Captain Cheap Shot Is Coming
March 12th, 2014
Joe’s got a long memory, as well as deep hatred for all things Carolina Panthers. It’s a disorder Bucs fans know well.
And it’s why Joe is disturbed tonight to learn the Bucs have a visit planned with free agent Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn.
Charlotte Observer beat writer Joe Person just put the word out on Twitter.
@JosephPerson – Panthers free agent CB Captain Munnerlyn, who’s in MINN tonight, also has visits scheduled with the Jets and Tampa Bay, per a league source.
Flashback to opening day 2012, when the New Schiano Order era launched in Tampa. Munnerlyn absolutely launched himself violently into punt returner Sammie Stroughter, who had called for a fair catch. It was an ugly cheap shot that drew a flag. To this day, Joe has never gotten an answer why Munnerlyn wasn’t fined or suspended, or delivered retribution by a Buccaneer. It was a heinous hit, reminiscent of the Panthers cheap shot that effectively ended the Pro Bowl career of Clifton Smith.
Last season, Munnerlyn was part of the no-name cornerback crew of the beastly Panthers defense. Munnerlyn was their top-dog starter, and Carolina didn’t bring him back. That’s not a great sign, and Joe’s leery of a guy that benefited greatly from a ferocious front-7.
Regardless, Joe respects that the Bucs want to take a closer look and, apparently, like his film. Munnerlyn stands just 5-8, but plays very physical and talks a big game. Joe just needed to vent. This guy Munnerlyn rubs Joe the wrong way.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:35 pm
Joe, would you rather have him or Peanut? also, any word on whether or not there are Peppers rumors?
Keep up the great work
March 12th, 2014 at 11:35 pm
I have held a grudge against him as well…but he’s a good player…and a great fit for the system…Trust in Lovie…but I’d rather have Tillman just from the leadership he would bring.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:36 pm
I agree joe. But between him or Tillman what would you prefer. Need Dietrich smith
March 12th, 2014 at 11:36 pm
Really? It was Daunte Wesley’s hit on Smith that ended his career? Wow. I remember that hit. He also punched Talib in the facemask during the near-brawl that happened because of the hit. But then Smith was replaced by Sammie Stroughter who returned a kick for a TD.
Yes, Wesley drilled Smith, nearly the same way Munnerlyn launced into Stroughter.–Joe
Yeah, not that crazy about Munnerlyn either.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:37 pm
Tillman or Bailey would be better options
March 12th, 2014 at 11:38 pm
I hear you brother division rivals in joining the bucs also leave a sour taste in my mouth. I hate the falcons, saints, and especially panthers. I’m not blind enough to not respect them for their talents, but when we play it is a dirty match. I remember both hits Joe mentions and both had me standing up and screaming for retaliation. Isn’t munnerlin over 30?? Might as well get other CBs
March 12th, 2014 at 11:40 pm
i love the idea of tillman but his injury history as well as his age kind of scare me. we need as many quality corners as we can get so why not go for both? tillman doesnt have but 2 years left and we would be lucky to have him hold up that long
March 12th, 2014 at 11:45 pm
It is a good thing that Lovie builds defense that can score because our offense is looking like it will not be scoring much.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:47 pm
Hmph, Wesley got ejected, fined, and suspended for that hit on Clifton Smith. Munnerlyn got off easy. On the bright side that was the game Barron drilled Steve Smith.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:49 pm
I also, have never forgotten the captain, captain and grimes were always the two most hated cbs in our devision.
Grimes ALWAYS seemed to get one off of Josh.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:49 pm
I’m sorry Joe but I think Tampa needs some nasty players.don’t get me wrong I don’t want him to intentionally hurt anybody though.
March 12th, 2014 at 11:49 pm
Capt. Cheap-shot ? That’s who helped end a guys football career today with all the cheap shots leveled over the last month or so!
March 12th, 2014 at 11:51 pm
Captain Munnerlyn is a fantastic name though.
Yeah I don’t like cheap shot artists. Honestly when I read the headline I rejoiced for a moment that maybe that had revis’d Dashon Goldson. I can’t stand him.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:01 am
Captian is a good player he gets alot of int.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:02 am
PASS! I can’t see Lovie tolerating this guy. Dirty player.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:07 am
Joe, I understand but just let it go. I’m pretty sure he did.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:07 am
Captain Video! (I’m done)
March 13th, 2014 at 12:08 am
Will always hold a grudge against him and Wesley for those cheap dirty shots. We don’t need more guys in our backfield drawing dumb penalties. Besides he is old and past his prime. He benefited greatly from a nasty front 7 as Joe pointed out.
Pass on this guy. I’d rather have Tillman, even tho he is older.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:19 am
Past his prime???? He’s 25 years old. I can understand that some people may dislike him but he’s a solid corner entering his prime. Wouldn’t mind signing him if we don’t have to overpay.
Better than having the infamous LJ on the field.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:19 am
I say pass on captain, the former pussycat
March 13th, 2014 at 12:31 am
I remember that hit and I wanted to jump thru the TV and knock this guy out.
Dont need him on the team and don’t want him anywhere around Buc nation.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:32 am
That was a guy named WESLEY, (spelling might be wrong) that hit #22 Clifton Smith. I hope my memory serves me correctly.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:33 am
Knocked Peanut Smith out of football. He never recovered from that hit.
March 13th, 2014 at 12:44 am
Great value player if we get him, a huge upgrade over leonard johnson
March 13th, 2014 at 1:00 am
He is an upgrade from Leonard Johnson as the nickel corner. But I would rather draft Lamarcus Joyner out of FSU instead. Cheaper, younger, hungrier.
March 13th, 2014 at 1:04 am
Joyner had 5 sacks last season at FSU
March 13th, 2014 at 1:27 am
Just because his name sounds like a pirate doesn’t mean you have to sign him to the Bucs, Lovie.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:16 am
Clifton Smith is now playing in the CFL.
March 13th, 2014 at 2:22 am
Hopefully it’s just a trap to finally pay him back
March 13th, 2014 at 2:28 am
Really solid nickel guy and a great fit for us. The first time he jumps a route and picks off Brees, Newton, or Ryan, I’ll be over my hate for him. If the price is right, I’m all for it.
March 13th, 2014 at 3:07 am
This reminds me of the debate about Warren Sapp blind-siding Chad Clifton.
Munnerlyn was penalized, he’s a heck of a player, he’s still playing his heart out. Reminds me of the way Tampa Bay fans recall the exploits of John Lynch, fondly (while in Tampa)…but many in the league think of John Lynch as a cheap-shot artist (mostly from his time in Denver)…at one point even Lynch’s mentor, Tony Dungy, said Lynch should retire…
If he can play, put he and Goldson on the same side…and then watch sparks fly!
March 13th, 2014 at 4:25 am
@Joe – off topic but did the deumig interview not happen? I can’t find the podcast anywhere
Bumped to today at 5. –Joe
March 13th, 2014 at 4:44 am
@JOE
I understand your angst for divisional Rivals & unsportsmanlike conduct. But C’mon
brotha -they tyrna build a beastly defense.
For this style of defense Captain Munnerlyn is one of the best slot corner in the game (If not the best) We need the attitude and swag Dwight Smith played with from the nickel. A mean SOB that can play the run, rush the passer-and cover some.
Captain Munnerlyn
(Disruptive Slot Corner)
• Rushing Game Tackle Efficiency (18.0) 4th best
• Pashing Game Tackle Efficiency (25.5) 5th best
• Missed Tackles (3)
• Sacks (4)
• Touchdowns Allowed (0)
March 13th, 2014 at 6:41 am
If the price is right, he would be a great nickel back. He is a very good tackler and he can really help stop the run. I think he is a very good fit for the Bucs.
March 13th, 2014 at 7:46 am
Id rather get tillman.
March 13th, 2014 at 8:03 am
No way Lovie line up with your feel good story LJ as his nickel back! CM is much better player!
March 13th, 2014 at 8:44 am
If we do sign him we won’t have to play against him. He Is a young skilled CB from a division rival. Instant competent competition for cb, nickle, special teams.
Sign right here captain.
March 13th, 2014 at 8:45 am
The Bucs didn’t bring back Michael Bennett. Was that a bad sign?
There are countless reasons for why a player can leave, not all of them having to do with the quality of their play.
March 13th, 2014 at 9:32 am
Peanut is a starter.
Captain is a starter only if you have no one better.
Still, he is young. Completed 5th year with 73 total tackles (only 48 solo), 3 sacks and 2 pics (both for TDs).
He is only 25 and might be on the verge of taking a leap. He was in a contract year last year, so it remains to be seen if he will be lazy once he gets money. I would not offer him more than, say, $4 million per year, if that.
Peanut I would offer $6-7 million per year (3 years) with no signing bonus. Same deal as Revis so we can cut him if needed. MAYBE a $4 million signing bonus so it is low dead money if cut.
March 13th, 2014 at 10:10 am
We need to sign Anthony Collins more than anybody right now. Still need to upgrade the OL or this year will be another disaster.
March 13th, 2014 at 10:20 am
I’m sorry but this D needs more attitude and I think Captain Munnerlyn brings that cocky attitude much like Sherman. Sure it’s annoying, but What a secondary this team would have after that debacle last year. Most good NFL players have a real nasty streak. See Hardy Nickerson in his prime.
March 13th, 2014 at 11:20 am
Would love his speed and aggressiveness on our D regardless of his past against us…
ALSO HES A RETURN MAN!
March 13th, 2014 at 1:38 pm
Captain is an awesome CB. I bet he’s looking for big money tho, but if can get signed a decent price i’d be glad.
March 13th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
Yall gotta understand, it takes a slot-sized corner to cover slot receivers. that’s why ronde was so valuable for so long. i played corner in college, and trust me, those shorter slot recievers gave our 6ft+ corners fits. it takes a guy with a lower center of gravity to be able to keep up with the agility of those wes welkers/danny amendolas/steve smiths etc… every team should have a corner under 6ft just to keep up with those guys while your 6ft+ corners cover all of the bigger/posession receivers. i hate the panthers too, but you gotta admit, captain munnerlyn always gave us problems when we played him. i’m not surprised we’re taking a good look at him. plus, who has a better pirate name than captain munnerlyn? lol