Bucs A Force… In 2013
December 20th, 2012
With Josh Freeman struggling more each week, with a player going Moe Howard on an assistant, with a player trying to incite a mutiny from afar, it’s easy for a Bucs fan to want to lay prone on a couch begging for the season to come to a close. Soon.
Don’t worry Bucs fans, brighter days are coming. This is the word from noted player personnel man Gil Brandt. The architect of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1970s believes, via NFL.com, that of all the teams currently out of the playoff hunt, the Bucs will be a force next season.
1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After drafting well (as evidenced by rookie running back Doug Martin’s performance) and signing the right free agents (like receiver Vincent Jackson) over the past three years, the Bucs have a good, young roster. We saw things start to click for them during a 6-4 start, though they’ve fallen off since. Greg Schiano has done a terrific job in his debut season. In Year 2, he’ll have a better understanding of the length of the NFL season, and he’ll have a firmer sense of when (and how hard) to push his players.
The Bucs have given up a lot of passing yards (310.6 per game, worst in the NFL), and where they really need help is on the back end. Aqib Talib is gone, having been traded to the New England Patriots. Stalwart Ronde Barber, meanwhile, is 37 and might not come back for a 17th season. So they’ll have some openings to fill. Can they find a way to keep defensive end Michael Bennett, who leads the team with nine sacks, from moving on as a free agent? They also might want to bring in a veteran quarterback (like Kyle Orton, say) to help mentor young signal-caller Josh Freeman, who has talent but has played hot and cold this season. Tampa Bay should have the cap space to do something.
Joe believes Brandt is onto something. The Bucs’ pass defense simply cannot be this bad next year. Just cannot.
The key, again, for a Bucs playoff run, will be for Freeman to be more consistent and to play up to his potential.
For next year, the Bucs will go as far as Freeman can take them.
December 20th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
Great insight and great take. Agreed
December 20th, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Joe wrote:”For next year, the Bucs will go as far as Freeman can take them”
I guess the Bucs will be home watching the playoffs from their couch’s next year too.
December 20th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
I feel that. Like the Orton idea as well.
December 20th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
We need a viable backup QB. The time in the season when Freeman gets that look in his eyes that we all know, he needs to sit immediately.
December 20th, 2012 at 9:45 pm
Deja vu from what was written after the 2010 season. 2013 this team will have to prove it to me. Still don’t trust the GM and now I don’t believe in the QB. 2013 this team will have to answer a lot of questions.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:02 pm
@mr.lucky,exactly!!!!
December 20th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
The Bucs will not be in the playoffs next year. The have way to many holes to fill. It’s not like the talent is there on defense and they just need a couple of spots filled. They need starters and decent back ups. And apparently now every year 5 or 6 players are going to be injured and out for the year.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Does that mean were not going to expect to win five and get all giddy when we win six?
December 20th, 2012 at 10:42 pm
If Lovie Smith gets fired from Chicago. Do whatever it takes to hire me as D coordinator.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Gil Brandt has been out of professional football for 25 years.
After his nurse gave him a snack of apple sauce which balanced his blood sugar, he was able to explain why Roger Staubach should be the #1 draft pick over all next year’s despite his Naval obligations.
He also said he would be supporting Ronnie Reagan’s presidential bid with his VP Bonzo.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
To many holes to fill. Don’t even know if they can. Then there is the Freeman syndrome. What teams does he play. Pressure and panic or no pressure and look like a Pro Bowler? Waaaaaaaay to early to even make that statement.
December 20th, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Oh sorry for the interruption guys, didn’t know an Ain’t-it- Awful convention was going on. Oh Eric, If you don’t mind would turn out the lights and close the door when the last bitchin’ and moanin’ session is over. See you guys tomorrow!
December 20th, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Wrong (as usual).
December 20th, 2012 at 11:14 pm
@Macabee sorry but the Homer session is on the other page – you know the one that show how Josh Freeman is the next Eli Manning; you just need to wait until Josh turns 30…
December 20th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Lol nice one Lucky
December 20th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
You know josh is starting to look a little like the inconsistent Rex Grossman. Remember good Rex and bad Rex.
Who was Rex Grossman’s QB coach with the bears?
Looks like he may have worked his magic on five.
December 20th, 2012 at 11:53 pm
Alex Smith
December 21st, 2012 at 12:04 am
Hmmm, let’s see… the Giants went from 5th in the NFL in defense to 30th when Sheridan took over and set tons of records for bad defensive play, then came back to 13th when Sheridan was fired the next season… I’m pretty sure the greatest upgrade the Bucs can have whether on the backend, the front 7 or where ever, would be at defensive coordinator… where a competent coordinator could do wonders with some pretty talented players. The DBs might not be great, but nobody can play well under Sheridan’s playground scheme and incompetent playcalling.
Ron Meeks did a fantastic job for Dungy with the Colts despite having most of the Colts resources tied into their offense.
Monte Kiffin would be an upgrade over Sheridan if Kiffin were 113.
When Chicago gets eliminated from the playoff race, Marinelli (and Smith) will likely be on the market. Smith would likely never return to being a coordinator, Marinelli would be a huge upgrade as well.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:06 am
I’m bored with all this jabber. This is all a big stroke job to get us through until April.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:08 am
Wow. What a downer. Try rooting for the bucs. Freeman is the real deal and 2013 will be better.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:16 am
blackmagic, here’s a real downer.
http://web.archive.org/web/20090329121452/http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/2009/03/behind-the-stats-qb-completion-percentage/
December 21st, 2012 at 12:34 am
The Bucs will win the Super Bowl next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TAMPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
December 21st, 2012 at 12:37 am
I would love to see Joe write a article about who he thinks we will lose to Free Agency, Trade etc next year.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:53 am
1976:
Plenty of time after the season to delve into that. And Joe will.
December 21st, 2012 at 12:57 am
Jimmy there are a lot of qbs that fall to later rounds because of college stuff. I think Freeman is the qb of his draft. Stafford could be, but his health set him back. Free is very young and with the crap he has gone through, he still has really good games. When Freeman hits his stride we better hope he is still a buc.
December 21st, 2012 at 2:30 am
@ bucoburce
BAAAAAAAAAAY
all you guys who try to use to term “homer” as an insult should prolly try a different one because I consider that a compliment. lol. the future is bright so get on board or get lost. some of these so called fans are so fricken spineless.
December 21st, 2012 at 2:38 am
One thing that truly amazes me is how the same people who were praising Schiano, Sullivan, and Freeman are now wanting to get rid of some/all of them. We are all disappointed in what has happened over the last 4 games. I’ve yet to see one person say any such thing. I don’t care if we win the next 2, this season has not been a success in my eyes. However, I truly believe we are on the right path. If we aren’t and I’m wrong, then I’ll be wrong. It sure as hell beats crying like a little b!tch like so many of you. Schiano is going to be our coach and Freeman is going to be our QB. It doesn’t matter how many times you complain about it and pretend like you could do a better job, that is reality. I just don’t get what’s the point of complaining day in and day out, as if it makes any damn difference. Yeah, I’m pissed we aren’t going anywhere. I’m pissed Freeman looks like Mark Sanchez. I’m pissed that we are having yet another late season collapse. But I’m going to watch the game on Sunday and scream my head off at my TV cheering for us to win. I’m going to be excited and hopeful for a great 2013. I’d much rather do that than be a whiny little girl like so many of you.
December 21st, 2012 at 2:46 am
And before anybody jumps down my throat saying they have a right to complain, I acknowledge that. They’ve given you plenty to complain about over the last 4 games. But no matter how many times you repeat how terrible Josh Freeman is, he’s still going to be our QB next year. Knowing that, I just don’t get why the same people have to make the same comments day in and day out. I promise you this – Mark Dominik isn’t going to call any of us to ask who we thing we should get at QB. They’re not going to eat his salary to make you happy.
And what’s even more comical is that no matter what this team does in the offseason, some people will still complain. Unless they bring in 4 Pro Bowl Corners, Tom Brady, Jared Allen, and Jimmy Graham, you will still find something to complain about. Mark my words. If it were as easy to build a team as you make it out to be, everyone would do it. Just because you think you know what you are doing doesn’t mean you actually do.
December 21st, 2012 at 3:14 am
We’ve been saying “we’ll be in the playoffs next year” since 2009.
December 21st, 2012 at 3:49 am
We will be Patrick… Next Year.
December 21st, 2012 at 8:06 am
I agree that the Bucs should be a contender next year. When Freeman’s O line returns, I think his confidence and swagger will too. 1 more good draft may just do it for them if they can shore up the secondary. We have had some setbacks and it gets frustrating but I still believe we are on the right path. There is always hope. It is the 21’st of December, 2012, the sun is rising and it isn’t the end of the World. I have put last week’s loss behind me and I’m ready for the game Sunday. I’m excited to go and think Freeman and the team will bounce back strong. I didn’t feel that way a couple days ago, but I do now.
Go Bucs!!!
December 21st, 2012 at 8:08 am
HEY JOE,
is there any word on Quincy Black and how he is doing? or does anybody know?
December 21st, 2012 at 8:27 am
Spoken like a true fan, BigMac! I’m on your team and while not happy, I am hopeful. Not putting down other fans who have more difficulty moving on, I just think it’s healthy to express your emotions good or bad, then continue to support your team. Have a happy holiday and let us all look forward to a better new year!
December 21st, 2012 at 9:29 am
next year, Patriots trade Brady to the Bucs. Getting Josh Freeman and 2 first round piks
December 21st, 2012 at 9:51 am
What gets me is that 95% of you guys predicted a losing season this year because of a weak defense…..Now since you fake a** fans get a little offense for the first time in team history, you guys blame the QB.. I can guarantee you this IF we wouldve had at least the 15th ranked pass defense we would be at least 10-4 right now…but josh freeman and the buc offense spoiled you guys, so if he has a bad game or 2 you guys want his head…Its not his fault, the lid has had 3 terrible defenses. We shouldve lost the raider game, the panthers game (second), if the vikings had been playing lights out…Doug Martin would have 1600 yds right now if our defense was at least average. You just cant get in shootouts and expect to win. We will be better next year..
a Real QB we wouldve lost that game.. and the offense has been
December 21st, 2012 at 9:53 am
Sorry I meant to say, If the vikings wouldve had a real QB we wouldve lost.
December 21st, 2012 at 2:30 pm
All of these “fans” screaming for the release of Freeman reminds me of the Chargers when they were crying over their young QB problems. Look at them now! They have Rivers, and the guy they got rid of is…ummmmm…errrr….
December 22nd, 2012 at 12:04 am
While I may be the most outspoken Buc critic, my favorite posters are #1 BucoBruce and #2 Hawaiian Buc. I just love those guys. I wish I was an eternal optimist like BucoBruce.
I love Hawaiian because of his time zone and the fact that he absolutely never agrees with me and he always provides an intelligent and cogent argument backed by facts. HB, I was able on my 3rd attempt this week to make it in to the mountains to load up on live water despite the snow.
@Joe
Sometimes I’m amazed by your inability to detect sarcasm.
Merry Christmas guys and to all a good night.
December 23rd, 2012 at 12:29 am
“For next year, the Bucs will go as far as Freeman can take them.”
This is like “deja vu”, we keep saying this since, 2009? Anyway, I believe he can be better than what he is right now, I really hope so, so please Free, get on it, and let’s not hear this same frase next year??