Interesting Comments From David
April 9th, 2014
Was he sick of the Bo Pelini-Greg Schiano way?
With the possible exception of Gerald McCoy, there is not a better Bucs player than linebacker Lavonte David. It is borderline criminal how he doesn’t get awarded NFL honors that lesser linebackers receive.
The fact David isn’t considered by his own brethren in the NFL to be elite — had the Pro Bowl been determined only by fans’ and coaches’ votes, David would have been eating pineapple — just goes to show how a bad team can drag down its players’ image and reputation.
So it was a bit interesting to Joe that David, in so many words, did not throw any bouquets of flowers to his former coaches and Bucs former commander Greg Schiano when David talked about coaching styles and team demeanor with the local pen and mic club yesterday.
“Me personally, I’m not a rah-rah guy,” David said. “Everybody staying calm and everybody keeping their composure, it can turn over to the field where you have a situation where the crowd’s going crazy and something bad happens and everybody’s keeping their composure on the sidelines. That builds more confidence to overcome (adversity).”
Schiano is every bit a rah-rah kind of guy but was David talking about Schiano or was he talking about his former college coach (Bo Pelini at Nebraska) or both?
In fact, it was under Pelini that David flourished from a juco transfer into a top-tier college stud linebacker, and it was under Schiano that David quickly blossomed into arguably the best outside linebacker in the NFL.
Pelini, for those unaware, is a borderline madman who has been reprimanded by the Big Ten conference and admonished by the Nebraska chancellor for his behavior and is notorious for unloading on Cornhuskers fans.
David’s defensive coordinator at Nebraska, Carl Pelini (brother of Bo) may be even more of a maniac than Schiano and Bo Pelini combined.
So Joe wonders if playing for in-your-face coaches is actually good for David, despite not being a rah-rah guy, or if David is just weary of all the hollering and drama at practice and in games, and is longing for a coach like Lovie Smith who doesn’t talk as if the veins is his neck are bout to burst?
April 9th, 2014 at 5:57 pm
Dunno that might be a bit too much reading into those “in so many words” comments, but if nothing else I guess it does make for entertaining reading to put it out there as such. I’d feel a little more confident if maybe you know Schiano’s actual name had been you know brought up in the conversation at some point.
April 9th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Joe’s not in the business of fabricating. David was asked multiple times about differences in coaching styles, now versus Schiano, as well as working under Hardy Nickerson.
April 9th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
you noticed how David is making a lot more comment recently this year? Because now he has freedom we have a coast that is not a maniac anymore
April 9th, 2014 at 6:13 pm
Hands down my favorite current Buccaneer. It’s a shame I can’t bring myself to buy one of those jerseys.
Are the red ones still available? Does anyone know? I’m too lazy to go looking for one. Are they considered throwback now too like the creamsicles?
April 9th, 2014 at 6:17 pm
I remember watching Nebraska football LVD’s two years there. Out of nowhere he would come and make sick tackles. He was all over the field. I would always think if only the Bucs could get him. When they traded up, I knew it was for LVD. First Round talent that thankfully fell to us!!
April 9th, 2014 at 6:18 pm
1987:
Joe is sure if you do some surfing you can still find a red one, not the new ones.
April 9th, 2014 at 6:27 pm
Buc1987:
Bucs website has old red jerseys on sale. Last time I checked Doug and LVD were on sale. If not there NFL.com may also have the old reds for sale. Good luck.
April 9th, 2014 at 6:55 pm
Yeah thanks a lot. I guess I have to do some hunting.
April 9th, 2014 at 7:00 pm
I noticed that too in his interview. I think he said it a couple times. IMO David’s skills would allow him to flourish under any coaching style. But obviously he is enjoying the new atmosphere at One Buc.
April 9th, 2014 at 7:03 pm
My first move after the unveiling of the new jersey – was to order a 2013 red Nike jersey with David’s name and number (this is the jersey from his rookie year.)
BTW – when I ordered mine the photo on the NFL shop had a red jersey with the black collar detail (first year of the Nike Jersey) – when it arrived it was the red Nike jersey with a red collar (the second year of the Nike Jersey) . . . incidentally, the red on red looks way better anyway.
April 9th, 2014 at 7:05 pm
So does that mean the Bucs can use Pewter and Red OR Creamsicle as their throwbacks? Or does Nike or the NFL not allow such things anymore?
April 9th, 2014 at 7:42 pm
Maybe he got better despite those in-your-face guys. Like, he’s always been the best and just kind of takes all the yelling in stride, meanwhile underneath he’s a calm collected guy who owns the field.
April 9th, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Joe I think David was just saying he wasn’t a rah rah guy. Nothing against schiano or pelini. David doesn’t seem like the type of guy joe. You’re digging.
April 9th, 2014 at 8:08 pm
I just wonder if we’re going to get updates every time a player drops an inadvertent turd on the Old Schiano Order… Could get a little repetitive and droney… but then again, there’s no way it could get any more boring and repetitive than the constant drone of Johnny Fruitball fantasizing.
April 9th, 2014 at 8:16 pm
Chris… I interpreted his statement the same way. Explaining who he is and nothing more.
April 9th, 2014 at 8:35 pm
Maybe he was talking about players and not necessarily coaches!?? Maybe some players, mainly on offense, were mentally weak and could not keep emotions out when things got tough. Just msybe…….
April 9th, 2014 at 9:04 pm
i dont care what he says that guy is the best linebacker in the league. as long 54 is ballin and making plays it doesnt really matter to me how he evaluates coaches.
April 9th, 2014 at 9:18 pm
“but then again, there’s no way it could get any more boring and repetitive than the constant drone of Johnny Fruitball fantasizing.”
Orca…actually this is the number 1 reason why I can’t for the draft to get here.
April 9th, 2014 at 9:46 pm
Look, I’m first to admit that I can sometimes reach in reading between the lines but even I couldn’t extrapolate Joe’s theory from what I heard, and read.
I didn’t take it as a slight toward Schiano or his staff, but I also can’t say what his feelings are toward Schiano.
I think what David may be implying is that he doesn’t need the rah rah emotion to elevate his game. He is self motivated and can exist in any environment, with any type of coaching.
April 9th, 2014 at 9:57 pm
Joes,
We all know that you are pushing a lot of Johnny Football stories because it drives clicks. I am sure are also a fan of his potential, just like many of us that are wary of him.
But let us face facts here. There is a mob in this town. Not the Mike Glennon Mob. It is the Jimmy Garoppolo Mob. Not many readers know this, but Joes are the head, the Don, the Godfathers of the Jimmy Garoppolo Mob.
Some of us were aware of Garoppolo and even fewer were familiar with him. Until that is Joe wrote some very intriguing articles about Jimmy. Not just a couple but several. Joe turned on the region to Jimmy Garoppolo.
Which is why Johnny stories drive revenue, but Joes are the President, CEO, and Chairmen of the Board of the Jimmy Garoppolo Mob.
JGM 2014!!
April 9th, 2014 at 9:57 pm
Hard as it may be for we fans to swallow, this game is a profession to NFL players. These are grown men concerned about putting food on the table for their family. They don’t give a rat’s ass about winning one for the Gipper.
By the time they reach the NFL they better be inner directed and self motivated.
I always wanna puke when somebody says an NFL coach didn’t have his team prepared emotionally. This is professional football. If a grown man with years of experience needs a coach to fire him up he needs to find another job.
I’m with Levonte on this one.
April 9th, 2014 at 10:24 pm
I think LVD will be fine with any coach. This guy is a stud…no doubt about that.
April 9th, 2014 at 10:27 pm
^^ That’s not exactly what Lavonte said.
And, while it’s true that professionals are a little older and expected to be more responsible and self-motivated, there’s no question that the proper leadership approach involves coaxing the team into the right mental framework leading up to games. There’s a lot more to coaching than being an X’s and O’s guy. Coaching is about communicating and motivating guys to give their best. It’s the same principle as any other leadership role in any other profession.
So, a coach getting guys prepared emotionally is valid. It’s a reality of life in any organization. It could take different forms. Lovie is a laid back guy. Pete Carroll is kind of a rah-rah guy, but not in a militaristic sense. Schiano’s approach was effective at times, but wore thin.
April 9th, 2014 at 10:39 pm
@ StPeteBucsFan
While you may be right about most players, there are still some players that are highly competitive and actually love the game of football, even with all the millions of dollars they are making. I think Ray Lewis was a prime example of that. I also think its safe to say that Lavonte David is one of those players too.
They are few and far between, but when you find them, they are usually gems.
April 9th, 2014 at 10:51 pm
Those players that put partying first, coasting there way, and concerning themselves with only making a paycheck, they usually dont last as long. There are sooo many examples of that. JaMarcus Russell would be the first that comes to mind.
April 9th, 2014 at 11:23 pm
I think Mettenberger in the middle rounds could be very interesting. I see as much potential in him as I see in Manziel. That would allow us to better address the WR and OL early, then have a quality veteran that can start the season and possibly complete it while we let Glennon and Mettenberger battle it out throughout the year. We’re in build for the future mode here. I like the idea of having a savvy veteran to lead two young quarterbacks with tons of potential to either achieve their full potential, or we draft one of the top QB’s in 2015.
(There is absolutely no way Jameis does not go pro after the next college season. Other than that Mariota and Hundley will also be coming out. Also keep an eye on 2016 for the best QB prospect in years in Jeremy Johnson from Auburn.)
April 9th, 2014 at 11:49 pm
Sorry GMC but there’s no exception. Lavonte is going to have a chance to be the best Buc ever. Luke Kuechly defensive MVP? Please….
April 9th, 2014 at 11:54 pm
bucrightoff,
What gives Lavonte so much more of a clear path to Buc glory than Gerald? They are both playing the same position as Bucs legends and doing them both at extremely high levels. They will both be regarded as all time greats along with Brooks and Sapp.
April 10th, 2014 at 12:20 am
Joe is pushing a lot of Johnny Football stories because he is the most exciting player Joe has seen since he was a kid and very much the Bucs to draft him.
April 10th, 2014 at 1:20 am
Yea, sure he is Joe. It really doesn’t matter though, you are sure to get a lot of clicks when it turns out the bucs don’t draft him. its a win-win for you. I got to hand it too you though, you got this journalist thing down pat. Which in turn makes you one hell of a journalist. I cant argue with that.
April 10th, 2014 at 1:32 am
Andrew:
You are an avowed hater of Manziel. Joe gets that. You also have the option of not reading any story of a subject matter you don’t like. Real simple. Joe always has, and always will write about what interests him.
Seems as if you would prefer Joe to either go dark for months or write about stories that will bore people to tears about backup long-snappers and dudes pumping weights.
If that’s the case, this site isn’t for you.
In case you haven’t noticed, draft content get more comments than Johnny Football. Guess Joe shouldn’t write about the draft either, huh?
April 10th, 2014 at 1:50 am
Stttttrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeetttttttttcccccccchhhhhhhhhh
April 10th, 2014 at 1:52 am
P.S.
Manchild is as boring as boring gets…
At this point there’s absolutely zilch you can offer about him no one has already heard about him.
Very ironic indeed.
April 10th, 2014 at 1:53 am
P.S.S.
Your right and the comments are all the same people commenting about how they are tired of reading about the Manchild lol.
SmH
April 10th, 2014 at 1:58 am
avowed?! would an avowed hater throw a compliment in Manziels direction? Not to long ago I said in a previous post that Manziel has talent. An avowed “hater” would never have recognized that. Look, I love the fact that you post bucs coverage 24/7. In all honesty, I cant get enough, and in that case it makes me a sucker. I’ll be perfectly honest, At times it seems as though you take advantage of this by playing on the sensibilities of bucs fans, all in the sake of… well, only you can answer that. I’ve been a long to reader and commenter and its been fun, but I’m not falling for it anymore. Peace out to all my bucs brethren.
April 10th, 2014 at 2:01 am
It’s been good A1, I hardly come here anymore either.
Don’t feel like your the only one broski.
April 10th, 2014 at 2:05 am
If that is true, how come Joe isn’t writing daily posts about Sammy Watkins? And people think Joe has a boner over Manziel? Or how about writing day and night how Mike Williams is the most rotten SOB to ever wear a Bucs uniform? Joe could go on.
April 10th, 2014 at 2:19 am
Damn, you got me for one more, you are good. The reason why you write about Manziel more than any other prospect than incessantly is because he, like it or not, is such a polarizing figure. That love/hate relationship drives traffic. Keep on Keepin on PRBucFan, Buc1987, Lurker, Orca, Hawaiian, WalkdaPlank, Tampabaybucfan, Flyboyindallas, StpeteBucFan, and everyone else.
April 10th, 2014 at 2:30 am
Andrew:
So Joe should not write about Manziel because the subject gets traffic? Is that what it boils down to? So Joe shouldn’t write about the draft either, which gets more traffic?
Again, Joe could write Sammy Watkins and get as much traffic. Joe isn’t fully understanding the source of your angst, sorry. If you are bitter that Joe writes about subjects that not only interest him but interest others, Joe’s not sure what to say. Don’t know of any successful site that wrote subjects daily that chased readers away. Like saying a store should open up solely to sell items that people won’t buy.
Joe loves Johnny Football. It’s as simple as that. If you don’t like Manziel stories, don’t read them. Real simple. Joe goes to TheBigLead daily and they are always writing about soccer and basketball and Joe doesn’t read a single word of it. Big deal!
April 10th, 2014 at 2:40 am
Keep on keepin on bro
As per usual A1, don’t even bother with it
April 10th, 2014 at 3:22 am
@Andrew
“While you may be right about most players, there are still some players that are highly competitive and actually love the game of football,”
I agree 100% Andrew. And in fact IMHO that would include the majority of NFL players. They don’t get to the level of the NFL unless they love the game and are very competitive…OR…very talented.
Some few players are talented enough to survive without love of the game. BTW this is what concerns me about Clowney. He’s a freak but does he love it?
As for firing up the players I also accept that coaches need to have their team in the right mental state. I just don’t believe grown men buy into the militaristic screamers. After awhile they become jokes.
April 10th, 2014 at 8:45 am
JGM 2.0 Says:
April 9th, 2014 at 11:54 pm
bucrightoff,
What gives Lavonte so much more of a clear path to Buc glory than Gerald? They are both playing the same position as Bucs legends and doing them both at extremely high levels. They will both be regarded as all time greats along with Brooks and Sapp.
_______________________________________________________________
Have you not watched the last few seasons? Lavonte David is the best linebacker in the NFL right now, maybe the best defensive player period. GMC is very, very good but I don’t think he’s the best defensive lineman in the league, and probably never will be because JJ Watt is so insanely good. No knock on GMC, its just I think Lavonte has a higher ceiling as a player. We haven’t even seen his prime yet…scary.
April 10th, 2014 at 10:18 am
David was first team all pro that’s all that matters. Barber missed the pro bowl and was an all pro as well. I would think David would rather be an all pro then a pro bowl player anyway.
April 10th, 2014 at 10:34 am
Wow, I never knew people could be soooo sensitive. After reading the comments, I’m not even sure what the story was about! Did someone just take their ball and go home?!!!
Anyway. Lavonte is the man. I wish we had 50 more like him.
April 10th, 2014 at 2:10 pm
^ Who are you?
That’s right you haven’t been around long enough to comment about the situation.
April 12th, 2014 at 10:57 am
PRBucFan Said:
“^ Who are you?
That’s right you haven’t been around long enough to comment about the situation.”
Is that like go away newb? This is a free site and no matter how long we’ve been here we have the right to comment on anything we like so please keep that to yourself. So there. Neener neener neener.
SAMCRO Said:
“I think what David may be implying is that he doesn’t need the rah rah emotion to elevate his game. He is self motivated and can exist in any environment, with any type of coaching.”
I think you are right.
I hope Nickerson doesn’t try to change his game. He is the best linebacker now IMO.
Wait. Did I just comment? Sorry PRBucFan.