Sports Day Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay Times
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Your daily home for Tampa Bay sports. Award-winning Tampa Bay Times journalist Rick Stroud teams up with Steve Versnick every weekday to break down the biggest stories across the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, USF, and beyond. From locker room insight to trade rumors, injury updates, and the moves shaping each franchise, Rick and Steve go beyond the headlines with reporting you won't find anywhere else — plus regular mailbag segments answering listener questions. New episodes drop every weekday morning, making it the ultimate insider's guide to sports in the Bay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 11h ago

    Baker Mayfield's 3 Fumbles Sink Bucs in Bengals' Loss & Caminero’s Walk-Off HR Send Rays To Playoffs

    Four turnovers, three by Baker Mayfield, and the Bucs handed Cincinnati a game they had no business winning. Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick break down a brutal season-opening 33-27 loss in which Baker Mayfield lost three fumbles for the first time in his career — including one stripped into the end zone for a touchback and another where he held the ball nearly five seconds before getting sacked and stripped, despite left tackle Tristan Wirfs blocking his man 11 yards deep in the backfield. Add in a lost fumble from Bucky Irving, and Tampa Bay finished with four turnovers in a game Joe Burrow himself admitted should have been a blowout. Rick explains why this fits an uncomfortable pattern in Baker's career, contrasts it with Tom Brady's turnover-averse style, and breaks down why the defense — outside of rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter's historic debut (10 tackles, a sack, and a 34-yard pick-six, the first player ever to record a sack and a pick-six in his first NFL game) — couldn't get off the field when it mattered, with Alex Anzalone struggling badly and the pass rush managing just two combined tackles from Rueben Bain Jr. and Yaya Diaby. Rick and Steve also point to real bright spots — Chris Godwin's fresh legs, Emeka Egbuka's early looks before Cincinnati adjusted, and Ted Hurst's late-game flashes — and explain why "week one is a liar" before looking ahead to a desperate Browns team on Sunday. Then some much better news: the Rays clinched a playoff spot behind Junior Caminero's walk-off 40th home run, becoming the first team in MLB to punch its postseason ticket. Plus USF's wild last-second win over Army and the Ohio State-Texas classic. In this episode: Baker Mayfield's three fumbles and the Bucs' four total turnovers in the 33-27 lossThe Tristan Wirfs sack that shouldn't have happened, explainedJosiah Trotter's historic debut: a sack and a pick-six in his first NFL gameWhy Alex Anzalone and the Bucs' pass rush struggled to make an impact"Week one is a liar": what to actually take from the lossLooking ahead to Sunday's game against the BrownsRays clinch a playoff spot on Junior Caminero's walk-off 40th homerUSF's last-second win over Army and the Ohio State-Texas thriller Send your mailbag questions to @SportsDayTB on X or email rstroud@tampabay.com. And get on down to Breitling Boutique at International Plaza — mention Sports Day Tampa Bay when you go. #TampaBayBucs #BakerMayfield #Bengals #TampaBayRays #NFL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 3d ago

    Bucs-Bengals Week 1 Preview: Can Tampa Bay's New Look Defense Slow Down Joe Burrow?

    Rick Stroud breaks down every angle of Sunday's opener in Cincinnati — and whether Tampa Bay's overhauled defense is ready for one of the NFL's most explosive passing attacks. Rick and Steve Versnick dig into the Bucs' offseason defensive makeover — A'Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, rookie Reuben Bain Jr. and first-year starter Josiah Trotter — and weigh it against a Bengals offense built around Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, a trio that's been playing pitch-and-catch since their LSU days. The verdict: the Bucs' interior run defense with Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey should hold up, but a thin cornerback room behind Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish is the matchup to watch if the pass rush doesn't get home. They also revisit the "week one is a liar" theory — last year's Bucs started 6-2 before collapsing down the stretch — before Rick offers a bold score prediction for Sunday's 1 p.m. kickoff. Before that, they break down Mike Evans' electric Niners debut in Australia (a highlight-reel fade-route touchdown) in a lopsided win over the Rams, and what it means for a loaded NFC West. Then it's over to the Rays, who open a home series against Houston with a chance to clinch a playoff berth — potentially the first team in MLB to do so this year, and their first postseason trip in three years. Plus a look ahead to Saturday night's Ohio State-Texas showdown, and a special tribute to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. In this episode: Bucs-Bengals Week 1 preview: can Tampa Bay's new-look defense contain Burrow, Chase and Higgins?Why the Bucs' cornerback depth is the matchup to watchRick's score prediction for Sunday's opener in CincinnatiMike Evans' big 49ers debut in Australia, and the loaded NFC WestRays open a homestand with a chance to clinch a playoff spot — first in MLB this yearKevin Cash's case for AL Manager of the YearOhio State at Texas: Saturday night's marquee college football matchupRemembering 9/11, twenty-five years later Send your mailbag questions to @SportsDayTB on X or email rstroud@tampabay.com. And get on down to Breitling Boutique at International Plaza — mention Sports Day Tampa Bay when you go. #TampaBayBucs #BengalsBucs #JoeBurrow #TampaBayRays #NFL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. 4d ago

    How Baker Mayfield's $165M Deal Came Together & Rays' Magic Number Drops to 14 with Win in Atlanta

    Baker Mayfield's new deal came together in about 48 hours — and he found out while he was at the movies with his kids. Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick go behind the scenes of how the Bucs and Baker Mayfield actually got the extension done: a Monday-night dinner text, a Tuesday call during a family trip to see Cars, and a deal that landed him in a three-way tie for third among NFL quarterbacks in average annual salary. They explain why there was never real animosity between Baker and GM Jason Light despite the "disrespectful" comments, why the Bucs' patience (the same approach that got Vita Vea signed) paid off, and why Baker's entire starting offensive line showed up to his press conference (Ben Bredesen's verdict: "phenomenal leader, phenomenal teammate"). They also use the NFL's chaotic opening night — Sam Darnold going down early for Seattle — to explain exactly what's riding on Tampa Bay's quarterback depth chart if Baker ever goes down behind him. Then it's over to the Rays, winners again in Atlanta (7-2) behind a dominant Griffin Jax outing, holding their four-game lead over the Yankees with the magic number down to 14. Rick and Steve break down why the Rays' remaining schedule is brutal compared to New York's, then dig into a mailbag question on why Chandler Simpson — hitting .300-plus with 41 steals against just 46 strikeouts, on a homecoming week in his native Atlanta — isn't getting more MVP buzz next to teammate Junior Caminero. Plus: the NFL's wild Wednesday-night opener (Drake Maye's three picks, Drew Lock's relief heroics), remembering former Lightning coach Barry Melrose, and why you should circle October 8th on your calendar for a potential four-sport Tampa Bay night. In this episode: How Baker Mayfield's $165M extension actually came together — in 48 hours, at a movie theaterWhy the entire Bucs offensive line showed up to his press conferenceThe QB depth chart: Jalen Daniels vs. Easton Stick if Baker goes downRays win again in Atlanta: Griffin Jax dazzles, magic number drops to 14Chandler Simpson's historic season and the Rays' MVP debate (mailbag)NFL opening night chaos: Sam Darnold's injury and Drake Maye's rough debutRemembering former Lightning coach Barry MelroseWhy October 8th could be a four-sport night in Tampa Bay Send your mailbag questions to @SportsDayTB on X or email rstroud@tampabay.com. And get on down to Breitling Boutique at International Plaza — mention Sports Day Tampa Bay when you go. #TampaBayBucs #BakerMayfield #TampaBayRays #MLB #NFL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. 5d ago

    Baker Mayfield Signs A $165 Million Extension with Bucs & Rays' Magic Number Drops to 15

    Baker Mayfield just got paid — Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick break down every angle of his stunning new deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Five days before kickoff in Cincinnati, the quarterback who swore he was done negotiating got a call from the Bucs' front office and agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension through 2029 that lands him right in the Stafford-Lawrence-Allen tier of starting quarterbacks. Rick and Steve unpack how the deal is structured, why cooler heads prevailed after Baker's training-camp "disrespectful offer" comments, and why the real pressure starts now — Baker has just one playoff win as a Buc, and it's time for the wins to start piling up if he wants to be remembered for more than the paycheck. Then it's over to the Rays, who took game one in Atlanta 7-1 behind a strong start from Freddy Peralta and a monster night from the lineup: Junior Caminero's AL-leading 39th home run (in his literal hometown), Chandler Simpson's 40th stolen base, and homers from Yandy Diaz, Richie Palacios and Liam Hicks. Tampa Bay's magic number is down to 15 with an 18-games to play with a four-game lead over the Yankees, even as Taylor Walls heads to the IL. Plus: the NFL season finally kicks off tonight with a rematch of last year's Super Bowl, LSU's wild standoff with the SEC over roster rules, and Jameis Winston's new (and very self-aware) commercial. In this episode: Baker Mayfield's 3-year, $165M extension — deal structure, market comparisons, and what it means going forwardWhy Rick says the winning has to start now for BakerRays 7-1 win over the Braves: Caminero's homecoming homer, Simpson's 40-steal milestone, Peralta's hot streakTampa Bay's magic number, AL East lead, and where the Rays rank across MLBTaylor Walls to the IL, and how the Jorge Mateo pickup is paying offNFL Kickoff Night: Patriots-Seahawks previewLSU vs. the SEC: fallout from a wild roster showdownJameis Winston's DoorDash ad and his broadcasting future #TampaBayBucs #BakerMayfield #TampaBayRays #NFL #MLB Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. 6d ago

    Bucs vs Bengals Preview: Joe Burrow, Emeka Egbuka Injury Update & NFC South Predictions

    It's finally NFL Week 1. Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick preview Sunday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals showdown, breaking down the injury news on Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan, why new captain Alex Anzalone and the retooled Buccaneers defense face their toughest test yet against Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, and what rookie corner Jacob Parrish said about drawing one of the NFL's best receiver duos in his first career start. Plus, full breakdown of the Buccaneers' NFC South odds and why Rick still has Tampa Bay as the team to beat over New Orleans, Atlanta, and Carolina. Also in this episode: the wild controversy behind Michigan's disputed clock-management win over Western Michigan, Lane Kiffin's leaked halftime rant in LSU's blowout of Clemson, season-opening wins for Florida and USF under new coach Brian Hartline, and the Tampa Bay Rays end their 10-game losing streak in Texas plus Aaron Judge returns to the Yankees lineup down the stretch. Subscribe for daily Tampa Bay Buccaneers news, Rays coverage, and NFL and college football analysis from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times and Steve Versnick. Topics covered in this episode: Buccaneers vs Bengals Week 1 preview and predictionEmeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan injury updateJacob Parrish and Yaya Diaby interviews from One Buc PlaceJoe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins scouting reportAlex Anzalone named team captainTampa Bay Buccaneers NFC South odds and predictionsMichigan vs Western Michigan controversial finishLane Kiffin, LSU rout Clemson, leaked halftime speechFlorida football and USF Week 1 recapsTampa Bay Rays update: Texas Rangers series, Aaron Judge returns for Yankees, 4-game lead with 19 to play #Buccaneers #TampaBayBuccaneers #Bengals #JoeBurrow #NFL #TampaBayRays #CollegeFootball #SportsDayTampaBay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 4

    Killer Instinct: Why Baker Mayfield Thinks This Bucs Team Is Different

    Baker Mayfield opens up to Rick Stroud about why he shut down contract talks during Training Camp, and more importantly, why he believes this Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster finally has the "killer instinct" that's been missing. Rick and Steve break down how veteran additions like A'Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches have reset the locker room's attitude, why Baker — the ultimate underdog — is feeding off a roster full of players with chips on their shoulders, and whether that edge can actually fix a team that blew too many fourth-quarter leads a year ago. The guys also preview a wide-open NFC South, break down why the Cincinnati Bengals are a brutal Week 1 test for a suspect Bucs secondary, and look ahead to next week's can't-miss interviews with Mayfield and Todd Bowles. Plus: Greg Schiano's stunning loss to UMass at Rutgers, Alex Golesh catching heat for trashing USF on his way out the door to Auburn, a loaded college football weekend, and the Rays' rough start to a road trip in Texas as the AL East race tightens down the stretch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 3

    Deepest Position - Todd Bowles Has Some Explaining to Do and Is WR a Strength For The Bucs?

    Todd Bowles dropped a surprise answer this week when asked what the deepest position on the Buccaneers roster is — and it wasn't the offensive line, the edge rush, or a wide receiver room that's six or seven deep. Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick dig into why Bowles named inside linebacker, break down the additions of Josiah Trotter, Alex Anzalone and a recovering Christian Roseboom, and debate whether that's really the strength Bowles says it is or just coach-speak aimed at the locker room. From there, the guys take a hard look at the receiver room in the wake of Mike Evans' departure — is Emeka Egbuka ready to be a true No. 1, what does a banged-up Egbuka and Jalen McMillan mean for Week 1 in Cincinnati, and why rookie Tez Johnson and Georgia State product Ted Hurst could be the X-factors who decide how explosive this passing game really is. Plus: the case for why the Bucs' defense — not the offense — might be the most improved unit on the team heading into the opener. Rick and Steve also touch on the wild logistics of the 49ers-Rams game in Australia, recap the Rays' rough series loss to the Mets and where the rotation stands heading into the stretch run, and look ahead to a loaded weekend of college football with LSU-Clemson headlining the return of GameDay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Sep 2

    Jason Light Explains the Jalen Daniels Decision and the Bucs' Roster Keeps Churning

    Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick recap today’s media avail with Bucs GM Jason Light, who revealed the call to make Jalen Daniels the number two quarterback was essentially made before he ever took a preseason snap — how quickly he absorbed the offense in practice sealed it, and his comeback wins over the Jets and Chiefs only confirmed it. Rick and Steve dig into just how rare, and risky, this is: undrafted rookie quarterbacks have started only 0.5% of possible games over the last decade, going a combined 10-19, and the move says as much about how unimpressed the Bucs were with the still-unsigned Jake Browning as it does about their faith in Daniels. They also cover the day's brutal roster churn — undrafted linebacker Caden Fordham made the 53, then was released hours later to open a spot for cornerback Kevin Knowles (claimed off waivers from the Chiefs), while pass rusher Jack Pyron, who'd racked up two sacks in the preseason finale alone and looked like their best defensive standout in camp, got scooped up by Kansas City. Plus, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan sat out a bonus practice (nothing to worry about, per the team), and Rick previews a potential shootout at Cincinnati against Joe Burrow, teasing — again — the "weaker than you'd think" position group he'll finally reveal tomorrow. Then the Rays cruised past the Mets behind a strong start from Freddy Peralta, who shook off a leadoff homer to his old team's Francisco Lindor and settled in from there, allowing just two more hits. Tampa Bay's offense keeps rolling — Yandy Diaz, Chandler Simpson, Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda all sit among the AL's top nine hitters, and the Rays' team batting average leads all of baseball, four points better than the Dodgers and 11 points better than the next-closest AL club. Their magic number is down to 11 for a playoff spot and 20 to clinch the AL East, with the Yankees lead sitting around four and a half to five and a half games depending on how New York's late West Coast game with the newly-sold Angels shakes out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Your daily home for Tampa Bay sports. Award-winning Tampa Bay Times journalist Rick Stroud teams up with Steve Versnick every weekday to break down the biggest stories across the Bucs, Rays, Lightning, USF, and beyond. From locker room insight to trade rumors, injury updates, and the moves shaping each franchise, Rick and Steve go beyond the headlines with reporting you won't find anywhere else — plus regular mailbag segments answering listener questions. New episodes drop every weekday morning, making it the ultimate insider's guide to sports in the Bay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Tampa Bay Times
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    2K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Tampa Bay Times All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Sports Day Tampa Bay