“It Makes A Whole Lot Of Difference”
September 17th, 2013
Even a casual football fan could see that in preseason and against the Jets, the New Schiano Order’s experiment of tight ends playing fullback was ugly and ineffective.
But back came starting fullback Erik Lorig on Sunday to blow open holes for Doug Martin. And his impact was felt.
“It makes a whole lot of difference,” Martin said of Lorig’s return during The Doug Martin Show on WDAE-AM 620 last night. “Erik Lorig, he’s a big back. He’s is a smart guy. He came from Stanford. He’s determined. He tries to be perfect in everything that he does and his work ethic on the field is just amazing. Before every practice he does a [head-to-toe] yoga routine just to get warm for the practice.”
It was obvious Lorig made a difference for Martin. Hopefully, Lorig’s calf injury is behind him.
Interestingly, Lorig, 26, will be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He’s got chemistry with Martin, and Joe hopes the Bucs don’t let Lorig walk.
Regardless of who the head coach is next season, Martin will be here and he’s going to need a solid fullback he trusts.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Interesting , and regardless of who the Qb is, Martin will be here and I will be cheering ! GO BUCS
September 17th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
The difference this guy makes in the run game is immeasurable. Wont be a big signing, dont pull a Bennett, Dom!
September 17th, 2013 at 4:09 pm
We have the evidence don’t we? Week 1 was ugly, week 2 saw big holes blown open. Lorig is a critical element of the offense, and with no TE worth a damn they really need to start working him into the passing game.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I admit I undervalued him and what a difference it was this past sunday!
I like the line “regardless of who the coach is next season”. All this chatter from the fans, me included, it’s a REAL possibility! What a ride we are in for this year!
September 17th, 2013 at 4:16 pm
“Regardless of who the head coach is next season” LOL Way to keep the controversy going in every article you seem to write Joe. Let’s end the positive article about the triumphant results of the run game and return of Lorig with another rehash of the peril Schiano is in. TMZBucFan at it’s best.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
We do need to use Lorig in the passing game….I think we tried him once against NO & he was held because he would have been wide open.
We need to run him and pass to him more often…..especially if we aren’t going to use anyone except Martin…..I think we have handed the ball off once to Leonard in two games…..none to James or Hillis.
Which reminds me….we seem to have a lot of players that aren’t used much on offense……Wright, Sheperd, Hillis, Leonard, James
September 17th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
@ FlBoy84
thats what this website and these fans are all about. always looking for the negative and cant wait to exploit it. its tiresome really.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
Hey guys, on the topic of offense. Seeing how everyone in the organization is in win now mode. Anyone see a possibility for making a move for Kenny Britt as our 3rd receiving option? I mean he did play for schiano. I personally would like to see it happen.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:30 pm
@FLBoy84
What makes you think Schiano is in any trouble….do you have an inside with the Glazers? or Dominick?….
For those of you out there rooting against Schiano & Dominick & for that matter Freeman…you have a right to your opinion but it can’t feel very good.
I have a right to take a dump on my dining room table…but that wouldn’t be a good thing so I dont schitt where I eat.
There are some things we can talk about that can be changed during the season….plays, strategies, some personnel….but changing Coaches/Gms…..almost never happen during the season..
September 17th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
Nice post Joe. You’re as big of an ass as all the other BS media members. Its good to see the site that was created to be different from the others is no different than all the others.
Also here’s a quick recap for you if you aren’t counting or are too damn stupid to see for yourself:
Freeman and Schiano don’t get along – Both adamantly deny it vocally and with body language (Mythbusted)
Freeman requested trade – he didn’t even know of report until after game and someone told him, then said he needs to get a new agent if that was true. (Mythbusted)
Schiano is a bad coach – everyone that has knowledge of football says he is a great coach, not a good coach (Mythbusted)
Schiano isn’t a player’s coach – Look at what he did for LeGrand, Letting Barber start 200 games at CB instead of making him start at Safety, Doing pushups in huddle with team. You only have to look at how hard the team played this week – more TMZBucsFan garbage (Mythbusted)
Revis isn’t happy in Tampa. – He told a reporter he preferred man coverage to zone and it becomes this (way to take it out of context), and he posted on twitter he’s happy here (Mythbusted)
September 17th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
@Tampabaybucfan,
Think you missed my point. I personally don’t think Schiano is in any trouble at the moment. Was referring to the multitude of negative articles here (and various other sites) that continue regurgitating the whole Schiano and Freeman distrust, Schiano calls the wrong plays, he’s lost the team, etc. This article was initially about the positive impact Lorig had on the run game, but evidently couldn’t be written w/o referring to the fact that Schiano may not be coaching here next year.
September 17th, 2013 at 4:53 pm
Doug Martin is the second leading rusher behind McCoy this year. All from one game really. Props to Lorig for opening up those rushing lanes for Dougie Fresh!
September 17th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Dom better resign him. Infact he should do it now. Get it done with. They are good together and that should not be broken up.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:04 pm
I said it in another post, but I want old school Bucs football this weekend: 40+ carries between the Dougernaut, Leonard and Hillis. And Lorig would obviously be a huge part of that.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Gotta keep Lorig. He doesn’t get near the props Vonta Leach does but he’s still one of the best lead blockers in the league. Props to Dominik for picking him up too.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:08 pm
I shook my head when I saw the comment about Schiano also. Joe has a good blog but very little real football savvy. Schiano is responsible for this defense being at near elite level. He ain’t going anywhere. Freeman isn’t his guy so all the squabble about Freeman isn’t on his head. Now if he goes to Glennon and Glennon stinks it up that’s a different story. I’m betting on Josh getting it turned around.
Joe reacts like most of the fans react. Very pissed off at first and his stories and comments are borderline irrational. Then he looks for every article supporting his viewpoint and if he can’t find it he reports on “maybe the run was the right call” but he still disagrees with it. Definitely NOT a journalist in the sense of trying to be objective. Very much like the TMZ style of reporting. “let’s stir the pot by reporting on every rumor, innuendo, and negative thing being said about the team.” I guess Joe has learned that bad news sells. It also attracts every negative fan and makes for a split fan base..half rooting for the Bucs to win and half hoping they lose just so their predictions of failure will come true. It’s turned into a very negative site but it’s the only game in town as far as getting news on the Bucs quickly..even if it is mostly negative.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
Don’t pull a Bennett Dom??? Are we really missing Michael Bennett?? Just goes to show you how much more the coach and GM know than the fans. We already have 1/3 of all the sacks we had last year in the first two games. Case closed.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:15 pm
@FLBoy84
Sorry bout dat…..There are so many negative posts and it is getting tiresome. I agree with Bobby….SCHIANO AIN”T GOING NOWHERE!!!
Get a grip…take some meds…call a hooker…a shrink…find another team…you Schiano haters are delusional if you think he is in trouble.
Sure his plays can be argued….but only if they don’t work & they didn’t….game one stupid penalty….game twe…missed field goal. Those two things don’t happen and we are 2-0 and he is outstanding….
September 17th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
I wouldn’t say we’re missing Bennett, but he did look pretty good Sunday night for the Seahawks. Not sure if would have been worth it from a cost/benfit but Bennett is a good player, just wasn’t worth a long term deal (and the market clearly agreed)
September 17th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
I bet Lorig could play a pretty good TE in single back and no back sets. He is a good blocker and has good hands. Plus he is smart. He already switched from DE to FB and proven he can play multiple positions.
September 17th, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Now the NFL has passed a policy that will prevent us from ever wearing the orange again.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Lorig and Doug go together. Keep that guy. Just don’t let it show before he hits the market that he is also probably the best tight end we have.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:20 pm
bucs cancel throwback unis against cards.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Perhaps there really is nothing positive to report about the Bucs right now. I don’t fault Joe for it.
I do however fault him for this line and agree with others when it comes to this line as well.
“Regardless of who the head coach is next season, Martin will be here and he’s going to need a solid fullback he trusts.”
I think fans will start to see what your up to Joe. I said it last week the media seems to think that they(the media) are bigger than the team itself. Which is very far from the truth. The team will ALWAYS come first.
Joe…Can we get an explanation from you on this “Regardless of who the head coach is next season” line?
Right now the Bucs are still on track to meet Joe’s expectations of an 8-8 season that he predicted. So what’s wrong with that Joe? If they meet your expectations why would you have a problem of them not making the playoffs?
I already asked this question six hours earlier, but I doubt I’ll still get an answer.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:42 pm
Ah. The head coach will be Schiano. Hes in second year of five-year. Glazers aren’t gunna pay him and somebody decent. Be careful what you wish for or we will end up with another Rah type coach until this one is paid off.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:48 pm
Schiano isn’t going anywhere…..neither is Dominick….the Glazers aren’t spending all of this money only to fire a coach for really no good reason.
We just lost two games by 3 points…..a stupid penalty & a missed field goal….get real Buc fans…lets talk about things that can be changed in mid-season…playcalling, personnel. Lets look at some positives….no serious injuries thus far….return of Nicks & Crabtree…..& we don’t have to pay Goldson $500k…for missing Sunday’s game…
September 17th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Not to take a dump on everyone’s parade here, but Lorig was in on only 15 plays against the Saints. Doug carried the ball 29 times, and was on the field over 90% of the game.
I saw some great blocking from Lorig, but I’m not sure you can account too much of Martin’s success against the Saints on just his lead blocker.
Overall, I was pleased to see the holes Lorig made when he was on the field.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Tampabaybucfan…things ARE going to get better right? I can feel it.
September 17th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
I may still be depressed and all, but I still have hope. The hope I have is that we will be talking about the Bucs being 2-2 at the bye in 2 weeks from now and it might start to wash away all this negativity. All I have is hope now. Like I said before I had these 2 games marked down as wins before the season. I was a Lavonte penalty on Geno and a FG away from possibly being right so far. The only downer for me is I had the NE game as a loss. Any news on Gronk yet?
September 17th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
Okay according to Sports Illustrated Gronk is a 50-50 shot for week 3.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:04 pm
thank goodness lorig is back. if wright can step up at tight end all you schiano bashers will need to stfu!
the players love schiano! he’s a winner and will turn this team around with glenon!
schiano is the man! he made the right call playing safe for feild goal! martin just screwed up couldnt get first down.
in schiano we trust! freeman who? haha! go buccs!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Not a Buccaneer Man.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
@joe
Make sure we get a story on the report about revis twitter today saying he’s happy to be a buccaneer! Nfl website twisted into a negative
September 17th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
@ Buc 1987
Of course things will get better….look at how our defense played….That’s Schiano…
Sure they have to blame someone….Freeman, Schiano, LVD, Lindell….if it makes them feel better…but noone on this website has the ability to change anything but their opinion.
I, myself…take the path of hope rather than dispair….because….hope feels better. If Im wrong….its only temporary in my mind….then we’ll get better next year, if not then the year after. Pittsburgh is 0-2….think about how their fans feel with the winning tradition of the Steelers.
It’s easier for us Buc 1987….because we are Buc fans….we aren’t spoiled with winning………..YET!!!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Posey99 Says:
September 17th, 2013 at 7:16 pm
@joe
“Make sure we get a story on the report about revis twitter today saying he’s happy to be a buccaneer! Nfl website twisted into a negative.”
That will NOT happen on JBF.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
revis better shut up. no way the glasers get rid of schiano over a cb. schiano knows what hes doing. hes a great defensive coach.
if he wants revis to play zone, then revis needs to suck it up and listen to schiano. revis is not the HC! have trust in schiano revis!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:28 pm
@ Truebucsfan
Revis & Schiano can co-exist….they both are professionals and want to win….they will see eye-to-eye….
You’re right about the ultimate choice….Which one has the guaranteed $$$?
September 17th, 2013 at 7:32 pm
I don’t know if I’m in the same negative box some of you seem to have locked yourselves into. I saw a Bucs team eat the Aints from start to finish. The ball didn’t bounce our way at the end but make no mistake. We outplayed him. I didn’t like the 3rd and 6 call but I respect it. I believe the staff legitimately thought we had a good chance to get that first down and heck, Martin wasn’t far from getting it. Schiano made a good point when he said he didn’t believe in second guessing himself, but rather analyzing the decision afterwards. It’s true. A coach can’t second guess himself. We are off to a rough 0-2 start but we were clearly in both games and just didn’t finish the games out. There’s a big differece between that and getting hammered every game in Raheem’s last year here. You can’t crucify a guy after 2 games and after a year where we showed marked improvement. I put these losses on the coaching staff mainly and Freeman being inconsistent. With that said, coaches are allowed to improve and I expect that from this staff. Freeman has to improve right now as he is in Year 5. So far, not good for Freemanites.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
*Beat the Aints* *We outplayed them*
September 17th, 2013 at 7:36 pm
revis needs to learn zone. just cause he is a good man on man corner, schiano can still play him any way he wants.
i trust schianos play calling over an injured corner. the players and you fans need to back your coach!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:41 pm
@CMURDA
I’m with you,Buc1987 is with you, Bobby is with you, Andrew is with you…and many more. We have a bunch of really upset fans & that’s understanable….they have the luxury to stay that way…the team doesn’t.
I choose to take the postive outlook going forward…..we made countless errors, had a horrible offense…made a critical penalty causing a loss…missed a field goal….and we lost two games by a total of 3 points…..imagine the possibilities.
Fans want to jump all over Schiano because the blame can be spread around to a lot of players…its easier to blame it on the coach. But I like Schiano….he got rid of a bunch of bums…and I think he will iron out the mistakes….there is no way a team plays that hard for a coach they don’t respect or like!!!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
I think the problem some fans have with Schiano is the college coach thingy. They don’t see much NFL experience behind him, so they think, who is he to tell these grown men how to play.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:45 pm
cmurda. you cant blame those losses on schiano. we need to have faith in our coach. he had a great gameplan. the 1st game was freeboys and davids fault. and the swcond loss was on freeboy, doug nartin who couldnt get just 6 freaking yards, and our kicket who shld be automatic under 50 yards.
schiano’s the man!! fire freeboy! fire sully! go bucs!
September 17th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
“there is no way a team plays that hard for a coach they don’t respect or like!!!”
Tampabaybucfan …your damn right.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Bob Marley :
“Don’t worry ’bout a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right.”
“Don’t worry (don’t worry) ’bout a thing,
‘Cause every little thing gonna be all right!”
Sing with me people….Every little thing gonna be all right!
I’m just going through the motions now. I know what I saw on that field on Sunday, I was there.
September 17th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
A TE & a real 3rd receiver can do the same thing for Freeman.
September 17th, 2013 at 8:06 pm
@ T-Buc40….outstanding post! Well said my friend. Captured everything and more about all this rumor crap.
September 17th, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Buc1987, you talked big in the off season and preseason. Right now you are flipping more pften than a pancake in a frying pan.
You took a poll and made some claims. Is your fanhood that tenous that 2-3 losses change your stance? Pick a stance and stay with it. Be true to your words.
Otherwise you have no right to criticise others.
Sorry to single you out, but you had me convinced you were a true fan before. Big brother is telling you to act like it.
September 18th, 2013 at 2:46 am
A TON of great posts in this thread.
Well done, y’all.
September 18th, 2013 at 4:00 am
I admit I undervalued Lorig aka ninja turtle for his lead blocking. I wanted him gone said we needed a real fullback. I couldnt have been more wrong! This guy gets on them backers so hard they dont wanna tackle anybody by 4th qrt. He’s not afraid of full speed contact and he is a earnest gram like dude.
Admitting when your wrong….PRICELESS!