[](https://www.joebucsfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/ShepardGodwinMayfield.png)So Tuesday’s spring Bucs practice was open to media (many are not) and an invite also was extended to many retired Buccaneers.
Joe had a nice chat with one in attendance about the current team.
Unfortunately, the ex-Buc wasn’t speaking to Joe to get his name published here. So Joe is keeping the guy’s identity out of this post.
The former player had a theme to his take on the state of the team: the Bucs are in the class of the Lions or Eagles.
Joe promises there are no signs of brain damage on this ex-Buc. He was well aware the Bucs beat the Lions and Eagles last season and mentioned it before Joe did. The prevailing commentary was that the Bucs do not have what it takes to beat Detroit or Philly in the playoffs; Tampa Bay cannot up its game in the postseason.
Why that is, the former player didn’t isolate shortcomings of Todd Bowles, roster makeup or leadership. “It’s just not there,” he concluded.
Joe doesn’t have a strong opinion on this. It’s a new season. The Bucs have a lot to prove, and the tools required to do it.
If the Bucs reach the postseason again and don’t win a playoff game, well, that certainly would spark a fresh round of questions and concerns.