Fast Start May Not Save Raheem Morris
September 7th, 2010
Listening and reading various pundits on the Bucs, meaning people who are insiders yet don’t make the decisions at One Buc Palace, the sophists seem to be in agreement that for the Bucs to have a successful 2010, and for coach Raheem Morris to return for a third season, the Bucs must get out to a fast start.
But one of these insiders isn’t so sure a fast start will allow Raheem Morris to return in 2011… or whenever the NFL plays its next season.
Last Friday afternoon while appearing on “Happy Hour With J.P.” with local sports media czar J.P. Petersen on WQYK-AM 1010, St. Petersburg Times Bucs beat writer Rick Stroud suggested a fast start this season followed by a collapse may doom Raheem’s job security with the Bucs.
“I think six wins, doubling the win total from last year, is good progress and that’s what they are looking for. But let’s say they start off 3-1 and then only win three more games, then I think you are looking for a new head coach.”
Joe could actually see such a scenario unfold. If the Bucs jump out to a 3-1 record, all of a sudden there are unrealistic expectations in a season where no one but the most diehard fan is expecting a winning season.
Finishing a season 1-11 would no doubt get people within the walls of One Buc Palace whispering about Raheem’s return.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:30 am
This is what I’ve been preaching all year. It doesn’t matter if we are 4-12 or 7-9. What matters are things like are we staying competitive or getting blown out in our losses? Are we showing progression as the year goes on? Do we finish strong? Rah has got to show we are headed in the right direction. That is much more important than the win total this year.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:34 am
Raheem Morris is not going anywhere for the duration of his contract. I have heard Ed Glazer with my own ears talk about how he wants a young Bucs team to learn to win together. The Glazers love Raheem Morris; he’s not going anywhere, even if they go 3-13 again, which they won’t.
September 7th, 2010 at 10:57 am
I think that scenario happened to Ray Perkins his last year. 3 dash one start. And didn’t Sam have a 5 dash 2 start in 95?
There a few fellow rebuilders on the schedule, Cleveland, Panthers, Rams, Detroit, etc.
Losing to those type of teams won’t help Rah. I also don’t sense that the fans are in a tolerant mood for moral victories.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:00 am
The stars may be aligned for Rah to fail. We start with Clev. Car. Burgerless Pit. bye and Cin. Looks like that could be 3-1. I see about 3 more games after that we have to win. So… ya that scenario may actually play out. There you go Javier n Wimauma, looks like it’s going to be a good new year for your pathetic a$$.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:23 am
No way we are 1-11 im optamistic we could go out and win two right off the bat.. we are a better team this year i want to see 7-9 and be competitive in the losses. anything less than 5 wins and raheem the dream is gone.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:34 am
I hate these speculations so much…
“okay, we’re before week 1, let’s talk about how big trouble they are gonna be in if they WIN 3 of their first 4 games…”
September 7th, 2010 at 11:42 am
If they win 3 out of first four I will be on the bandwagon!
September 7th, 2010 at 11:44 am
Joe here,
Wouldn’t Eric look great in a “Raheem The Dream” t-shirt?
September 7th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Duemig has said repeatly that rah is safe no matter what the record ends up. As long as we look improved that will be enough. Of course he also said Clayton would make the team.
September 7th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Duemig would look good in a Gruden t-shirt!
🙂
September 7th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Here is something to chew on:
“1995: Prior to the season the Buccaneers are sold to restaurateur Malcolm Glazer. The Bucs would get off to a solid start winning five of their first seven games, to find themselves in first place on October 15th. However, the Bucs would lose seven of their last nine games, ending 12 straight seasons with 10 or more losses. Following the 7-9 season Coach Sam Wyche is fired and replaced by Tony Dungy.”
http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/tampa/buccaneers.html
Damn Dungy took Sam’s team and got all the credit.
And it’s not like Shaun King really was an adequete replacement for Trent Dilfer either.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Raheen IS safe no matter what happens this year…simply because of the coming lockout.
The Glazers are barely paying the guy…and he’s a great talent evaluator. If there’s a lockout, the Glazers are not going to fire him to hire a new coach for MORE MONEY just to sit on his butt.
During the lockout year there will still be a draft…so the talent skills of Dominick and Morris will both be needed.
People that want Raheem gone refuse to accept this, but it’s common sense.
September 7th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
BTW, I predict 2-2 in the first 4 games.
September 7th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Don’t underestimate the Glazers, they could easily find another low priced incompetent boob to coach the team.
September 7th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
Eric, that sounds like your resume- are you applying? Lol
September 7th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
“Raheen IS safe no matter what happens this year”
You lost me at Raheem is safe…
September 7th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Seriously, 6 wins is an absolute joke!!! Through two seasons of a rebuilding job, we can’t even get out of the double digit losses??!!
Winning is not the most important thing; progress and seeing if we’re going in the right direction is. Wow, so sad how far rock bottom this team has gone.