Coach Of The Year: Raheem Morris
November 6th, 2010
Bucs beat writer Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune appeared on the Fabulous Sports Babe Show yesterday, heard locally on WHBO-AM 1040. Richardson was adamant Bucs coach Raheem Morris is his choice for NFL Coach of the Year. He discussed many other subjects as well. including Aqib Talib “boycotting” the media and the Bucs not ready yet for “varsity” football.
Fabulous Sports Babe: The Bucs are so banged up at defensive line it appears Alex Magee will play.
Anwar Richardson: Yeah, it’s looking like he will play with Ryan Sims being banged up and Brian Price being banged up and out for the year. They are running out of people, running out of players on the defensive front. They have Roy Miller and they want to rotate three defensive tackles. It has been evident this season that maybe you sign someone of the street. But a week or two later, you may be off the street but you will play. LeGarratte Blount was pulled off the street and now he is playing. You should expect to see Magee more because of injuries.
You don’t hear a lot about the guys on the line, but they are still one of the worst teams in the league at stopping the run and getting to the passer to get sacks. They are tied for 30th in the league for sacks. What can you say? Young guys still learning and guys like Kyle Moore and Stylez White not showing enough to get excited about. They are playing impact positions but not getting impact play. The Bucs have been able to get away with it for in the long term, they know better. That’s why they tried to get Shawne Merriman. They need a pass rush. They are playing well below expectations.
Babe: Is Brian Price going to need surgery?
Richardson: I definitely think there is something to the [rumors]. When I asked Raheem about it, he felt he would need surgery. The Bucs have been kind of cryptic, it’s a mysterious injury. No one knows how it occurred, didn’t know how serious it was. Though they had said it was week to week, now he’s on injured reserve. I think they know definitely it is something serious but they don’t want to come out and say it.
It seems like he will require surgery. He’s a dancer, and maybe he was talking about his dancing skills and maybe he was trying out with Dancing With The Stars and bumped into Sapp or something?
Babe: Is Blount the guy who can run the ball or is he just a guy that we all saw punch someone on TV?
Richardson: The thing I will say is, he has not shied away from that question and I’ve talked to him a lot. I give him credit. At no point — when you hit someone with a sensitive question and they don’t want to talk about it… Aqib Talib has boycotted the media, which is a violation of his contract, because he was outed for being in the stadium when he was suspended. Blount did something that was very recent and kind of a heinous act and he will still talk about it. I have to give him credit. But it comes down to, do you care about what he will do [off the field] or do you care about what he will do on a Sunday? Most NFL teams, that’s all they care about is what he can do on a Sunday, just as long as the player keeps his nose clean enough to play on Sundays.
Blount has been productive and he will get the majority of touches but the Bucs won’t let him start before Caddy because of the emotional attachment with Caddy. If Blount is productive and consistent, he will be the running back of the future.
Babe: With Caddy, they need to stop it, the emotional ties. He can’t run more than two yards a carry. Let them give it to Blount.
Richardson: They are beginning to realize that. Maybe Caddy can do something here or there. Last week when you saw them give it to Blount in the second half, they realized they had to give him the ball and get the ball into his hands. Caddy has been great. So far as a good guy coming back after two knee surgeries, he’s been great in that respect. No one ever calls [the Tampa Tribune] and says, “Hey, I saw Caddy in the mall and he was a prick to us.”
The NFL is all about production and Caddy is not getting it done and LeGarratte is. Are you going to be emotionally tied to someone and not get production or are you going to give it to someone and win games? That’s what the NFL is all about.
Babe: Are the Bucs ready to stop Matt Ryan?
Richardson: I’ve been saying this all week: They are stepping up to play the varsity. When they play the JV teams, they can beat them. When they have played against the varsity, you saw what happened. They played two varsity teams and lost by a combined 69-19. With Atlanta, we expect a playoff caliber type team. Yes, this is a measuring stick. Can they compete? I don’t say they have to win but they need to show improvement and how they can be competitive.
The Steelers game was out of control in the first quarter. The New Orleans game was worse, it was out of control before you could blink. If its 17-0 after the first quarter and 24-0 at the half, that shows they are just not ready to compete at that level. It shows Raheem’s “best team in the NFC” is just talk in the locker room. I want to see progress.
Babe: Are they putting too much pressure on Josh Freeman with all of this “best in the NFC” talk?
Richardson: With Rah, it’s always been an “us vs. them” mentality. Last year he was telling his players, “all we have is each other.” Now it is permeating. They are getting swag and confident. It’s not the first time Raheem has said something like this. In training camp he said it’s a race to 10. Now they are 5-2. If they keep progressing and get better, it may come true. Maybe not this year. No matter what Raheem said or what you say about him, I challenge anyone to say someone else is doing a better job than Raheem Morris.
Look at this roster. Look at this roster position by position. Who is a top five player? Is Kellen Winslow top five? I don’t know. Is Talib top five? I don’t think so. Max Hall? Look at what he did. No matter what anyone says about Raheem, he is doing a great job as a coach. You can say he is over his head but he is 5-2. You think Brad Childress isn’t over his head? Wade Phillips? Look at the talent level. They got Blount off the street. I mean you have Ted Larsen starting and they are racking up offensive points.
With all the stale free agents, with all the guys they have had to release, Stevens and Keydrick Vincent, Raheem’s doing a great job.
Babe: Is the offensive line getting better?
Richardson: It defies logic. You need continuity on the offensive line and they have not had that. You don’t see Josh Freeman getting slaughtered or guys coming in clean. Give credit to Pete Mangurian and Greg Olson. The offensive lineman say Josh Freeman is not holding onto the ball too long and that he is getting rid of it quicker.
Babe: What do you think about Falcons game this week in Atlanta?
Richardson: I don’t think they are ready for the varsity level. Maybe later in the year but not now.
November 6th, 2010 at 8:24 am
No doubt the Falcons have a strong team and I like their coach, but.
They luckily beat San Fran and barely.
The Bungals gave them fits.
They are as capable of blowing a game as the Saints or anyone else.
I would not be so quick to anoint the Falcons anything yet, because IMO they are an upper middle tier team and not a top tier just team yet. We’ll see tomorrow, and Anwar has always trended to the negative side of the equation, afraid to put it out there and take a risk. A hater no, but a coward yes. haha, cheap shot Saturday and what’s with all the typos?
November 6th, 2010 at 8:48 am
Bucs seem to be playing more disciplined football on the road so we’ll have to see if the D can get a few stops. The Falcons don’t mind the dink and dunk approach and seem to be pretty good at it. This is one week where the Bucs will have to take some serious chances to stuff the line of scrimmage. This will leave Roddy White in good position, but better to go with stopping the run and short yardage passing to Gonzalas.
November 6th, 2010 at 9:06 am
I just hate the JV and varsity thing…these are all NFL teams. This will be a hard game for Tampa, but it will not define them for the year. It is a road devision game, and there are 8 more games after it. I hopr the Bucs win.
November 6th, 2010 at 9:38 am
I think the Bucs have grown since the Steeler and Saint games. This is a division game, so for the most part division games are not usually blow outs unless one team jumps up early with some big plays. Any game is all about match ups and the Bucs and ATL match up well against each other.
Oddly, we might not want to break up this O-line if they play well once again. The D-line is a concern for people except for the actual guys on that line. This is a week for them to step up.
November 6th, 2010 at 9:52 am
Can someone tell me why the falcons are labeled as being such a great team? All there good players are on the offensive side of the ball.. i think this will be a higher scoring game and the team that has less turnovers and capitalizes on TDs and not FGs will win the game
November 6th, 2010 at 10:50 am
In every previous meeting, the Bucs have owned Ryan. The Falcons are playing the same schedule, and have the same record! Richardson could show some balls and pick the home team. At least then he would get a littie respect here at hom
November 6th, 2010 at 10:55 am
I’d love to see a 1st in the NFC South 6 -2 Buc’s team but if they end up 5 – 3, they’re still our Buc’s and will keep on plugging! The only criticism I have of Raheem Morris is…. next year’s draft party won’t be quite so interesting especially with the waiting. lol
November 6th, 2010 at 11:03 am
Kid said, “Can someone tell me why the falcons are labeled as being such a great team?”
DUH! They’re 5-2 this year and last year they made the playoffs while the Bucs were 3-13.
While the Bucs are 5-2 they could easily be 2-5. The Bucs can’t stop the run, their defense is held together with duct tape and silly putty.
If somehow the Bucs win against the Falcons THEN we can talk about coach Morris being a miracle worker.
November 6th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Hey Tina, Anwar is doing something YOU should try; THINKING.
Someone in the sports business looks at FACTS instead of wishful thinking like YOU.
Have some more Pewter Kool-Aid to go with your Captain Morgan Rum
November 6th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Wow…Someone must have pissed in Mr Lucky’s corn flakes!
November 6th, 2010 at 11:27 am
Yeah I thought it was egg nog….yuck!
November 6th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Falcons made the playoffs last year?? What’s that about knowing the facts again before bashing others.
November 6th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Mr. Lucky is a moron. You can’t expect him to speak accurately about any subject. In the ESPN bucs vs falcons thread he said that Atlanta has “Turner and Snead who will both rush for a hundred yards”
It’s Jason Snelling, idiot…
November 6th, 2010 at 11:59 am
Yeah, interesting point about the Draft. “walterfootball”, a well respected NFL draft prognosticator, has the Bucs picking 27 th in next years draft.we were 12 on his boards before the season started. This Guy is uncanny in predicting that sorta thing. Unlike our sad Lil beat writer, Answar Richardson. You think he’d pick the Bucs once just ta quit looking stupid! He was wrong on all of our wins, predicting losses everytime! But the one win he predicted is Pittsburg- lol! You guys don’t really listen to these clowns do ya. I think even the dumbest poster here knows more about football. Like I’ve said, I’ve had the good fortune of traveling the Country, and we come up on top on Climate, entertainment, and dozens of other categories. Where we lose out is sports writers and fan support- which I think is due to the incompetent and piss poor reporters here. We have good teams, good coaches, good owners! This place should be a pro sports Hotbed! But when you have the ass monkeys like Dan Sileo and Others around here, it hurts your fan support. Some people don’t realize how ignorant some of the “professionals” are. I hope another SuperBowl, or Stanley Cup, or World Series appearance( all possible here!) will bring in a new batch of competent reporters! Until then, we can just thank God for Joe!
November 6th, 2010 at 11:59 am
The fabulous sports babe is neither fabulous, nor a babe.
For how much Joe challenges the manhood of anyone who doesn’t have NFL Network (despite the fact that it’s not a choice for a lot of people), I’m surprised he listens to the “Sports Babe”.
I can’t think of anything that could make someone less of a man, than listening to that meatball read the sports page to her listeners.
November 6th, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Mr.lucky- lol . Of all the people ta swing at the Capt. Lol !well, good luck to you young fella. You’re gonna need it! FIRST – the Falcons were in the Playoffs last season?!?! That musta been only in yer Lil world pal, cause it didn’t happen in the real world! Second- Richardson is thinking?? Like you, he’s probably thinking about how to get his head outta his ass. That idiot predicted we’d win 3 games this year! 3 !! We are already past that, Mr.Sucky, so what’s he thinking about? He’s predicted every single win to be a loss so far- I’ll tell ya what he’s thinking! He thinking” Man, if it wasn’t for really dumb fans like Mr.Sucky, I’d probably get my Dumbass fired!” . And By the way, Mr.”win 2 games” SUCKY, I predicted 8-8 here in July ! Right here on JoeBuc! And I had about 10 simpletons( meybe you) tell me I was crazy! So listen here Son, if you want real football info, then you should listen to Capt.Tim. You wanna end up a town fool, like Zero expectations or Tampp2, then you listen to the Ass Ape media heads around here. Now, go post like ya got some damn sense!- lol
November 6th, 2010 at 12:36 pm
By the Way, Mr. Sucky, what’s Ryan’ lifetime QB rating against the Bucs(7 games). 59% . 2 touchdowns, 6 interceptions! Ya, meybe while yer eating yer piss soaked corn flakes, you could try something you or Richardson have never done. A LITTLE RESEARCH! Use yer head for something besides a tape recorder for idiots( did tape recorder age me?). Try something new meybe- Thonking for yourself, instead of repeating what some simpleton, who’s Been wrong 7 outta 7 times!!, says. DAMN! ( if we lose badly tomorrow, I reserve the right to retract the harshest elements of this rebuttal!) lol
November 6th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Ok private Tina please tell me how Ryan’s QB rating against last years Bucs applied to this years Bucs?
How many players are on the defense this year that weren’t last year?
Oh last year the Bucs lost to Atlanta 17-20 and 10-20.
As for Matt Ryan’s QB rating against the Bucs what difference will it make when Turner runs for 100+ yards?
You’re a drunk hack who couldn’t find his way out of a brown paper sack you hasbin. Actually I do agree with you regarding Sileo
November 6th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
As for predicting the Bucs would be 8-8 in July.
I would have been one who probably ridiculed you. I thought they would be 5-11; obviously I was wrong. The offense has performed much better than I thought and the secondary has been very effective in getting turnovers.
The D-line has done WORSE than I thought but the Bucs continue to win – go figure. I guess its better to be Lucky than good right?
November 6th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
Lucky? Lucky at being Sucky is what You’ve accomplished. Being wrong, listening ta other idiots that are wrong! In general- being wrong! I’ve predictedd every game here on JoeBuc, and am 6-1, predicting a victory over the saints that didn’t turn out. And he is my prediction for tomorrow! Hold it, make’em wait . . Tampa Bay wins!! Ta da! As I’ve also said, our trouble will be at the end of the season, when all these rookies smash inta the wall! But tomorrow- WE WIN!! If I was you, Mr.Sucky, I’d go mortgage the house . .’er, trailer in yer case, and bet it all on da Bucs! THEN you’d be Mr.Lucky!
November 6th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
And yes, Sileo sucks beyond belief. And I haven’t had a drink since, Jesus, Preseason, or been on my beloved boat. Quit rubbing it in!!! Lol
November 6th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Mortgage the house! Sounds like something Kool-Aid drinkers would do.
Let’s look at FACTS shall we?
Falcons have the 4th best offense in the NFC while the Bucs have the 8th best.
Falcons have the 5th best defense in the NFC while the Bucs have the 13th only ahead of the Lions, Cowboys and Cards
Statistically the Bucs just don’t stand a chance. That’s why Anwar has to pick the Falcons – based on FACTS and PROOF.
November 6th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
In Capt’s Tina’s case he bases his picks on feelings and PROOF – as in 100-proof Rum! People like Tim have trouble pronouncing those 3-syllable words like statistics.
November 6th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Hey Tina what is Matt Ryan’s record against the bucs in 2008-2009? how about 3-1?
November 6th, 2010 at 2:36 pm
That would be if you’re counting the game last year where the Bucs D took him out in the first quarter with a sack that hurt his toe and kept him out a couple weeks. He really didn’t play that game, yet he get’s credit for the win since he “started”. That’s like giving Caddy credit for the 100+ rushing yards last week because he started, even though it was Blount that made it happen. If you wanna say 2-1, I’d be ok with that… (oh yeah, and both games the Bucs had the lead in the 4th last year, it was the D that lost both games, as happened quite a bit last year).
November 6th, 2010 at 2:51 pm
Anwar has went by stats every game this year. AND HAS BEEN WRONG EVERY GAME THIS YEAR! YES,EVERYONE! EVEN An APE FLIPING A COIN WOULD STATISTICALLY BE BETTER!!! And THAT’S your ROLE MODEL!! Makes perfect sense- The Loser King- Mr.Sucky, The Loser Serf! Yeah, that all adds up and fits nicely! WRONG EVERY GAME! EVERYONE. EVERYONE!!! AND STILL BETTING THE SAME WAY!!! Why can’t I find these to ass apes in Las Vegas!
November 6th, 2010 at 3:30 pm
BamBam so with taking Ryan out of that game it means the Bucs lost to a BACKUP QB – boy THAT made me feel better!
Technically you’re correct so yeah Ryan’s 2-1 vs. Bucs NOT 3-1; until 11-7-2010.
November 6th, 2010 at 4:20 pm
Mr. Sucky- busses leaving for Atlanta every 3 hours. And they can’t discriminate against Gay people- go get yer Lil Falcon loving ass on one.
November 6th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Wow, Mr Lucky has turned into quite the Bucs Hater. What happened? Never used to be. Stolen girlfriend at a club, or Waffle House maybe?
Might want to try FoeFalconsFan.com
November 6th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Not trying to make ya feel better. Just saying that not only has Ryan not done well against the Bucs, but they got to him and hurt him too. Matt Ryan has gotta be loving the wins, but he’s also gotta be wondering what it’ll take to have a good day against them. If we can just get in his head a bit, he’ll make mistakes. To do that, we’ll have to take away his favorite threat (no, not White) Michael Turner. If the game is on his shoulders, unlike Josh Freeman, he’ll make mistakes.