The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hate Running The Ball - But Why?
by Sander on Dec 21, 2011 11:45 AM EST
in Scheme Analysis
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PrintHere's one baffling statistic: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing attempts. They have 313 rushing attempts on the year. They have run the ball less than the Detroit Lions, who have had about half a healthy running back all season long and have a very strong passing game. They have run the ball less than the Indianapolis Colts, who are forced to play catchup and pass near constantly. They've run the ball less than the Cleveland Browns, whose 3.6 yards per rushing attempt rank last in the league.
More confusingly, the Bucs rank dead last in the NFL in carries despite getting 56 rushes from their quarterbacks, which ranks fifth in the NFL. You can add 7 receiver rushes to that total as well. That leaves the Bucs with the ridiculous total of 250 rushing attempts for running backs.
The Bucs have done all this despite a pretty efficient running game. On the season the Bucs have averaged 4.4 yards per carry, which is tied for the ninth best mark in the NFL. In Football Outsiders' opponent and situation adjusted numbers, the Bucs rank 14th in rushing efficiency.
Of course, there's an explanation for that: before the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, ESPN reported that the Bucs had trailed more than any team in the NFL. That's unlikely to have changed, as the Bucs have spent just under one half in the lead since then. That certainly factors into it, but even considering that fact it's amazing that the team has not managed to run the ball more often. Losing Earnest Graham midway through the season certainly must have hurt too, as Kregg Lumpkin hasn't shown he can do much - but it's not like Mossis Madu has gotten much of a chance, either.
The Bucs are lucky enough to have a running back who can be the foundation of an offense, even if he is limited to running between the tackles, but they haven't used him as such. This would be excusable if Josh Freeman was having a good year and he was making up for the lack of a running game by destroying opposing defenses through the air. Obviously that has not happened.
So, the Bucs are saddled with a quarterback who has been shaky all season long, and decide to run the ball less frequently than they did last season when that quarterback was having a great season. Makes perfect sense, right?
To me, the hallmark of a good coach is one who manages to recognize the weaknesses of his personnel and adjusts his scheme to compensate. Greg Olson has been completely incapable of doing that this season. Look no further than the running game for proof of that.
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We've been pointing that out on here all season
He just refuses to run, especially when the running game is working. It makes no sense at all. It should be a criminal offense to use Blount this poorly.
Yugly.
by aakks on Dec 21, 2011 12:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
My guess is
that Olson is trying to look like a great playcaller and is in a hurry to put up points so his offense looks good, so he looks good. So he tries to air it out and rack up yards. But in the process, we become predictable, making us less effective. This leads to us getting behind. Now we have to pass more to try and catch up. It’s a vicious cycle of suck…
by flash_kiley on Dec 21, 2011 12:24 PM EST via Android app reply actions
For those that are wondering...
Freeman has 468 pass attempts to this point.
Blount has 176 carries.
That’s not good. Especially when you take into account Sander’s stat that we have rushed it 313 times this year. Why does our workhorse back only have 56% of our carries?!?!
by flash_kiley on Dec 21, 2011 12:36 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
To answer your question
The reason why is because they dont know what they are doing. But i believe we depend on Blount too much. We are one dimesional when running the ball and thats not good. So thats why we should draft Trent Richardson. Get back to BUC BALL!
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
There's no point in arguing with you
"I'm a little dysfunctional
You're the problem, Please don't awakin me
And I'm that way cause back in the day
Most have forsaken me"
its not an arguement.
and i really like blount. he makes a lot of big runs… but he lacks that initial speed when he hits the hole, and its only a certain point of time that the defense keys in on him running the ball and put 9 or 10 men in the box. Blount cant do it alone. And we cant depend on him as a every down back. He needs some help back there.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
I still think
That if we add a speedy back and utilize some two back sets, we could really open things up.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:38 PM EST up reply actions
I thought the bucs were in love with the Dennard guy?
I have a strong feeling that the Bucs are going to end up trading down
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
The Bucs 'like' Dennard per Charlie Campbell
He said that a few months ago. That they like him does not mean they love him, nor does it mean they want him over other cornerbacks. And it says nothing about what they’ll think of him once the season is over, as they had no tape from this year to evaluate at the time.
Couldn't have said it better myself, Sander
Also note that Campbell finally gave up the ghost on that notion and mocked us Kuechly in his latest mock draft.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
I am on board with the Richardson Train
We need to get a dual threat backfield that can eat clock and run the ball down the opposition’s throat.
Denver is winning the AFC West bc of their running ability.
Richardson is going to be the next Jones-Drew, and we should draft him just bc he is a beast and will not be a bust…. coughs…. McCoy.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Dec 21, 2011 12:58 PM EST up reply actions
Denver is winning the AFC west because they have a defense
"I'm a little dysfunctional
You're the problem, Please don't awakin me
And I'm that way cause back in the day
Most have forsaken me"
I guess their # 3 overall pick
Is doing what a #3 overall pick should….
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Dec 21, 2011 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
I like it.
…only thing is…Richardson is better than Jones Drew. Bigger faster more powerful and can catch like a WR.
and since we have captain checkdown as our qb
we might as well get a good rb to catch out the backfield
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
yeah, Josh is looking for the first guy...if he isnt open
he either looks to his check down or focuses on the rush and runs the ball. It happens with young QBs. Tim Tebow is doing the same thing yet Denver’s D gives them a chance. The Bucs D….well…we all know how that is…lol.
Yea and i really dont have a problem with it if we have a good rb out the backfield that the defense know they have to watch out for.
But it does make me mad when Josh is checking down on 2 or 3rd and long down by 21 with only a little bit of time left…. (Texans, Cowboys games)
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
He has to check it down because no one is open
He has tried to make something happen by forcing throws to unopen receivers and that why he has so many ints. He hasnt had as many ints in the last few games because he is checking it down more
BC no one has break away speed to be open
We need a burner that can set the edge.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Dec 21, 2011 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
Garcon would look good in pewter
I was all about some D. Jackson, but he seems to about as sensible as Haynesworth…..
Those guys put themselves before the team, and we need to rid ourselves of all the BS like that. Bottome line, all players wit the “I, Me, Myself” attitude can hit the road.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Dec 21, 2011 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
Haynesworth has actually done work here
"I'm a little dysfunctional
You're the problem, Please don't awakin me
And I'm that way cause back in the day
Most have forsaken me"
Why are people still bagging on Haynesworth?
He has played OK since his arrival and hopefully will be back next year. He is a solid piece of a pretty good DL and as the NYG have proven historically – you cannot have too many good DL players.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 22, 2011 8:02 AM EST up reply actions
Give him an off-season...
a new head coach and some training camp in the Florida summer sun, and 2012 will be a much-improved year for everyone here. He is no cheerleader, and this team has basically given up for this season. Haynesworth feels nothing for Rah, and the prospect of having a new HC, new staff and new attitude (not to mention a new last place schedule) may be just what the doctor ordered for 2012.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 23, 2011 6:16 AM EST up reply actions
How much better would those checkdowns be to Richardson?
Richardson is the REAL DEAL. We need to nab this guy, and make our 1st round pick count for the 2nd year in a row.
Richardson works out so hard that the coaches have to tell him to stop.I want that guy carrying the rock.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Dec 21, 2011 5:45 PM EST up reply actions
I dont disagree with that pick
if its late or middle of round 1 (saying we trade pick). I still think we need to hit the free agency hard. Get guys like Garcon, players that want a championship and can be a leader. I will be dissapointed if we dont get at least 6 or 7 established players via free agency
Be prepared to be dissapointed....
Unfortunately.
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Dec 21, 2011 9:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i just want a corner so bad but your right trent richardson and blount would be very very physical matchup for any team
by Carlitin1988 on Dec 21, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions
I don't think we should take Richardson
I’m fine with Blount. We just need to get a good, explosive 3rd down back like LaMichael James.
Yugly.
specially if we could pick him up in the 3rd round or so
by Carlitin1988 on Dec 21, 2011 1:21 PM EST up reply actions
2nd round is a reach but since well be picking at 5-7 most likely then hell probably still be there in the 3rd
unless he blows up the combine. which is what i cant wait for. sucks thinking about next year and this year isnt done yet. remember mike will saying well make the playoffs this year …wtf happened
by Carlitin1988 on Dec 21, 2011 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Richardson will go in the 1st round....probably top 10.
…smoking the good stuff if you think he falls to the 3rd round. LMAO.
Im just saying im he's available we should get him.
Dont reach for him, but why pass on him because its the first round and then wait for James in the 3rd?
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Because we have other needs that take priority IMO
For example, linebacker- there just aren’t very many options out there in free agency and we need two new starters. So even if we add one in FA (Stephen Tulloch, say) we still need to draft a guy who can start on day one and be an improvement over Black and Hayes. That means committing a high pick- and that’s why if it’s a choice between Kuechly or Richardson, I think we should take Kuechly.
There should still be a lot of good RBs available in the 3rd. Richardson is great, but he isn’t necessary for us to improve the run game.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:44 PM EST up reply actions
I just dont want to grab a linebacker or corner just because we need on that may not be 1st round talent
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Not saying that we should stretch to take a talent not worth the pick
I’ve been arguing a similar point with those who have us drafting Dennard no matter what for months. Kuechly is worth a top 10 pick, probably not a top 5- as I’ve said, my dream scenario is for us to either take Claiborne or trade down to the 8-12 range, get the extra picks, and take Kuechly.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:50 PM EST up reply actions
yea we are going to end up trading down
but in the end i trust dominik in the draft
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Well, I'm not, and neither are you
What’s your bright idea?
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:52 AM EST up reply actions
and its a reason he doesnt get the ball much.
as of now hes a one dimensional back. a north and south runner. Brandon Jacobs type. He wont make people miss in the open field. Hes a pounder. Can we depend on that type of back solely by himself? I dont think he can. We need a one two punch.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
He also makes
A lot of people wish they’d have missed!
by RuudAwakening on Dec 21, 2011 6:31 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
So we have a coach who refuses to run the ball
Your solution: get more running backs. That does not compute.
maybe we dont run the ball because we literally have just one good running back.
and then we are supposed to just stay with the running backs that we currently have? thats your solution? that doesnt compute.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Actually, that's not my solution at all
My solution is picking a running back much later in the draft, where there are still good running backs available.
But you are still focused on getting that number one back at the top of the draft. Something that hasn’t been important in the NFL for about a decade.
My solution is to get the best players in the draft available.
We need help all across the board so if someone is jumping out as a potential star that we can have on the team why pass? either that or pick up somebody in fa that is proven. but we can pass up stars for someone who maybe ok at best just because we have a “hole” to fill.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
I don't disagree with getting good players
I just think there are other good players available who would help the Bucs more.
so there are other players that can help more than the best running back in the draft?
thats an oxymoron.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
What? No it's not
How is that an oxymoron?
The best running back in the draft is not the same as the best player in the draft, and certainly not the same as best player in the draft for every team. That’s just silly.
ehhhh i really dont see it in my opinion
with this draft and what we have and what we ar trying to do as a team running back would be a great upgrade across the board.
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
So you're saying that (hypothetically)
the Bucs getting Adrian Peterson would be more helpful than getting, say, Patrick Willis? That makes zero sense whatsoever. Our running back is manageable, while our LBs and DBs are not.
We want the ball, and we're gonna score!
Well put
A good running back is a nice addition. A good linebacker or cornerback is an absolutely critical and necessary addition.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:04 AM EST up reply actions
RB isn't that great.
…Blount can’t pick up blitz schemes so he comes out on 3rd down…hey defense, “we’re passing”
I blame that on the OC, not Blount
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:53 AM EST up reply actions
That's not what that actually means
The Bucs run the ball plenty on third down without Blount. And Blount really only comes out in obvious passing situations – when the Bucs are going to pass anyway. Having Blount in there or not doesn’t telegraph anything that the situation wouldn’t anyway.
if you mean there are others that are good and can help in different ways with less expense i agree with that
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
I'd argue that we don't rely on Blount enough
He’s been the most consistent playmaker on offense this season, and has shown some nice development with his receiving skills. Yes, Trent Richardson would be a wonderful addition to our offense- but as we’ve discussed before, I still believe we need to address defense first. Despite Olson, we’re still in the middle of the pack on offense, while we’re at the bottom of the heap on defense.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:37 PM EST up reply actions
we have addressed the defense in the draft for two years in a row.
its not going to show results immediatley especially at cornerback with a young defense with no vets
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Oh, we need to add some vets, no doubt
But we can’t ignore that we need help on defense more than on offense. Not saying that we should ignore offense, but it’s a lower priority.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
i think really the offense has been the most disappointing
and obviously its harder to improve your defense with an all rookie team
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
That was weird
It posted twice and omitted my text both times- ah well.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:51 PM EST up reply actions
defense is young enough.
….i think we should turn to FA for defense. Bringing in more rookies to start? come on dude.
Which free agents are you specifically suggesting we pursue?
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:57 AM EST up reply actions
I was wondering if anyone noticed this during the games. For some reason, our running scheme is zone based, but I know for a fact we do not have a zone blocking line…its more of a power forward line. Does Olson know that our line is supposed to be pushing forward, not sidesways moving? I do understand Blount is a zone back, but how come he never readjusted the scheme after Jags was fired?
by Marlon The Okayplayer on Dec 21, 2011 1:01 PM EST reply actions
Bucs run both zone and power plays
And the power plays are always more successful. I haven’t a clue why they insist on running zone plays.
Also Blount works better in Power plays than in Zone plays, imo.
Olsen has watched Gruden go pass happy is my guess.
We are talking about Olsen though the worse OC in the league so we can’t make sense out of his playcalling. Just saying we had a much better coach and play caller before him and we used to complain how he abandoned the run so yeah Olsen takes affer Gruden.
For not liking to run...
Olsen sure will be running out of Tampa this offseason haha ok ok, that was an awful joke.
If we are gonna get Richardson
Then we HAVE to get a corner in FA, and draft one in the second. And take a linebacker in the third, probably Nigel Bradham or Danny Trevathan.
by flash_kiley on Dec 21, 2011 2:14 PM EST via Android app reply actions
I would pass out with sure joy
if we took Richardson. I understand there are more needed positions but this guy will be special. Academic All-American (grasp the offense) that can block, catch, and run as well as anyone in the league. From day 1 entering the NFL he will be a top 5 running back. Mark it.
Now see this is exactly what i am envisioning!!!!!
Thats how it should go down!
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
yeah, Flash Kiley is on to something here...
….only if Flash Kiley was working at OneBuc instead of Dumb and Dumber.
I appreciate the kind words.
And I wish I was working at One Buc. :)
by flash_kiley on Dec 21, 2011 4:27 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Problem is, it's not a very deep draft class at the LB position
I think we need to draft one in the first or second round if we want an instant starter.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think Burfict may fall in the second round maybe third.
But even if not we can get a linebacker in the draft but lets not expect him to just come in and start.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
OK, but SOMEONE needs to start next year
and I’m not expecting that we can find and sign two quality linebackers in free agency. If you have ideas about who we could go after, please throw their names out there. If we don’t want to start Black or Hayes again, that leaves the draft.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 7:57 PM EST up reply actions
i dont know who is available at linebacker in FA
but the cycle still continues. starting a bunch of rookies and 2nd year players does not work.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Sure- we need to add veterans in FA
But that requires identifying the free agents, pursuing them, and closing the deal. The process starts with names.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:02 PM EST up reply actions
unless they are showing that they are a bonifide lights out starter they should not start just because they were drafted 1st round.
we have become spoiled with this process because of last years sucess….
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Well, sure
That part of what training camp is for- to compete and identify the best players at each position.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions
I dont think Mason Foster should have started at MLB this season.
For example. And then they cut a veteran and failed to resign another who was solid for us. So they are depending on a rookie to excel when thats just highly unlikely.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
I'm not making excuses for it.
But in the last game they showed a stat that said that Tampa has been losing for something like 70% total time of possession on the season. Teams run the ball less when playing from behind. We have been behind far more than any other team in the NFL, thus we have run the ball less.
That still doesn’t make up for it, but it does offer at least some explanation.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Just saw something to this effect in the portion after the jump
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
It just makes me sick that even if we are down by 21
and we are throwing why not put in Blount sometimes to even catch it out the backfield?
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
I think it's a few things. You mention a few of them and are right on (trailing for example)
but the other is the way our line is built and who we are building our team around. We cant settle for 1 yard gains on first down and allow Blount to get going because our offense cant go downfield. 3rd and 8 is a death sentence for us. So rather than try the short run and build it up, we rely on short routes because we cant create separation. 3rd and 3 we can convert. 3rd and 8 we might as well punt.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
And think about his running style
His yard per carry average is high because he has alot of big runs. But he gets stuffed alot for short yards or losses. So sometimes when we need him to pick up those yards it doesnt happen because the defense is so focused on stopping him. Once he gets stopped Olsen gets scared to run with him in those situations.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
The same could have been said for Chris Johnson, Barry Sanders etc.
YOu run that risk with some guys. Not everyone is Emmitt Smith who pick up 3 yards on every carry
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
Tru indeed
but if he cant get going who are we going to go to to help get the running game going?
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
Someone later in the draft
Or in free agency. It’s not like if you don’t pick Richardson, you can’t have another running back. You’re turning this into a false dichotomy. You approach it like it’s either Richardson or no one. That’s just not reality.
no im not saying that at all.
im saying if richardson is available then you get him. if he isnt then you get the next available running back whether its 2nd or 3rd round. its not richardson or nothing. but if he’s available you got to grab him.
Get it to Winslow. He's open!!!!
by dcbucsfan on Dec 21, 2011 8:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Why?
Will he have a bigger impact on this team than a good shutdown cornerback? Or a dynamic linebacker? Or an elite receiver?
You seem to assume that Richardson is the best player in the draft or something.
Yes. I think he would be a bigger impact.
what linebacker or cornerback this year that was a rookie that was dynamic or elite? you have a better chance of getting someone on offense who can show how dynamic or elite they are. and now you asking for a rookie cornerback and or linebacker to excel surronded by other 2nd and 3rd year players that are still learning themselves…. thats like having a ncaa defense against and nfl offense… no veterans at vital spots equals disaster. so yes i want the bigger impact on offense with another running back that will strengthen the offense for sure
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
It's not just about rookie impact
Think longer term here. You’re not selecting a player for one year, you’re selecting for (hopefully) 10+ years. Whether he’s going to be a star as a rookie is not the most important factor by any means.
No linebackers were selected high this year (other than pass rushers), but Patrick Peterson has had a pretty huge impact. And as for linebackers, the fact that every Defensive Rookie of the Year from 2003 through 2009 was a linebacker should clue you in that it’s not that hard to have an impact as a rookie as a linebacker. Jonathan Vilma, Demeco Ryans, Patrick Willis, Jerod Mayo and Brian Cushing are among those players.
You seem to be convinced that the Bucs must absolutely get rookie production out of their first pick, and that’s what matters. But the Bucs are building at team for the long haul, not just next year. In addition, it’s pretty common for rookie linebackers to make a big impact.
yea and these are rushing linebackers that are in the 3-4 for the most part.
so we are not going to draft that type of linebacker in our scheme
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
That's absolutely nonsense
Willis and Mayo were 3-4 inside linebackers, not rushers. Vilma, Ryans and Cushing were 4-3 linebackers, not pass rushers. None of those players I named were rush LBs. You are completely and utterly wrong.
Von Miller may be a pass rusher on third downs, but he plays Sam LB in a 4-3 on regular downs.
Cushing is a rushing linebacker now in the 3-4
He and Ryans started off in the 4-3 but regardless of the fact is more different for an inside linebacker in te 3-4 that the 4-3. and in this years draft i dont see any linebackers that are first round talent at linebacker position that would be able to play the 4-3. except maybe Burfict. So i dont think we need to get a linebacker in the first round this year. And you know that too.
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
For one, Cushing is not a rushing linebacker right now
He’s an inside linebacker, next to Ryans. For two, when he won the award as a rookie he played in a 4-3, not a 3-4.
Also wow, you have not looked at linebackers in this draft at all, have you?
you name one linebacker that is projected in the top 10.
dont worry ill wait
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
i havent seen any mock drafts at all mention any of them in the top 10.
sooo until i see something more concrete i wont believe it. and if it were true than we still need to draft trent richardson over any of them anyways
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
Here you go
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-DaneBrugler
Kuechly at #9.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/nfldraftscout-RobRang
Kuechly at #9
That took me about 5 seconds.
i would assume that we are getting first round talent to help immediatley and for ther long term since our team is so terrible.
so rookie impact is important and necessary or else we will continue to be drafting high.
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
A rookie impact is useful
It should not be the dominant reason to draft a player. That just leads to passing up talent because they can produce immediately.
its not like the talent is going to evaporate after 2 or 3 years...
I'm not jumpin off this titanic ship!!!!
Look, lets concentrate on defense this year and next.
then in a few years when james wilder jr. enters the draft, we get him. this kid will be a beast and would love to see the bucs greatest running backs son wear the cremesickle uni’s….
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Dec 21, 2011 9:44 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
James Wilder Jr? really?
what position? LBer or RB? He has already been knocked down the depth chart by a fellow freshman at RB. He needs to play LBer.
Wilder should remain at RB...
I mean, its in him genetically and as a LB he will get all beat up. Was a huge fan of his father, so it would be cool to see him in a #32 jersey playing for us down the road.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 22, 2011 8:18 AM EST up reply actions
he'll need to improve drastically
Freeman…a fellow freshman has passed him on the depth chart. Also, Nick Saban and Jimbo wanted him as a LB first..but the kid wanted to play rb …Jimbo gave in…he signed at FSU.
by akbrown15 on Dec 22, 2011 6:27 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Chris Johnson respectfully disagrees
"I'm a little dysfunctional
You're the problem, Please don't awakin me
And I'm that way cause back in the day
Most have forsaken me"
you come with we're looking for a player for 10 years...blah blah
….as if Richardson can’t be here for that long. Why don’t you have this reply to Rook is is hell bent on convincing people the Bucs need another rookie LB starter….lol..smh.
Well, what are you proposing we do at LB exactly?
Keep Black and Hayes? Find FAs, and if so who? I hear a lot of criticism and very few concrete suggestions.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
I just find it funny that Sander
tries to discredit others talking about impact players coming in as rookies when it doesn’t meet his fancy…yet he says nothing to you when you’re arguing the point to bring in a rookie to start at LB. I am new to this blog and noticing a few trends…that is all.
And all I'm asking
is what concrete suggestions you have. I have my own ideas, and you’re free to criticize them. But if all you have to offer is negativity and downing of other people’s ideas and you have nothing to offer in return but mockery, why should I listen to what you have to say? It’s easy to criticize, it’s hard to offer concrete suggestions.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 1:05 AM EST up reply actions
I am not criticizing your stance...
…i am merely pointing out others who are quick to criticize. I am not sold on bringing in a rookie to start on d…specifically this Kuechly kid you have mentioned 100 times over. I do not have a list in front of me of LB FA for 2012 however, I am sure there will be some and it would be a list our GM should entertain. Its his job to do so.
OK
Here’s a list. Please tell me which of these guys you think we should pursue and why you think they’re a better bet than a first round rookie prospect prior to training camp, where those decisions are usually made.
Kuechly’s a pretty impressive prospect. Sorry if I’m bugging you by bringing him up a lot, but I figure that a Butkus Award winner who set the new ACC record for tackles was worth the team’s consideration, seeing as how linebacker is one of our most crucial needs this offseason.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 1:19 AM EST up reply actions
You're not understanding what I mean
I was replying to dcbucsfan’s point that Richardson would be a great pick because he can start immediately. My response was that whether a player could start immediately should not be the overriding factor in determining who to draft.
I never said that rookies should not be starting, and I’m all for a rookie starter if he’s the best player for the position on the roster. I have no problems with that whatsoever. I just think that the long-term impact of a player is more important than the immediate dividends in a rookie year.
yes,
Richardson could very well be the best player in the draft. Do you get Bama games in Europe? Have you seen this man play?
He's good
But you’re ignoring the underlying point, which is that defense is a much more pressing concern than offense.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 12:56 AM EST up reply actions
it definitely is...but I think the D is young enough
…I would look into the FA market first…we need veterans on this defense…imo. If Claiborne is gone…I would either trade it down or take the best available player no matter the position because anything outside QB, OL, or Clayborn could be upgraded.
Fine
But again I ask: which free agents are you talking about?
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 22, 2011 1:06 AM EST up reply actions
How about LB Stephen Tulloch for one...
I was tooting his horn last year for a Ruud replacement, and perhaps S Dashon Goldson of SF? We only need a few vets to lend stability and can still draft wisely.
We just need to stop digging through the trash to fill our roster.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 22, 2011 8:07 AM EST up reply actions
Tulloch provides problems in pass defense
Very good at filling the hole and hitting downhill, but slow and vulnerable as a pass defender.
He would certainly present an upgrade, but he’d also present other porblems. Don’t know if that’s what would fit the Bucs’ scheme next season.
I suspect TEN would love to have him back...
and Ruud was/is better in coverage but playes the run like a 12 year old girl.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 23, 2011 6:18 AM EST up reply actions
I have
I think Richardson is very good. However, the fact that the running game is declining in importance, the fact that running backs don’t make huge impacts except in special players and the fact that the Bucs already have a #1 back and can pick up a complementary later in the draft all combine to reducing Richardson’s value for the team.
Blount isn't
the sharpest tool in the shed. He failed to qualify academically out of high school and had to go to JC in Mississippi before moving on to Oregon. I would think this not relevant but he is having a hard time learning the playbook. Also, he can’t play 3rd down because of his inability to grasp the blocking schemes. He has the physical tools to be an elite back, but he is far from being elite. We definitely could use another threatening RB…not just a 3rd down guy.
There are a lot of elite WR in next year's FA pool...
Wes Welker, Dwayne Bowe, DeSean Jackson, Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Marques Colston, Pierre Garcon, and Robert Meacham are just a few that are available.
We really dont need to draft a wideout if we can pick up 1 of these guys. This team needs a veteran WR.
Indy only has SO much cap room...
and with QB Andrew Luck coming on board, there simply may not be enough $$ to go around. Hopefully Dom will pull the pen out of his * and use it to sign a F/A… or six.
Garcon has the kind of outside speed I was clammoring for during the Draft. Certainly has to be accounted for or a long pass play will be the reward.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 21, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
Both of which lend improvement here...
so sign the Pro Bowler – see if I care.
by Cracker Ball on Dec 22, 2011 8:08 AM EST up reply actions
Those lists always look great
Until the offseason actually happens, and all of them are re-signed by their own teams.
At least one cornerback and linebacker
I’d target Stephen Tulloch and Carlos Rogers, who have been playing on one year contracts with new teams this year.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions
Its a big list...some will be around.
….curious, is it your job to try to contradict everything said? Seriously, I could have said, “there aren’t any good WR in FA next season” and you would come back with this same list. lol…smh…
Pot calling the kettle black.
As you can always expect come from behind victory is when you least expect it.
DeSean Jackson can be an upgrade over 2 postions.
He be my top choice out of that group, he can be the deep threat on the other side of MW whilewe move Benn to the slot. He can also return punts which will be an ugrade over Parker. While we talking about free agents we can go after Matt Forte which gives us that pass catching back we deperate need.
Jackson is a diva and a very selfish player
I’d prefer Bowe.
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:05 PM EST up reply actions
Yep
Eight straight losses and counting- time to go, Raheem.
by RookTakesYou on Dec 21, 2011 8:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yup, out of all the fA WR's mentioned, Bowe by far is my top choice.
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Dec 21, 2011 9:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I agree, why cant we get both?
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Dec 22, 2011 3:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Tulloch and rogers have been playing well in respectably good teams
I think they both get resigned by their own teams
by Carlitin1988 on Dec 22, 2011 12:16 AM EST via mobile reply actions
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