Man Of Few Words
March 14th, 2014
It was kind of cool for Joe to meet the Bucs’ first wave of new players Wednesday. Each one was at ease mingling and chatting and joking around with the Bucs’ pen and mic club. All seemed like really cool guys, especially Michael Johnson.
(Funny aside: Joe was listening to Bucs general manager Jason Licht when Joe turned to web mistress Dory LeBlanc of WDAE-AM 620 asking if she noticed where Johnson may be. Joe had no idea Johnson, all 6-7 of him, was behind Joe and overheard him. “Man!” Johnson busted out laughing, “how can you miss me?” Johnson then spoke with Joe for what seemed like 20 minutes and likely would have spent the entire afternoon with him if not for prior team-related appointments.)
The same continued yesterday with Bucs starting quarterback Josh McCown. But tackle Anthony Collins? He had to be pried and prodded to talk a little. He’s a good dude and confessed why he doesn’t talk much and why Bucs fans won’t be finding many quotes from him.
“For what? What do I need to talk about? Collins asked unable to hide the large smile on his face. “I feel like I have to protect that man [McCown] with all my heart. I will let him call the audibles. I will let him talk. I just need to protect him.”
Collins went on for more than three minutes talking about how Bucs coach Lovie Smith was a big draw as was his friend and ex-Bengals teammate Johnson. Of all players that Joe dealt with the past few days, none seemed to want to snap on a chin strap and start hitting people more than Collins.
“I’m motivated, yeah,” Collins said. “This is my first starting job. As a starter. So I am very motivated and ready to get to work.”
As for Lovie, Collins said, “He gives you a family feeling and he is true to you. The first thing he said to me was ‘I am going to be true to you. Good, bad, ugly, great; I’m going to be true to you.'”
To hear more from Collins, click the little orange button below, courtesy of Joe’s co-conspirators at WDAE-AM 620.
March 14th, 2014 at 7:09 am
Awesome! So who do we target in the 1st round? Im still on board with Mack if he’s still there, Watkins of course if Mack is gone, or moving up to grab Robinson since he’s a road grader….or we stay and draft a QB (I dont want to, but its the theme around here), or we could pick up Matthews or Lewan, maybe even trade a few spots back and still land Lewan.
What about CB? I think we go there too in the 2nd or 3rd unless we sign someone else thats talented.
March 14th, 2014 at 7:31 am
Give me Mack/Clowney/Mathews/Robinsin/Watkins/Lewan/Donald at #7 overall.
March 14th, 2014 at 7:47 am
If Nicks is healthy enough to play next season the left side of the Bucs line will be one motivated unit, Collins wants to prove he belongs as a starter and Nicks is going to want to prove he’s back, now if we can sign one of those FA centers out there, we can draft a right guard.
March 14th, 2014 at 7:55 am
I have a feeling there will be a trade back unless either Watkins, Bortles, Mack, or Clowney are sitting at 7.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:02 am
I’m seeing mocks now (Drafttek.com) with Manziel and Bridgewater there at #7. Manziel even falling to the second round. Not saying I agree, just saying I’m seeing mocks where top 5 QB’s are slipping!
March 14th, 2014 at 8:12 am
No Qb in 1st round. I wasn’t comfortable before start of FA to take an OT in 1st round since we had so many holes but now I can see it. If we sign a 3rd WR, and watkins isn’t there anymore, I wouldn’t mind get Ebron. We still need new blood in WR/SB/TE with star power.
We also need one or more LB and a slot CB. If we don’t sign any new big FA, then load up front money to the new GMC so we can have more cap space next years
March 14th, 2014 at 8:13 am
Separate from schemes, players seem to like Lovie. A lot. Perhaps that is a more important trait for a head coach.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:19 am
Except for Revis…..
March 14th, 2014 at 8:19 am
I’ve seen enough from Licht and Lovie with our roster moves to trust them. I’d be fine with trading back in the first round if it makes sense. Stay true to the board.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:25 am
Eric, I’m pretty sure Lovie’s T2 scheme had enough zone coverage to dissuade Revis for signing on here.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:27 am
All these FA signings mean we can go with best player available at #7 rather than having to fill a need. Or easily trade back for more picks. We’ve really set ourselves up well for the draft.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:52 am
Its obvious free agents want to play for Lovie. That says a lot about his character. Revis not revamping his contract means nothing. After the Pats get punched in the mouth in the playoffs. He’ll be gone. Mevis= Carmello Anthony.
March 14th, 2014 at 8:59 am
Revis not wanting to play for Lovie says more about Revis than Lovie.
Such as Revis is a self absorbed jerk.
On the draft, McCown stated yesterday when asked what Lovie requires of a QB, he answered about three times “protect the ball”.
Not really a Manziel thing.
Jeez, Eric. Every coach says “protect the ball,” especially when his backup (McCown) is playing and they don’t want to take big chances.–Joe
March 14th, 2014 at 9:02 am
Revis will hold out somewhere again. He’s a mercenary.
Keep rebuilding the lines! If Manziel is there at 7, you fleece Jerry Jones (duh). I expect a midround QB.
March 14th, 2014 at 9:51 am
Perfect mid round QB is Murray!!
March 14th, 2014 at 10:19 am
Joe,
Not sure what you all issue is with the Bucs moves but I promise you it’s gonna be better than the prior.
Revis actions is and will always be the money and the highest bidder. That’s him and I can’t judge but at some time in his career he will want to win or be a part of something and it’s clear right now he’s self first.
Manziel to Tampa ain’t happening!
March 14th, 2014 at 10:28 am
I’ve said this before but I really think Connor Shaw from South Carolina is going to be the next Russel Wilson. The dude ran just as fast as Johnny Dbag, knows when to run and improvise, let’s route develope before running around like a chicken with his head cut off. Think he will be a steal in the 3rd or 4th round.
March 14th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
Im a Gamecock….all about Connor Shaw, was saying it months ago. Kid is tough and has a mean streak….would be a great pick and I hope we give him a chance but we probably wont 🙁
March 14th, 2014 at 4:16 pm
He doesn’t need to talk. “He’s about that business boss”