Clark Decision Possibly Tied To Ronde Barber
January 2nd, 2013
Former Bucs tight end Anthony Becht, an analyst on the Buccaneers Radio Network, gave a lukewarm endorsement to Dallas Clark this morning on WDAE-AM 620.
It was difficult to assess whether Clark wasn’t being called upon within the Bucs offense or was having trouble getting open because of age-related decline, Becht said.
Becht said Clark is still valuable but the Bucs could be looking for a more dynamic option. Becht praised Luke Stocker’s development as a blocker but didn’t talk about him as a receiver.
Interestingly, Becht floated the take that losing Clark and Ronde Barber this offseason would be devastating to the Bucs’ leadership and locker room. So Joe has to wonder whether rockstar general manager Mark Dominik will wait to decide on Clark until Barber gives a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on his 17th season. Of course, there’s also that matter of Clark’s desire to stay.
Joe can say that numerous Bucs on both sides of the ball have spoken of Clark’s leadership. Why even pill-popping, spa-loving Eric Wright specifically Twittered on Monday about how Dallas Clark counseled him.
Joe wouldn’t mind seeing the Bucs chase free agent tight end Martellus Bennett, Michael’s brother, but it’s really too early to speculate much. The Bucs first have to make sure they know who their offensive coordinator is going to be.
January 2nd, 2013 at 11:58 am
If I could have it my way, Clark and Ronde both hang up there cletes and call it a great career. Ronde is one of the best buccaneers to ever play the game, hes done great things here but I want him to start thinking about his body.. hes like 36 or 37? football is a physical game. ” every hit in football is like a minor car crash while not wearing a seatbelt ” I think I saw someone say that on PFT, very true. Hang it up Ronde. Clark and Barber are both just not anywhere close to there primes anymore, I definetely dont want Clark to come back, he has too much trouble getting seperation from defenders, solid hands and great routes, but he is too slow for the NFL. Ronde on the other hand, If he does end up coming back, I wont have a big problem with it, he still put up some solid numbers this year, but he is also loosing steps consistently in his speed and strength. I think if we bring Michael Bennett’s brother here to play some buc ball it would be great. Martellus is a much better blocker then Clark, Martellus is much faster then clark, Martellus has a lot more potential and I think those 2 brothers, if they played on the same team, would just FEED off eachother and maybe have a little bet every week, who can be the better brother on the field? I would love that. As for finding a replacement for Ronde, I wouldn’t mind drafting his replacement in the 3rd – 4th round this upcoming draft. If Ronde decides to stay back our draftee would have a year to learn under one of the best DB’s to ever play the game… GO BUCS!
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:19 pm
How bout drafting Tyler Eifert?
January 2nd, 2013 at 12:47 pm
I’m with Warren. Eifert is going to be a stud NFL TE.
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:25 pm
There are a handful of TEs coming out of college that are all 6’5″+ and 255 + and great recieving TEs. Personally, I see the Bucs going CB and then TE in round 2 or 3.
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:26 pm
If they sign a NYG, make it USI
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Plus, I don’t see how the two are related other than age. Ronde leads by example on the field. I have never heard one thing about him being a “great locker room guy” or helping the young guys with issues, etc…
January 2nd, 2013 at 1:41 pm
I know who the Bucs’ offensive coordinator will be: Mike Sullivan.
There’s no way the Bears hire Sullivan over more accomplished guys on their list like Tom Clements, Mike McCoy, etc. Not gonna happen. Take that to the bank.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:12 pm
Yep, lots of TE’s thank goodness. But after watching Mingo in that bowl game, Im sold on him. Too bad he got sick and couldnt finish that game or LSU would have won…he was tearing Clemson a new one with his pass rushing.
I was impressed watching Rhodes too. Banks just didnt do too much in his game. He looked slow.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Eifert has the ability to be a powerful run blocker.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:30 pm
Saw that Dirk Koetter took himself out of consideration for remaining HC interviews after he signed an extension with Atlanta today. Hoping Sully follows a similar path.
January 2nd, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Our 1st round pick I can see going a lot of different ways. DE, DT, CB, T, TE..
I suggested Eifert a while ago. Still would be a great pick in my opinion. Corner isn’t a for sure pick. Free agency will pretty much determine that. I love the thought of a stud DT along side McCoy as well. It will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.
January 2nd, 2013 at 4:17 pm
I dont think TE will be our pick not unless he blows up the combine
CB. DT, DE i can see being the call
Dallas doesn’t sound too convincing about wanting to come back
January 2nd, 2013 at 5:12 pm
@GiveBlountaBlunt
Brutal honesty but true. Dallas will not be resigned by anyone. He is too slow now. Bless his soul. He has some of the best eyes and hands in the NFL.
Ronde is not fast enough anymore to play centerfield as a FS. I want him to come back because he a demi-god in my opinion. His mind is just so sharp. His genius is under appreciated. There is a reason he’s still playing. It’s called his perfect diet and workout routine combined with the will of a kung fu warrior.
I wanted the Bucs to sign Martellus Bennett last year! I also wanted the Bucs to sign Jake Ballard before he went on IR after the Giants cut him. But guess who came in to sign him off waivers?? Bellichek and the Pats of course! Ballard will be ready for training camp this year. And the Pats will have another legit TE. Ballard is HUGE.
I wanted the Bucs to do the same!! The Giants signed Bennett for 1 yr. at 2 million. The same salary as Clark. I would’ve offered him 4 years at that rate.
Now his price has gone up. And Bennett will probably get some great offers and we will have a smaller chance of signing him.
I am very high on Nate Byham, the TE we stole from the 49ers. He will be SOLID. Im sure. I would NOT spend a high draft pick on a TE this year.
I would however sign BOTH Bennett’s to 5 year deals!!!
SOLID INVESTMENT.
Michael Bennett is a HARD WORKER with even more talent to come!!
January 2nd, 2013 at 7:58 pm
@teacher@blunt > I will not call you any names, denigrate your intelligence or even point out your obvious hate of Barber & Clark. Freeman shares your feelings as indicated by his refusal to throw to Clark unless instructed to do so. So in the spirit of the new year I’ll just hold my hand up to block the noise and just invite the haters to read between the lines.