the season with a shoulder injury. While the Colts are averaging 24.2 points per game, the Bucs are allowing just 20.0 - 9th best in the NFL. However, the Colts’s defense is allowing 24.8 points per game - 26th in the NFL - while the Bucs are scoring just 19.2 per game.

Mike Evans, who could be in line for a big day against a bad Colts secondary, is just 220 yards away from his tenth consecutive 1,000 yard season to start his career - extending his own NFL record. Though, Rachaad White has emerged as one of the biggest pass catching threats on the team, hauling in 41 passes which is the second most by a running back this season behind only Christian McCaffrey.

All eyes, however, will be on the statuses of Lavonte David and Devin White. The Bucs already promoted linebacker J.J. Russell from the practice squad in preparation that at least one - maybe both - won’t be available in this must win game. Bucs fans will get a good look at rookie SirVocea Dennis who popped off the screen as a player for the Pitt Panthers, but has seem limited action as a member of the Bucs.

The Bucs have an opportunity to tie up the all-time series this week as the Colts come in with an 8-7 advantage. The Buccaneers won the last time they traveled to Indy in 2021 as Leonard Fournette exploded for four touchdowns and helped spark the come-from-behind victory for Tampa Bay. The Bucs have won three of the last four dating back to 2011 with only one of those wins coming on the road. At home, the Colts are 5-3 but are 2-2 in their last four at their own stadium.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Bucs are 2.5-point road underdogs in this one with an over/under of 44.5. The Bucs have covered in their last four games while seven of their last eight have hit the under. The Colts have lost nine of their last ten games at home.

The Buccaneers and Colts kickoff on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS with Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Amanda Renner on the call.

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!

A day full of feasting on turkey, and footb

Another year, another day of family, turkey, and... FOOTBALL. This year’s slate of Thanksgiving games include some big boy football.

At 12:30 p.m. ET the Detroit Lions (-8) host the Green Bay Packers. Then at 4:30 p.m. ET the Dallas Cowboys (-13.5) host the Washington Commanders. Finally, the Thursday night game features the San Francisco 49ers (-7) visiting the Seattle Seahawks.

Enjoy the games and more importantly, your families! Happy Thanksgiving!

The Bucs are in danger of being without some key players on Sunday

Losing to the San Francisco 49ers was a bummer, but not the end of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ playoff hopes as they’re still in the thick of the division race with four divisional matchups to go. However, losing as many key players as they did in that loss to the 49ers could be the reason their postseason hopes get derailed.

Lavonte David, Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Tristan Wirfs, and Chris Godwin all left the game with injuries while only Godwin and Wirfs returned - albeit in a limited capacity. Wirfs even gave up his first sack of the season because of the ankle injury he suffered during the game.

Todd Bowles told the media on Wednesday that if the game were that day, Davis, David, and Devin White would all not be playing.

The good news is that Tristan Wirfs was a full participant despite the ankle injury and Godwin was limited. Also some good news is that Dean’s ankle injury isn’t as severe as initially thought and he’s considered “week to week.”

It seems as though things are trending for Dean and David to not play on Sunday while the status of White is up in the air. The Bucs promoted linebacker J.J. Russell from the practice squad due to the injuries but if White also can’t go you’re looking at Russell and SirVocea Dennis as your starting inside linebackers.

White has played the majority of the season on a bad foot, so Wednesday’s missed practice is probably just allowing him some rest and recovery. As for David, we still have yet to hear the severity of his groin injury.

The Indianapolis Colts had three players not participate in practice - cornerback JuJu Brents (quad), tight end Drew Ogletree (foot), and former Buccaneers linebacker Grant Stuard (illness).

Here is the full injury report from Wednesday for both teams;

The Buccaneers and Colts kickoff on Sunday in Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on CBS with Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, and Amanda Renner on the call.

For more on this and all things Tampa Bay Buccaneers check out James Yarcho and David Harrison on the Locked On Bucs Podcast!

The Bucs add depth at linebacker as they may be without Lavonte David for some time.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced that the team has promoted linebacker J.J. Russell from the practice squad to the active roster, and signed linebacker Vi Jones, cornerback Quandre Moselyand wide receiver Raleigh Webb to the practice squad.

Russell (6-1, 225) has appeared in nine career games for the Buccaneers, including being elevated for Weeks 2-4 of this season. In his career, he has logged four tackles and three special teams tackles. The Grenada, Mississippi, native played collegiately at Memphis (2017-21), starting 50-of-61 games and compiling 306 tackles (24 for loss), eight passes defensed, 5.0 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, one interception and one blocked kick. He was first-team All-AAC (American Athletic Conference) in 2021 after leading the AAC in solo tackles per game (6.5) and total tackles per game (10.2). Russell originally entered the league as a college free agent with the Buccaneers in May 2022. He wears No. 51 for Tampa Bay.

Jones (6-2, 225) entered the league as a college free agent with the Seattle Seahawks in 2022. He spent the 2022 season on the Seahawks practice squad, appearing in three games and making his NFL debut in the team’s Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers in Munich, Germany. Jones played collegiately for two seasons at the University of Southern California (2017-18) and two seasons at North Carolina State University (2019-21), finishing with a combined 108 tackles, 9.0 sacks, four passes defensed and one forced fumble. He is the son of former NFL linebacker Robert Jones, and is the brother of former wide receiver Cayleb Jones and current Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones. He will wear No. 53 for Tampa Bay.

Mosely (6-2, 195) entered the league as a college free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. During the 2022 season, Mosely spent time on the practice squads of the Cowboys, Seahawks, Buccaneers and New England Patriots. The Brunswick, Georgia, played collegiately for two seasons at Eastern Arizona Community College (2017-18), before transferring to the University of Kentucky (2019-21), where he appeared in 36 games, tallying 69 tackles, 10 passes defensed, three interceptions and one sack. He will wear No. 34 for Tampa Bay.

Webb (6-2, 212) entered the league as a college free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022. He spent the 2022 season between the Ravens practice squad and the New England Patriots active roster, appearing in 12 games and recording two special teams tackles. Prior to signing with Tampa Bay, Webb spent the first 10 weeks of this season on the Miami Dolphins practice squad. The Acworth, Georgia, native played collegiately at The Citadel (2017-21), appearing in 55 games and bringing in 102 receptions for 2,151 yards and 22 receiving touchdowns. He also added 37 carries for 433 yards and four touchdowns. He was named first-team All-Southern Conference in 2019. He will wear No. 17 for Tampa Bay.

In addition, the Buccaneers have waived tight endDavid Wells from the active roster, and released cornerback Don Gardner and safety Jaquan Johnson from the practice squad.

(Courtesy of the Buccaneers Communications Department.)