Bucs Need A Pass Rush From The Ends
July 10th, 2010
One of the reasons the Bucs loaded up early in April’s draft with defensive tackles was the thought that a much better pass rush will help the secondary.
Last year, especially during the heinous Jim Bates Experiment, the Bucs secondary got charred more than Joe’s pancakes on a hungover Saturday morning. So the feeling at One Buc Palace these days is, with Gerald McCoy and Brian Price on board, the pass rush will improve, thus the Bucs secondary will improve.
It seems eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune isn’t quite buying that. Not yet.
He believes for the aforementioned tactic to work, the Bucs need not just a better pass rush, but a better pass rush from the defensive ends.
On the TBO Bucs Twitter feed, Kaufman hints it may be another long season for the Bucs secondary.
Tampa Bay’s Cover 2 scheme relies on an effective pass rush, but at this point the Bucs don’t appear to have much heat off the edges.
Joe does know one reason Bucs general manager Mark Dominik did not go after a defensive end in the draft was that, overall, the defensive ends that came out of college this spring were lackluster as a whole. In next year’s draft, defensive end is expected to be a deep talent pool, so Dominik will likely grab a defensive end next spring.
But if the Bucs don’t get a decent push up front, will it be another nightmarish season for Sabby the Goat?
July 10th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Wonderful, we can have the joy of another high pick for brother Dom, and fantasize about the 2011 draft.
LOVE IT!
July 10th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
I read in a recent football magazine that in the last six games last year, the Bucs were ranked 6th in the NFL in total defense. If that is true, then McCoy and Price should make them even better than Hovan, Sims and even better than last year. If the defensive ends can elevate their games even sllightly, 2010 should be interesting and maybe better than we think.
July 10th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
I coming to check out the comments just to see which one of the haters posted first. Eric, congratulations and, as usual, way to stay negative. Thomas cannot be far away. Louie?
July 10th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
Ah the man who predicted 5-6 wins this year is spinning some positive vibe!
July 10th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I thought our 2nd round draft pick was going to be used for that much-needed edge rusher …someone like Carlos Dunlap….instead we chose another back-up under-tackle.
July 10th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Actually, we should have chosen Dunlap with one second rounder, and used the other for Brandon Marshall, and his 100 catches per season.
Now those would have been positive moves!
Instead we got the back up under-tackle.
July 10th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
I think eye-RAH is undervaluing the effect our young DTs will have on the defense. Everyone knows that a defense (and offense for that matter) derives its strength from the middle out. Everyone saw this in all its glory last year with the flat out unmitigated disaster in the middle that was the Sims-Hovan combo. I understand why some people want the sexy B. Marshalls and Dunlaps of the world but lasting championship teams add premium talent on the inside first and then move out (see: Baltimore Ravens recent acquisition of Anquan Boldin).
Patience brothers. Patience.
July 10th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
A) Ira is absolutely correct that it was terrible not to address DE; with that said – DT, particularly the UT is a critical position that was addressed with MCCoy. Why they drafted Price (making 3 UT w/ Miller and no nose) made no sense unless they were hedging their bets thinking that if you draft two, you are likely to end up with one who can play.
B) @ Bob: If you think that defense ended the year as the 6th best, then you need to cut back on the booze drugs or something. For example, week 14 vs the Jets w/ their starting qb out – they gave up 175 yards rushing and the game was over in the third quarter. The second saints game was meaningless to the saints as they just found out that they had lost home field with the division clinched already. The Panthers in week 13 had Matt Moore at qb and didnt need to do anything productive on offense as Freeman through five picks – turning the ball over on short fields. Week 17 at home that lost 20-10 to a Falcons team with about 40% if their offense in a game that was being billed as the “prelude to next year” and the team fighting for Rah’s job. They played terribly.
Of course – you selected the last 6 weeks because the week before they were trounced 38-7 at home by the saints.
These rookies will not immediately be significant improvements over Hovan and Sims – both former productive players and first-round picks – who know the nfl ropes. I am not saying that McCoy wont be great – but I can guarantee that it wont be immediately.
July 10th, 2010 at 6:43 pm
I didnt proofread . . . “threw five picks”
July 10th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Eric and Thimas up to the same foolishness. Eric must have had BM’s love child. No way they take him Eric — 2 premium picks. No way. Thomas and Eric both seem upset about the Bucs not drafting a DE. (But then again you guys are just upset about things in general) You guys need to both slow down and look at how bad the team is personnel wise. The Bucs got two potentially great interior lineman. They did something that your boys Gru and Allen would have never done: they stayed true to their board. Gru and Allen would have used that 2nd pick on Dexter Jackson, right? Two potentially strong DTs is perfect for the rotation in the heat. This was a average year for DEs but if you want to you can cry about that, far be it from me to complain. Kind of fun to watch you guys cramp up all the time. Eric — hope you are getting some palimony.
July 10th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Ahh Dear Jimbuc, I knew that would draw you out.
As weak as it would be for me to argue that McCoy was a bad pick, it is equally as weak for you to argue that Price was a good one following McCoy. According to you optimist, they dont have two young UnderTackles, they have 3 – with no real nose tackles. That was not being true to your board, that is hedging your bet – in case McCoy ends up injured, holds out, disappoints etc you still have two.
Now lets quote you: “look at how bad the team is personnel wise;” agreed – but here is what you refuse to accept – the ONLY reason that this team is so poor from a personell standpoint is that they refuse to utilize free agency and trades meaningfully. You cand rebuild through the draft -but that is a SLOW process b/c at least 50% of your picks will never be prodductive NFL players.
If you supplement with FA’s and trades, you are getting bona fide NFL’ers but at premium cost – many folks argue that free agents and trade acquisitions often fail – and this is true – but how they are judged is totally different.
FA’s are deemded failures if they dont win championships b/c of the huge $ that they are typically paid. Draft picks are deemed succeessful if they are 2nd round and beyon and still on the roster in 3 years. 1st rounders get more scrutiny but a starter by year two is deemed successful.
Jimbuc – I know that you love the Glazers and Dom, but you cant honestly believe that this team is competitive, and they can and should be.
July 10th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
@Thomas
Competitive?? The Bucs?? I can’t wait for that Detroit game. All because the Bucs aren’t going to give Penn his money, Suh is going to go right through Zuttah and pound our Franchise QB. Then Detroit is going to run right through our All-Star rookie defense. Oh, did the Morris lovers have this chalked up as a win? Detroit went out and spent the money in FA that it takes to win. Then they got the best draft pic too. We just picked up a has been RG for a mil a year! I wonder what the spread will be for that game. I’d love to have some of those Kool-aid drinkers money!
July 10th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Thomas — I realize you live in an alternate universe so I will not waste too much time with you. Let me just point out one (of several) laughable comments. You said:
“the ONLY reason that this team is so poor from a personell standpoint is that they refuse to utilize free agency and trades meaningfully”
Thomas, the reason the team lacks talent NOW is because of 2002 through 2008, not because of free agency and trades since 2008. LOL. And, if you can come back from your other world for a second, you might realize there was almost no free agency this year, particularly for a team that was appropriately not willing to give up picks. Maybe you have heard about how this year most free agents were RESTRICTED free agents????
Not even worth discussing until you come back to reality, which will be NEVER.
July 10th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Tampa2 — Have you found the connection between the Glazers and Madoff yet? 🙂
July 10th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
@Thomas
Youre too quick to dismiss the technical aspects of my post. Playing in the Tampa 2 isn’t some rigid complicated scheme. Everybody gets a gap and penetrates; you just need fast talented guys to get there. McCoy and Price could play either DT position and excel. They also happen to be the same sizes as Sapp (McCoy) and Booger (Price/Miller). Think outside the box.
July 10th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
While everyone is talking about WR ? mark think this is just a hair behind it I mean I like stylez but his 6 sacks need to jump up before I say he is good and Kyle Moore while he just needs to show something
July 10th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
actually Jimbuc you predict 5-6 wins, I am at three.
Only a two game spread from my high to your low……………..
But im a “hater”………………….
Your right, “no way” the bucs would trade for BM, they arent that smart and the 47 million was way too much for the Glazer boys.
However, as the season unfolds i believe it will be established that I am right. Your the one with the mancrush on Rah, Dom, and the three goons.
What can I say, I like young highly productive 26yoa probowlers that could have helped the team and our young QB. Silly me.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Eric — keep crying buddy, keep crying. As you are well aware, it is not your record prediction that makes you a hater. 🙂
In fact, your record prediction may be the only reasonable comment you have ever made.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Jombuc,
Its either irrational “crying” or well reasoned evaluation of reality.
We shall see……………………………….. I know I am trying to put forth my best self and all.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
sensiblefan? it should be sensimilliafan? Just fast and talented guys do great in the Tampa 2 like Booger. Like Booger? He sucked, he was horrible, embarrassing, he was like the 15th overall and when Sapp left and they switched him to the UT he was a ghost!
Jimbuc: you mentally challenged fool. from 2002-08 the bucs only had 5 first round picks: (Clayton – horrible); Cadillac – Rookie of the Year before injuries; Davin Joseph – Pro Bowler; Gaines Adams – RIP; Aqib Talib – star.
BTW – ask anyone – Gaines was Monte’s pick = he was convinced he was the next Simeon Rice.
The first two first rounders were traded for Gruden.
Lets talk about Dungy’s first rounders: (Regan Upshaw, Marcus Jones, Reidel Anthony, Warrick Dunn, Booger McFarland, Kenyatta Walker).
I will take Gruden’s class all week and twice on Sunday!
You cant defeat me punk. History doesn’t lie. The 02 Bucs didnt win the Super Bowl b/c Sapp. Lynch, Brooks and Barber were drafed bucs idiot. they won it b/c those guys were supplemented by: Keyshawn, Brad Johnson, Keenan MCardell, Pittman, Dilger, Oben, Rice, McDaniel, Christy and on and on and on.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
Eric . . . if what you are doing is “trying” you need to either try harder or just stop trying all together. Either one is fine with me, but will let you decide. 🙂
July 10th, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Thomas — nothing to defeat. You do better playing with yourself. Unfortunately, we just have to be witnesses. Unlucky for all of us.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
What is unlucky Jimbuc – is that you have positioned yourself on the side of the indefensible – the 3-13, preceded by 9-7.
Think about that. 9-7 got the prior coach fired, but 3-13 got the current coach retained. Do you really believe that Rah’s retention was based on performance? No, not even you do – it is based on $.
What is unfortunate Jimbuc = is that even you know how bad this org is right now, but you have gargled too much glazerade, your drunk with glazerness, your too invested in anti-Gruden speak.
Playoff possible, always beats, playoff impossible – BIATCH!
July 10th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
“Just fast and talented guys do great in the Tampa 2 like Booger. Like Booger? He sucked, he was horrible, embarrassing, he was like the 15th overall and when Sapp left and they switched him to the UT he was a ghost!”
I’m strictly talking body types bro. I wrote, “They also happen to be the same sizes as Sapp (McCoy) and Booger (Price/Miller).” Those are the guys who were in the middle for years along w/Culpepper, Chuck Darby, etc. and made us one of the most feared defenses in the league.
Your argument seems to be our top 3 are all UTs. I’m arguing that your projection is limited (wrong) and that these guys and our scheme are versatile enough to allow them to play at a high level at either DT position or maybe even a big run-stopping DE.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
“You cant defeat me punk. History doesn’t lie. The 02 Bucs didnt win the Super Bowl b/c Sapp. Lynch, Brooks and Barber were drafed bucs idiot. they won it b/c those guys were supplemented by: Keyshawn, Brad Johnson, Keenan MCardell, Pittman, Dilger, Oben, Rice, McDaniel, Christy and on and on and on.”
You have clearly lost your mind. There’s no way the Bucs win without those guys. They were an irreplaceable and integral part of the TEAM. That’s like ripping out the engine of a car, closing the hood and saying, “See! Still a car!” A team needs all its parts to function. Some parts are more important than others but they still work together to keep the car running.
July 10th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
@ thomas
“Think about that. 9-7 got the prior coach fired, but 3-13 got the current coach retained. Do you really believe that Rah’s retention was based on performance? No, not even you do – it is based on $.”
You’re living in a vacuum bro. We’re rebuilding. A team isn’t rebuilt in one year. This is a three year program at minimum (unless Raheem goes 3-13 or less lol).
It’s really simple actually:
1) Foundation: Bring in draftees and young-ish FAs (if you can get them) and develop them in your systems for a one to two years. Preferably building from the inside out (QB, DTs, etc.)
2) Add reasonably-priced vet backups along the way to push the young-ins and/or get depth.
3) Re-sign your proven talent
4) When you’re ready to compete for the playoffs (Year 3 and beyond) then sign/trade for premium luxury players at positions that are either underdeveloped or can upgrade your incumbent starters. (Anquan Boldin, Keyshawn)
July 11th, 2010 at 12:34 am
OK, so we’re in a 3-year rebuilding plan. I must have missed that memo from the Bucs. @sensiblefan, if you’re that plugged into the Bucs, maybe you should start your own blog. I’m glad it’s only a 3-year plan because I was thinking it was going to take 4-5 years to do it. So, the Bucs will be losers again this year and next, right. So, the winning starts in 2012, right? YEA, can’t wait!!!
July 11th, 2010 at 12:36 am
Oh, wait! I misread the comment — the Bucs will start winning in year 3. So, this is the last losing season!!! Wow, that’s a relief!
July 11th, 2010 at 12:52 am
@ Louie
“OK, so we’re in a 3-year rebuilding plan. I must have missed that memo from the Bucs.”
The moment the Glazers fired Gru/Allen, hired Rah and Dom who then cut all the vets, the message was clear: “We rebuild for 2011 (more likely 2012).”
July 11th, 2010 at 1:04 am
“I’m glad it’s only a 3-year plan because I was thinking it was going to take 4-5 years to do it. So, the Bucs will be losers again this year and next, right. So, the winning starts in 2012, right? YEA, can’t wait!!!”
Not plugged in, I’ve just seen how other consistently successful organizations (Ravens, Pats, Steelers) have done it. Try not to laugh, but our front office guys and coaching staff aren’t brain surgeons…and they don’t have to be. The plan is tried and true. Get young, lose (unfortunately), develop your draft picks, find some cornerstones, add premium FAs, then have sustained success for as long as those cornerstones are with the team.
It SUCKS to lose. I get that. But this is only proven way to build a sustainable winner. You have start with a strong foundation: a young, homegrown nucleus who hopefully grow into leaders.
I think we win 6 this year (year 2) and 6-10 in year 3 based on the progression of our young nucleus, development of the Dream, the year 3 draft, and infusion of FA talent.
Let me ask you a question: What starter do we have a hole not filled by a serviceable vet or an up-and-coming draftee? Offensive guard, Left Defensive end, Fullback, and Safety…that’s it.
July 11th, 2010 at 1:46 am
@sensiblefans, just when did the Ravens, Patriots and Steelers go through a 3+ year rebuilding process? The Ravens were an instant playoff team after they hired Harbaugh. The Steelers won the Superbowl in Tomlin’s 2nd year — only 3 years from their prior Superbowl win. Hell, the Patriots haven’t rebuilt since the early 1990’s! Like Gruden, Bilicheat loves his veterans.
NFL teams don’t rebuild from scratch anymore. The Bucs are simply cutting costs, cloaking it in a “rebuilding plan”.
July 11th, 2010 at 1:56 am
Thomas — your own comments show how clueless you really are. Like this one:
“Think about that, 9-7 got the prior coach fired”
9-7 did not get Gruden fired and you know it. You just need to spew garbage like that to try to support your ridiculous positions. Gruden was fired — after 7 years — because his philosophy and poor drafting (and being hindered by lost premium picks that were not his fault) led to a complete decline of the team. Thomas — 9 guys that were on Gruden’s last team never played a meaningful down again. One of them, Garcia, was actually Gruden’s first choice for 2009. LOL. Think about that. The guy is out of the league, but he was Gruden’s choice. Gruden and Allen had 7 years to come up with a franchise QB but they never even tried (a 6th rounder on Grads is not trying).
Thomas, even if you put your own stupidity aside and accept the hillariously flawed premise that Gruden was fired for 9-7, even you would have to admit that Gruden’s 9-7 was his 7th season, right? In those seven seasons, Gruden survived a 4 win season (only one better than Morris, better team) and a 5 win season (only 2 better than Morris). So he got 7 seasons. Yet, by your pwn flawed logic, Morris must be fired after just 1 season? Even though he only did 1 game worse that Gruden’s worst?
You are too ridiculous to keep responding to, sorry.
July 11th, 2010 at 3:13 am
@louie
“…just when did the Ravens, Patriots and Steelers go through a 3+ year rebuilding process? The Ravens were an instant playoff team after they hired Harbaugh. The Steelers won the Superbowl in Tomlin’s 2nd year — only 3 years from their prior Superbowl win. Hell, the Patriots haven’t rebuilt since the early 1990’s!”
That’s exactly my point! When’s the last time these teams HAD to be rebuilt? Nearly a decade ago. It’s called “sustained success” for a reason! These teams didn’t just wake up one day and say, “Hey, we want to be good!” It took some lean years (usually 2 or 3) to get the cornerstones, coaching, and the TALENT into place that continue to sustain them today.
Take the Colts for example:
1) 1996: 9-7 1st round playoff loss, ownership issues, Marvin Harrison gets drafted
2) 1997: 3-13 Colts beat 3 teams w/winning records including, you guessed it, the eventual Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers
3) 1998: 3-13 with rookie QB Peyton Manning & drafts Edge in the 1999 draft
4) 13-3 and lost their divisional game…but have won more than 10 games every year (except 2001).
Bottom line: We were a smoke and mirrors teams for too many years under my boy Gru. Will Rah and Dom turn us around? Who knows? If not, the next guy can come in, like Belicheck, Tomlin, Harbaugh, and…Gruden, and take us on MULTIPLE championship runs.
July 11th, 2010 at 5:42 am
I understand what the Bucs are doing, but I think this “plan” is going way too far. In 2008, we were only 9-7. Not that bad!! Not saying we were great either, but we weren’t the freaking Detroit Lions. All of a sudden the front office goes nuts and just tears everything apart. A season later we are only one game better than the Lions who were 0-16 in 2008. Right now, the Lions are ahead, if not, at the same level we are! Totally humiliating. I’m not against rebuilding, I just think the way we’re doing it is not necessary and that the slow as hell progress is just BS. The way we’re doing is not the same as other teams rebuilding processes.
@sensiblefan
“It SUCKS to lose. I get that. But this is only proven way to build a sustainable winner. ”
The “only proven way”?? What about the Falcons, Saints, and Dolphins?? Did they have to go through this cheap, “patient”, bulls*** 5 year rebuilding plan to be competitive? No. They turned things around quickly, and wanted to “win” not go through more losing seasons and humiliation. The Saints went from 3-13 to 10-6 in 2006 under Sean Payton. The Dolphins went from freaking 1-15, yes 1-15 to 11-5 in 2008 under Tony Sparano. The Falcons went from the 3-13 Michael Vick mess in 07 to 11-5 in 2008! Notice that all 3 of those teams have good coaches and staff that knew what they were doing and decided to go out in free agency and get people rather than just build the team the slow, cheap, unproven way in the draft. They did both!! Look where the Saints are now. The Falcons and Dolphins are are also very competitive teams. These types of turnarounds have become common today. Don’t call me spoiled, I’m just saying that we could be a lot better right now.
I think the Glazers along with Radio, Dom, and whoever else should follow and do it a little more like they did and look at them as good examples. Those other teams have people coaches and staff that have proven themselves.
And another thing. Look at the Detroit Lions for example and the way they’re rebuilding their team. Yes they’re rebuilding like we are, but they’re not just relying on the draft. You guys saw them make moves in free agency this year to help make their team better, giving them some proven, solid players on their roster to go along with the young talent. They want to be competitive next year, not have this loser “patient” mentality. They had a good draft, PLUS free agency. It’s looking like they’re turning things around a lot faster than us. Supposedly with the Bucs, signing free agents isn’t good when you’re rebuilding. So I guess all those moves that the Lions made are going to hurt their team. Well f.y.i. the Lions even have a better head coach. I think Jim Schwartz is smarter than Raheem. And I do know that Martin Mayhew was a former Buc, and that he is their GM. I don’t know much else about him but it seems like he’s doing a better job than Dom.
In free agency this year, not everyone was 30 “the magic number.” Not everyone was SO expensive either. They were some moves that we could have easily made and should’ve made that would not have hurt this team at all. Not everyone can be around 10 or 15 years like Barber Brooks and Lynch were. You’re very fortunate if you have a player that long.
July 11th, 2010 at 8:12 am
Sensiblefan, absolutely correct on your post! Louie, Thomas, Eric, and the remainder of the slow squad- yes 2 to 3 years before we are a contender. NO, we are not signing any expensive free agents. No , Raheem Morris will be the Coach for this year, and with a 4-12 record or better, will be the Coach next year!. No, Domminick will be the Gm for the next few years, the Glazers are very happy with him. No! The team isn’t interested in Bill Cowher. NO!! No one cares what any of you think, and no one is even vaguely aware you exsist. Whew! Now, gentlemen, if you would please form a single file line , we start letting you take turns at the Skyway bridge “Jumper Station”. Gruden isn’t coming back, we don’t want Brandon Marshal. Bill Cowher isn’t gonna coach here , no high dollar FA, and we are rebuilding for two more years. Why go on, boys? Don’t worry, the good Capt. Will help you! NEXT LEAPER, PLEASE STEP!!” see, I told you this would all work out ! 🙂
July 11th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Patrick — they were worse than the 9-7 record. There are many different ways to rebuild but can you blame the Bucs for following the method that previously led to ten years of competitiveness and a Lombardi trophy? It is 1996 all over again.
July 11th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Ahh, another Job well done!! And with that outta the way, Capt. Tim set sail! Tequila sunrise in hand, Bikini clad young ladies all on board,nothing but Blue Skies and smooth water( say “hi” to the fellas, ladies!). The girls said ta you all hello! To my fellow Buc fans- have a nice day! To any haters who missed” jump day”, enjoy wallowing in your own self loathing. Can’t wait til the season starts! Tail gate parties are just around the corner!
July 11th, 2010 at 9:07 am
Its actually 1987 all over again!
Or, 1985!
Or, 1991!
Or, 1992!
Or, 2009!
July 11th, 2010 at 10:50 am
@sensiblefan, Indy is a good example. I’ll buy that one. However, the final piece of the puzzle was Dungy. Indy had, and still has an experienced GM. They didn’t have a decent HC. They got that in an experineced Dungy and it has been clear sailing since then. We have an inexperienced GM and HC. I don’t feel this combination is a recipe for success. If I’m the owner and want to rebuild, I don’t take a leap of faith in two guy who have never done it before at ANY level! This is not going to end well.
July 11th, 2010 at 11:18 am
@Capt.Tim: So, 4 wins are now good enough for The Dream to keep his job???!!! This is getting comical. You apologists keep lowering the bar.
The closer the season gets, the more you guys start to see the reality of the situation. After the season you’ll defend yourselves by saying, “See, I was right! I predicted they’d only win 4 games. The Dream just needs one more draft and we’ll be able to win 5 games next year!”.
July 11th, 2010 at 12:12 pm
Ok, Louie, whatever your dumbass wants to believe, no one cares! Now, it’s your turn, please step on the jump platform . . .PERFECT! Now comes the easy part, a moron can do it! Hmm. . . Guess you’ll need coaching . . Ok, now just walk foward, lol! BEAUTIFUL!!
July 11th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
@ Patrick
“The “only proven way”?? What about the Falcons, Saints, and Dolphins?? Did they have to go through this cheap, “patient”, bulls*** 5 year rebuilding plan to be competitive?”
First off, I shouldn’t have said the “only” proven way. There are multiple strategies that have resulted in “limited” success. However, I still think it’s the best route to go because it puts the percentages more in our favor to build a sustainable winner. My philosophy: The more you use free agency, the riskier your prospects are for the future. Don’t take my word for it, look @ NFP: http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Why-NFL-Free-Agency-doesnt-work.html
July 11th, 2010 at 1:17 pm
@ Patrick
“And another thing. Look at the Detroit Lions for example and the way they’re rebuilding their team. Yes they’re rebuilding like we are, but they’re not just relying on the draft. You guys saw them make moves in free agency this year to help make their team better, giving them some proven, solid players on their roster to go along with the young talent. They want to be competitive next year, not have this loser “patient” mentality. They had a good draft, PLUS free agency. It’s looking like they’re turning things around a lot faster than us.”
I can’t argue against that with a straight face. They certainly appear to have won this offseason hands down.
It’s funny that you mention Detroit. I actually live here and while the national media is quite bullish on the “Leos” the locals are pessimistic (4-6 wins). Kinda like Buc fans. Why? The head coach made some rookie mistakes”, Mayhew traded away so many future picks, our draft didn’t fill X, Y, and Z needs, etc. Grass is always greener I suppose…
July 12th, 2010 at 6:39 pm
There is no more “24”. No more “Hacksaw Jack”. That sux and will play havoc on Raheem’s psyche. On the bright, “Weeds” is back in a month or so, and hopefully Tjax will packen-me for the coach. Nancy Botwin is so hot.