Could Hayes’ Injury Prompt A Call To No. 55?
February 11th, 2010
In his rookie season, Geno Hayes broke his leg. Now the 22-year-old has ripped up his shoulder and had it surgically repaired.
In between, his girlfriend stabbed him and he had a recurring lateness problem.
Hayes is a legitimate, exciting prospect at weakside linebacker, who was a true bright spot on the 2009 Bucs even when Jim Bates was trying to jam a square peg into a round hole. But now it seems the Bucs might have to plan for his absence early in the 2010 season.
So Joe has to wonder about Mr. Derrick Brooks.
The table is now set for Mark Dominik to wisely pursue a veteran free agent at the position.
And Joe hopes he wouldn’t consider a guy who has never played linebacker before, which was the unthinkable route Dominik went last year with Jermaine Phillips.
Brooks is there. He knows the defense. He knows how to lead. He might have greatness left in his body in a limited role.
And it sure sounds like Hayes could use a mentor on and off the field.
If Joe was Mark Dominik, he makes the phone call to talk.
February 11th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
yeah…..that is forward thinking
February 11th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Love to see that happen
February 11th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
The report said he would be back by June or July. So you don’t necessarily have to go get anyone. If he were to miss any regular season games, then I would be more worried.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Do you need an intervention, Joe? Let it go…. He was one of the best ever, but his time is past.
February 11th, 2010 at 9:41 pm
Ill take Brooks on one leg over any other Linebacker we have……………………………
February 11th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Great waste of bandwidth Joe … why don’t you go drink some Caybrew and run a batch dreaming about Rachel Watson
February 11th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
The Mad Twitterer:
Not a bad idea.
And shame on you for sullying the Mad Twitterer’s good name and reputation! He lives in Tampa. You, the imposter, live in Palm Harbor!
February 11th, 2010 at 11:12 pm
Joe, I usually like your commentary, but bringing Brooks back is a dumb idea. Brooks dosen’t like the current managment, he has been out of the game for over a year, he is aging, and no one picked him up last year (wonder why that is?)
Please keep your atricles insightful. There are other options besides Brooks, who would be a regressive addition to our roster.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
… not that Hayes is going to miss anything more that a few OTA’s, if that.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
All I have to say is, if the Gklazers want to sell some tickets next year, sign number 55 and keep rebuilding with him in the room.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:37 am
Joe here,
Marc & JerrJenn2 – You might want to read more closely. Joe didn’t say bring back Brooks. Just that Mark Dominik should make the phone call. The point is, if Dominik is going to look to get a veteran guy in at weakside linebacker as some insurance, then there’s no reason not to at least inquire about Brooks. For all any of us know he’s been working out four hours a day with a personal trainer and feels five years younger. It’s not like Brooks was crap in 2008.
Would you rather we bring in some retread for $1.5 million on a one-year deal or a healthy Brooks for the same money?
Dominik should make the call.
February 12th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Good idea, but you have to drink more caybrew, Joe!
February 12th, 2010 at 7:01 am
Good idea, but Dominik will have to drink more Caybrew to call Brooks!
February 12th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Meneghini:
Joe likes the way you think. Though it’s early on a Friday morning now, Joe can just taste the Caybrew for happy hour this afternoon.
February 12th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Alright so we agree that if this would ever happen, the entire city organization and 55 will be hammered on Caybrew. Dominick will need it to call, Brooks will need it to actually pick up the phone and fans will need it wash away the sorrows. I feel bad for Rachel Watson
February 13th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Oh Yeah! sure bring back Mr. Brooks so that when he shows all “the Experts” how good he WAS there will be more garbage thrown out there about how the ownership is not looking to sign “good” players just has beens.
No disrespect to Mr Brooks he is one of my all time favorite players for the bucs. But as i said before father time catches up with us all even the greatest players. Sure resign him as a coach HELL YEAH! as a player no. he is not 25 any more hell he is not 35 anymore, like it or not the NFL is a young mans game. Mr. Brooks had a Fantastic run he will be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee.
Please just give up on bringing Mr. Brooks back as a player, i would hate to read what all “the experts” would say about him if he missed even a few tackles or got blown past by a young TE or RB. Or heaven forbid gets hurt and can’t play.
All of “us experts” need to think about what we would say if Mr. Brooks came back and stunk up the place, not saying he would but it could happen.
I would like to remember him as the player who dominated his position, not being dominated playing it.
just another view out here in Arizona