Zach Mettenberger And The Bucs
October 7th, 2013
Joe knows some Bucs fans are deep in the sad denial that the 2013 season is viable. They think that if the Bucs just pull together, they, too, could be a wild card team.
Joe sincerely wishes these same fans can rid themselves of whatever demons possess them. This season is done. Joe can’t find the statistics he read recently, but starting a season 0-4 is a deathknell for playoff hopes.
Now there is a very real likelihood the Bucs could be drafting a quarterback in the first round. But Joe’s hunch today is the Bucs would try to trade for a veteran quarterback first. There are too many good veterans on this team to saddle with a quarterback who likely will be going through growing pains for a couple of seasons.
The proprietor and brainchild of TheBigLead.com, Joe’s good friend Jason McIntyre, decided to look into his crystal ball and he sees the Bucs taking a flyer on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
Josh Freeman’s gone, and Mike Glennon, even though coach Greg Schiano loves him, won’t be the long term guy. While a read-option QB would be dangerous with Doug Martin, I don’t get the sense Schiano is a fan. Dating back to his time at Rutgers, he seems to lean to statuesque pocket passers, which is why Mettenberger could be the guy. I put Bridgewater here because yes, I think Tampa could implode and end up with a top three pick. Another option: Bolster offensive line early, grab McCarron at the top of the 2nd round.
Now this is a very interesting pick for a number of reasons. Joe believes McIntyre is right on the money in that Schiano prefers a pocket passer. Given the fact that Mettenberger is schooled in an NFL offense by (S)Cam Cameron, Joe can easily connect the dots to where Mettenberg would be a Buccaneer Man.
But also in McIntyre’s last sentence he throws out Alabama’s A.J. McCarron. Joe told WTSP-TV Channel 10 executive producer Matt Sinn before the 2013 draft, if somehow Freeman was not with the Bucs in 2014 (this just in: he won’t be), then Joe could easily see the Bucs going after McCarron. In Joe’s eyes, McCarron would be the perfect Schiano guy. A quarterback schooled in NFL discipline by Nick Saban, fundamentally sound, a game manager.
Personally, Joe would love, if the Bucs do go for a quarterback, for them to land Johnny Football, but Joe knows that Schiano would never tolerate Johnny Football’s partying ways, no matter how talented he is.
There is virtually zero chance, barring a 2-14 season, the Bucs have a shot at Teddy Bridgewater.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
mark my words 9-7 will be the wild card record in the nfc this year….maybe even 8-8. To early in the season to give up now. If your pushing us to give up joe then why come to read sites like this if the season is lost?
October 7th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Oh, so we’ve already moved on to next year’s draft, huh? You know what that means. You’ve already given up on this year’s team. And under your breath and not willing to say it aloud, Schiano is a dead man talking! Lol
October 7th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
0-16 doesn’t even get you Teddy Bridgewater unless the Bucs have the tiebreaker against the Jags.
As to Johnny Football, I don’t think its as simple as he’s a partier. Maybe he is, but he does show up every Saturday and play outstanding. If we drafted him and he parties hard every Friday and Saturday night and shows up Sundays and puts up 400 yards of offense like he does at A&M, is anyone really gonna care if he’s a partier? On field performance is all that matters. You can (allegedly, almost certainly) commit murder and still go to the HOF and be deified in this league.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Before all the Schiano haters pick up on this….Joe is of course assuming that if the Bucs go 2-14 that Schiano will still be the coach…..if not, what does it matter what kind of QB Schiano likes.
Being a true Buc fan, I am rooting for Mike Glennon to succeed and then we can spend our money and draft picks on TE, WR, LT etc….
October 7th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
No demon possession here, but I think 8-4 or better over the next 12 games is possible if things get fixed (based on team talent alone). Agreed playoffs are statistically not looking good, but start winning games and see how things play out season’s end in the NFC.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Go Glennon. Keep improving.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
@Joe
If the bucs offense cant keep up with the high powered Eagles offense and we get blown out…all bets are off on record predictions.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Rumor has it that Freeman was a partier…
October 7th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
johnny football is overhyped sec junk! He is a flash in the pan!
October 7th, 2013 at 3:45 pm
I’d take Johnny Football in a heartbeat and let him party like snake stabler.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
What about Aaron Murray from Georgia! He’s a Tampa Native and he’s a leaders?
October 7th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
Johnny Football will not likely make a very good NFL player, sounds like he has does little to no preparation in terms of film study and game plan.
Just saw Flynn was released by the Raiders, possible pick up for us a somewhat competent back up?
October 7th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
I think McCarron would be a great fit but I dont see him being available in Round 2. I guess its possible but there are too many QB needy teams.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
No game managers. Don’t even bother drafting one.
Ask yourself if Manning, Rodgers, Brady, Brees or Flacco are game managers or more than that….we NEED more than that.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Bring back Chucky and draft Johnny Football.
Be a hell of a lot more entertaining than this Wannstedt ball were playing.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:56 pm
No game managers. Don’t even draft one, it will be a wasted pick.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
After they select Jadeveon Clowney (JCP) with the 2nd overall pick, I believe the Bucs should do whatever they can to grab Aaron Murray. He’s the real deal, even better than Stafford.
The Little General will be a distant memory.
October 7th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
I am all in on the Arron Murray bandwagon. hes never really wowed me in the past, but after watching the Georgia vs Tennessee this past Saturday, I came away VERY impressed. even with 3 of his top wr going down with injuries, his still managed to LEAD the bulldogs to victory. he has set records in the best conference, SEC, and hes also from Tampa. I will be keeping a close eye in him for the remainder of the college football season.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Based on how he didn’t stick in Seattle or Oakland I’m thinking Matt Flynn is one of those guys that fans will say “sign him, all he needs is to be coached up!” or coaches and GM’s will remember the one good game he had in his NFL career and roll the dice on. I’m not against the Bucs giving Flynn a work out, but as a Bucs fan I’m doubting he’ll be able to come in and help the team win or unseat Glennon or Orlovsky as current #1 and #2 QB.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Come guys this thread is downright disrespectful to Schiano and Mike Glennon. Give the kid a chance. Schiano is committed to Glennon. He would not for a minute take Bridgewater over Glennon. He has wanted this guy since high school. Your posts border on heresy!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
bucrightoff Says
“As to Johnny Football, I don’t think its as simple as he’s a partier. Maybe he is, but he does show up every Saturday and play outstanding. If we drafted him and he parties hard every Friday and Saturday night and shows up Sundays and puts up 400 yards of offense like he does at A&M, is anyone really gonna care if he’s a partier? On field performance is all that matters.”
That is total bull. If he’s a partier now imagine when he has millions to spend. Total trouble. Ever hear of Ryan Leaf?
October 7th, 2013 at 4:04 pm
If the Bucs have a top 3 pick Shiano won’t be here!! Not only does our coach have a winning problem, players don’t seem down, Shiano has lost the fan base. The offense is a disaster! I guess the D is better but christ, with that talent how can it not be better! And that’s just the onfield stuff! I won’t even get into how poorly the outside stuff has been handled. Unless there is a massive turnaround, I don’t see how Shiano stays around. I do like GA Murray though but we would need a offensive coordinator that can scheme, you know, like creating mis matches instead of Vince, Mike – go deep! What a season! Thank God for beer!!!!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Michael Vick is out for two weeks.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
You realize Johnny Football is from a ridiculously wealthy family right? Hence the sense of entitlement? He’s already rich so its not like giving him more money is gonna all of a sudden turn him into even wilder child.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:10 pm
The chances of Teddy Bridgewater being a Buc and Schiano still being the Buc’s HC next year are about the same in my eyes.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Johnny Football’s family wealth is ridiculously overstated. We’re talking a few million bucks a year spread over about 15-20 people. He’s certainly not poor but he’s no Jed Clampett like some would have you believe.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:14 pm
Chad Henne is starting for the Jags this week…normally he would have a chance of winning. Unfortunately its against Denver.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
I would prefe rthat the Bucs went the Veteran QB route… Forget all that rookie QB turmoil… Do like the Chiefs and get a young Vet to lead this team while it is built with talent… A rookie Qb likely means another 2 years before they make it to the playoffs…
I, myself, would love to see the Bucs go after Kirk Cousins…. Everytime I watched him when he started for Washington I would find myself thginking if only he played for the Bucs they would have a much better record…. Maybe that is just me!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:19 pm
Yeah, now ur talking. Clowney and McCarron. OMG I think I justed died and went to football heaven.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Bomb for Boyd!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:31 pm
Just say yes to Johnny Football! He’d transform this franchise into a winner.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Johnny Football
McCarron
Boyd
Murray
There’s my wish list in order. I’m excluding Bridgewater and assigning him to the Jags.
I mean no disrespect to Glennon and I’m 100% pulling for him but it’s not my panties that are in a bunch for him. I just don’t see stud from him. I see very competent backup.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Blake Bortles – JR University of Central Florida. You heard it here first!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Consider me one of those crazy people you talked about. The Bucs were a good QB away from being 3-1. If Glennon can get just a little bit better, then going 3-1 every quarter here out puts them at 9-7, which may be enough even to make playoffs in NFC this year.
So yeah, some of us people in “denial” think you should actually play the games before sticking your head in the oven.
Were you a fan during the bad times in the 1980’s? I rather doubt it, I don’t think you could have survived with that defeatist attitude.
For those of us who’ve been Bucs fans since the beginning, this ain’t nothin’.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
I’m in the Bucs need a decent veteran QB club.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Johnny Football may be a partier, but so far he’s proven that he handles adversity well. He always fires back with outstanding performances (the recent game against Alabama for example). He always has the last laugh!
A RARE TALENT. He’s worth taking a chance on.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:44 pm
“Were you a fan during the bad times in the 1980′s? I rather doubt it, I don’t think you could have survived with that defeatist attitude.
For those of us who’ve been Bucs fans since the beginning, this ain’t nothin’.”
zam…your damn right!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Johnny Football is likely going to stay another season at A&M (he’s only a sophomore). Bring in a veteran for one year, and then draft him in 2015 (that’s assuming that we suck again for a high draft pick). If not, trade the whole draft to grab him.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@ Splengo
dont get me wrong, I support Glennon all the way so long as he is the starting QB. but, and this is just my opinion, even if he does play great the rest of the way out, I still think we pick up either a vet who can help show him the ropes, or draft one to bring in added competition. the QB position is just to important to have any kind of uncertainty moving forward. its best if we do everything we can during the off season to get that position right.
October 7th, 2013 at 4:50 pm
Sh!t the bed for Ted!
October 7th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
@ zam
“For those of us who’ve been Bucs fans since the beginning, this ain’t nothin’.”
You got it, dude!!! These guys have no clue what losing is really about….try 0-26….talk about laughing stock….Sat Nite Live….mentioned on many network comedy shows…..
Sure it hurts…and there are no moral victories….but we are playing close…sometimes that hurts worse than a blowout….
October 7th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
Someone said it earlier but what makes you think Schiano will still be the coach, I see this team going 2-14 and 4-12 at best which still gives them a chance with Bridgewater who I think is going to be a star in this league but I’m also with you on Johnny Football. Johnny Football could give this team the energy and spark it needs and Johnny Football and Doug Martin would be deadly.
October 7th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
@Bucdan
Blake Bortles is my sleeper too. He is going to surprise a lot of people.
October 7th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Tank for Teddy or Fail to fire (Schiano and his staff).
I like the Fail to fire better….I’m over our coaching staff
October 7th, 2013 at 5:28 pm
Grab the best players available for the next 2 years and build up the rosters better than bomb the draft year of Jamies Winston and get him 1st overall….Guy is a complete stud and plays like a senior as a freshman….Seminoles are going to the BCS with this kid and the Bucs will be getting Lombardis
October 7th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
give up the farm for teddy
October 7th, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Clowney is playing himself straight to round 2. One play does not define you. I smell bust if the highest degree.
As a fan, Johnny Football would get me more excited than any other option. Love the attitude. He would instantly provide an identity to this offense, and it would match that of the defense. I want a QB that points at the scoreboard when a dline man does a sack dance in his face. Somebody with the balls to gun sling and grab face masks.
October 7th, 2013 at 5:48 pm
See, this is what happens when you change styles in the NFL – not even the guys who write about this stuff think Glennon is the answer…
…so now, we’re not just talking about drafting the new, NEW QB of the future – but if you keep Schiano – the offensive line you have suddenly needs a LOT more attention. Except – so far – Schiano still thinks Glennon is the MAN! Which means you have to make a decision: do you draft a blind side protector for a stationary statue that has tree roots growing into the ground (he’s actually S-L-O-W-E-R than Tom Brady and even Peyton Manning runs one in for touchdown every 19 quarters…)…or do you draft one of the fancy, shiny new QB’s you will no doubt have an option at drafting?
…and so it begins…some will favor keeping Glennon and giving him a “real” shot…and will probably argue that we “just draft some better o-linemen”…and we’ll waste another two years getting him what he needs – and JUST as we start to see progress – the fans who read EYERAH and Woody will start calling for his head (manyu of them the same ones defending him today…but you know, tomorrow, EYERAH & Woody will want something different)….and the owners will fire the coach – bring in a nazi that likes mobile QB’s.
…This is getting old.
October 7th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
I think this team will end up with a 2-14ish-3-13ish record and I don’t believe the “godfather” will be back next year. So it doesn’t matter that he likes pocket passers. I just hope and pray that the T.T.O.T.’s (the Twin Towers of Truth a.k.a. the Glazers ) will go and get a proven GM like a Bill Pollian, a genuine NFL head coach, i.e. Lovie Smith, or a Marty Schottenhiemer or somebody with an experienced, proven NFL head coaching career. Because the cute little coaching project that they have been doing since they fired Jon Gruden( dam I miss us going 9-7 and making the playoffs )HAS GOT TO GO!!! I’m all for going after and making a trade for a veteran QB.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:02 pm
“Mike Glennon… won’t be the long term guy”
Pretty presumptuous to say after one start. This is lazy writing by McIntyre who is looking for an excuse top put a QB in the Bucs slot.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
Now maybe I am a little biased because I am a Bulldog fan, but I think Aaron Murray is better QB than Mettenberger or McCarron. Just two weeks ago Mettenberger’s LSU Tigers were beaten by none other than Georgia thanks to Aaron Murray’s late 4th quarter drive down the field and TD. And just this Saturday, with Georgia’s top two runningbacks being injured along with their No. 1 WR Malcolm Mitchell and No. 2 WR Michael Bennett, he marched the Dawgs down the field to tie the game to send it to overtime, then Georgia pulled out the win (thanks to a fumble by Tennessee though). Murray just set the SEC record for career yards and has played better than Matthew Stafford did while he was at UGA, and Stafford had two years with A.J Green while Murray didn’t even get a full season with the guy. Most underrated QB in the draft class.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:12 pm
Id rather have Tampa native Aaron Murray over Mettenberger.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:13 pm
Andrew 1,
I still love ya man! I hear you. You’re willing to stand outside and watch a fire with Glennon but you’re not willing to run inside the blaze with him. I understand. Rabbit hunting is no fun when the rabbit’s got the gun. I understand! Lol
October 7th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
If Johnny freaking football was the QB for the Bucs, it would have a Tebow like effect. EVERY game would be sold out. It would be absolutely nuts around here. Difference between he and Tebow is that Manziel is athletically superior. He is a rare talent and I happen to think he will be a successful NFL quarterback. Accurate as hell and can run like hell. Not to mention he’d put butts in the seats! Totally with Joe on that!
October 7th, 2013 at 6:23 pm
Well stranger things have happened. I for one am going to cheer this team on and hope the kids does well and plays his way to become our quarterback over the next 10 years. As for schiano well he is still learning on the job and I’m not fully sold on him yet but will support him coz he is still our HC.
Come on guys let’s stop the negativity and just support the team. The only way we are going to get better is to start talking about positive things and stop dwelling on negativity…
October 7th, 2013 at 6:27 pm
I agree, writing Glennon off after 1 game is silly, the guy is just trying to generate some reaction. I hope the kid does well and with better play calling (hopefully), the emergence of good 3rd WR (surely one of these guys will step up), better offensive TE play, getting Demps and our other backs more involved we may very well get things turned around. It will fun to watch on Sun. if any of this actually happens.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:46 pm
My biggest fear with Johnny Football isn’t that he can’t play in the NFL, it’s that he won’t be able to stay healthy in the NFL. He’s listed at 6’1″ and 210, but he doesn’t even look that big to me. He’s basically Michael Vick size, and we all know Vick can’t stay healthy either. I will say this – he sure would be exciting to watch. He would give a dynamic to our offense we’ve never really had, and he would give DC’s fits trying to scheme for him. No way Schiano would go for him, but if we are able to draft him, it means our record is bad and Schiano won’t be here anyway.
October 7th, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Johnny Football’s cockiness is what this team needs. He has confidence, swagger and does a great job at dealing with adversity.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:00 pm
2-14 sounds optimistic, and I sure hope Schiano isn’t here to make the pick.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:01 pm
First off, stop with the “true Buc fan” B.S. I’m tired of the “if you were a true Buc fan you wouldn’t say” this or “if you were a true Buc fan you’d believe” that. Give it up. All off-season there were people that backed Schiano AND Freeman that supposedly weren’t “true Buc fans”, there are some that still support either or both of them that ARE true Buc fans, there are some that have flip flopped their support and ARE true Buc fans.
I’m flying in from Colorado this weekend to see my Bucs play the Eagles. I still believe that Freeman gave us a better chance to win, but I’m NOT cheering against the Bucs so they’ll fire Schiano or so Glennon looks bad. I’m cheering for our Bucs, just like I do watching on Sunday Ticket every weekend. So, stop with the “true Bucs fan” B.S.
Second, thinking that Glennon is not a very good QB and is unlikely to succeed is different than not cheering for the team. I can come in here every single day and berate Glennon, give play by play of the poor mechanics I saw in his game against the Cardinals and describe things that haven’t changed from college to the NFL and are unlikely to. That doesn’t mean I don’t want the team to win. I just don’t think he’s very good. Just like many of you didn’t like Freeman or thought he wasn’t very good. Just like some think Schiano is a punk of a coach. Just like some think Dom is a boy band not a Rock Star. And none of these people are less a true Bucs fan than the other.
It’s not any more disrespectful to say Glennon isn’t very good and start looking at next year’s draft than it was to trash Freeman after a statistically record setting year in the off-season. Where was the “undying support of the team” then? If you MUST love ALL things Bucs to be a “true Bucs fan” then NONE of you should have berated Freeman at all until he was released by the team. So get off your high freakin’ horse and let the fans give their opinion, whether you agree or not. Argue, discuss, fine… but knock off the B.S. about who are real fans and who are not.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
BucDan,
I said Bortles for Bucs before the season started….
October 7th, 2013 at 7:02 pm
If they continue to run the same offense they’ve been doing since this sh*t storm started then we will be lucky if we win 3 games. If the godfather changes then he has a chance at keeping his job. But..imo that will not happen. Hes not a guy who adapts. The Glazers have to be hating the situation they are in. They gave the franchise to a guy without a winning record or proven ability in the pros. What are they putting in the coffee over there? They have literally lost a generation of fans. If they have a chance at Teddy then they need to do anything and everything at getting him here.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Sorry to disappoint you all but we wont be needing a QB. But we will be drafting offense, my pick is Sammy Watkins.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:03 pm
@bucfanjeff
Umm dude. Brady IS the ultimate game manager. He is not a gun slinger and he is very smart. He plays within the scheme and makes it happen. Also I think Alex Smith (another game manager) might disagree with you.
Players like Payton, Brees and Rogers are great in their own rights and put up HUGE fantasy numbers but how many rings do they have combined? Oh yah, the same amount as Brady (a Game Manager).
i hate when people say the don’t like game managers and then put Brady up with the likes of the gun slingers in this game. When Brady won all those super bowls that is exactly what he was, A game manager. He played smart, didn’t try to do a lot on his on, and allowed his play makers to make the plays for him. Since then he has tried to be the Gun slinger and make everything happen for him self instead of just letting the play makers make the plays and he hasn’t won a Ring since…. Just like all those other QB’s. Including the ultimate gun Slinger Mr. Favre.
On another note i am not on board with the read option QB’s either. That style of offense just doesn’t work that well. The NFL defenses are just to fast for that to equal long term.
To sum this little rant up i am on board with McCarron. Actually i’ve been watching him closely this year because i feel he would be the PREFECT fit for a team like ours. We don’t need a QB to carry this team. We need some one who eliminates mistakes and puts the ball in the hands of all the high priced play makers we have, IE someone who can MANAGE the game. We need a QB who will not lose the game for us by shooting him self in the foot with bone headed plays trying to be the hero.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
i think glennon is definetely going to gradually improve and be a very good quarterback but it’s still gonna shine a light on how much schiano sucks as a coach, we can’t expect him or freeman to beat a team by throwing bombs hmmm kinda like we did last year. for us to win even with a more accurate qb but still a rookie this guy is going to have to coach us to wins and i just dont see that ability. and when he gets fired it doesnt matter how good he is, another coach and or gm will want to draft their own guy so either glennon has been set up for failure just like josh….we can say josh is going to suck and schiano has probably got his prayer beads out right now because if freeman reenergizes the vikings then that shines even more of a light on schiano but if he continues to suck then schiano can exhale…..guess we’ll find out in a few weeks who really is the culprit in this winless season
October 7th, 2013 at 7:11 pm
As for the topic of QBs in the draft, I’d sell the farm for Bridgewater (at this point, never know after the season as things change fast). There aren’t going to be a lot of good veteran QBs available. Think about it. Brees, Rodgers, Flacco, Ryan, Brady, Romo all signed extensions recently. RGIII, Luck, Wilson, Kaepernick, Tannehill, Manuel, Geno Smith, etc. are all still on rookie deals. We could look at mediocre QBs like Sanchez, Ponder, etc. but there aren’t any truly solid QBs that will be available other than maybe Cutler and if he’s available they probably didn’t do well.
Of all the “QB hungry” teams out there, it’s a QB filled draft. The Jags may move down a couple spots and let Bridgewater go, knowing they can get Johnny Football or any number of other possibilities plus a draft pick or two. And that’s assuming we draft behind any other QB hungry team. Looks like the Browns will draft after us, but will they sell the farm to move ahead and get Bridgewater? Teams may also move up for Clowney. #1 pick moves down a few spots, another team gets Clowney, #1 picking team now gets a franchise QB plus a pick or two?
Just like everyone thought the NFC was gonna be SO tough this year, that it was gonna take 11 wins to make the playoffs in the tough NFC… it is possible that the Bucs will be in a position to take a top QB (or move up to get the one they want) and that other teams may wait on a QB, knowing there are so many in this draft. No guarantee this draft is gonna have a run on 1st round QBs, we won’t know that until after the season, the combine, Pro Days, and draft day 1.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Simply put, no one who desires that “their” team lose or suffer at the expense of trying to make a point or be correct about any one individual is a “true fan”.
And i’ll say it over and over and over.
If that doesn’t apply to you good.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Couch, my pick if it’s not QB would be Sefarian-Jenkins or maybe dump Penn and draft Taylor Lewan.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
I could not stand how hot and cold Freeman was and totally lost any belief in him that he would succeed but I never once wanted him to fail in order that I would be correct about the “Freeman debate”.
In fact, I am still upset that it did not work out.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
Here’s an idea everyone, let’s take off our SEC glasses and pay attention to other qb’s like Marcus Mariota or Brett Hundley or even Hogan from Stanford
October 7th, 2013 at 7:19 pm
PRBuc, there are very few actually wishing the team to lose to fire the coach or to lose to get the QB in the draft. Most want the team to win, but also want to replace the coach or QB. No different than those that wanted Freeman gone. Not saying they wanted us to lose to bench/trade/waive Freeman, and not saying they aren’t “true fans”. Just that they wanted Freeman gone at “almost” any cost. Kind of a “cheer for the team to win, but the QB to look horrible” type thing. It’s the fantasy football society. Cheer for your team to win, but let “this player” score because he’s on my fantasy team. Not that I agree with that 100%, but I do understand it and am not going to bash people for not being fans because they want the team to be great and think their opinion or “way” is better than someone elses.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:20 pm
It doesn’t matter what anybody thinks about the Bucs and the draft. Schiano is as good as gone. The Bucs will be lucky to reach 2 wins. The sad part is that Mark Dominick will likely be gone too. He’s really loaded the Buc roster up with talent, so that is unfortunate. Whomever takes over the Bucs will be looking at a Chiefs type situation. Tons of talent held back due to lack of coaching. Like Scott Pioli, formerly of the Chiefs, Dominick has done his part… other than striking out on his coaching hire.
The first round QBs don’t end at Bridgewater. Brett Hundley of UCLA is supremely talented, not as polished as Bridgewater, but an elite QB in the making. Taj Boyd of Clemson is like a bigger version of Russell Wilson. Marcus Mariota might be more athlete than QB at this point, but he is a helluva athlete. He’s in the Colin Kaepernick-mold and could be special in the right system. Derek Carr of Fresno St. (yes, David’s little brother) could sneak into round 1 as well. Bryce Petty of Baylor is tearing it up. Finally, Johnny Football. It doesn’t matter what Schiano thinks of him, he’ll be long gone by the time the Bucs are on the clock.
Forget caretaker pocket passers like Mettenberger and McCarron. Sure, Schiano would prefer guys like them… he prefered Mike Glennon to a proven NFL starter that was borderline elite before he arrived and helped mess him up… but Schiano won’t have a say in the matter when he’s coaching Div II New Hampshire.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
Aw, yes, the crux of the situation. Want him to fail to “prove I was right” or want him to fail (while the team succeeds) so the team will make the change “I believe they need to make to make them a better team”.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Schiano started different true freshmen QBs every year for 3 consecutive years. I just think Schiano has trouble recruiting, coaching, trusting any QB. He liked Glennon in HS, he wasn’t able to recruit him, and he didn’t like anyone he recruited. So, what if he decides he doesn’t like Glennon? We draft someone else? And if he doesn’t like that guy? Trade him for someone else? This isn’t college, you don’t just get handed a bunch of new players every year. These men get PAID. Sometimes you have to take a player that may not be ideal and adjust your system to fit him because he’s the ONLY ONE YOU GET!!!
October 7th, 2013 at 7:31 pm
I am not going to go through the threads but there have been posters that have specifically stated that they are hoping we sink and that Freeman succeeds so that they can gloat about it. Even taking bets on it happening lol
Again if it doesn’t apply to you than good, that’s great.
And I wanted Freeman to succeed, I did not believe in him, but I wanted him to have great games every Sunday. I do not enjoy being upset after most Sundays. I do not enjoy watching our team sink.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:34 pm
I like Manzeil a lot – Great talent! I recently looked over all the possible qbs that might be in next years draft and I came away thinking, though Boyd might be the best thrower and Bridgewater best overall now…the guy to keep an eye on is Marcus Mariota, Oregon -This dude seems to have it all! only 19 yrs old…
October 7th, 2013 at 7:46 pm
WHen is that kid from FSU eligible. Wow.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Joe you are assuming Schiano would still be the head coach. I don’t think he will last.
October 7th, 2013 at 7:58 pm
Lol at whoever said that Brady is a game manager. The guy with the single season record for most TD ‘s in a season is a game manager? That’s some damn good management. I am often times amazed at what some people type.
I’m with Eric on the kid from FSU. He’s unbelievable.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:07 pm
There were also those wanting Freeman to fail so they could gloat about all the trash they talked in the off season. I don’t see the difference.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:13 pm
Well, let’s just all agree that there are a lot of awesome prospects at the QB position in next yrs draft. You win with a great QB, every other position in my eyes is secondary. Look at the Houston Texans roster versus Denver. I’d say it’s about a push. Slight edge going to Denver because they are loaded. But the main difference is Peyton. You better believe if Houston snagged Manning we’d be talking about them in the same way we’d be talking about the Broncos. Franchise quarterbacks are what gives you sustainability. The Bucs can have a line full of Jadaveon Clowneys, and it will mean approximately dick if you do not have that franchise QB. Patrick (the commentor above) is 100% right. Manziels cockiness could be a beautiful thing for this team. You know how much this team would rally around that? How much “swag” that would bring to this team. Not to mention on a national scale it would make the Bucs “cool” to watch. Similar to how Sapp brought that swag to the Bucs D. I dunno. I think it would be amazing IMO
October 7th, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Manziel has a pretty wild range as to where he could be drafted. Once teams pick him apart in the draft process I can see him going anywhere from top-10 to the 3rd round. This is going to be the most interesting draft in recent history, as many as 10 QBs could go in the first 3 rounds. The rookie wage scale has changed how you get a QB, with so much less financial risk teams are willing to gamble a lot more. EJ Manuel is a perfect example: under the scale he gets 4 years at $8 million max. If he was drafted in 2010 before the scale he gets similar to what Freeman got at 17 (max of $36 million for 5 years). Its why the Vikings can walk away from Ponder after not even 3 years.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
I’m with PR Fan on this….
I am rooting for Glennon & Schiano along with every Buc on the roster to succeed. I have my opinions as to their performance or lack there of….but everything is a snapshot in time. Glennon played his first NFL game and although it wasn’t good enough to win, it is something to build on.
If you choose to wish for failure in order to get someone out or someone else in, then that’s pretty sad….its your perrogative but sad nonetheless…
October 7th, 2013 at 8:24 pm
And Jameis isn’t eligible for 2 more years, but he would very likely be the #1 pick if he was eligible today. He looks incredible so far, very very mature passer for his age. Watch him play and see a guy making multiple reads, looking off defenders. Its beautiful to watch.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:25 pm
Joe. I am disappointed. You talk about the fans not giving up on the season and you appear to have given up on Glennon, Chucky. after looking at all Glennon’s films thinks he has one of the strongest most accurate arms in football. He has said repeatedly that Glennon is one of 2 NFL QB’s that can make all the throws including a 50 yard across field on a dime. Something he says that no other current NFL’er can do. I can understand why there is disappointment in the team, but they lost 3 games by a total of 6 points. I don’t get it? Why throw Glennon under the bus?
October 7th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
That’s assuming Manziel actually comes out after his Sophomore year. Something no one knows for sure will happen. You people do realize that Manziel is only a sophomore right?
October 7th, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Oh and the kid from the #6 ranked FSU (famous Jameis) is a freshman as well. Go Noles!
October 7th, 2013 at 8:36 pm
Joe, how about breaking down the next game with the Eagles rather than dumping this season in the sh!ter talk. I’m not naive to the team’s situation right now, but that’s loser talk and I have very little patience for that.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
Seany:
There is all this week to write about the Eagles. You may call it “loser talk” but facts show that teams do not recover from 0-4 starts to make the playoffs and teams who pick in the middle of the pack don’t always fare so well. Joe calls it being realistic. Sorry, but Joe will be testing your patience for the next three months. It’s all about the draft and if Schiano will keep his job right now.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
I’m not sure there’s been too many players who hate their own college town than Johnny Football. He wants out and will leave the first chance he has. Besides you think he wants to put up with another offseason of having to hide the money he makes?
October 7th, 2013 at 8:51 pm
Redshirt sophomore meaning he is eligible for the draft next spring. The way he loves money and doesn’t like College Station — his own words — it’s difficult to believe he will stick around another year (or two).
October 7th, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Agreed Seany. Crazy to give up on the season after just 4 games. A multi game winning streak puts us right back into contention. And that can easily be possible if they can find a spark on offense. People act like we are losing by 30+ points a game.
October 7th, 2013 at 8:54 pm
Joe cannot discount Glennon securing the Bucs starting job for 2014 this season any more/less than he can discount the Bucs going for a quarterback in a quarterback-rich draft in April.
October 7th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
If we were in the NFC East I’d say we can still dream playoffs. Only way we can even think about it is to get back to 4-4. Can it happen? Maybe, but Glennon has to step up big time. The defense is going to do its thing, can the offense finally join the ride?
October 7th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
passthebuc and SeanyMac,
Couldn’t agree more. Previewing next year’s draft already is serious loserville. Let’s just raise the white flag, forfeit the games, and that way no one gets hurt. Gimme a break!
October 7th, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Coming from people that predicted 6 or fewer wins in the preseason, whining about talking draft now is kind of funny. Those predictions should have had you talking draft in week 1. But now we have the great Glennon at QB, now we have hope… Gimme a break.
October 7th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I stand corrected Joe I did not realize Manziel was a redshirt soph.
October 7th, 2013 at 9:27 pm
BamBam…maybe it’s because the losses were not blowout losses except for NE. I’m sure the hope will fade at 0-6. The again I’m not so sure the Bucs will hit 0-6 yet myself.
October 7th, 2013 at 9:37 pm
Or conversely lightningbuc, you could be in denial-ville. Also, it IS possible that you can have an eye on both this season and the draft. I think EVERYONE is eager to see some improvement especially from the QB position this yr. I’m not sure I see anyone here willing to give up? Be realistic though. What in the world do you think would happen right now if the Bucs played Seattle or Denver? They would get DESTROYED. They have ZERO chance at winning the Superbowl. So I ask. Where are we actually going with this as far as the season goes? Let’s say the Bucs “improve” and they go 7-9. Does this make you happy? I sure hope not. What will 7-9 get us? Hope? lol. Is that what we’re gnna bank on? For once in our lives here in Tampa it would be nice if this team actually has a bonafied franchise QB. It is the ONLY way to have sustained, long term success in this league.
October 7th, 2013 at 9:50 pm
Screw the 2014 draft and the QB class. 7-9 or 8-8 will do me just fine at this point. I don’t care about getting a higher pick. I want this team to win and win now. Sorry if I don’t have this mentality that I hope the Bucs lose more games to get a decent QB. I never will. I do however get that mentality around the last 5-6 games of the season though. Not right now though. That’s not going to happen. Franchise QB’s don’t come along every day, there are many 1st round busts. Nothing is a lock. Not even Manziel.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
SO 8-8 will do you just fine. Cool mentality. I wish I can strive for mediocrity like you. You wanting to rack up a bunch of wins for this team is the equivalent of Joe’s chances of banging Rachel Watson. And AGAIN – there’s a difference between wanting something and being realistic. I’m not saying tank for a high pick, but I appreciate you putting words in my mouth however. If we are going to win, you mind as well do it right and win enough to get to the playoffs. There is no allure to going 7-9. I am sorry if that will do you “just fine.” You know what does me just fine? Winning atleast 10 every yr like New England. Denver. Pittsburgh up until this yr. Model organizations. This is what the Bucs need to strive to be. I understand you havin season tix bucs1987. God bless you. My suggestion would be to get hammered drunk every game, so you can cope with the unwatchableness of punting 9 times a game
October 7th, 2013 at 10:08 pm
Manziel = bad idea for this franchise… Unless you want this same circus in a few years.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:39 pm
BamBam
I’m not playing the “they did it so we can do it” game with you lol.
I’m not talking about nor am I denying that people did the same thing in regards to Freeman.
I’m sure there were people that did, NEITHER are ok lol..
And IMO neither is a true fan of this team.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:40 pm
You act as if that somehow changes my point?
Stands true in regards to both situations.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:43 pm
“My suggestion would be to get hammered drunk every game”
tampa2..lol that’s what I have been doing, it still does not help the losses though. Nice suggestion anyways. I’m just not looking at it like that though. I look at it like the Bucs were 1-3 going into the bye week last season. That’s a 1 win difference than this season. They finished 7-9 with a lot worse D than they have now. Yes last season is last season, but that does not mean all hope is lost. The Bucs sucked down the stretch last season. Who’s to say that they have not gotten most of the losses out of the way? Certainly not me as you can see. I’ll take 7-9 or 8-8 because I want the Bucs to go hard after a veteran QB not a rookie.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:46 pm
7-9 or 8-8 gives the team great morale for 2014 as far as I’m concerned. Maybe not some fans, but it will do the players a helluva lot of good for next season.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:51 pm
PRBucFan…the Bucs lead the league in fairweather fans.
October 7th, 2013 at 10:59 pm
Why would we draft a qb with uncertainty around Schianos future?
October 7th, 2013 at 11:04 pm
Yes, this season is done….., that’s clear.
That said, I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that we do NOT draft either Mettenberg (not going to be a high pick) or Bridgewater (I wish, he’s all Jags). We WILL, however draft QB high…., either Boyd or Murray is the call. Mettenberger??? REALLY??? Pay attentioin, his assension is all about Cameron as new OC, he is not an NFL first round prospect. You sure do undo yourself with goofy opinions at times.
October 7th, 2013 at 11:32 pm
Joe, think that’s spot on.
If we can sign a great Veteran QB, then we carry on as built- with new GM and Coach ,of course! Sign TE, Young Slot Reciever, And Young LT to groom!
Buuut- where do you fing a talented veteran QB?? Anyone with an Idea- please provide list of Prospects! And Cousins may have years in league- but not starting! Still a rookie!
There aren’t many(ANY) talented Veteran QBs available!! You’d have to be an IDIOT to cut a Veteran . . Oh, Right!!
If we are drafting a Rookie- then do the Purge!! Trade all vets over 30, then replace with young’uns
October 7th, 2013 at 11:51 pm
“Buuut- where do you fing a talented veteran QB?? Anyone with an Idea- please provide list of Prospects!”
Well now it’s hard to tell much in week 5 isn’t it?
I didn’t say this for you to attack me either. If I were to tell anyone in week 1 that the Falcons would be 1-4 out of the gate. They’d think I was out of my mind. Joe for one thought I was crazy in August for saying the Saints and Falcons don’t scare me at all.
October 7th, 2013 at 11:51 pm
“7-9 gives the team great morale at this time.”
This team has 8 Probowlers. It is supposed to be making a playoff/ Super Bowl run.
There are several reasons it will not.
You guys are smart- you’ll see/ have seen what they are
October 7th, 2013 at 11:58 pm
What available veteran would you suggest, 1987?
October 7th, 2013 at 11:59 pm
@Bucs1987 what veteran QB will be available for a trade next season or for signing next season will be an improvement over Glennon?
October 8th, 2013 at 12:00 am
1987, you said that when you were backing Freeman harder than anyone. Hard to say what you believe now…
October 8th, 2013 at 12:00 am
Right now…in week 5? I’m not going to speculate at all. The season is still young. Plenty of QB’s to fall out of favor with their current teams.
October 8th, 2013 at 12:09 am
Not gonna attack you. You can usually tell by who is in a contract year. Usually a couple of those fall thru to free agency. Hopefully Joe can give us some info.
But Having a Peyton Manning drop in the market is rare. Extremely
Not naming in QB in particular, but the scarcity of QBs is why you do EVERYTHING you can to get them on Track, and keep them there.
Chances are- despite our best efforts. We will not find a good Veteran QB.
It’s kinda like hunting Unicorns.
We will probably end up drafting one. And trying to develop him into an NFL QB.
Hopefully, we get some experienced, professional Coaches to groom this young QB. And provide him with some Stability, to master an offense. Instead of bouncing numerous bad rookies at him.
October 8th, 2013 at 12:11 am
Plenty of time for* QB’s to fall out of favor..
And I have no control over it and neither does anyone on these boards. Some people think that getting a whole new coach or GM will just solve all the problems. They don’t really know that the next coach will do any better than the current coach. No one really knows. The fans can say what they want done for the team and what they think the team should do, and still have no say in it at all. So we just fight amongst ourselves as to who’s right or wrong. It all seems so silly sometimes.
It’s week 5…lets talk about options at QB in week 17.
October 8th, 2013 at 12:15 am
Right Capt. Tim…lots of “hopefully” going around these boards lately.
October 8th, 2013 at 12:17 am
These threads have become a battle to find out who’s right and who’s wrong. Who can make the perfect prediction as to the outcome of the Bucs. I guess that’s just the way the cookie crumbles in here.
October 8th, 2013 at 12:33 am
Look it would be nice if the Bucs got a decent offensive minded coach to match this young defense. Then still they would need to make more changes to the offensive personnel as well. Right now all that’s missing is a decent offense. The Bucs have been here before, except this time it came quicker than with Dungy. OOOOOOOh how dare I say that? But it’s true. The team has a good on the cusp of becoming a great D and no offense. Could it be that Dungy was running the O like some people think Schiano is doing now? I don’t know. All I know is the offense needs fixing and that needs to be a priority. Getting an offensive coach might do the trick or it might not. The defense could all of a sudden regress. Who knows anymore?
October 8th, 2013 at 1:02 am
I agree with DestinedBuc earlier this evening. Start looking out of the SEC and see the Marcus Mariota (Ducks) highlights. Seems to have good accuracy and runs so smoothly downfield. Great to watch.
October 8th, 2013 at 2:16 am
If you guys want manziel because he is a playmaker I would rather have the QB from Oregon. Great character and pretty much just as explosive. If you don’t believe watch some clips of him
October 8th, 2013 at 3:06 am
You guys would do well to find another subject – you HAD a veteran and he wasn’t….”something”…you can’t remember exactly, but you know nobody liked him.
Tools – all of you – acting like you know something about QB’s – stating Glennon would EASILY better than Freemam. Except, he wasn’t and it’s beginning to dawn on you that QB’s have to be developed, just like any other position.
But in today’s game – it’s easier to get a mobile QB and assemble a zone blocking scheme – than to carefully identify a QB that wants to learn to read NFL defenses – while. It’s MUCH more expensive to build a o-line for them – because they can’t get out of the way of the Mack Trucks they call D-Linemen.
Got to have a well entrenched educators/teachers at key position coaching spots.
New England found Brady – because they’d built a line to support Drew Bledsoe – that’s why you don’t typically see teams scrap their offensive philosophy when a new coach arrives – unless the owners/GM are planning to rebuild.
Thats why statues at QB very rarely develop in the NFL – there just not developing them in college, and their too expensive to maintain.
It’s why Schiano screwed up. – and why he will be fired for it.
It’s also why you will be drafting ANOTHER QB, who will ALSO need time to learn the NFL, the new head coach’s offense…etc…
It’s why you don’t screw with the veteran QB – if they’re HALFWAY decent – you stabilize the franchise and build around that guy.
Or, like in Minnesota – latch on to a veteran some fool screwed up and lost – then just win baby.
Unfortunately even New Jersey villages and the NFL are running REALLY low on idiots.
October 8th, 2013 at 5:44 am
BamBam if you were a real fan you wouldn’t talk like this. 😉
Seriously though…coming into the season with Freeman as QB I said I hoped for 9-7 but would be happy enough with 8-8. I see no reason to change that just because Glennon is QB.
I refuse to talk draft at this point. I use draft talk to help me get through the off seaso without football. If I talk about it too much now it will rob me of it later.
Besides, I don’t believe things are hopeless this season. I notice 3 times of fans here:
1 – people that predicted 6 or fewer wins before the season started and still have the nerve to complain that their predictions might happen
2 – people that were doomed to disappointment by predicting 10 or 11 wins that have entered panic mode and hate that their predictions were not realistic. Now they have given up
3 – the few more realistic fansthat knew the playoffs were not a must and that .500 would be good enough THIS year all along.
I’m not sold on Glennon myself yet, but I do feel one game is WAY to soon to completely write him off. I understand that being a 3rd round pick means he doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt..that hehas to earn it. But for heavens sake let him try before writing him off.
The guy didn’t even have a full week to prepare and his two starting WRs only practiced with him once in that time. As I said, I’m not sold on him…but I’m not writing him off yet.
October 8th, 2013 at 6:06 am
This town will never…NEVER…have an elite quarterback until the fans realize there are no quick fix options that will work. They are rare. Brees (whom I wanted and was told he was washed up) and Manning (who would never come here because he plays in afc only) are the recent ones. Who else? No one. And those are years apart.
The one thing they have in common is that they were injured in their 30s. So if you want to know who could possibly come on the market, look at thkse guys. Big Ben maybe. Bad year. Aged. Getting a season ending injury could result in him being replaced in the draft. Guys like that.
But its a crapshoot. The thing is, you all talk about drafting QBs but few of you have the fortitude to see one become elite. It is extremely rare that a QB is elite out of college. Yes, you see some QBs have good first years…then bad second years. Occasionally one or two do well from the start. But that is rare.
And never in Tampa. So if you don’t think Glennon can do it and want to draft a QB you have to accept some realities.
It will take time to develop a rookie QB. Time as in years…not 6-10 games. YEARS. That is the #1 reason Tampa has never successfully developed an elite QB. The fans and media do not have the patience and they pull support of the team until they get their way…replacing the QB. Again. It’s a viscious circle.
Drafting a QB if Gleenon does badly means years of poor games…again. We have a team that, outside of QB is built to win now. If we have to draft a QB and develop a guy, say goodbye to Penn, Joseph, Jackson, Revis, Goldson…because by the time the QB is ready they will be passed their primes.
You want us to be like thos teams that always seem to find a way? Then do it like they did. Put the time in to develop a guy. Stick with a guy. Once you develop the right guy you can draft another to develop behind him. Like green bay did.
No auick fixes here, people. If you are already looking at thedraft then you may as well look at the next 5 years. Especially if Schiano is fired amd a new coach comes in.
Are you willing to put in that much time again? Somehow I doubt it…not if you quit on Glennon after one game.
October 8th, 2013 at 6:10 am
Typing on a tablet so ‘scuse the typos.
October 8th, 2013 at 10:10 am
Bucs1987 Says:
October 7th, 2013 at 8:29 pm
That’s assuming Manziel actually comes out after his Sophomore year. Something no one knows for sure will happen. You people do realize that Manziel is only a sophomore right?
————————————
I tried to read through the whole thread, but i’ve seen this posted too many times to NOT respond to it (especially considering no one else did).
Manziel is a red shirt sophomore. He is draft eligible this year.
And if you don’t think he isn’t ready to get out of college and play in the big leagues, you’re sadly mistaken.
October 9th, 2013 at 3:33 am
@celly
Johnny Football IS ready to leave college – he’s just not ready for the NFL.
Nothin against his abilities, or his excitement factor, he just hasn’t calmed NFL execs with his partyhardy lifestyle off the field, his struggles with discipline…if he throws tantrums over parking tickets – he’s going to find the NFL stifling.
I know I certainly would NOT want him in Tampa. He’s a more slightly built Tim Tim ate bow. Don’t get me wrong – I love Timmy-T as much as the next guy – we just don’t have the guy or the time to, make him an NFL QB.