Shady shining in practice

Lots of positives coming out of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp about new addition LeSean McCoy and his incorporation into the offense. Given that Ronald Jones is still slated to be the number one guy at the running back position, expectations surrounding McCoy are limited as many are curious to see exactly what role he is going to fill.

Following practice on Sunday, there were quite a few positive things said about Shady from the coaching staff. For starters, head coach Bruce Arians was excited by what he saw from the 32-year old back;

“The same stuff we saw on film. He’s quick, he’s learning some nuances – especially in the passing game. He’s just like all the rookies – he missed a lot of time. But, he’s a very smart, veteran player, so it’s not taking him long to catch up.”

Running backs coach Todd McNair had some observations himself about McCoy’s abilities both as a running back and as a mentor for the young guys on the roster;

“A couple of things. One, Shady brings a lot of energy. He talks a lot, he bounces around a lot, he leads vocally encouraging the guys, picking them up and pushing them. He’s good in the meeting rooms because they get to see [how] he just comes in during the week, studies his behind off and he’s got the offense down pretty good. They need to see that. For him to be in his 12th season – he’s not as light as he will be when he starts playing – and he runs around the field and he finishes down the field, that’s good for them to see from a guy in his 12th year who works as hard as he does.”

It’s still a mystery as to how Shady will be used, but all signs point to that third down/pass catching back role - especially after Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn had issues with drops on Sunday.

Things seem to be clicking for this offensive group the Bucs have put together through camp thus far. It’s just a matter of translating it to Sundays.