Benn Returns To Return
September 17th, 2012
Joe gulped when he saw Arrelious Benn lined up to return the first kickoff coming the Bucs’ way Sunday.
Benn didn’t play in the preseason, missed nearly all of training camp, and this was how the Bucs would throw him into the fire? As a kickoff returner, an unfamiliar role for him?
Benn fumbled that first return, but thankfully Quincy Black dove on the ball. And then Benn settled into a solid and busy day on the job with a 55-yard effort on one of his seven returns.
Joe was intrigued by this role for Benn on a few levels. Clearly, the Bucs viewed him as completely healthy, which makes Joe wonder why Benn was not targeted in the passing game against the Giants. Benn also was active on coverage teams, so again, health wasn’t an issue.
Also, last week Greg Schiano said rookie Michael Smith, kick returner against the Panthers, did a good job in the home-opener but the Bucs’ return team was poorly coached and didn’t block well. Though this week Smith was yanked.
Benn showed some flashes, but Joe still prefers Sammie Stroughter as the No. 1 kickoff returner. Stroughter’s brought one to the house, he’s sure-handed, and he ripped off a 78-yarder in the home-opener last season, the play that left him with a busted foot and cost him more than half the 2011 season.
September 17th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Smith should be the returner. Benn should get reps at WR. Stroughter at punt returner.
September 17th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I was quite excited actually, Benn is an athlete – he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s big, why wouldn’t you want him returning? He showed that he can do it aswell. I hope Smith can get his head in the game quickly and show us some of that 4.3 speed 😀
September 17th, 2012 at 2:26 pm
I found it very odd they inactivated Smith. That move was a head scratcher to me. They could of used his speed on screens or tried to get him out in the flat. I just dont understand why they refuse to use him more.
September 17th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
I’m still stuck on the last play. Watch this at start at the 22 second mark:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMmKHz4DHGc
Ask yourself these questions:
1)What about the Bucs defensive stance let’s you know that we are NOT going to make a push? Nobody is standing around.
2)When Eli goes down how much time is left? Hint: 3 seconds
3)Suppose Eli fumbles when going down, how many Bucs players are around Eli? Hint: Flanked by two, Wright and Talib. Think they could take it 25 yards to the house?
4)Giants players said there is no way they fumble the snap, etc on that last play. Really? So you line up that guy behind Eli a little deep why exactly? JUST IN CASE something bad DOES happen?
Guess what, we play 60 minutes…JUST IN CASE.
September 17th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
It is probably because he isn’t very good at WR but he has running skills(hence the constant Benn’d arounds last year) so they are getting use out of his talents.
September 17th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
I admit that I like the direction of the team, but I must admit there are a few head scratchers from time to time like the scratch of Smith and the use of Benn as a returner. Since they didn’t use Derek Hardman, should I expect them to re-sign Wallace “Hinges” Gilberry?
September 17th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
A few head scratchers? Every play in the second half, offense and defense, was a head scratcher. Never seen anything like it before.
September 17th, 2012 at 3:33 pm
I agree that whole 2nd half was just embarrissing. It’s like they came out and completely shut down. No pass rush, no tackeling, they couldnt cover anyone. The defense was worse than the offense during that 2nd half.
September 17th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
Yep, biggest issue was play calling. The whole play not to lose style offense sounds great but doesn’t work in today’s game. Offenses are to good and if you keep your d on the field all day they will get beat. Defensively, Blitzin Bill called the worst second half I recall ever seeing. Just stubbornly blitzing non stop while leaving his corners up the creek without a paddle. Talib is a good guy because I wouldn’t have blamed him for going to the sideline and flipping out at the coaching staff.
Common sense will tell you if I corner is getting worked up and down the sideline all day you need to help him. But Blitzin Bill never took his foot off the gas. And when it became apparent blitzing wasn’t working, he decided to blitz even more. Just stubborn and ignorant.
September 17th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
I agree about Smith, they’ve never given him a chance to see what he can do running the ball or as a 3rd down back catching the ball with the 1st team oline in a game , strange to me too.
September 17th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
WHERE THE HELL WAS BLOUNT!!!!!!!!!
September 17th, 2012 at 8:34 pm
Why did Parker get the Benn’d-around?? The Park-around just doesn’t sound right.
September 17th, 2012 at 9:06 pm
@Paul – it rolls off the toungue well I think. And Parker doesn’t seem good for much else.
September 17th, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Benn was tentative and terrible as a returner. He’s clearly scared and indecisive and should not be out there. Sure, he had a big return, but he was the most surprised man in the house because he knows he’s not going to break one. Please take this guy off kick returns….just terrible!
September 17th, 2012 at 9:49 pm
I don’t think Benn is tha bad Brandon. I would probably rather see Smith but Benn did well
September 18th, 2012 at 4:39 am
@Brandon – Think thats a little harsh granted he got a 50yarder. I take it you wanna see more of him in the receiving game?