Daily Bucs Links 12/30/11 - The Bucs aren't giving up on Josh Freeman

by Sander on Dec 30, 2011 8:21 AM EST in Daily Bucs Links

Don’t Give Up On Josh Freeman | Pewter Report
I wouldn't, either.

Olson Hasn't Lost Faith In Freeman | Pewter Report
Neither have I - but others have.

Despite shaky season, Tampa Bay Bucs say Josh Freeman's future is bright - Tampa Bay Times
I have faith, but we'll have to see next season.

Offended By This Defense | Justin Pawlowski - 620 WDAE - The Sports Animal
Justin Pawlowski lets us know some of the players aren't buying into the defense.

NFC South can't stop the YAC - NFC South Blog - ESPN
The Bucs can't stop a lot.

Falcons aren't overlooking reeling Buccaneers | Fox Sports Florida
Yeah, that's what they always say.

Raheem Morris takes responsibility for Tampa Bay Bucs disappointing season - Tampa Bay Times
He's not the only person responsible.

Steve Spagnuolo, Raheem Morris, Jim Caldwell in danger of losing jobs - Don Banks - SI.com
Don Banks offers some potential head coaches, too. One interesting name: Brian Schottenheimer.

Three to Focus on: Buccaneers @ Falcons, Week 17 | ProFootballFocus.com
Newsflash: Jeremy Trueblood is a bad pass blocker.

Season's end also the end of Bucs era | TBO.com
End of the pure youth movement, possibly.

You can follow us on Twitter as @Bucs_Nation or on Facebook at Facebook.com/BucsNation

If you have a topic you want to talk about, remember that you can write a fanpost.

Barber Not Ready To Call It Career Just Yet | Pewter Report
Who knows how he'll feel in five days, though.

The Tape Never Lies: Dissecting the Tampa 2 coverage | Goal-Line Stand | Blogs | theScore.com
If you want to know how the Tampa 2 works, look no further.

JoeBucsFan.com | Donald Penn Wants Free Agents - Tampa Bay Bucs Football
So do a lot of fans.

Tampa Bay Bucs Joseph Named Team's Man of the Year | Bucs Scene
Deserved.

Bucs G Joseph nominated for Walter Payton Award | TBO.com
Yay.

Barber's future with Bucs may hinge on Morris | Fox Sports Florida
Same deal as yesterday.

King: Gruden the same guy as coach and broadcaster | ProFootballTalk
Dishonest. Shaun King also defends Raheem Morris here.

Joseph Named Bucs Man of the Year | Pewter Report
Everyone has a story about this.

Joseph Named Bucs' Man of the Year | Buccaneers.com
Everyone.

Tampa Bay Bucs: Ronde Barber Remains Class Personified Part II | Bucs Scene
More on Ronde.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris already looking ahead to 2012 - Tampa Bay Times
Unfortunately for him, his 2012 will likely be spent elsewhere.

A Versatile Backfield | Buccaneers.com
More time for Mossis Madu.

Added Motivation | Buccaneers.com
They can, like, force Atlanta to play the Saints! Great motivation.

[Video] Buccaneers Insider, 12/29/11 | Buccaneers.com
Insider on Ronde and Davin.

[Video] HC Raheem Morris Press Conference, 12/29 | Buccaneers.com
Seems like there's a press conference every single day.

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Comments

Freeman was horrible this year

Im not giving up on him yet but next year will be telling for him. If he sucks next year then we should be done with him.

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 10:17 AM EST via Android app reply actions

I dont think giving up on freeman even after another so, so year is a good idea, YET!

That QB from washington (Alamo bowl) looks like the real deal though.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 12:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

There wasn't a shred of defense in that game.

I find it ironic because the Alamo was all about DEFENDING something. They will need to rename the Alamo Dome the Alamo Ome after that game.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 12:48 PM EST up reply actions

You have to admit to the game being fun to watch.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 2:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Baylor vs Notre Dame?

yea that was a good’en

by Titankillah on Dec 30, 2011 2:55 PM EST up reply actions

^washington

by Titankillah on Dec 30, 2011 2:57 PM EST up reply actions

No defense, but wow....

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 3:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I don't think that was fun

It was attrocious defense

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 4:50 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Dont be sour puss calitin!

At least they played like our defense… lol. I thought it was fun… boo boo!!

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 5:05 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I enjoy watching rg3 so it was fun

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 5:11 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Have to give him more time.

He can be special with the right team around him. As a long-time fan, all I’ve ever wanted is a long-term QB. Not sure I can stomach starting over again.

The Bull Gator | @TheBullGator | Alligator Army | @JoelKLSmith

by The Bull Gator on Dec 30, 2011 3:35 PM EST up reply actions

Yea I am right there with you.

Josh Freeman will be the best QB this team has ever had. Its only his third year an if you go back an look at a lot of the best Qb’s in this league many had bad or worse then expected third years. So I have nothing but faith in him that he will bounce back from all this an with a off season this year I know that Free will be back on track towards having another year like 2010. We need a few more weapons for him ones that try an ones that will give their all everyday in practice an in the games I have seen players give up on plays this year on both sides of the ball but with a better coach one that adapts to his players strengths this team will be one to be reckoned with for years to come.

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Yep!!

I think it makes no sense to start over so soon. If freeman wasnt so promising after the 2010 season when he played so well, than yeah, I might be grumbling too. But to give him a short leash now would be so stupid. Remember when we had steve young here way back and we let him go too. Now he is a hall of famer. Keep freeman and with better coaching and players around him he can be our cornerstone.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 3:53 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Oh yea!

The man is all of 23 years old an is better then a lot in this league thats just my opinion an even the great Phillip Rivers had a down year this year so there is no way we should even be thinking about replacing him if we did I know it would come back to haunt us.

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 4:02 PM EST up reply actions

great point about Steve Young.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 4:20 PM EST up reply actions

yes...more weapons!..

…insert the Trent Richardson campaign here…. Please flame below.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 4:19 PM EST up reply actions

More and better weapons with an up graded offensive line

and solid coaching is what freeman needs. He has priven to me at least that he can be good if not outright spectacular..

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

what?

bq.As a long-time fan, all I’ve ever wanted is a long-term QB.

Someone just got knocked off the Dilfer’s Christmas card list next year.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd.

Well played.

The Bull Gator | @TheBullGator | Alligator Army | @JoelKLSmith

by The Bull Gator on Dec 30, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions

Justin Pawlowskis article

“I think we have all the pieces in place for a 3-4 defense,” the player said. “McCoy and Clayborn can play end, Price at nose, Bowers and Bennett outside, with Foster and Quincy inside.”

What do you guys think about that?

by Barbaric on Dec 30, 2011 10:38 AM EST reply actions

Skeptical about bowers on the outside

But I do like the idea of those 5 names on the field at the same time. Come on home cowher lol

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 10:42 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

If we play a penetrating 3-4 I think we will be okay.

The players might take to it. If it’s more of a traditional 3-4 where the line occupies blockers and the linebackers are the only penetrators, I can see Price, McCoy, and Clayborn getting disgruntled at some point.

by flash_kiley on Dec 30, 2011 11:06 AM EST via Android app up reply actions

Clayborn would fit in nicely as a SAM

in a 3-4. They are usually pass rushers anyway. Our defense is broken as is…so I dont think anyone should be opposed to any suggestions for change…at this point.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

If a new coach comes in and mixed it up like that

you are right, I’d go along for the ride. This defense cannot get much worse.

Yugly.

by aakks on Dec 30, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions

Honestly..

I think this would be a great Idea just s ya’ll pointed out we can not get any worse an I know that we are not really made for it but hey what the he11

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

I don't think Clayborn would work as a linebacker in space, really

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by Sander on Dec 30, 2011 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

Exactly. Clayborn doesn't have the lateral quickness needed for a SAM linebacker.

He would be a great penetrating 5-technique, though. As would McCoy.

by flash_kiley on Dec 30, 2011 12:45 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

really? I think Clayborn shows great quickness...

…I see him flourishing in that postition. See Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw. He plays the SAM for Alabama and has a hand on the ground every down. His play actually reminds me of Clayborn.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

in a 3-4, the SAM is essentially a rush D end.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

or shall I say, they do rush....the other responsibility is to

maintain/close the outside (same responsibility as a true DE in a 4-3.) The only caveat is they are always on the strong side.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Clayborn has quickness, I agree

I was more thinking of sideline to sideline pursuit. When I think of 3-4, I think of Ware, Matthews, Woodley. Thinking about it, Tamba Hali has flourished in a 3-4
I think Clayborn’s skill set is similar.

Then would we put Clayborn and Bowers at the OLBs, Price and McCoy to the 5-techniques, and Okam, Miller, or a rookie to the NG. It would essentially be a 5-2. We could definitely stop the run. Putting Kuechly and Foster at the MLB spots. Both very instinctual and sound tacklers. Dang I like the thought of that. I hate getting my hopes up…come on Cowher!! haha

by flash_kiley on Dec 30, 2011 3:44 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

That does sound pretty vicious

I love the sound of that with the proper coaching that would a very dangerous defense. I really am going to be sad when this doesnt happen thowe all know its not going to

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 3:51 PM EST up reply actions

That depends on the type of 3-4 you're talking about, really

If you mean a Phillips 3-4, sure. But that’s just a 4-3 under with a DE having his hand off the ground. If you’re talking about a two-gap 3-4 a la Pittsburgh, LBs need to work in space more.

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by Sander on Dec 30, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions

I am a little leary of a switch

Just as Sander states it would have to be the Phillips style of 3-4 we do not have the pieces for the Pitt or Balt style. Honestly it can’t get worse. With what Phillips did in Houston I can see it working for us they have a 300 pound LB in Williams so I can see Clayborn/Bowers in the same kind of mold an I would like there to be a big change on defense. So maybe it could work for us. I just hope that we get a Coach that actually knows what he is doing an that is going to push this team to be the best they can be. I have been sick an tired of this team for the past 4 years since we had that what 5 game losing streak that ended the Gruden era. The Carolina game that year made me sick an I have not recovered since. Lets Go BUCS and get us a REAL Coach please thats all I want for the next 20 Christmas’s and birthdays I just want to be able to believe in my team again an know that I will be watching them play deep into January again, I hope that the super Bowl lands on my Birthday with Tampa there one day in the future. Off with Raheem and Olson’s head already stop this embarrassment that we all have been going through for so long I miss the Days of the Bucs D stomping mud holes in the NFL. This is all I want is for the Glazers do the right thing an STOP being cheap. Get us a coach an some veteran leaders for this team we need it more then anyone else Regardless of the record I feel we are the worse team in the nfl right now.

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions

Your wish will be fulfilled.....

I hope!!

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 3:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Me too my friend me too.

I seriously have only been wishing an hoping for this my best friend is a diehard Saints fan I am sick of his bs talk about them being the best team in the division its time we take back the crown that is rightfully ours again

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 4:03 PM EST up reply actions

Brees is nearing the end thank god

though he will be good for a few more years. The team that will be a thorn in our side for many years to come will be the freaking panthers.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I would not mind us taking QB Kellen Moore...

of Boise St. That kind can sling and have that intagible quality. If Freeman can not return to form, I think we could eventually win with Kellen Moore at the helm. Needs a good OC/QB coach like a Norv Turner to mentor him.

by Cracker Ball on Dec 30, 2011 5:54 PM EST up reply actions

maybe we can get him in the 7th or 8th round.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 8:04 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

A lot of hoping in that scenario.

by NewLogic on Dec 30, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

That's a lot of position changes

I have big doubts that would work out very well.

Yugly.

by aakks on Dec 30, 2011 11:25 AM EST up reply actions

Nonsense

I’d only agree with that if he was talking about a Phillips-style one-gap 3-4, but then there’s no real change: you’re just asking a guy to take his hand off the ground instead of keeping it on the ground.

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by Sander on Dec 30, 2011 12:25 PM EST up reply actions

The 3-4 works for

The teams that max it out and are successful with the 3-4 also have veteran know how fueling their defensive machine, we don’t. Not to say we can’t run it with the guys we do have, I’m just not convinced it’d be as successful without some very key additions. It’d be interesting to see the likes of Dekoda Watson and a few other guys like Bowers, McCoy, & Bennett would get shifted around in a 3-4. I say 2 LBs maybe a De and a freakishly physical Safety and we’d be 3-4 ready

by GoBuxGo on Dec 30, 2011 1:19 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

I'm ready for a change, the T2 hasn't really worked anywhere since the early to mid 2000's.

It’s easy to beat underneath and the bend/don’t break is broken with no pressure up front. With us going up against guys like Drew Brees and Matt Ryan who get rid of the ball faster than we can get to them, there’s really no point any more. Time to move on to something else. If the guys we have can’t be up to the challenge in being in a new system, then don’t let the door hit you in the rump.

Raheem was the DREAM that turned into a NIGHTMARE..

by bucnut1 on Dec 30, 2011 6:57 PM EST up reply actions

Definitely.

With quality quarterbacks and offenses throughout our division now, we can’t sit back and react to what they are doing. We have to be more of an attacking, penetrating defense. A 3-4 looks to be better at being that kind of disruptive, as well as being a little harder to prepare for than a 4-3.

by flash_kiley on Dec 30, 2011 7:01 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

I agree.

It’s definitely more unpredictable.

by Barbaric on Dec 30, 2011 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

I think I like it

We have to do something different..3-4 might not be a horrible idea, I think Bennett would do well as a stand up edge rusher..also does anybody have any idea the player he was talking to? The way he talked it was like our D never thought Rah’s scheme was going to work

by TampaBayAllTheWayFromCaliforni-A on Dec 30, 2011 11:28 AM EST via mobile reply actions

He was questioning multiple players, apparently..

And yeah, from the sounds of it, none of them really believed in the scheme.

by Barbaric on Dec 30, 2011 11:50 AM EST up reply actions

Several players??

If that is the case that makes it that much worse..it all makes sense though I was at the SF game and our guys gave up towards the end of the 1st quarter..and pretty much have given up ever since..personally I wanted Rah to do well not just as a Buc fan but I wanted that new young coach to come in and take over..but bad word always spreads faster than good words and it doesn’t seem that there is to many good things going on at One Buc..I wonder if they still even watch film

by TampaBayAllTheWayFromCaliforni-A on Dec 30, 2011 11:57 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I like the Mike Sherman option.

I think that he would fit this team perfectly.

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 12:06 PM EST reply actions

Believe it or not I think coughlin could be succesful down here

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 12:57 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

I seriously doubt if coughlin gets fired.

That would be seriously stupid for the giants to do so.

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Yes it would be

He has been pretty darn good up there

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 4:04 PM EST up reply actions

Coughlin has had a great deal of success in NY...

and firing him would be borderline ret*rded. Just get him some more pieces to the puzzle. They NYG are a tough play.

by Cracker Ball on Dec 30, 2011 5:51 PM EST up reply actions

If they don't beat the cowboys hes gonna get fired

by Carlitin1988 on Dec 30, 2011 4:58 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Doubtful!!!!!

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 5:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Coughlin is a hard ass.

….half the team would get suspended or fined within a week.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 4:25 PM EST up reply actions

Absolutely with our current roster. Some of the bucs need to go anyways.

I would definetly take cougjlin here. Maybe he could bring steve spagnolo with him as DC… Norv turner as OC. Bring it on!!!!

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Dec 30, 2011 4:30 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I really don't get how switching to a 3-4 defense, with players who were drafted to play in the 4-3 scheme is going to make our defense better.

Sure there are some good 3-4 teams, but there are also bad ones like the Packers and Bills. Just because the Steelers and Ravens are successful doesn’t mean we will be. Switching to a 3-4 will probably make our defense even worse than it already is because of our limited talent that is being forced into somewhere they aren’t comfortable. We are essentially trying to stick a bunch of square pegs into a bunch of round holes. Maybe, we could get away with switching one or two players into a postion they aren’t comfortable with, but the whole defense? It just won’t work until we draft a whole new group of players, and that will set us back a couple more years. It isn’t worth it. Stick with a 4-3 and we can build our team into a championship caliber defense in the mold of previous Buccaneer and Bear teams.

Oderint dum metuant

by jBen05 on Dec 30, 2011 1:39 PM EST reply actions

say it isnt so

Switching to a 3-4 will probably make our defense even worse than it already is because of our limited talent that is being forced into somewhere they aren’t comfortable.

Lord have mercy…I would hate to see it get any worse…not sure it can.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions

We could look like the Alamo Bowl last night.

Everyone just running around with no idea what’s going on.

Oderint dum metuant

by jBen05 on Dec 30, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

very true.

last night wasn’t a display of BAD defense…it was a display of NO defense. Notice there is no D in Washington Huskies or Baylor Bears.

by akbrown15 on Dec 30, 2011 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

Sheesh! Banks isn't projecting much for us in that article Coaching wise.

Mike Sherman, Brian Shottenheimer, or Jay Gruden? Maybe, ouch, and Are you kidding me?

Have we had a good Convo about coaching options recently?

by Brooklyn Buc on Dec 30, 2011 2:58 PM EST reply actions

Are you kidding me?

Mike Sherman would be a damn good coaching option for us the man had one bad season in Green Bay one bad season in six years with 4 playoff berths an 2 division titles and the man can coach up Freeman an I am sure he will be able to put together a good Defensive staff. To me he sounds like the best option there. I know he would do a lot better then Rah with this team.

by Benjamin Patterson on Dec 30, 2011 3:28 PM EST up reply actions