Sweezy Confirms He’s The New Left Guard
March 10th, 2016
The Bucs’ new starting guard speaks
New Bucs guard J.R. Sweezy emerged for local media today after signing his shiny new contract.
Some details on his new job were cleared up.
First, Sweezy clearly stated that he’s in Tampa to play left guard, so that ends the debate. Sweezy spent the last four years playing right guard for the Seahawks, where he was a converted defensive lineman out of college.
There will be a learning curve, Sweezy said, but one for which he’s already preparing.
Kevin Pamphile now is in line to be a backup tackle and guard, a valuable guy for any team.
Second, and rather interesting, Sweezy said he hadn’t spoken to former Seahawks teammates Clinton McDonald and Tony McDaniel about what it might be like to play for Tampa. It was Mike Glennon and America’s Quarterback, Jameis Winston, who Sweezy referenced. He and Glennon were college teammates.
Lastly, Sweezy said he loves to run block and lives to run block.
Enjoy the 620wdae.com audio of his news conference below.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:23 pm
I like it.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:24 pm
Watching it on the Bucs website now.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:28 pm
I like this signing. he is a beast run blocking. I could careless what he is ranked at PFF. pff is a joke in my opinion. Pass blocking for Wilson is much more difficult with his scrabbling and roll outs than it will be for Winston… I like his attitude and demeanor.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:29 pm
This will be interesting to watch unfold. We’ll see.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:31 pm
Anyone know which side Doug runs more to….and has his biggest runs? If its left, then this is perfect. Maulers on both sides!
March 10th, 2016 at 6:37 pm
If we get some real road graders in front of Dougernaut and Sims…and if #3 gets some targets with hands and can get open…we may not need to worry as much about our D. The best D in the world is an O that simply controls the ball for huge swaths of the clock.
Hard to know how it’s all going to balance since Koetter is not a dink and dunk guy…he wants to go for the jugular!!! Still if we’re an effective running team it’s pretty exciting to think of what that might mean for #3 and our passing attack!!!
March 10th, 2016 at 6:42 pm
People are complaining that we haven’t done anything in free agency… But in reality we have signed two starters and spent @ $65 million
March 10th, 2016 at 6:47 pm
Running Bets – How long will it take, before Ali Marpet moves to LG? Any takers?
March 10th, 2016 at 6:47 pm
You already know we will have a good running game this year….what I will be watching for is our recievers hands….not just evans but everyone. Our recievers drop way to many passes every year. Then with Winston I want to see a lower weight, better footwork and more accuracy early in games. He alwasy warma up but his starts are usually erratic. I have high hopes for the team as a whole. Oh and our return game. Who will be handling those duties. My first candidate being we didnt pickup a fa would be kenny bell doing that and rotating slot and outside with vjax. More cameron brate unless jenkins comes back looking doug martin. Things are looking good
March 10th, 2016 at 6:50 pm
I like him! And he came bring some Super Bowl mentality to the young ones…and of course he chose US! Other teams wanted the man!
Welcome aboard mate!
March 10th, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Upgrade or downgrade over Mankins? So is the team better or worse than last year so far with those 2 signings?
March 10th, 2016 at 6:55 pm
If the Bucs gave this guy more than 1 or 2 mil a year..which they probably did…They OVERPAID him. QB Wilson was running for his life the whole season.
March 10th, 2016 at 6:57 pm
LUVMYBUCS
My guess is Marpet ends up at center and Sweezy goes back to right guard and a future draft pick this year or next ends up at LG…
March 10th, 2016 at 7:05 pm
Im with you on that one Luv, Im thinking the same thing too. It’ll be an experiment and if it works, it works. If it doesnt, then Marpet will get a shot there.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:05 pm
Mike Johnson
I see you are lost again.. you belong at
http://fightingillini.com/
March 10th, 2016 at 7:06 pm
@Mike Johnson
1-2 million? They gave him 6.5 million per year. Don’t know what they see in him to give him so much.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:07 pm
Since both Sweezy & Pamphile wear # 64, it will be interesting to see who gets 64…..I guess Sweezy would have to pay if he wants it….he may not want it…
Yes, I know this is practically meaningless…..like many other posts, so I thought I’d throw it out there….
March 10th, 2016 at 7:11 pm
MikeJohnson, please list your credentials in judging guard talent in the NFL.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:14 pm
I read whitehead is heading back to the lions. Really wanted that guy
March 10th, 2016 at 7:16 pm
Wilson will run no matter what! it’s the biggest part of his game period!!!!!
March 10th, 2016 at 7:17 pm
tmaxcon
MadMax
No doubt
Question as stands right now.
Who do think would be great value pick ups – in free agency?
Offensive Line (1)
Defensive Line (2)
March 10th, 2016 at 7:20 pm
“MikeJohnson, please list your credentials in judging guard talent in the NFL.”
doesn’t whiny-baby lovie lover qualify? that is mike’s reasoning.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:24 pm
So it sounds like they have secured a strong OLine, a very good young QB, solid RBs and good potential at WR and TE. Think it’s safe to say that every pick in the draft will be defense which is what we need. They are lucky that the draft is deep in their areas of need.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Let’s hope he can be coached up to be more consistent and keep his footwork clean for pass blocks, especially now that he will be faced with quicker 3-technique lineman.
I really don’t understand why we pay top dollar for experiments/potential. We did that with Anthony Collins, who was a natural guard and backup tackle, and Bruce Carter, who is a natural outside linebacker. We thought they could successfully move to new positions and we paid them assuming they could. I think you’re supposed to pay when the experiment succeeds, not before it.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:29 pm
Let’s hold off on some of the whining, bitching, crying, complaining, grumbling and hissy fits until this plays out…..some of you may end up looking like total fools.
I would predict by the time FA ends we have several unquestionable upgrades to last year’s roster.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:31 pm
Wondering how much a running guard is going to help our team if our defense gives up 30 points a game from lack of talent and depth, bring on those bargain basement defensive replacements, or maybe we will just draft 4 starters in the draft, like that happens every year, defensive schemes tend to work better when you have players like SLB or a S or maybe a DE
March 10th, 2016 at 7:32 pm
What’s not to like about an improved Bucs running game keeping their defense off the field.
March 10th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike…..do you know what day it is?
Never mind Lovie Smith SUCKS.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:03 pm
Seem kinda personal some of you cats still into the whole lovie hatin thing but were critical when I thought some of it had to do with race last season. That dude ain’t even thinking bout Tampa anymore. I’m sure he focus more so on how he’s about to spend some of that cash tho.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:09 pm
[Remember: Using multiple usernames can and will get you banned. Might want to stick with this one. — Joe]
This is an upgrade over Mankins. He’s a starter that will be a pro bowler on the Bucs and he’s way younger than Mankins which is a big plus.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:24 pm
Mike Johnson Says:
March 10th, 2016 at 6:55 pm
If the Bucs gave this guy more than 1 or 2 mil a year..which they probably did…They OVERPAID him. QB Wilson was running for his life the whole season
Joes. Can we vote on blocking this idiot. Just curious
March 10th, 2016 at 8:36 pm
Sweezy hawley Marpet
Pounding the rock up the gut! Love it.
Smith is excellent at run blocking too.
If they add Andre at RT, it may end up being the best run blocking unit in the nfl.
As for pass protection, they were better than thought last year and should be improved this year with the rookies maturing.
Lastly, does anyone else see Marpet becoming a regular at the pro bowl? He just seems to be on that track.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:36 pm
What Nole on Sat.-Buc on Sun. said.!! BAM!!
March 10th, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Kearse resigns with the seahawks. Didnt really think he’d leave.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:39 pm
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike…..do you know what day it is?
Never mind Lovie Smith SUCKS.
…………………….
LOL………Humpday was yesterday. JUst like Lovie Day
March 10th, 2016 at 8:41 pm
Guys………I think JoeBucsFan has it’s first Troll ever in Mike Johnson. Unless he is indeed Onelove as Luv pointed out. In ANY case………….don’t feed the trolls and they leave for a better food source.
March 10th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
Delson Says:
March 10th, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Kearse resigns with the seahawks. Didnt really think he’d leave.
—
I just saw that…
( insert more cricket noises here)…
March 10th, 2016 at 8:45 pm
There’s a saying, I think it goes something like DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS, not run-blocking guards win championships, we lost both starting SLB, our top corner, and our depth at DT, missing starting caliber safeties (pretty sure resigning Tandy won’t cut it), and have done nothing to fix this, I know our GM likes to build through the draft, sounds great, but what about the 2016 season, we go 4-12 or worse, he won’t be able time to build through draft
March 10th, 2016 at 9:16 pm
Maybe Mike Smith and the new Buc defensive coaches think that the talent level on that side of the ball wasn’t indicative of way they performed. I see the same people on here who blamed the defensive performance, or lack there of, on the scheme now believing it was purely talent level.
Personally, I think the Defense is better talent wise than they performed last season. The few games last year the coaches were creative rushing on Def they got to the Qb and the secondary performed much better as a result. I’m not saying they shouldn’t get some help in Fa but the current coaches and GM not panicking maybe a positive sign. That being said I’m disappointed in missing out on OLB Whitehead, S Gipson and DE Johnson.
March 10th, 2016 at 9:21 pm
Mike Johnson has a point. Let’s counter his argument instead of calling him names. Mike, he’s getting paid a fair price for a starting guard. He’s had a pro bowl running back behind him perennially. Do you think Marshawn did all that himself? Ok during the Beastquake he did. Russell Wilson ran for his life all year because that’s what he does. I’ve never seen a quarterback run backwards as often as he does and still have success.
March 10th, 2016 at 9:22 pm
so how many of these “new” people are just retreads hiding from their last screennames?
March 10th, 2016 at 9:24 pm
Some are hiding by choice lurker
March 10th, 2016 at 9:24 pm
Some are hiding out of necessity
March 10th, 2016 at 9:31 pm
The first 2 days is when the top teir of talent goes in free agency. The next month is all about the middle teir. The guys who earn a coulle mill a year and are fighting for starting spots. It is where 75% of the league is made up. There is a a lot of good talent out there still looking for a fresh start. They are raking their time and finding the best fit. The top teir talent almost never works out well. I can only think of 2 free agents in the last 20 years that really worked out well for the bucs. Why continue the insanity of overpaying for selfish players? Finding “team” players with the right mentality is what is the important thing in free agency. You dont build teams in free agency. You add pieces. That is what the bucs are doing. We will add another 15 to 30 mid to low level players that will help this team. Players that with the right artitude and mentality.
Stop worrying so early in the league year. 2 days in and people are already crying about not signing all of the top 100 free agents.
March 10th, 2016 at 9:36 pm
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
March 10th, 2016 at 9:47 pm
I must say that I am certainly enjoying JBF now that we’ve got all the “Fire Lovie” out of the way…..
We can have a legitimate spirited debate over our cuts and acquisitions knowing that we have new leadership at the helm.
I am very hopeful that our talent level is better than it played last year, especially on defense.
It seems evident to me that simply giving the 3 rookies and other younger players like Evans, ASJ, Sims, Brate & Humphries another year of experience will make our offense better.
I do think we need a WR…..& perhaps a FB…..but things are looking up.
Add 3 starters on D from the draft and we are younger and stronger.
March 10th, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Howdy TBBF. I agree with your breakdowns. I have missed chatting with you for a while. We are definitely on the Rise. But Pablo doesn’t think so
March 10th, 2016 at 9:52 pm
And they will continue to cry because it was not done the way THEY wanted it done.
March 10th, 2016 at 10:17 pm
Trubuc22-
What two are you thinking? VJax and Simeon Rice.
Not sure if Hardy Nickerson fits in your 20 year window but he paved the way for the rest. I’d add Brad Johnson and Michael Pittman continuing with the SB winning theme.
March 10th, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Speaking of fb, what is the news on javorskie lane?
March 10th, 2016 at 10:34 pm
Tampabaybucfan…we have one good draft and it’s just that easy getting 3 new defensive starters from the draft, more like 1 starter and the rest contributors makes a good draft, that the 1 starter won’t be a DE, maybe a S, getting 3 good players a year from a draft the hope, the better teams aggressively trade down and collect more picks, like NE and Seattle
March 10th, 2016 at 10:42 pm
Relying on rookies to solve your problems gets coaches and GMs fired, but so does big ticket FA flops, Licht is batting .100 swinging at FAs, I’ll give him a bunt single for Clinton McDaniel, no wonder he’s stirring clear of free agency, easier to prolong the job if you BUILD through the draft
March 10th, 2016 at 10:53 pm
What are the free agent WRs out there that are left. Besides Roddy White?
March 10th, 2016 at 11:07 pm
@ Hire Jimbo
Mike Wallace WR 29
Andre Johnson WR 34
Anquan Boldin WR 35
Marques ColstonWR
Malcom Floyd WR 34
Percy Harvin WR 27
Brandon LaFell WR 29
Jeremy Kerley WR 27
Greg Jennings WR 32
Rod Streater WR 28
Jerricho Cotchery WR
Andre Caldwell WR 30
Andre Holmes WR 27
Rueben Randle WR 24
Jordan Norwood WR 29
Lance Moore WR 32
Brandon Gibson WR 28
Seyi Ajirotutu WR 28
Jason Avant WR 32
Chris Owusu WR 26
Ricardo Lockette WR
Marc Mariani WR 28
Nate Washington WR
David Nelson WR 29
James Jones WR 31
Marlon Brown WR 24
Brian Tyms WR 27
Kyle Williams WR 27
Marcus Harris WR 27
Wes Welker WR 34
Hakeem Nicks WR 28
Chris Givens WR 26
Leonard Hankerson
Jace Davis WR 24
Donte Foster WR 25
March 10th, 2016 at 11:07 pm
That was my initial thought. Sweezy at LG and many of you thought I was crazy. I could certainly see Sweezy and Marpet switching if it makes the most sense in the future but it should start like this.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:09 pm
Looks like an old man list of weak a$$ receivers
March 10th, 2016 at 11:14 pm
Hire Jimbo…mike Wallace Percy harvin branden lafell anquan boldin are the biggest names I can think of, other than Whute, sure I’m missing someone of note, wouldn’t mind kicking the tires on Wallace and/or harvin, they both are on there last shots but are talented…head cases sure, but vjax n jamies could keep them in line, or cut them if they underperform won’t matter it’d be mid tier money, low guarantee type contract
March 10th, 2016 at 11:16 pm
@ Guzzie
It may be difficult to get three starters from our draft, but not impossible….
If we trade up using our Glennon pick (if we have one) rounds 4, 5 and the 2 6th round picks……I think we could net 3 really good players…..
CB, S & LB or CB, S & DE (no particular order)
I don’t think it will be that difficult to improve with those three positions.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:17 pm
Chris givens is worth a look too
March 10th, 2016 at 11:23 pm
Tampabaybucfan…3 rookie starters sounds great, just read an article bout NE how they never get big splashy FAs and get blasted by their fans in doing so, but they bring in a lot of mid tier FAs that are hungry and compete for positions, licht being from NE, this is prob the plan, works great when you have the top QB of all time lol we shall see
March 10th, 2016 at 11:26 pm
The WR prospects aren’t that strong this year……I can see us signing a Roddy White to a 1 or 2 year contract and us either drafting or bringing in a high priced young WR next year to replace Vjax.
We do need another WR this year and White would be an improvement at #3 pushing Murphy to 4 and Humphries to 5…..& Shepard to 6
That leaves out Kenny Bell….so the competition would be between Bell, Shepard & Humphries……Shepard is a very valuable ST player.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:28 pm
It is also possible that someone like White could replace Murphy altogether…..
We may end up carrying one less RB and then having one more WR/KR/PR.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:34 pm
So sad that I haven’t heard from Pablo in these Much NEEDed times.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:35 pm
And Roddy wants to be here! He couldn’t have hinted it any louder! huge thanks to the reporter who asked Koetter yesterday about Roddy..Kudos man!
March 10th, 2016 at 11:37 pm
@ Guzzie
Not every player has to be a superstar in order to field a great team…..we need depth….Players like Pamphile, Brate, Gholston, Tandy, Humphries….
The key is to find as many upgrades with younger players……sure, we can plug in a Roddy White or Grimes etc…..it worked with Mankins….but the focus needs to be on young upcoming players…..I think Sweezy fits that role.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:38 pm
Yes Ma’am LifeOfABucFan. I am for him too. I am sorry to all those that don’t want us to have another Aging WR. Nothing could help Jameis more
March 10th, 2016 at 11:39 pm
Keep preaching the truth TBBF!!
March 10th, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Tbbuctan….we got a slow old WR ale day in vjax we need speed…I’m hoping for Mike Wallace and/or Percy Harvin…hear me up before calling me an idiot lol Wallace has been a productive WR most of his career not top WR production but solid, if he stayed in Pittsburgh with a solid QB I’m guessing hes thought more highly of, but the best thing is hes not the number 1 or 2, and a much better player than Murphy..now Harvin other than a young still evolving Russell Wilson, he hasn’t had a decent QB, plus returning to Florida might boost his mentality
March 10th, 2016 at 11:45 pm
Guzzie……..there is no bigger Gator than me, however Harvin is not for us.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:47 pm
I am sorry Guzzie. I should have prefaced that statement with “Unless he comes for basically Incentive money………..
March 10th, 2016 at 11:48 pm
Harvin not even on a prove it contract….return game would be a huge boost
March 10th, 2016 at 11:49 pm
Just want to throw this out how bout drafting Glenn gronkowski we need a FB
March 10th, 2016 at 11:50 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“OK….Pablo is so desperate for the Bucs to bring in a player who’s name ends with a Z that Pablo will give the Bucs credit for trying…..Sweezy was very close.
How would JBF posters like it if there were no white or black players on the Bucs…pretty scary….But Pablo still loves the Bucs without any brown players.
Pablo loves Hamus….and Pablo and Hamus both have enongated arcs…..and that keeps Pablo a Buc amigo.”
March 10th, 2016 at 11:52 pm
Mojiska Says:
March 10th, 2016 at 10:31 pm
Speaking of fb, what is the news on javorskie lane?
Looks like he got cut..which I am really pissed off about…I sent him a really nice tweet yesterday..
And Bucs SB..we’re not the only ones that can see Roddy would be a great addition to the bucs..I don’t remember seeing him ever drop a single caught ball!!?? He could add some stability, he knows Koetter so well..Koetter has always praised him..he has a desire to keep playing..is willing to do anything to be here..WANTS to be here..doesn’t want big money, just wants to PLAY.
Geesh what else do we need from him!!???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEHtL-mynWU
GO AHEAD SEE THE DAMN VIDEO YOU DOUBTERS!!!
and see how the fans are NOT happy!
Jesus M Christopher…
What more can we want??
March 10th, 2016 at 11:53 pm
I’d take a chance on Harvin…..but he might be poison.
March 10th, 2016 at 11:56 pm
He will Never be a Poison TBBF my friend. He is injury plagued tho. Has been since HS. I have watched him play since HS. I love the Kid. Love his heart. Just a high risk IMO
March 10th, 2016 at 11:58 pm
Bucs SB with Jameis
What time is it where you are….and I think that will tell me who you are.
March 11th, 2016 at 12:02 am
It is 10:01 here. MDT.
March 11th, 2016 at 12:02 am
Well next year there will be another WR to add to the list..the player Lifey here thinks he’s the best looking man to ever walk this earth..Julian Edelman..he will be gone next year..if not sooner…
But his feet, lordy, he can’t stay healthy at all..and he wants to leave the Pats..
March 11th, 2016 at 12:04 am
Anyone who is not excited about JR Sweezy should return to the choir you are singing with. Sweezy’s press conference said it all. “I am going to block that extra second, play whistle to whistle.” “I am going to hit a pile, when there standing up.” Hit a pile when there standing up! Now were talking. This is type of player we keep hearing about and are supposed to be bringing in. In your face, physical, smash mouth football. With Ali Marpet, Joe Hawley, Donovan Smith and JR Sweezy blocking for Doug Martin and Charles Sims our running game is going to be second to none.
March 11th, 2016 at 12:06 am
^^^^^^ Oh No! There Goes Tokyo!^^^^^
March 11th, 2016 at 12:06 am
Bucs SB with Jameis
OK, Although I don’t have a crew to run in the AM like you….it’s nighty-night for me.
Check you down the road.
March 11th, 2016 at 12:08 am
As always good sir. A fair adieu to you. Go Bucs
March 11th, 2016 at 12:09 am
LOL @ Tokyo!!!
March 11th, 2016 at 12:10 am
Godzilla..I agree 100000 percent..even at his presser, he had his game face on..like he wants to chop up players! He’s ready to go!
March 11th, 2016 at 12:13 am
@ Life……..Very Nice to make youre acquaintance ma’am. Just call me SB from now on and would it be ok if I just call you Life?
March 11th, 2016 at 12:22 am
Anyhoo…..time for the pillow.
Go Bucs!
March 11th, 2016 at 12:24 am
Good night SB!
Goodnight all..yes, Life is fine..
I’m off to watch the old Bucs SB DVD..
March 11th, 2016 at 2:19 am
The Sweezy signing is a “hell yeah” signing.
March 11th, 2016 at 4:49 am
I thought Sweezy underestimated himself,he spoke well to the media and I liked what I heard.And that video with Tom Cable was very enlightening.
Licht is buiding a smashmouth football team.
Two “hell yeahs”
March 11th, 2016 at 5:05 am
@gobucs
not sure if he is an upgrade or not yet.Mankins is known more for pass blocking
(Winston’s blind side).Sweezy loves to run block.you are right about his age and the buc brass must think he can add pass blocking to his game if they put him on left side.
March 11th, 2016 at 5:15 am
I’m not sure why Anquan Bolden isn’t on everyone’s mind for receiver help. Dude catches everything, which has been our current receiving crew’s biggest weakness. Sure, he won’t run past anyone and he’s getting older, but the guy will catch the ball when you throw it to him. That’ll keep the sticks moving.
March 11th, 2016 at 8:19 am
I Would LOVE to see Percy Harvin in the slot and Returning kicks for us. But unfortunately that won’t happen. He is a cancer to the locker room. There is a reason why a talented guy like him gets released every year from another team. He is such a dynamic and dangerous weapon though. he sure would look nice in a Bucs uni boy.
March 11th, 2016 at 1:37 pm
Bucs overpaid this Sweezy guy. I witnessed QB Wilson running for his life when Sweezy was playing in Seattle. He missed a lot of blocks. Oh well. But what do I know right. With our new golden boy Koetter? We’re gonna be 16-0.