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.

The Buccaneers have the most Republican-leaning NFL fan base in the country

A FiveThirtyEight poll determined the political affiliations of every team’s fans.

By Thomas Bassinger February 15 at 6:00 AM

NFL Mock Draft Monday: A lesson from the Buccaneers’ 1995 draft

If Tampa Bay plays this right, it could build the foundation of a future contender.

By Thomas Bassinger February 11 at 12:30 PM

Review: The Tampa Bay Lightning’s new black alternate jerseys

Well, they’re not the worst things we’ve ever seen. (Looking at you, Buccaneers.)

By Thomas Bassinger February 8

Super Bowl LIII AfterMath: Timely takeaways for the Buccaneers

On handling pressure, questionable officiating and why players matter more than coaches.

By Thomas Bassinger February 4

Super Bowl LIV oddsmakers’ response to Buccaneers’ hiring of Bruce Arians: ‘Meh’

The Patriots, Rams and Chiefs are among the favorites to take home the Lombardi Trophy next season.

By Thomas Bassinger February 4

FIRST LOOK: MLB’s onfield 2019 St. Patrick’s Day caps

Here’s a glimpse at the new looks for the Rays, Yankees, Phillies and others.

By Thomas Bassinger February 3

Patriots-Rams Super Bowl LIII preview: The ultimate guide to before, during and after the game

Plus: Why New England will win its sixth championship and third in five seasons.

By Thomas Bassinger February 1

Can Bruce Arians revive the Buccaneers like Sean McVay revived the Rams?

Two years after escaping from minister of mediocrity Jeff Fisher, Los Angeles is in the Super Bowl and has become a beacon of hope for disillusioned fans in Tampa Bay.

By Thomas Bassinger January 31

Super Bowl quarterback rankings: The best and worst performances of all-time

Don’t show this list to Tom Brady. Yes, he’s a four-time MVP, but others have had better games, including two former Buccaneers.

By Thomas Bassinger January 28

Super Bowl LIII preview: The Patriots do not care if you are tired of them

What? Did you really think you’d get Andy Reid and the Chiefs?

By Thomas Bassinger January 20

To be playoff contenders, the Buccaneers need more than Bruce Arians. Here’s the proof.

“What a fool believes, he sees.” — Michael McDonald

By Thomas Bassinger January 17

NFL playoffs AfterMath: Football announcers gone wild

When a team trailing by 15 points in the fourth quarter scores a touchdown, it should NOT settle for the extra point. It should attempt a two-point conversion.

By Thomas Bassinger January 14

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