Thomas Bassinger

I am the sports data reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, and here are some of the things I believe: • Tecmo Super Bowl is the greatest sports video game of all time. • The eye test is bogus. It’s just a way to make your opinion sound more credible. • Football teams should almost always go for it on fourth and 1 and fourth and 2.

2019 NFL draft: Is FSU’s Brian Burns underrated? And should the Bucs draft him?

One projection model rates him as the best edge rusher in this year’s class.

By Thomas Bassinger April 15 at 2:00 PM

Pulling the goalie: Why the Lightning’s Jon Cooper is one of the NHL’s most aggressive coaches

He says it’s better to be earlier than late. The numbers back him up. They also say he should act sooner.

By Thomas Bassinger April 12 at 4:00 PM

2019 NFL draft: The Buccaneers have been building their defense wrong. Here’s a fix.

They might want to follow the lead of the Patriots, whose blueprint is the complete opposite.

By Thomas Bassinger April 8

Reports: Marc Trestman adds to XFL’s Tampa Bay coaching staff

His rumored picks for offensive and defensive coordinator last coached in the CFL.

By Thomas Bassinger April 2

2019 NFL draft: Buccaneers trade-down scenarios

For the second straight year, Tampa Bay is in position to capitalize on another team’s pursuit of a franchise quarterback.

By Thomas Bassinger April 2

The Buccaneers have signed Blaine Gabbert, the worst quarterback available

Coach Bruce Arians loves him. But why?

By Thomas Bassinger March 27

NFL Mock Draft Monday: Don’t fall in love

The chances that a player is better than the next player chosen at his position? Research shows it’s a coin flip.

By Thomas Bassinger March 25

The Rays’ opener strategy: Did it work?

At first glance, it appears so, but other variables could have contributed to Tampa Bay’s surge.

By Thomas Bassinger March 22

Who is Jameis Winston? We still don’t know.

The game tape and numbers paint a picture of a maddeningly inconsistent quarterback.

By Thomas Bassinger March 21

NFL Mock Draft Monday: Will Devin White be Kwon Alexander 2.0 for the Buccaneers?

If Tampa Bay chooses the linebacker in the first round, it likely will be passing on the chance to upgrade its pass rush.

By Thomas Bassinger March 18

NFL Mock Draft Monday: The Bucs’ No. 1 priority is ...

Tampa Bay wants to be aggressive on defense. It’ll need upgrades in its secondary for that to work.

By Thomas Bassinger March 11

Takeaways from the Tampa WrestleMania 36 announcement

Plus, a prediction for the main event.

By Thomas Bassinger March 8

ADVERTISING