Quincy Black Is A “Secret Superstar”
April 11th, 2011
Now Joe knows Bucs fans slam their half-full bottles of beer on the table in absolute disgust over the play of the Bucs linebackers.
The posterchild for many Bucs fans’ angst is of course Barrett Ruud. In short, fans want Ruud to be what he cann’t nor will never be, no matter that he very could be the most important cog in the Bucs defense, maybe more valuable than troubled Aqib Talib.
Another linebacker Bucs fans grumble about is outside linebacker Quincy Black. Pretty much handed a starting job last year, Black, with the naked eye, doesn’t seem to make too many plays for a starting NFL linebacker.
Nathan Jahnke of ProFootballFocus.com strongly disagrees. He believes Black will be the next Bucs linebacker superstar since Derrick Brooks was jettisoned.
His contract has expired, but it would make sense for the Buccaneers to make a serious run at keeping him in town. Black was one of only three 4-3 outside linebackers with positive ratings in run stopping, pass rush, pass coverage and penalties this season; James Anderson and Keith Bulluck being the other two.
Tampa was hit hard by injuries this past season, but with everyone healthy in 2011, they’ll have a lot of important pieces in place. Stylez White and Gerald McCoy looked good as pass rushers, Geno Hayes is a solid weak side linebacker (at least on pass downs,) and Ronde Barber and Aqib Talib (baring legal problems) are a good tandem at cornerback.
The emergence of Quincy Black in 2010 was a big part of the Buccaneers defensive success, and if they are able to bring him back, he’ll be part of a defense that continues to rise. If he leaves Tampa Bay, he’ll boost a 4-3 defense elsewhere.
Joe wonders if this Jahnke character works for Black’s agent. Now Joe knows this is just one play, but last year against the Rams running back Steven Jackson was running up the middle. There was a massive hole opened by the Rams offensive line.
But just beyond the hole was Black. The Bucs linebacker stood in his tracks, waiting for Jackson to come to him rather than firing and plugging the hole. Jackson, perhaps the most underrated running back in the NFL, ran a complete half-circle to Black’s left, absolutely running around Black who never laid a finger on Jackson.
It was both a beautiful play by Jackson and a bad play by Black. NFL running backs are not going to come to you. Plug the hole!
If Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik — who knew a lockout was brewing — didn’t feel the urge to sign Black (yet), maybe that’s a sign that Black isn’t quite as talented as Jahnke would lead people to believe.
April 11th, 2011 at 8:21 am
In the example you gave, Jackson should never have even had the time to do what he did. Your example points out the glowing failure of the Defensive Line on that play, as well as the bad play by black.
Personally, I think Black SHOULD come back…just demote him and make him earn a starting role. This team needs backups as well as starters.
April 11th, 2011 at 8:24 am
Of course…if they can upgrade in the draft or free agency…more power to them 😉
April 11th, 2011 at 8:45 am
Personally I see Watson taking over that starting role and McKenzie possibly in the middle. Plus a rookie OLB and MLB in the mix
Hayes should be given another year because, although inconsistent, he is the biggest “splash” play LB they have
April 11th, 2011 at 9:06 am
I agree, Dave. And besides…the Bucs cannot replace everyone in one year.
April 11th, 2011 at 9:42 am
It’s funny how our undersized safety (Cody Grimm) can come up all the way from the secondary and knock the crap out of someone while the other three watch him do it. Ruud makes a fine coach, but doesn’t have the balls or heart to stick his nose in the fire. Geno Hayes makes just enough splash plays to make you think maybe, but follows it up with plays that make you say what the HELL! Black has all the physical tools to be a very good LB, but is he smart enough or have the insticts to put himself in the right position to make plays. There has to be a physical leader somewhere in the middle to start dominating in order for the Bucs to be successful stopping the run.
April 11th, 2011 at 10:42 am
I’m just glad to hear Stylez White is good pass rusher. That sure puts my mind at ease now.
April 11th, 2011 at 11:41 am
This joker’s creditibility went right out the door upon hearing Stylez White is a solid pass rusher. What a joke. As for this linebacking Corp, the entire group should be ashamed to collect paychecks each week. Their technique and aggresiveness is gross. Good bye Quincy, you don’t deserve to be resigned. And as for the biggest BUM on the team, hit the bricks Barrett, you make me sick.
April 11th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Black is to LBing, what White is to DE play. Alotta talk, some talent, no effort. We need New OLBs, and a DE, to improve the Defense. We will probably lose Ruud also, but that won’t kill us, as MLB in our defense is more of a big safety than anything else. But we GOTTA get some OLBs that aren’t afraid of contact! That’s just ridiculous!!
April 11th, 2011 at 12:25 pm
I read this the other day and thought the same thing about this guy working for Black’s agent. He lays it on a bit too thick.
April 11th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
New Era Bucs
LOL! Good one.