Antonio Bryant’s Knee Is A Question Mark
July 24th, 2010
In what is sure to be a comment extraordinarily overblown by Bucs fans that cheered the departure of Antonio Bryant, Chris Mortensen, of BSPN, informed his Twitter followers last night that Bryant had knee problems this offseason.
When I mentioned watch for Bengals & TO earlier, one factor to watch is Antonio Bryant, whose knee was still a problem this off-season.
Now Joe doesn’t know Mortensen’s source, but surely Bryant’s knee history is an open book. One can refresh his memory on that by reading Bryant’s own chilling explanation of his knee problems.
Joe can say that Bryant participated fully during Bengals’ OTA sessions and received rave reviews for his veratility, per the Cincinnati Enquirer, whose archives don’t mention Bryant’s knee being a problem this offseason.
Kellen Winslow’s got permanent knee problems, as do many successful players.
Joe still would have kept Bryant in Tampa to provide stability and playmaking ability for the Bucs’ young quarterback.
July 24th, 2010 at 5:39 am
Differing opinions, but I disagree. I was, by no means, an Antonio Bryant hater, but there was NO stability there when he was here. He barely contributed after his first year.
Believe it or not, we have more stability at the WR position with our rookies than we had last year…unless you count horrible recievers that never produced being “stable”.
July 24th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Well put Pete! Stability!? C’mon Joe! When Bryant did play last season he was the furthest thing from being a stable target for the Bucs! His most stable weeks were 12 and 13 when he had just over 100 yards and 1 TD (in two weeks combined mind you). He gave up on plays which caused some needless INTs and then criticized our coaching staff and rookie QB for not being involved enough! He is an inconsistent, 29 year old hot head who has only really had 1 very good season! If his knee continues to be a problem this year, I wonder if the Bryant lovers will keep on calling Dom an idiot for not paying 24 million for this guy! Sure he can make plays when he really wants to, but he brings negativity and selfousness to a young WR corp that needs role models to help mold them into team players! His “stable” numbers from last year can and should be easily
duplicated this year by one of our rookies!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:25 am
Mike Williams is going to make everyone forget about Antonio Bryant. He won’t be a finished product his rookie year, but you will see flashes. Dominik spent a lot of time studying Williams, and I believe that factored into the decision to let Bryant go.
July 24th, 2010 at 7:44 am
Keep him in Tampa, but at what price? Last year we already paid him $2.5 Million per touchdown or the equivalent of $240,000 per catch. This would make most Gm’s gun shy to pull the trigger on him again. Not to mention the fact (which someone already stated) that he took plays off when he didn’t think the ball was coming his way. Great attitude for a player to have!
July 24th, 2010 at 7:54 am
Joe here,
Sorry Pete and MoBucs, you don’t think Bryant brought stability? He was the Bucs leading wide receiver last year and played in 13 games, just like Sammie Stroughter. And turned in quite a highlight reel that helped Freeman look like a star, and surely gain some confidence from having a true playmaker on the field.
You’re all going to have to show Joe the plays Bryant gave up on and some real evidence of his allegedly bad attitude. So what if he wanted the ball his way more often.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:13 am
From my third level seats it was easy to see players jogging around and stopping midway through their routes. Galloway did the same thing when things started going bad. When plays broke down (which they often did last year) he wasn’t coming back for the ball or even attempting to help the young QB. Of course when the play was called for him he was an all star with acrobatic catches. That kind of me first attitude is not always the best to have on a young team. Give me a Hine’s Ward or a Reggie Wayne who play hard every single down. Even though Clayton has pretty much frustrated everyone; he plays hard every single down. That one quality is something you want to teach the young guys.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:16 am
I don’t know about the knee, I suppose time will tell. I hope he is ok as he turned in perhaps the best receiving performance in Buccaneer history in 2008 and almost carried us to the playoffs. He deserves more respect from bucs fans.
To say the current crop of receivers brings more stability is rediculous, IMO. The viability of our passing game is entirely unknown heading into the season.
Like Joe, I would have to see evidence of the “took plays off” allegation. What I saw on Sundays from Anotonio was a guy playing through an injury and often doing so very well.
In contrast, Mr. Clayton took off the whole season, unless 16 catches is really the best he can do. If so, he should find another line of work. What was Michael paid per catch?
The rookie wideouts may cause us to forget AB, or make us recall Jacquez Green and Reidel Anthony.
July 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am
His attitude is a bigger problem than his knee
July 24th, 2010 at 8:47 am
Once again, an easy answer if you leave out half the question. Without factoring in anything else, of course you keep Bryant. That’s they way you would do it in the fantasy football world.
Now, let’s turn to the real world. Assume he wants a 4 year $33 Million contract with $19 million guaranteed. If that is what he wants, do you think about the knee? his age? attitude? how he fits into the Bucs plans? what you get for him if he walks (likely 3rd round pick)?
Not even a tough question in the fantasy football world, but in the real world the knee — and other things — come into play.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Just imagine if the Bucs had given him a 4 year, $33M contract with $19M guaranteed in the 2009 offseason. He’d have had the knee fixed in early April instead of late August. He’d have had time to rehab before training camp. He’d have been able to practice with the team instead of just playing on Sundays. Just imagine…
July 24th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Joe here,
Hate to break up this heated discussion, but Joe wants to ask you to take pause and look around at the ads on these here pages. …Then go ahead and use your mouse and check out some of the companies. …Joe’s counting on you to do him that favor today, and feel free to do it regularly.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:49 am
calicojack, unless you know for a fact that he would have opted for surgery in april none of the rest of your arguement matters. jimbuc, you brought up the problem that most average fans have, they can only see things through fantasy football perspective
July 24th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Calicojack — AB’s knee problem is not the type that goes away with one surgery. Not saying the surgery would not help, just that it is not as simple as the rosy scenario you have conjured by applying your version of hindsight.
I presumed that everyone understood that we were all looking at this with hindsight so I left that off of the GM analysis. All the decision points I mentioned above were considered while looking forward, not back.
July 24th, 2010 at 9:59 am
What arguement? I said “imagine”. Because, I imagine he would have opted to get his knee fixed in April, if that was an option for him. It wasn’t…
July 24th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Jimbuc,
I must say I spit my coffee out laughing at your scolding of bucs fans for fantasizing.
You sir are the king of fantasy. Your entire basis of support for the plan is pure fantasy, based upon unknown future events. Most notable is the fantasy that Raheem Morris will become a successful head coach!
Our HC is a known fantasizer, such as “Freeman almost won every game he played”.
You have no shame Mr. Jimbuc. But fight on, it is hilarious to witness the convolution.
Jimbuc commenting on the “real world”.
Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 24th, 2010 at 10:07 am
Eric — I must have struck a chord. At least you know your place.
July 24th, 2010 at 10:12 am
CalicoJack — why do you think a contract changes the date of AB’s surgery? Just wondering if you know something we do not? Also, why do you think the date matters?
July 24th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@JimBuc
Last year, AB felt like he had to prove himself for a second time. He stated that several times, including his concern with the QB change. He signed his franchise tender. He made it to the OTAs. He was there for training camp. He even pushed (perhaps too quickly) to return to practice…
Had he been given a longer contract, he wouldn’t have felt the need to prove his worth, yet again. He knew his knee was bad. He played an amazing game against Carolina in December of ’08 on that bad knee. If he had the option of skipping OTAs, he could have done a full rehab following the surgery…
July 24th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Jesus! I’m gone for a week, and this place goes ta hell! Nothing but the slow squad beating up JimBuc! Sad! And by the way, Joe, I read that lil shot about pirate speak! By the number of people that missed the Captain, I think a retraction and a hearty ” welcome back are in order! Thanks to those that missed me! And to you slow squadders that didn’t, I’m sure you’ll come ta miss me even less!
ErIc, Eric, Eric! Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ve spit out worse than coffee!:) . I’ve actually thought about contacting you for legal assistance. The same traits that make you a miserable Buc Fan- hostile, bitter, arguing your point, irreguardless of facts/truth, doggedly sticking to your story inspite of evidence to the contrary. Those are traits I look for in my legal council! The problem is this. With the economy this bad, there are so many dead and wounded corporations out there,it’s a field day for lawyers! Every lawyer I know is exceptionally busy! Sorta like vultures during famine( a LOT like that)! But as much time as you spend posting on here, arguing with JimBuc, you must be the only lawyer in Tampa that isn’t busy! How can that be? You aren’t as good at Law, as you are at being a loyal Buc Fan, are you?
July 24th, 2010 at 11:01 am
As for AB- “imagine” why every team he has played for has cut him! “imagine ” why he sat out a year, and no one would sign him! Then, it won’t take much “imagination” to figure out why we wouldn’t sign him to a long term contract
July 24th, 2010 at 11:10 am
…and, I imagine they’re doing the same things to Ruud and Penn…
July 24th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Ruud is signed and on the team. Penn has an offer waiting on him to sign. Like you, I hope they sign him to a long term contract. Either way, I think he will be on the team at some point this year. AB is a Bengal. Well see how that works out, buy his past history is NOT in their favor.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:23 am
Welcome back Captain! I hope you brought the cannon’s because they’ve been ganging up on Jimbuc. He holds his own though!
July 24th, 2010 at 11:24 am
CalicoJack — Ok, thanks. Now I get yourt point.
I am not sure, however, what difference it makes because the issue, as you point out, is he has a bad knee. I ampretty sire he did not injure his knee as the result of a game event. He just has aproblem wih his meniscus, which I think is degenerative. Not saying he will not play, just that it will always be an issue. So, I guess it is possinble that he came back too soon, if that is your point but not sure.
July 24th, 2010 at 11:30 am
Thank you, BucnJim! Yeah, although I’ve argued with JimBuc myself in the past, he has my respect as a true Buc Fan! His patience in explaining the obvious to the oblivious is something to behold!
July 24th, 2010 at 11:45 am
By the way Eric, I didn’t get to post on the article about Farve, but I felt I owed you this one. Yes, if we had signed Farve, that changed everything! I would have been demanding Chucky stay on as coach. I would have wanted the Bucs to sign every free Agent of Value- including your beloved Vrandon Marshall and Boldin. I would have been happy to see Raheem Morris as DC. I would have wanted to trade draft picks for players. Farve alone changes everything, because you have a real chance to win the superBowl if he’s here. The minute he left,we would be right here again, rebuilding! But for one or two seasons, you and I would have seen the team the same way. I wish, despite his drama, we had signed him! That would have been a two or three year window to grab another SuperBowl!
July 24th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
A guy who decides in the middle of training camp that he wants to get knee surgery ( the same surgery he should have gotten in DECEMBER after the previous season) , provides TONS of stability….I agree.
OR NOT !! He wrecked our offensive stability last season before the season even started. Then , when he finally came back , he would loaf on every play that wasn’t coming his way , and his body lahguage SUCKED!
Good Riddance to the bum. He was a loser when he came into the league for Dallas , and he’s a loser today. A leopard doesn’t change it’s spots.
July 24th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
Been saying since the day AB left that his knee was an issue and the primary reason for his release. It was a problem all last year and some including Cincinnati have chose to ignore it. We’ll see very soon if the Bucs made the right choice. I personally believe they did. Again, I say, I bet AB won’t play half th games this year. Just like CCC, run to the bank and deposit the check before 2PM. The big difference I saw between K2 and AB is K2 played like a superstar on a bad knee through the pain, and AB sat it out and then gave a half assed effort when he did get back in the games.
July 24th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Welcome Back Captain Tim.
July 24th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
I like Josh Freeman and think he has a lot of potential, but I honestly just think it’ll be a miracle that he has a good career with this organization. There’s just not enough “proven” talent around him. With him already being his second year of playing, he needs some of that!! How can you expect both Williams and Benn to both work out?? Really, I think we’ll be fortunate if just one of them works out, and then we’d still need another receiver! I’m not being negative, I’m being realistic!
Also, this Penn situation. Don’t forget the coaching staff we have either. Raheem is still “learning” just like all the other rookies. A lot of you say that Freeman had a better rookie year than Sanchez or Stafford. I probably agree with that considering the circumstances here in Tampa. But there’s a big difference. Stafford and Sanchez both have better coaches, receivers and talent around them. Sanchez has Edwards, Cotchery, Holmes, etc. Stafford has Calvin Johnson and Burleson. Freeman has….well… receivers that we have to “hope” work out.
Bottomline, we should’ve kept AB. He was the only proven playmaking wide out we had and was a guy that defenses were actually scared of and had to PREPARE for.
Antonio Bryant’s Knee is a Question Mark??
Yeah, well how many times have I heard excuses for Michael Clayton playing bad because of injuries he’s had throughout his career??? Huh…?? And he’s still on the roster, stealing money that should be going to Penn or someone that’s deserving of it.
July 24th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Like swatting flies guys, no worries.
July 24th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Thank you, Eric. While we are at opposite ends of the spectrum philosophically, I believe you also are a Buc Fan. So while we disagree, I think we both are on the “same team” ultimately!
July 24th, 2010 at 3:24 pm
That doesn’t mean I’m gonna take it easy on you, and hopefully you’ll continue to throw your best shots! Wouldn’t be any fun if you didn’t! 🙂
July 24th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Bartender!!! Ring the Bell! Drinks for everybody!
July 24th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Eric is definitely a fan. He may be a little confused but know doubting his status as a fan
July 24th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
lol — no
July 25th, 2010 at 1:04 am
Who has the worse knee, AB or K2? The Bucs didn’t have a problem taking a chance on K2’s knee and even gave him a new contract knowing about the knee issue.
July 25th, 2010 at 7:29 am
“Joe here,
Sorry Pete and MoBucs, you don’t think Bryant brought stability? He was the Bucs leading wide receiver last year ”
He was the leading WR? That still doesn’t mean he was good. The ENTIRE WR Corp put together did not average 50 yards per game last year. They were all horrible. Even Sammie, who I think has the potential to grow, did not do a great job.
The highlight reels only use the best plays of the game, Joe. We know that. Over a 16 game season, it’s easy enough to pick out plays that make Bryant look good.
But I believe his “lowlight reel” would be even longer, because there were so many more of them.
July 25th, 2010 at 11:56 am
@Pete, I’m sure the QB carosel and rookie QB had NOTHING to do with the WR production!
I hate Clayton, but I have to say he wouldn’t have had his worst season last year if it wasn’t for the QB issues.
July 25th, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Every season is Clayton’s worst season. AYFKM?
July 26th, 2010 at 10:48 am
@Louie the HATER!
I have said in various locations, including on this site, that last year was a fluke…that this team is much better than last year, and the instability affected everyone.
So I cannot really use that excuse for some players and not for others. Clayton has not proven himself at all, but he will get another chance. Maybe the instability of last year affected him…but in all honesty I think he’ll be lucky to make the final cuts this year, and even if he does, he’ll be gone after season end unless he really steps up for a change.
July 27th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
As to Bryant. He’s on his way to the PUP list in order to make room for T.O. to play.
That was a good 28 million that was spent on him over there.