“Johnny Manziel Is Russell Wilson”
December 27th, 2013
A former Bucs QB weighs in
If you think the Bucs are carving a path to Super Bowl glory with Mike Glennon at quarterback, then there’s no reason to click the “read more” link below.
But if you, like Joe, think the Bucs might be very well served snagging a quarterback with their high overall first-round pick this spring, then continue on.
Yes, Glennon is a rookie who was droppd into a September mess. Now, he has a flimsy receivers corps and Vincent Jackson is double-teamed more often than not. Also, his offensive line isn’t doing him many favors, and his offensive coordinator may be the worst in the NFL. But Glennon isn’t wowing anyone this month, and the NFL is a wow league. And Glennon doesn’t appear to have much wow in him.
Plus, there’s always a chance that Glennon is being limited by Mike Sullivan and friends because they’ve picked up on his limitations. That’s a mystery.
NBC Sports Network draft guru and NFL insider Shaun King, one of three QBs to lead the Bucs to the NFC title game, says Glennon just doesn’t have what it takes for greatness.
“I think he’s maxed out. I don’t want to criticize Glennon because I like Glennon. And I keep saying this, I think he’s an excellent backup quarterback. But it’s not like he’s going to morph into an athlete over the summer. It’s not like his arm strength is going to get a whole lot better or his ability to extend plays. He just kind of is who he is,” King said on WDAE-AM 620 yesterday.
King says the Glennon situation means the Bucs should be examining the special quarterbacks entering the 2014 draft. There aren’t many, King says, and Johnny Football is one of them — one who could be on the board for Tampa Bay.
“See this is why I think they need to start over, because you need to bring in a GM and a coach and let them pick their quarterback. Now I don’t think this [quarterback class] is as deep as everybody else does, but I think Teddy Bridgewater’s a special player. I think there are some other guys in that early conversation that you got to take a look at. I think Johnny Manziel is a special player,” King said.
“But if you bring him in your organization, your general manager and your head coach need to be on the same page, as to this is our guy. ‘Ok, we’re going to do the necessary from a scheme to maximize his talent.’ That’s why I feel they need to start over because this is such an important draft.”
Former Bucs guard and WDAE host Ian Beckles scoffed at the notion of turning the Bucs over to Manziel, but King insisted Johnny Football has the goods.
“See this is what Johnny Manziel is, Ian. He’s Russell Wilson. He is. I’m telling you,” King pleaded.
“From an intangible standpoint, now he’s gotten a lot of criticism by outside people, but you never hear a teammate say a negative word about him.”
Joe doesn’t hide that he loves Johnny Football. And Joe’s confident the scouts will jack him up the draft board, as long as Johnny Football doesn’t get caught doing something stupid between now and May.
The QB debate will rage on unless the Bucs either do something about it in March or act in May. Glennon just isn’t good enough to stop the chatter.
You can enjoy King’s entire interview below.
December 27th, 2013 at 7:22 pm
“one of three QBs to lead the Bucs to the NFC title game” … The incessant use of this phrase makes this blog seem totally uneducated. You shame one of the greatest defenses in the history of football every time you type it. Please just stop.
Sorry, QBs lead teams. Next thing you’ll say is Brad Johnson didn’t lead the Bucs to the Super Bowl and Chris Simms didn’t lead them to the playoffs. –Joe
December 27th, 2013 at 7:54 pm
Manziel is exciting to watch, but I don’t see him as a Buc, just my opinion. The team most likely will draft other positions first. If somehow they get Manziel, I’ll just roll with it. I remember how Chandler struggled as Bucs QB, he was a tough runner though.
December 27th, 2013 at 7:55 pm
I so hope we draft a QB. I just don’t understand why others think Glennon can get us to the promised land. Heck, Leaky Free was far more impressive in his early years then Glennon. Look at the league. It is soooooo rare for a team to go very far in the playoffs without a franchise level QB.
December 27th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
You can explain it any which way you want Joe
There’s always an exception and the Bucs defense lead King that year 😉
But this analysis is also coming from a guy that though Freeman was special too ahahaha
December 27th, 2013 at 8:03 pm
Apparently Shaun King hasn’t watched Jimmy Garappolo, ever. Well Joe, at least you got someone that thinks drafting Manziel as being a good move for the future, maybe we can draft the OC to tailor make Manziel a successful pro scheme.
December 27th, 2013 at 8:03 pm
btw, on another subject. I am blown away GMC did was not one of the top vote getters at DT. The other two guys are good, but please. Hatcher, Dallas had only 37 tkls and 9 sacks, Dareus, Buffalo did really well with 67 tkls and 7.5 sacks. GMC with very little help from his DE’s had 48 tkls and 9 sacks. Much better than Hatcher
December 27th, 2013 at 8:04 pm
oh yeah, and our cab slugging, gun totting Talib got one of the slots for CB over Revis
December 27th, 2013 at 8:09 pm
That’s only with the fan votes, these will change once the coaches and the player votes are included.
December 27th, 2013 at 8:47 pm
No Johnny Football for the Bucs….too exciting and Greggy wouldn’t think of it. Galloping giraffe is plenty good enough. A little prevent offense, a blocked punt here & there…and 2014 will be equally as special. 4 & 12 rinse,repeat.
December 27th, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Shawn King was 15/32 for 157 yds, a 1 yard td pass and an interception in tha playoff game against tha Redskins and 13/29 163 yds 0 td’s and 2 int’s against tha Rams. A total joke of a leader if u really accept tha truth.
December 27th, 2013 at 8:57 pm
I like Johnny Football more than Russell Wilson. I would probably draft him if available. I see him as a young Drew Brees, but still sewing a few wild oats.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:01 pm
It would really to suck to suck for another year, after sucking so much for so long. Man this sucks.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:03 pm
Glennon would thrive in a scheme like the patriots run. However, Schiano’s clodhopping Penn State scheme needs a QB that can create something from nothing when the predictable play breaks down. Ironically, Schiano doesn’t realize this and is using the wrong type of QB. He’s also too damn stubborn to change the scheme to fit Glennon.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:08 pm
Problem solved, trade Glennon to the Pats for a 4’th rounder, or for Aqib Talib.
My typing sucks, need a suckretary.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Dude I’m starting to notice a pattern I think the joes are really Shaun king and mark Dominic…..only explanation for the overwhelming offense they take when someone criticizes them.
Manziel stinks and is basically Tim tebow of texas
December 27th, 2013 at 9:09 pm
My God this is going to be a looooooong offseason. Draft talk has already worn thin on me and the regular season isn’t even over yet.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:11 pm
Ya if it was up to king we would be stuck with a $100 million dollar anchor named freeman
December 27th, 2013 at 9:15 pm
@bigmac. It sucks when there is no hope. I could take being bad for a couple of seasons if there was hope. We are still starting from the bottom with no excitement.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:28 pm
Please is right joe, stop refering to shaun king as a leader. Truth is he rode the coatails of a great defense. Thats all.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:41 pm
This season was over in Week 4. That’s when Schiano should have been given his walking papers.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:43 pm
I have mixed opinions on Manziel. To me , on the field, he needs another year to develop as a pocket passer. He took strides but he doesn’t go through his reads. He is a one read guy and won’t improvise like he does. He needs to add bulk as well. His decision making is poor. He will force things into triple coverage more than a few times.
His negatives off the field are maturity issues. Yes all kids party. But off the field, he needs to learn to stay out of the media spot light. The manning camp was a flag and is a flag. His own father said he’s had a hard time dealing with the stress and reason to why he drinks. Can he handle the pressure of being the face of the franchise and high media attention? He will bring a Tebow like atmosphere media wise. I question Manziel maturity.
He needs to go back to school. Talent is there but he’s got to refine his technique, mature, and grow as a passer and decision maker.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
By that logic Trent Dilfer led Baltimore to their SB championship. Leaders contribute the most. Neither Dilfer or Johnson did that. Without that defenses Bucs and the Ravens would never win those games that led them to the SB. When you have one of the best defenses in NFL history all you need is a serviceable QB play. Dilfer was serviceable in 2000, like Brad Johnson was in 2002. They never led teams, because they weren’t difference makers. You need to be a difference maker to be a leader. Something what Alex Smith is doing now in Kansas. He’s playing serviceable, but he’s not the reason they’re winning games. That defense is the main reason.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:44 pm
Manziel is pretty fast in college football.
He is not as fast as Mike Vick though.
Johnny will get knocked out of thr NFL.
He spis too small to play his style.
He will get rocked a lot.
Jacksonville is gonna draft him.
December 27th, 2013 at 9:56 pm
And I don’t thin Johnny can be a quality starter in the NFL.
December 27th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
If I’m comparing any qb to Wilson it’s Tahj Boyd. Boyd is smart, accurate, goes through progressions, improvises and makes plays with in and outside the pocket.
December 27th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
None of this will matter with coaches in place
December 27th, 2013 at 10:40 pm
Can’t they find an offensive coordinator and give him the reign over offense?
December 27th, 2013 at 10:53 pm
I’d love to see it, but were stuck in time with the three yards and a cloud of dust mentality that can’t win in the league.
December 27th, 2013 at 10:55 pm
I’m all for it. Am I crazy to want Derrick Brooks as the bucs next GM?
December 28th, 2013 at 12:56 am
Did Joe just really say draft guru Shawn King? When the heck did he start breaking down film? And another thing…anyone ever heard NFL Films expert Greg Cosell compare Johnny Football to Russell Wilson? Slow your roll.He said the comparisons weren’t warranted….
December 28th, 2013 at 1:36 am
I would love to see the Glazers fire Schiano, hire Ken Whiesnhunt as Head Coach and let him bring free-agent-to-be Phillip Rivers with him, and let Glennon watch and learn for a while. Bucs would make playoffs next year
December 28th, 2013 at 2:07 am
Not at all, Andres. He’s a GM for an arena team currently and will probably enter the Hall of Fame in ’14 or ’15 at the latest. I see him being like Elway…street cred and quite intelligent. He doesn’t ” know knees ” like the Domer…but who does?! :/ Would Brooks accept given the way the Bucs botched his departure is another story…
December 28th, 2013 at 5:57 am
im just over rooting for these guys
December 28th, 2013 at 6:19 am
One need only watch a few of Johnny Manziel’s games to conclude that he is a special player. To me, he’s an athletic Bret Favre. Sadly, as long as Schiano is occupying the HC office, we’re stuck with the scarecrow at QB. In our Division Brees and Newton made the Pro Bowl. Matt Ryan has been there too. Anyone see Glennon ever making the trip………as a player?
December 28th, 2013 at 7:12 am
What a douche King is. How can a rookie qb be “maxed out” in his career. His arm strength, mechanics and pocket movement are good, He’s just slow at his reads, but he is actually reading out the defense.
Also, why do the Bucs need an option QB. Manziel looks like he runs around until something breaks down in the secondary, never really reading out the defense.
December 28th, 2013 at 7:39 am
Hrvoje. Every team Johnson played for called him a leader. The bull may not be Tom Brady, but he was a leader.
December 28th, 2013 at 8:27 am
Neither Glennon nor Manziel are the answer. I see Glennon as a backup QB and Manziel as a project with baggage. There is no Andrew Luck in this draft and IMHO no franchise QB period. Bones Bridgewater really needs another year to fill out and develop more but if he does come out he will be gone by the time the Bucs number comes up. I think Houston will take Manziel so they (the Buccaneers) need to find another option. Joe needs to find another man crush and come up with another angle.
December 28th, 2013 at 9:45 am
“King says…” is your support for the drafting of Manziel? ROTFLMAO! (Tears streaming down my face)
Wait! You’re serious!?…. Again, ROTFLMAO!
Sorry, Joe, but a QB who was in the right place at the right time, and still couldn’t do anything with the opportunity, doesn’t get a lot of ‘cred’ with me. If Dan Marino would have voiced that same opinion, I’d be listening.
Happy New Year (but not if it means the Bucs get Manziel)! ;^)
December 28th, 2013 at 12:52 pm
I am still of the belief that if the Bucs could acquire Kurt Cousins, who plays well in games and has NFL experience, could really benefit from having Doug Martin and Bobby Rainy in the back field, would be a great way to go… That way the bucs can focus on better WR this offseason as well as their holes in the defense!
December 28th, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Shaun King thinks Johnny Manziel is a “special” player!
December 28th, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Everybody that thinks Manziel will fail in the NFL hasn’t watched him play. It would help if he put on 25lbs and 5yrs of maturity.
December 29th, 2013 at 10:29 am
To me drafting Johnny Manziel would be a mistake if the Bucs want to move forward with any kind of certainty.
Regardless of Manziel’s on field talents, which are significant despite the aforementioned weaknesses, Manziel’s character is questionable. Manziel brings enough off-the-field baggage that drafting him would be a crap shoot and the Bucs cannot afford to waste another high draft pick on a player whose character and leadership are found wanting two or three years later – think Josh Freeman.
In my opinion, the Buccaneer’s quest for another Lombardi Trophy would be better served, in this year’s draft, by rating the quarterback candidates’ leadership and character first and relegating their athletic skills to a secondary consideration. After all, the athletic skills of the potential first round draft picks are largely similar, with character and leadership separating the Super Bowl winning and less athletically gifted Joe Flaccos of the world from the Super Bowl losing but supremely athletically blessed Colin Kaepernicks of the world.
As further proof, let’s consider how often Tom Brady, notwithstanding his considerable athletic skills, has “willed” the Patriots to victory while surrounded by less than optimal talent.
Finally, let’s remember our own Buccaneer Super Bowl victory, a championship brought home to Tampa by a stingy and opportunistic defense (Give us 17 points and we’ll win every game), a journeyman “game manager” of quarterback in Brad Johnson and an offense that played a boring brand of football infamously called “Buc Ball,” but a team with all the leadership and character, not to mention characters, anyone could ask for.
No, Johnny Manziel is not the Buccaneer’s answer. Character counts and Manziel’s character is just too questionable.