He’ll be back.
Does anyone really believe Bucs quarterback Jalon Daniels will start for the Bucs next Sunday when the Bucs travel to Carolina?
Joe likes Daniels, but really, there is a reason he was not drafted. Helluva story. Good guy. Shows promise. But he’s not a franchise quarterback. Yet.
Daniels showed signs he could be that guy — against a truly wretched defense in Dallas. Even Playoff Lenny was [jumping on the bandwagon](https://www.joebucsfan.com/2026/10/playoff-lenny-bucs-can-win-with-jalon-daniels/).
Joe fully expects Baker Mayfield to play next Sunday. Even if he is 30 percent. Even if he can’t throw the ball right. There’s just too much riding on it.
While it is highly unlikely the Bucs can win the division, there is still a chance. Minuscule, but a chance.
More likely, KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles is likely coaching for his career. If he can somehow turn this team around — the defense is playing solid ball — Bowles can always tell Team Glazer, “Hey guys, I figured it out. See how we won in the second half of the season?”
Joe doesn’t think that is possible. And Joe will add the only way he can see the Bucs going on any winning streak is with Mayfield barking signals.
Bowles isn’t going to risk his career banking on an undrafted free agent. Not after what we all saw in the second half against the Steelers.
In the immortal words of former Bucs offensive coordinator Todd Bowles, “We’re trying to save jobs.”