2026 desk · Week 3
Week 3 desk
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Bucsvs
VikingsBucs 0-2·Vikings 2-0
Sun, Sep 27 · 4:05 PM ET · FOX
Desk take · Week 3
The Bucs are 0-2 for the first time in 12 years, and Minnesota rolls into Raymond James at 2-0. Brian Flores does not play defense so much as he conducts a home invasion, blitzing on 79.3 percent of snaps with eight sacks already. The Bucs' line has not played like a top-three group, and the interior is where he will attack. Bucky Irving is the matchup Tampa can actually win, so feed him and maybe somebody finds the win column.
Desk pulse
Current pick
4
Top need
True WR1. Godwin’s in a late-career window, Evans is gone, Egbuka looks like a great #2 — unless Hurst pops, elite receiver is the board.
Desk at 4
Jeremiah Smith· WR, Ohio StateDesk WR1 at 4. Alpha outside presence the room is missing with Evans gone — Godwin’s window is late-career, Egbuka looks like a great #2 unless Hurst forces a rethink.
Worth reading
@gregaumanFriExternalAuman: Bain and Trotter ruled out for Sunday
Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter both ruled out for Sunday by Bowles.
JoeBucsFanFriExternal“We’ll Be Just Fine”
Joe: Cody Mauch says the offensive line just needs in-game reps to get back on the same page, and they’ll be just fine.
Pewter ReportFriExternalPewter Report Podcast: Can Bucs Handle The Vikings Blitzes?
Matt Matera on whether the Bucs can handle Brian Flores and the Vikings blitzes after two weeks of pass-protection trouble.
JoeBucsFanThuExternalTodd Bowles Doesn’t Seem Ready To Start David Walker
Joe: Bowles called Walker’s Browns sack great, then said the rookie still has fundamentals to learn and Sunday’s starters stay the same.
@BrandonThornNFLWedExternalWirfs dominant vs Verse on all 13 meaningful 1v1s
Thorn: Wirfs won all 13 meaningful 1v1 reps against Verse. Easy to miss after how the game ended.
Pewter ReportWedExternalBucs vs. Vikings: SR's Pick-6 Preview
Scott Reynolds on a do-or-die 0-2, Mayfield vs. Brian Flores, the pass rush against Kyler Murray, and T.J. Hockenson.
@gregaumanWedExternalAuman: Bain not practicing; shoulder in question
The rookie edge sat out Wednesday practice. Auman asks if the shoulder is part of the slow start.
ESPNWedExternalNFL Week 3 buzz: Bucs still in NFC South fight
Graziano and Fowler: the Bucs might still win the NFC South, but Carolina and New Orleans made it a real race.
JoeBucsFanWedExternalLightning Delays Are Influenced By TV Networks
Joe on the Browns lightning delay: broadcast networks, not a fixed NFL rule, decide how long the stoppage lasts.
Bucs WireTueExternalBucs want more from first-round pick Rueben Bain Jr.
Bowles says they need more from the No. 15 pick after 76 snaps, one tackle, and zero sacks through two games.
Bucs WireTueExternalBucs plan bigger role for Jalen McMillan after Week 2 return
Bowles says McMillan is healthy and close after seven Week 2 snaps; the role expands once he is fully ready.
Pewter ReportTueExternalPR Roundtable: Which Bucs Player MUST Improve In Week 3?
Staff picks Winfield, Anzalone, Mayfield, Mauch, Bredeson, and Vea as the must-bounce names before the Vikings.
JoeBucsFanTueExternalLeonard Fournette Thinks It's Time To Move On From Todd Bowles
Fournette on Fourth And South: “maybe the time is up” for Bowles after the Bucs fell to 0–2.
Pirate DeskTueVikings at Bucs, Week 3. Somebody Please Find the Win Column.
The Bucs are 0-2 for the first time in 12 years, and this isn't the way anyone pictured the new deal kicking off.
Pewter ReportMonExternalBucs vs Browns PFF Grades: Defense
Pewter’s PFF defense grades: Smith 78.4 on top, Anzalone 39.8 at the bottom (min. 10 plays).
Pirate DeskSunSmash the Panic Button: Bucs 0–2 Reality Check
After a 19–23 loss to Deshaun Watson’s Browns, Pirate Desk is done pretending this roster looks like a top team.
Pirate DeskThuBucs vs Browns Matchup Analysis: Where Tampa Bay Should Win
Ward owns the boundary, but slot and nickel, Cleveland’s rebuilt O-line, and a rusty Watson tilt Week 2 toward Tampa Bay if Godwin and Bucky get fed.
Pewter ReportFriExternalSR’s FAB 5: These Bucs Need To Be Bounce-Backaneers
Scott Reynolds on Bain/Diaby/Vea, Anzalone’s rough debut, Mayfield’s fumbles, and Week 1 headset issues heading into the Browns.
@LedyardNFLDraftThuExternalJon Ledyard on Bucs Week 1 All-22
Defensive miscues on the tape, a quiet defender he liked, and offensive standouts — opens his X post.
Pewter ReportMonExternalWeek 1 Snap Count Analysis: Bucs At Bengals
Pewter’s snap breakdown — Egbuka/Godwin, Trotter vs Anzalone, edge room quiet.
JoeBucsFanTueExternalRather Clean Week 2 Injury Report For Tampa Bay
JoeBucsFan on Parrish’s back and a quieter board heading into Cleveland.
Worth a Watch
No Excuses, Just Execution | The Todd Bowles Show
The Todd Bowles Show. No excuses, just execution.
Zac Robinson & Baker Mayfield Speak to the Media | Press Conference Live Stream
Thursday presser. Zac Robinson and Baker Mayfield speak to the media.
Rondé Barber Sounds Off on Baker Mayfield, Todd Bowles & the 0-2 Bucs
The Rondé Barber Show. Barber on Baker Mayfield, Todd Bowles, and the Bucs at 0-2.
Todd Bowles Looks Ahead to Week 3 vs. Vikings | Press Conference Live Stream
Wednesday presser. Bowles looks ahead to Week 3 against the Vikings.
Rashad Johnson on Creating Opportunities on Defense | Coaches' Room
Official Coaches' Room. CB coach Rashad Johnson with Casey Phillips after the Week 2 loss to the Browns.
