Mike Williams Guarantees Buccaneers make Playoffs
by LeeCaz on Feb 4, 2011 10:21 AM EST
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PrintThe guarantee from an athlete doesn't hold much water in this day and age, nor is it especially newsworthy, but since 99% of the NFL content out there is focused on the Steelers and Packers, this one has picked up some steam. In a story published yesterday by the Tampa Tribune, rookie receiver Mike Williams was quoted as saying:
"We're a young team, but we're guaranteeing the playoffs, and if we get into the playoffs we know we can do some some damage."
Which is it Mike? You guarantee the playoffs and then follow it up with a big old "if"? You can view the article in it's entirety here. As a fan this makes me excited because I realize this guy has some fire in him, and he is already looking ahead to proving himself again next year. On the other hand I can only roll my eyes at yet another "guarantee" from an athlete. Guarantees used to mean something. When Joe Namath famously guaranteed his Jets would beat the favored Baltimore Colts I'm sure he had no idea of what kind of precedent he was setting.
In fact, if you want a good laugh, just go google "guarantees victory" and look at all the morons that had to go back and eat their words. While I realize that playoffs and victory aren't quite the same thing, a guarantee is still a little too cliche for my taste. The most recent playoff guarantee to go unrequited that I can recall was Brandon Marshall's mid season guarantee that the Dolphins would make the playoffs. Despite this guarantee, Brandon Marshall could be found at home on his couch every Saturday and Sunday this past January. Hopefully Williams' prediction turns out better than that one. On the flip side, I can also recall Jim Fassel's guarantee that the floundering Giants would make the playoffs back in 2000. This guarantee was said to spur the team on to their Super Bowl appearance. The difference between that team and this team, and a player and a head coach desperate to keep his job, are pretty far off in my opinion. At least New York had a pass rush.
What do you think Bucs Nation? Is this excessive confidence a good or bad thing?
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Great thing..
Why would it be bad that he believes they can make the playoffs? I like the chances we have of making the playoffs. It’s confidence and it seems to be flowing in this locker room…
There is a fine line between youthful exuberance and overconfidence in my opinion.
A playoff guarantee made so lightly makes me lean a little more towards overconfidence in this case. I hope he’s right, and I think they’ve got a shot to make a nice run next year, but I think a guarantee at this point in the offseason is silly. They won’t get such an easy schedule next year, and I think Williams may not realize just how difficult it usually is to make the playoffs in the NFL. This sets the bar at the playoffs for the playoffs next year and anything else will now be considered a failure. I would be happy with nine or ten wins again next season and then a playoff push in 2012, but that’s just me.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
This time of year is the perfect time to set the bar
A statement like this from Williams right now is perfect. The Super Bowl hype is in full swing, everyone is feeling the excitement. With the CBA in doubt, the players may not have the availability of the facilities at One Buc, but with a little motivation and excitement they should be ready to get together and work out and keep their game at full speed.
If the team doesn’t progress, and they aren’t a playoff team (maybe 9 or 10 wins would be nice)… well, this comment will have been forgotten before the season even starts. It’s a motivational thing for himself and his teammates. If it helps now, great. If not, it will be forgotten.
It may well be forgotten
These guarantees are just getting ridiculous, especially now just a month outside of the regular season. A good portion of the roster is up in the air. If he is going to make a guarantee like this, I would prefer it to be before training camp or at least until after the draft. Either way, I suppose no harm can come from it.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Let him run a little!
I don’t think this is a bad thing. He was one of the players that sparked the 7 games turnaround and I believe that this isn’t ignorance, it is just a way to get going and fire up the players. Raheem did it all year and they responded. Maybe it’s time the players started thinking towards playing in January and the thing might happen. Until they play the first three games next year and show that they are actually a better team, than everything they say is just talk. And I believe they know it.
I never forget a face, but in your case I'll be glad to make an exception.
Have you forgotten?
Didn’t the 49ers front office guarantee the playoffs when there were sitting at 2-5? Also, even with the overabundance of guarantees I have no problem with Williams confidence, I love that the whole team is growing in confidence as they improve, it is going to be an interesting next few years and that is always a good thing.
Well, there is a difference between the 49ers and us though.
Jay's favorite line: "Dog, in due time"
Now he look at me, like "Damn, dog, you where I am"
A hip hop legend.
I think I died in an accident, cause this must be heaven.
by 4QB on Feb 4, 2011 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
As long as the team progresses like they should and we have a good draft and free agency, there is no reason to think the buds can't make the play offs
We have shown we can handle injuries, the only thing that can derail a season is an injury to Freeman or a lockout
Arenas needs to hurry up and shoot himself (out of this slump).
I like that he said this
The Bucs have to have this kind of confidence. If they don’t they won’t go anywhere.
Sons of Plunder
i just hope he doesnt turn into desean jackson or anything
but i have no problem with him saying this, even though leecaz is right about everyone almost making a guarantee nowadays.
Desean
I generally hate any and everything from Philly, but what Desean did on The View for the kid who got beat up and hung by his coat on a fence was quite impressive. He may showboat abd taunt but I respect him as a person. I seriously wish the city of Philly would sink so this is a big step for me.
no big deal
most players say this stuff i doubt the Falcons or Saints are looking at this as bulleting board material going into next yr
by Brian Ahmed on Feb 4, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I think one of the most infamous promises/guarantees was that of...
Matt Hassellbeck from the Seahawks a few years ago: “We want the ball, we’re gonna score” just moments before he threw a game losing Pick-6 in overtime to the Packers…LOL! Seriously though, I wish the whole team were as confident as Mike Williams is. You can’t teach that to players – you either have the eye of the tiger and the heart of a champion or you don’t win!
I like it
I like his confidence you need that to be a great wideout in this league, that same confidence tells me that Williams is going to put in the work this offseason to get better and be one of the best, also I like the arrogance, you also need arrogance be great in this league no not all of the greta ones are arrogant but being arrogant as a wideout is not a bad thing
You don't have to be arrogant...
see Jerry Rice.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 4, 2011 11:05 PM EST up reply actions
Good Sign
Bad form. I think he’s found a lil bit of swag after a productive rookie season, but I don’t buy into the guarantee gag. Good to see he’s gained confidence but let the play talk. There’s work to do.
by GoBuxGo on Feb 5, 2011 1:18 AM EST via mobile reply actions
He is taking on a lot of pressure and he knows it
he will be a target now that he has opened his mouth and I like it, esp in the NFC south 1 of the best divisions in all of football Williams is going to be a wanted man, he done got his feet wet and he is ready to shine @ cracker I did say not all of the great ones are arrogant
I always liked the guys that let their play do the talking...
like Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, etc. Have a little class, or “act like you’ve been there before”. Being confident and being obnoxious are two different things.
What about
Chris Carter, Randy Moss, Micheal Irvin, and many more who had a mouth on them and backed it up on the field it is like having the best of both worlds
They would be just as skilled...
and just as productive with their mouth closed. Just play football – no Tweeting, no reality shows. The more crap you talk – the more people want you to fail. Also, the more grief people will give you on your way back down. Chad Johnson (then Ocho Cinco) then Chad Johnson again is an excellent example of all mouth no production.
Not sure how egomaniacal trash-talkers are considered half of “the best of both worlds”.
by Cracker Ball on Feb 6, 2011 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
I agree with that completely.
It is not just possible to be a great WR without having a huge mouth, but as a fan, I’d rather see a player produce on the field and keep their mouth shut.
However, in this case, I wouldn’t put Williams “guarantee” in the same class as OchoCinco, T.O., Keyshawn, etc. Difference is those guys are all about “me”. Like the OchoCinco HOF jacket on the sideline, the T.O. autograph on the field. This comment by Williams is a “team” comment. It’s a statement that the “team” will play well and make the playoffs. It’s a sign of confidence in the direction of the team and the faith in the work ethic of the team. HUGE difference between this and the Mouths that catch the ball.
Oh no, that's not what I meant at all...
as Mike Williams and his “prediction” is just belief in his team. I don’t see that as being a blowhard or anything. I was talking more about the Terrell Owens kind of stupidity.
It is good to be who you are
why should Mike keep his mouth shut be who you are, if Mike feel good about him and his team getting to the playoffs next year then let him talk, he feels he will back it up we will see, but maybe it is his way of being a leader, I am glad he said it we need someone down in Tampa spicing things up.
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