Daily Bucs Links 8/31/11 - Michael Bennett is the story of the day
by Sander on Aug 31, 2011 8:00 AM EDT
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PrintMichael Bennett edges ahead of Da'Quan Bowers on Tampa Bay Buccaneers' depth chart - St. Petersburg Times
Michael Bennett is killing it this preseason.
Okam, Bennett coming together on Bucs' D-line - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
Okam has really looked terrific this preseason, even though he's probably just a two-down player.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Dekoda Watson might as well be considered a starter - St. Petersburg Times
That's a bit much, but he's going to get a lot of opportunities on passing downs.
Bennett's Superb Play Holding Off Bowers At Left DE | Pewter Report
Bennett has played very well this preseason, and improved on his run defense the last two games. Da'Quan Bowers has been no slouch, though, and could bump Bennett from the lineup on run-heavy downs.
Surprise! Johnson Leads Bucs, NFL In Sacks | Pewter Report
Yip, George Johnson leads the NFL in sacks. Then again, he's playing against third-teamers in preseason, so take that for what it's worth.
NFL just beginning to pay price for ex-players' health issues | TBO.com
A lot of ex-players really struggle with health issues, sadly. Thankfully, the NFL and NFLPA are providing them with more financial assistance under the new CBA.
2011 NFL Preview: Peter King Predicts Falcons over Chargers in Super Bowl XLVI « Inside Sports Illustrated
Peter King predicts the Bucs end 8-8 and 3rd in the division. That's pretty realistic, unlike last year's 2-14 prediction.
You can follow us on Twitter as @Bucs_Nation or on Facebook at Facebook.com/BucsNation
Why is Cover 2 being exposed in the red zone? | National Football Post
Matt Bowen examines why the Cover 2 and Tampa 2 are being exploited in the red zone this preseason. A pretty relevant read given that it's a frequent call for the Bucs inside the red zone.
Breaking down Brady's TD pass to Ochocinco | National Football Post
As evidenced by Tom Brady's touchdown pass to Ochocinco against the Bucs.
Freeman Confident Offense Will Get On Track | Pewter Report
I'm pretty confident in Freeman. I'm not so confident in the running game.
Bucs' slow starts leave much to be desired | TBO.com
Must.fix.this.
All three Florida teams facing blackouts | ProFootballTalk
Even the Miami Dolphins are being blacked out. Does Florida hate football all of a sudden?
NFL Live: NFC South Preview - ESPN Video - ESPN
The NFL Live crew, consisting mostly of Tim Hasselbeck and Merril Hoge, break down the NFC South. They like the Bucs, but not enough to beat out the Saints or Falcons.
Will Bucs keep only two QBs? | tampabay.com & St. Petersburg Times
It seems like a very real possibility.
NFC South Stock Watch - NFC South Blog - ESPN
Rising: Michael Bennett.
Buccaneers Announce Partnership with Domino's Pizza | Buccaneers.com
Hurray for Domino's, I guess. If only they'd make better pizza.
Stacking Up | Buccaneers.com
The Bucs' story on the upcoming game.
iPlay | Buccaneers.com
IPads for every Buc!
Bucs Q&A: League, not owners, sets NFL blackout policy | TBO.com
The Tribune answers some more questions, including on the blackout policy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers camp report: Rookie TE opens it up for Winslow - NFL - Sporting News
Winslow opens it up for the rest of the offense, more like.
St. Louis Rams team report: Cadillac still running well - NFL - Sporting News
The Rams seem pretty happy with Caddy. Good for him, and them.
Selmon brothers mistakenly named in lawsuit against NFL | TBO.com
No Lee Roy and Dewey Selmon, but other Bucs are still suing.
Bucs rookie LB Foster enjoying new challenges
Mason Foster has played pretty well for a rookie who's missed the entire offseason, but I bet you're going to see some missed assignments this year, especially in the passing game.
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How long have the Chargers been Super Bowl favorites?
4 or 5 years now?
Like Rah said
“Stats are for losers”
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Aug 31, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Undefeated season!
Last season we finished 8 wins more than Peter King’s prediction. Here’s hoping we finish 8 wins above his prediction this year too!
I think they may just be fluffing Bennett to push Bowers.
If he isn’t completely back in football shape then obviously Bennett will get the start, but I don’t think Bennett’s play has been that spectacular to warrant not giving reps to our second round draft pick.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Obviously he's going to get reps
But Bennett has really looked very good, specifically as a pass rusher.
It's preseason.
We’ll see how he looks against an NFL team’s best effort.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
He did have 8 pressures in only two games started last year.
So maybe he is legit.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
So then Price should start over Miller and Okam because he was last year's second round pick?
by flash_kiley on Aug 31, 2011 9:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Price has been injured
but had he not been injured, then yes. Obviously they weren’t sold on Miller when they drafted McCoy and Price, and Okam came out of left field, but had Price not been injured it wouldn’t have mattered. They scraped the bottom of the barrel and found a gold lining underneath. They shouldn’t have to scrape that hard.
You shouldn’t be drafting players in the first and second rounds and then benching them for practice squad players. It’s bad management. A first and second round draft pick should be a starter for at least the length of their contract (barring injury of course). I understand that Raheem likes to rotate his guys and keep them fresh, but Bowers was the best defensive end in the nation last year. Only injury concerns prevented him from being a top five draft pick. If he is healthy and there are no injury concerns then he needs to be on the field.
Obviously if the draft pick is underperforming (ie Price) then they shouldn’t just be handed the starter job, but if they are adjusting to the NFL at a nice pace then their development shouldn’t be stunted by playing a worse player only a little farther ahead of them on the curve.
We’ll see who the starter is on the 11th.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
I'll amend this by saying that the lockout put a lot of the rookies behind the 8ball
but if anyone thinks that Michael Bennett is a better option than DaQuan Bowers for the future of this franchise then they deserve to get punched.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
They shouldnt be looking that far ahead.
Whos playing better right now is more important.
This.
And since when is depth a bad thing? I don’t care who outplays who, as long as the best guy gets on the field. And given our frequent rotations, starting doesn’t matter so much as everyone will get plenty of snap and opportunities to continue to outplay each other. Bennett simply playing better than Bowers — when Bowers is actually playing well — is a a good thing.
For a young team like this upside needs to be considered.
We most likely aren’t winning the super bowl this season. They have invested heavily in this defensive line. If Bowers isn’t ready, then he isn’t ready. Maybe Bennett has finally lived up to his potential and I’ll trust the coaching staff’s judgment.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
I disagree.
When you draft a player in the first and second round it should be considered an investment. That investment doesn’t sit on the bench and accrue interest. It would be one thing if there were an established starter that the rookie was trying to usurp, but there isn’t. Unless Clayborn and Bowers are playing absolutely terribly then they should be getting the majority of the playing time in my opinion.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Sorry to butt in, but yeah I agree with LeeCaz
That 1st and 2nd rounders are always a go. But to have Bowers as your backup, thats a nice situation
I think its smart for a QB to sit...
but not a DE. Get him out there and let him learn.
by Cracker Ball on Aug 31, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
That is true
But wouldn’t you feel more comfortable with Bowers knowing he’s getting healthier and possibly a longer shelf life?
by Titankillah on Aug 31, 2011 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
A few games is fine
But we only have Bowers for four years on his rookie contract. I don’t want to waste 25% of it with him playing behind Michael Bennett for a whole season. I don’t think Bowers is going to get better learning on the bench. The most important thing for him is to get in there and get acclimated to the game speed and learn on the fly. I may very well be wrong. This is just my opinion.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
No no its a good way of looking at
He’s definately not going to get better warming the bench and we do only have him for a limited time. But as it stands, Bennetts been battling for reps and first string. Clayborn no doubt that his end position wrapped up.
So for Bowers to get on the field, he’d either get the first 2 downs and let Bennett the 3rd or vise versa. What do you think is goin to happen? I didn’t see Bennett being a factor but he is lol
by Titankillah on Aug 31, 2011 11:13 PM EDT up reply actions
It's great that he is finally living up to his potential
Just sucks we didn’t know he was gonna do that back in Feb. Ultimately I’ll have to trust in the coaches judgement.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
I know right lol
Bennett came out of the woodworks to give our 2nd round pick a run for his money. Hey, one good thing coming out of this will be a stouter goaline formation. Okam in NT, McCoy and Price(Miller) with Clayborn Bennett and Bowers, that will be a helluva package huh?
he was the top d line men in the nation though, thats gotta count for something
and has way more upside then bennett.
Exactly
Win now with Bennett rushing and Da’Quan waiting in the wings. Let’s ease Bowers back in the lineup, just as he should be easing back from his kneed surgery.
Plus, if Bennett is the real deal, than it is win/win. Bc either way you look at it, you now have depth.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Aug 31, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
i agree let our studs start im just glad to know that our back ups are also beasting out
A good team is not only full of good players but good depth
by Carlitin1988 on Aug 31, 2011 10:29 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
The problem with Bowers is that he still doesn't look 100%, not yet anyway
He’ll get reps in games, and I think if he’s healthy he’s clearly a better option than Bennett, at least on first and second down.
John MFing Randle
was unbdrafted.
Heck, last year Blount was a waiver pick up.
You deserve to punch yourself if you don’t believe that the best man should play, and sometimes there are some undrafted studs. Also, James Harrison was undrafted.
In conclusion, if Bennett is tearing it up right now, than he should play.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Aug 31, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I think having Bennett start right now is a big help to Bowers.
It helps take the some of the pressure off him of putting up starting-DE stats. He can just go out and perform. And if, during the season, he starts outperforming Bennett, I’m sure Bowers will get the start.
by flash_kiley on Aug 31, 2011 11:21 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
So you can name two undrafted players that went on to be defensive stars
I can name thousands that didn’t. I guess Bowers should just quit since he is facing the 2nd coming of John Randle. Would Randle have gotten the opportunity to start if Minnesota had spent their first two draft picks at his position that year? Probably not. I guess we should have played Leftwich over Freeman in 2009, because he was clearly the better quarterback at the time.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
ummm...
I guess we should have played Leftwich over Freeman in 2009, because he was clearly the better quarterback at the time
Yeah, that kind of happened actually.
by RuudAwakening on Aug 31, 2011 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I actually laughed aloud there...
Thanks, RuudAwakening.
Am I going MAD, or did the word "think" escape your lips?
No. Freeman took over after Johnson sucked
Leftwich was the best qb on the roster. By that logic he should have played the whole season.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
and Leftwich was an established vet, not a guy with two career starts.
so I guess it’s really not even comparable.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Leftwich is a journeyman hack...
that was a horrible signing by Dom. Just horrible. I think a rookie QB should sit and learn if possible, but that only applies in a situation where you have an experienced quality started to teach him.
We did not have that in Suckwich.
by Cracker Ball on Aug 31, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
What is to say Bennett is not a better option than Bowers right now
& when Bowers is ready he takes over the position? Pretty much exactly like the Freeman/Leftwhich/Johnson situation. I really don’t see the issue on this one. Let Bennett keep the spot warm until they feel Bowers is 100% ready. You are basically saying that the QB situation in Freeman’s rookie year was the correct call, but starting Bennett over Bowers for the time being is wrong. To this point Bowers has not shown that he is better than Bennett just like at this point in 2009 Freeman had not shown he was better than Leftwhich. Same scenario really. NO one is saying Bennett should start the whole season while Bowers rides the pine here.
by RuudAwakening on Aug 31, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I would think that the learning curve is a bit steeper for a QB.
That’s the big difference in my opinion.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
Chargers? Ha!
Norv Turner couldn’t beat Ray Charles at darts.
It’s going to be impossible to win as long as they keep hiring losers as head coaches. Bobby Ross was there last good hire.
Formerly UNFNole
The Chargers have been over hyped for years
Along with Phillip Rivers. I don’t see them getting past their division, let alone running the AFC gauntlet.
by GoBuxGo on Aug 31, 2011 10:42 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Philip Rivers is not overhyped
"I might not be shit to you, but my momma thinks I made it
We gon' ball 'til we fall or this Conjure get us wasted
And I never drink that white, all my women think I'm racist"
Nothing with the bad teams he has had
"I might not be shit to you, but my momma thinks I made it
We gon' ball 'til we fall or this Conjure get us wasted
And I never drink that white, all my women think I'm racist"
Im suprised he hasn't won it all yet
I mean, he has the line, did have the defense but I have a feeling its really Turners fault.. He loses agression in playcalling in the postseason.. pity
SD had the #1 offense AND the #1 defense last year...
that is truth – not hype. Their special teams blew something fierce, so they steal Rich Biasacchia from us to fix the problem. They have to be one of the fashionable favorites again this year.
by Cracker Ball on Aug 31, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
That #1 defense is largely overhyped
"I might not be shit to you, but my momma thinks I made it
We gon' ball 'til we fall or this Conjure get us wasted
And I never drink that white, all my women think I'm racist"
I'm suprised by them stats
Didnt they get rid of both Olshansky and Castillo? wow they’re batting a thousand though if they can overcome that
by Titankillah on Aug 31, 2011 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup
They should have better ST this season.
by BUCSwillDOMINATE on Aug 31, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions
The Failcons? Really?
"I might not be shit to you, but my momma thinks I made it
We gon' ball 'til we fall or this Conjure get us wasted
And I never drink that white, all my women think I'm racist"
I'm right there with you.
Okam brings a dimension to our team we never had. I’m happy for him and wish him well along with all his line mates. As far as the offensive line goes they have been offensive. They all should play thursday night, O-line I mean.
East Coast Fan
by Bucfan on Aug 31, 2011 4:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
For sure
The whole line needs reps. I figured with a rejuvenated dline, it’d make our oline better in practice sake but.. idk what happened to that. Trueblood looked terrible against Wake but I do have to say, that our dline performed well against a good blocking team in MIA.
KEEP CRASHIN OKAM!!!
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