Preparing To Clean House
January 13th, 2014
Joe finds it somewhat comical when he hears Bucs fans talk about how Lovie Smith is going to revive players w, x, y and z. Insert whatever names you want (outside of a select handful), but there is no assurance those players will be in Tampa next September.
The only sure thing is that Lovie is going to clean house.
Lovie is old school and firmly believes in the game being fought in the trenches. Joe would not be surprised to see the Bucs completely blow up the starting offensive and defensive lines, with Gerald McCoy and Donald Penn being lone exceptions — McCoy for obvious reasons, and Penn because he’s extremely durable and left tackle is not a position where you want to gamble. Of course, the Bucs could hand over the job to a blue-chip rookie like Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews.
Those who think Lovie will do wonders for Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers need to realize Lovie isn’t here to fix the Greg Schiano regime and the holdovers from the Raheem Morris era. Maybe they stay, but Lovie’s here to build his own brand of Lovieball — with Team Glazer’s full blessing. Clayborn and Bowers are going to be fighting for snaps, if they’re here at all.
Akeem Spence and William Gholston? They’re younger, healthier, stronger and have a lot more inexpensive seasons on their contracts than Bowers and Clayborn.
Andy Reid changed well over half the Chiefs roster when he arrived in Kansas City last offseason. Even Chucky brought in a load of fresh bodies when he took over the Bucs. It’s what new coaches do.
As Derrick Brooks says, coaches gotta pluck the weeds; but they also want lots of fresh flowers.
Bucs fans seem to like the current stable of running backs, but Joe wouldn’t be surprised to see Lovie prefer more experience, versatility and proven durability in his backfield around Doug Martin, and an upgrade at fullback.
Maybe new offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford sees Tim Wright as too small to hold up as a tight end and wants him as a receiver, and the Bucs start the season with three new tight ends.
Just don’t get too comfortable. You don’t need more than two hands and a foot to count the Buccaneers who are truly safe and sound for 2014.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:11 am
YES I can’t wait for this. Our players are 4-12. GET RID OF THEM
January 13th, 2014 at 11:11 am
Just do your job and every other thing will take care of it’s self. That should the very first words Coach Smith,should say to the team.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:12 am
i think letting go of clayborn would be a big mistake
January 13th, 2014 at 11:13 am
All he really needs to do is go get a QB evidently. We can fill the rest of the roster up with scrubs and cast offs but if we just get that QB that Mel Kiper says is a can’t miss then he’ll come in and save the day.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:15 am
I don’t see lovie giving up on Clayborn. I think he gets a shot. Clayborn has a role on this team obviously not as a pass rusher but he is solid against the run and plays HARD every play.
I do believe Donald Penn and Dotson are the only 2 returning lineman. I see Zuttah, and Joesph gone. who knows with Nicks but the public reports don’t sound promising. I also don’t see them keeping ANY reserve Offensive lineman currently on the roster. Zuttah seems to get a free pass but his play has not been outstanding for the dollar amount he receives.
I’d love to see Wright in the Slot. I am sold on him as a receiver but blocking not so much.
What kind of blocking scheme does Tedford use?
January 13th, 2014 at 11:17 am
No disrespect Patrick in VA but has Mel Kipper and his hair ever gotten it right on QB’s… He has rated some BUSTS very high. I am not a fan of either of the BSPN draft clowns.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:19 am
@tmaxcon – All of that was sarcasm. Probably should have clarified but I figured the Mel Kiper reference would make it clear that it shouldn’t be taken seriously. Everyone knows he’s a clown
January 13th, 2014 at 11:21 am
I think most folks on the starting lineup will at least get a partial mulligan that will take them to training camp and give them a chance to prove themselves. A lot of people were poorly used so the new staff will want to see how they play when used properly.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:22 am
Demar Dotson graded out best of ALL o-lineman last year. He graded average to above average in EVERY game and never had a bad game. Noone else on the Bucs outside Revis can say the same.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:27 am
Joe… This piece is well prepared and a refreshing change to the constant barrage of prognosticators garbage… We are not fortune tellers, such as PR already guessing our upcoming season record. I am a huge Bucs supporter and want whats best for this franchise, which also states I want the best possible product on the field. I believe there are some very desirable football players here in Tampa that should provide an excellent core nucleus to build upon… I trust that Lovie and his staff will carefully execute that responsibility to prepare a squad of the best available 53!
January 13th, 2014 at 11:36 am
It takes time to build a castle. Schiano, Eric Stokes and Shelton Quarles were on the right track with the draft.
But the reality of NFL football is that any high priced underachiever is standing over a future sinkhole.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:38 am
And this is why it’s way way way too early to be making 7-9 predictions, Pewter Report.
We could see upwards of half of the roster turned over by Lovie and company, and you have to factor in the surprise release or two. I can’t wait to see what happens.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:48 am
It will be helpful to have at least 4 new sets of eyes on our talent…..GM, HC, Coordinator & Assistant.
Each player will undergo great scrutiny.
Much will depend on their contracts etc.
To be more specific….I think some restructuring is in order for Penn, Nicks, Joseph.
We will probably try to trade a RB
I’d like to see Wright stay at TE and would be a beast in 2 tight end sets.
Players to watch….Means,Tandy, Underwood, Johnson, Gorrer, Owusu, Teo, McCrae, Lorig, Page, Melvin, Gaitor, Adams & others….they could be history!
January 13th, 2014 at 11:51 am
Agreed and never underestimate how much coaches HATE to hear they won with “somebody else’s team”. I would expect to see some big names forced to redo contracts or hit the road. Dont see the need for Goldson, Revis AND Barron, one of them will be gone, I would guess Goldson gets traded. Nicks is likely gone and Penn as well if they draft O-line, Clayborn will likely get replaced by M. Bennett, J. Peppers or J. Allen.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:53 am
“but Joe wouldn’t be surprised to see Lovie prefer more experience, versatility and proven durability in his backfield around Doug Martin”
Versatility? As in also returning kicks? Hmmm, seems like we had a guy like that a year ago but let him go. Oh well, at least Joe’s “rock star” fleeced the Patriots in trading him! Thank God we got rid of him because he was a lazy malcontent – I mean he definitely could never play for, let alone have a successful season for a hard ass like Bill Belichik.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:56 am
I’m with you on Bowers, but Clayborn at least offers them run stuffing ability. I genuinely think he’s one of the safer guys on the roster – not untouchable necessarily, but safe. I think he’d make a good LDE in Lovies defense personally, but like you said, I guess we’ll wait and see.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:57 am
It would be foolish to get rid of Mike James. He performed very well when Martin went down. I agree there are going to be a lot of changes, but Lovie isn’t an idiot. He’s going to keep good players.
As for Clayborn and Bowers, its put up or shut up time. Impress with your play or get out of here. Its time for one or the other. We definitely need to add at least one good pass rushing DE.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:58 am
Nicks isn’t gone just because of how much money we owe him next year. They’ll keep him in case he recovers since they have to pay him either way. He still looked excellent on the field, but I am not very hopeful he’ll be able to play.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Good, can we also clean house in the front office too, since, you know, they are the ones who saddled us with such stellar talent as Bowers, et al?
January 13th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
1jzbucs is right on. I have never seen so many that likely did not ever even PLAY football, yet they think they are smarter than the coaches and GMs. Chucky brought in a lot of dead wood however.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
@joe
You are on target and that is why we do not need to waste a first round pick on a QB. Glennon may not be the answer but he is serviceable. As far as a rookie OLT, I like the idea and move the very serviceable Penn to the right side. If Glennon does not become the franchise QB in the next 2 years, draft a QB in the first round where he will be well protected by a supporting cast you build today.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
@lightningbuc-That’s not fair! Are you telling me that after the last season he had in TB, you saw him doing this?! Whatever dude. I’m happy that he and Talib turned it around. It’s unfortunate that it wasn’t here.
Just to pile on to your point though lightningbuc, how’d that Demps trade work out…OOPS!
Back to the subject, I think it’s safe to say that this team will look a lot different next season.
Go Bucs!
January 13th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Don’t forget those contracts dom has been writing also makes cutting players much easier because of minimal cap hits. Lovie has a great situation he better not mess it up.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Had been writing*
January 13th, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Those of you wanting Penn moved to the right side are totally overlooking our best OLineman during this past season, Demar Dotson. If Penn gets moved to the right side, hopefully it’s because Dotson got moved to the left side.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Buy low, sell high. Getting rid of Bowers would be a big mistake. Unless the guy flat out cant play and pulls another 2013 season you arent getting jack for him on the market. He is under rook contract one more year and will have ZERO excuses to not play up to what he was supposed to be at Clemson. They say you never truly recover from a torn achilles, but I think the guy has his best days ahead of him.
I am very meh on Clayborn. Joe posted he may be a trade prospect, i would have to agree. I mean, what is this guy’s ceiling? Not high.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:12 pm
He’ll tolerate them til he can replace em. He just needs to adhere to the old “Raheem-ism’
January 13th, 2014 at 12:16 pm
??? What a dumb article. First off, if you’re so sure there’s ready replacements for Bowers & Clayborn, you’d site Gholston & Means, not Gholston & Spence. Spence is assured a spot because he played well, & yes as you cited, is young & cheap. What I don’t understand is the willingness to throw out Bowers & Clayborn as if ready-made players are just ready to go.
You might want to re-read what is actually written here. You appear to have missed quite a bit.–Joe
On a team still smarting over the Nicks contract (i.e., is it a current albatross, even if he’s released?), are we really just going throw money at 30-something players like Jared Allen & Julius Peppers? Clayborn has shown decent pass-rush ability, & as he said, he spent the majority of last year either standing up or stunting. Is it any coincidence that he blew by one of the best tackles in the league (Joe Staley) when 1)he was finally healthy after the knee surgery, & 2)he was finally allowed just a straight speed rush?
Bowers & Clayborn are FINALLY going to go into a year with no health-recovery concerns…& on a regime that’s looking for talent everywhere (AND DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A GENERAL MANAGER YET), why would you throw out 1st-round caliber talents where the only reason they’ve been middling is because their legs didn’t work, & the schemes didn’t work?
As for Penn, heck, I see him as especially vulnerable. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Dotson at left tackle.
To me, if you have Mike Glennon as your QB, you’re not making the playoffs…& to get Johnny Manziel (yes, I believe he’s the answer…I don’t think much of Bortles, Carr, or even Bridgewater) is going to take some asset expenditure to get him. & when you shoot for the moon to get your QB, you have to batten down the hatches on the rest of your roster, i.e., *don’t give away first-round talent*. It was a mistake when we did it with Talib & especially Blount.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:18 pm
Media/fans complained when JG n GS brought in their own players/coaches, etc… It’s what you do and shouldn’t be any surprise. Remember, “Gruden won with Dungy players”? Not true. Sit back and enjoy the off season and don’t worry about players coming n goings cause it’s going to happen. Go Bucs, Go Glennon.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
Penn straight out sucks. Yea he’s durable because he never blocks anybody. The shame of it all is if Dotson was our best OL, were in deep shit, because he’s slightly above average. IMHO
January 13th, 2014 at 12:21 pm
A lot of last years backups will be gone, and a lot of last years starters will become backups. I think Spence, Gholston will be kept on salary alone. Either Bowers, and Clayborn restructure their contracts or they get released. Players like Teo-nesheim will be gone. You will see a shakeup on the offensive line. Say goodbye to Nicks, maybe Joseph. As far as Penn goes, he had statistically his worst year. Several DB’s may get their walking papers too. Leonard Johnson was a liability this year. Gorer may stick, same with Tandy. Joe is right, there will be a turn-over this year.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Ide like to see Foster play outside with david and grab a beast in the middle!
I think the Defensive line makes it to training camp because we have no depth and should be given a chance not to run stunts. bring in compition!
A third corner is needed!
As well as 3rd WR. Wright in the slot doesnt work for me he can beat LBers and DE’s but a nickle corner would likley shut him down!
O-line O-line O-line!!
My christmas/birthday gift that will turn the table for me is stealing Hardy and Jimmy Grahm!
it will helps us big time and hurt our primary opponents!!! Home Run!!!
January 13th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
The best news is that Ted Larsen is a free agent and we dont even have to waste anytime cutting him.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Adrian Clayborne, Golston, and Bowers arent going anywhere.
Adrian and Bowers are on the final year of their rookie deals. Which are guaranteed.
Bowers does not have a guaranteed contract in 2014.–Joe
Gibson? Landri? Brian Leonard?
Gone.
Gorrer, Gaitor, Leonard Johnson, Adams, and Tandy will be competing for roster spots.
It will be really interesting to see how Lovie handles the O-line. I have no idea what to do there. It all depends on Joseph and Nicks health.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:33 pm
Can’t we move Goldson as a LB and get a true ballhawk safety? Just an idea since we are stuck with him. I believe he could dominate with LVD and Foster while taking much less penalties by going nearer the LOS..
January 13th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Agreed.
He may end up being the Bennett of 2014 if we send him away.
Follow the dollar signs if you want to know the truth.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:38 pm
@Lev – Lovie better be careful. If he gets rid of a bunch of players, he’s gonna to have to find others who can replace those four wins.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:39 pm
“If you have everyone back from a team that lost 10 games, experience isn’t too important.” – John McKay.
So True.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:41 pm
Joe, I find it interesting that no one had stated the obvious, the coaches are going to look at what they have and need and if they don’t need you, you may just not be there.
If Lovie has the final say on the 53 as you have stated, then he does not need a GM to determine what he has and wants, just how to get what he needs.
As for Johnny Football, is he a serious and smart QB that can learn and most importantly, apply a system, or is he a wing it and bring on the babes kind of guy? Time will tell.
January 13th, 2014 at 12:46 pm
Bucsfanman,
Yes, even after last season, I thought Blount was a great talent. Here’s a post of mine from last March to prove my point:
lightningbuc Says:
March 11th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
The way Schiano used Blount reminded me of Gruden with Alstott. Waste of talent!
January 13th, 2014 at 12:54 pm
How does everybody “know” that Glennon isn’t the guy? I love that! I must be the only person in TB without a crystal ball. How can you “know” that after one year with all of the issues this team had?! Yeah, the teams left have “good” QBs, but let me remind you, Mark Rypien won in DC, Hostetler won in NY, Dilfer won in Baltimore, and, oh yeah, Brad Johnson in TB. What do these have in common? They were average QBs. Lets not throw the baby out with the bath water, OK.
This coaching staff will know who is staying and who’s not based upon what they see and who fits their system.
Boy, there sure are a lot of “defensive” teams left in the playoffs. Did someone say “passing league”?!
January 13th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
Lightningbuc,
I liked Blount as well. I dreamed of the old thunder/lightning, WD-40 backfield when Martin came along. It’s such a shame that he and Schiano didn’t see eye to eye, but his lack of accountability was well documented even from Rah’s era.
I still think that they need that kind of back. Maybe James is that guy, I don’t know. I just don’t see Martin lasting if they continue to pound him.
January 13th, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Almost typed my name as lol when i read this…..what happened to joe, i gotta tell ya you dr jekyll when you write and mr hyde when you talk about the bucs on air. that sounds so ridiculous…blow up the entire offense and defensive line because they underperformed under a coach who underperformed.
The rest of your rambling was deleted. Why? Because Joe isn’t advocating blowing up the lines. Please don’t make stuff up. Work on your reading skills. Lastly, Joe’s position on Clayborn is consistent in all media. The guy needs to produce a lot more to be considered a good starter (as in better than most) at his position. He has yet to do that.
January 13th, 2014 at 1:39 pm
@bucsfanman
Completely different NFL; rules, etc. even last year look what Flacco did in the playoffs. Look at each division and please let me know how many of those won the division or made the playoffs with the worst QB?
January 13th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
As in the article Joe posted on JFF signing with free’s agent I
really doubt the Buc’s would think to draft him IMHO Thanks
January 13th, 2014 at 1:58 pm
“Preparing to Clean House”
“…but there is no assurance those players will be in Tampa next September”
“Joe would not be surprised to see the Bucs completely blow up the starting offensive and defensive lines”
“Those who think Lovie will do wonders for Adrian Clayborn and DaQuan Bowers need to realize Lovie isn’t here to fix the Greg Schiano regime and the holdovers from the Raheem Morris era”
I read things fine, Joe. You can’t defend untenable positions by lobbing reading comprehension nonsense at your readers.
Actually, reading comprehension is not nonsense. Joe’s glad you cited these quotes because they further clarify that Joe is not advocating for cutting certain players or giving anyone away, merely pointing out that there will be huge changes. –Joe
I’ll make this nice & bold, since YOU missed it the 1st time, writing the asinine Blount piece right after this article—YOU DON’T GIVE AWAY TALENT.
“Well, we just drafted Vinny #1 overall, & Steve Young has done jack squat, so getting a 2 a 4 & some cash is a good haul…*& he’s not even gonna start, Montana is entrenched there!” Thank god Joe Bucs Fan wasn’t around in 1986-87.
Like I said, no reason to draft Doug Martin (traded UP to get him) when you had LeGarrette Blount. What’s missed here is all the people making these decisions ARE OUT OF WORK. & like I said, another good way to be out of work in another 3 years is to “clean up” “another regime’s mess” by not utilizing the talent you have, when the opportunities to procure that talent is limited. Blount wasn’t given the proper coaching or opportunity, Doug Martin is officially injury-prone (though it’s early), & speaking of injury-prone, this again helps explain why Bowers & Clayborn have underachieved (unemployed-level coaching is another). Just like the QB question, people act like Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady are right around the corner. You find talent, & you put it in position to win—you don’t overcoach, under prepare, & get rid of it for pennies on the dollar.
“But we have Drew Bledsoe, we can get rid of this 6th round pick at QB”.
January 13th, 2014 at 2:06 pm
that’s all well and good, but lovie will be under pressure to pull an Andy Reid type of turnaround, and that only happened because reid understood there were a ton of talented players who were playing below their potential on the roster already. this group of players would’ve had 10+ wins in 2012 with a slightly less awful secondary (and late game playcalling), and could’ve pulled out another 4 or 5 wins last year (jets, saints, seahawks, and @ falcons all come to mind) with a better gameday coaching staff despite the MRSA and the drama. i think we are above league average for talented players at or before their prime, although probably towards the bottom in some categories (like pass rushers) as well as in terms of depth.
January 13th, 2014 at 2:17 pm
I hope whatever happens, they will at least consider getting rid of the sweat-stained-stinking pewter pants and start wearing either black or white pants…
January 13th, 2014 at 2:39 pm
I don’t think it will be quite the overhaul Joe expects. I think Lovie will focus more on filling existing holes and building depth. I think Smith chose Tampa because of the roster. The scrubs (Gibson, Teo, Johnson ect.) will be goners, but that’s obvious. Guys like Clay and Bowers will be in ultimate “prove it” mode while I think the O line stays mostly intact while the staff develops depth that can eventually take over.
our O line was on the bad end of play calling as well, with defensive fronts always knowing what was coming. I just think Lovie has other holes to fill and could look at the O line starters as vets that he can lean on and expect to play better.
Clean house? I don’t think so. Turning expectations into wins is what I expect from Lovie.
January 13th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Hey joe, I played waaay better this year than my boy DP, and anyone else on the o-line for that matter. Where’s the love?
January 13th, 2014 at 3:12 pm
OK JOE take out the good stuff and leave the rambling
ONLY the media compares a clayborne to players on different rosters…..the guy is the best on OUR ROSTER at the d end position and it doesnt matter who’s in charge in the bucs front office, their track record for DRAFTING defensive ends is as pathetic as the track record for drafting quarterbacks
if you have good coaching it’s still easier to get good coaching out of veterans than it is out of rookies, theres no assurance we get clowney and even if we did theres even less of a chance of him having a probowl rookie season….
“The only sure thing is that Lovie is going to clean house.” work on your writing skills because who says that other than joe? theres no former players saying it only joebucs fan.
OK. Think as you wish. But there will be loads of new Bucccaneers come September. –Joe
January 13th, 2014 at 3:18 pm
That’s nice and all Joe but these guys are still on their rookie contract and, unless we draft Clowney, both are likely to be safe for the year. Though that doesn’t mean they will be handed a starting spot. The guys that are really in trouble are the guys like Means. But, lucky for Means, Lovie drafted Shea McClellin who is about the same size as Means. So there’s a chance he can be polished into something.
January 13th, 2014 at 3:20 pm
@Paul
“I hope whatever happens, they will at least consider getting rid of the sweat-stained-stinking pewter pants and start wearing either black or white pants…”
If we switch that Pewter with black, we would become the Falcons, so that’s a pretty traitorous suggestion. If we’re going to wear black with anything, it would be with Orange.
January 13th, 2014 at 4:07 pm
THIS NOT A REBUILD! THIS IS NOT A REBUILD! Or how Yoda would put it. REBUILD IT IS NOT I SAY.
Look at the Chiefs and the success they had this year. The only changes they made the was big was at head coach, QB, drafted a OT. They finished 11-5 from 2-14 2012 season. As our oline, it use to be a strength on this team 2 years ago. Joseph was coming off a season ending injury. I wouldn’t give up on him. Penn was a pro bowler. He’ll get it back. I do believe they will need to do something about the LG spot.
January 13th, 2014 at 4:14 pm
@Buxfan
Yea it’s too bad about carl nicks, seemed like a good guy and i really do hope that he gets healthy forget football cuz thats a dangerous issue he has but i would love to see him comeback and justify that big contract…..7 million to cut him, 6 million to keep him another season i think so im hoping the reports about him are just rumors and guesses, i’d love to see him back in uniform atleast one full season not to mention there is one on this team that can replace him
January 13th, 2014 at 4:16 pm
Patrickbucs,
Different league? Why? I read that Seatle and San Fran average just above 200 yds passing per game, Seattle is 26th overall and 49’ers are a mind-blowing 30th. That kind of belies that statement, does it not? What they do have is a running game and a helacious defense.They’re both considered powerhouses just like those prolific passing teams of Den and NE. While Den and NE are not ranked highly defensively, they have the QBs to make up for it.
As far as Flacco, he benefitted from a top 10 ranked rushing game while the passing rank was near the middle of the pack. Their defense was 12th in points allowed. He got hot in the playoffs but I think it would be fair to say that Baltimore is hardly an offensive juggernaut.
I wasn’t saying that we’re going to the Superbowl with Glennon. He has to earn it just like every other QB in the league. Just changing QBs does little to change the outcome of most of the games we lost. We need upgrades at nearly EVERY position.
January 13th, 2014 at 4:38 pm
I’m wondering how Lovie will evaluate the defensive line, in particular Bowers and Clayborn. Maybe all the D-line stunts from last year will leave him scratching his head and thinking he has 2 players that weren’t put in a position to succeed. Changes are probably coming to the D-line though, especially if free agency yields a solid pass rusher.
January 13th, 2014 at 5:18 pm
LoL
We’ll see Joe, your “guess” is just as good as ours.
And I’d be willing to bet that AC will be used by Lovie, properly, and that Bowers will at least be given a shot to show Lovie what he’s got.
But like I said, we’ll just have to see.
January 13th, 2014 at 6:25 pm
For as much wrote and talked about, how bad our d-line schemes were, with all the stunting, I think it very hard to gage just how good or bad, Clayborn and even Bowers and the rest of the d-line really are with “professional” coaching. Of course, we will have turnover, like every other team. It’s possible, Clayborn, who plays very physical and helluva motor could turn into valuable player with proper coaching.
January 13th, 2014 at 10:34 pm
Wasn’t Bowers out of shape most of the year? I think Lovie might work Bowers arse off during the off season.
January 13th, 2014 at 11:06 pm
We don’t have the talent the chiefs have. And certainly don’t have Alex Smith!
Bowers and Clayborn are coming off a Achilles and ACL respectively. Plus this was Bowers first trying camp. Both have been injured 10 plus games. It would be stupid to even consider cutting either. It takes most D-linemen two to three seasons. Especially when they are being pulled into coverage on passing downs! Kind of hard to sack the QB, when you are 10 yards down the field, covering the Fullback.
Anyone who thinks Penn isnt a great Left tackle, is clueless.
But I think he may be lucky enough to get traded to a contender. He is probably headed to the declining years , and it would be wasting talent to keep him here during a rebuild- even though I think it will be a brief ” re-arming”.
Think we are better than 4-12. But not 12-4 either!
Think we trade Donald to a contender for a 3rd, and meybe a 6th.
Then First round is OT or DE, 2nd round is which ever we didn’t draft in 1st.
3rd round is a LG. We may trade Joseph for same reason as Penn, but he may only warrant a 5th round Pick.
Hopefully we can get another Guard and De in free agency.
In this Senario, we either go with Glennon, or Trade for a QB.
Chicago seems enamoured with McCown. Meybe Cutler wants to warm up. He is rumored to dislike the cold.
All just my opinions. But 4-12 teams value draft picks more than aging veterans. A few trades could get us extra picks, plus our 3rd. But we gotta keep V. Jackson. Young QBs need dependable targets.
Feel free to offer different opinions- we’ll see who is right. No matter. Think future is bright. Good times are ahead
January 14th, 2014 at 12:58 am
@bucsfanman
Flacco tied an NFL playoff record with 11td’s-0 picks and highest QB rating in playoffs. The Ravens defense was pretty average last year. Our defense is nowhere near SF or Seattle so comparing their teams offensive stats to the Bucs doesn’t make a lot of sense. Both teams have had lots of injuries to their offense, SF’s offense has looked much better since they have gotten healthy. My point was if those teams continue to have those offensive stats they will not win consistently, Wilson seems to be overrated anyway. Let’s see if he’s down 7 or 10 in the 4th and they need him to make a comeback against a playoff team.
I want our team to go back to the SB not be an 8-8 to 10-6 team. A great to top 10 QB can make those other deficiencies look less noticeable and we can compete at least every year. The Jets had very good to great defenses for a number of years and never made it to the promise land. We do need lots of players hopefully with a real QB moving forward Glennon or not
January 14th, 2014 at 1:22 am
I agree Joe. Word in Chicago is Henry Melton and Devin Hester are set to come down here with Lovie.
January 14th, 2014 at 2:02 am
I gotta agree with you joe. I love the work ethic that Clayborn has but his production is really lacking. Lovie would be idiotic to just cut him, but Clayborn really needs to improve if he wants to remain the starter. I think he’s a lock to make the roster, but his playing time might be cut if lovie doesn’t see him producing.
January 14th, 2014 at 4:59 am
I can bet that Chief fans felt the they should have replaced a lot of them players after the 2-14 season. And yes the Bucs has better talent then the Chiefs. We did beat them two years ago with most of that same talent.
January 14th, 2014 at 7:29 am
Under Schiano the locker room must have had one of those trap doors in the floor where at any moment he could hit the eject button and woosh away the talented players he didn’t like, sending them into the oblivion of a playoff team. There must also have been a revolving door where guys could crawl in from the street to replace them. Coaches, like most of us, tend to “go with who you know.” Lovie may do the same but he doesn’t seem like the type to make rash decisions or rely on the opinions of his predecessor. Evaluating the current roster is his most important task. Get it right Lovie. We can’t afford to lose any more good players.
January 14th, 2014 at 8:51 am
Patrickbucs, I’m not comparing the Bucs to those teams. I’m trying to make a point that you don’t have to be a “passing team” to make the playoffs or be successful. You CAN win without an elite QB. Did you even read what I wrote?!
Like I said about Flacco, “He got hot in the playoffs”.
Boy, it really is true about agendas on this blog. People have one thought and won’t hear anything else!!!
January 14th, 2014 at 11:45 am
@bucsfanman
Yep I have an agenda lol. if u want a team that tries to keep it close in the 4th quarter by running the ball and trying to play great d to eek out a win fine; I as a longtime season ticket holder do not. Please keep in mind as of today both of our lines suck. In order to play that type of ball we will need a number of new players through free agency and the draft.
January 14th, 2014 at 12:15 pm
Sorry Patrickbucs, just playing off of someone elses rant.
See, if eeking out victories means winning ugly, then lets win ugly. They’re wins! But, like you, as a long time Buc fan, we’ve NEVER seen an offense here. The closest we got was last year with ‘ol Joshy-boy. It’d be nice to blow teams out for a change. Thing is though, we’re not built for that, not yet anyways.
Yeah, and I’m with you about the line issues. It really doesn’t matter who the QB is if you don’t block and conversely, you have to pressure opposing QBs. We’re closer defensively I think than offensively.
January 14th, 2014 at 6:15 pm
Doesn’t take a crystal ball to see all the sloth Bowers has put on tape. That fool ain’t starting.