Mixed Messages On The Depth Chart
August 5th, 2014
“Don’t put too much into it,” Lovie Smith said of the Bucs’ first depth chart issued this afternoon in advance of Friday’s preseason game at Jacksonville.
However, Buccaneers players Joe talked to about it today definitely take it seriously.
Last year’s starting cornerback Johnthan Banks was listed a backup behind Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins.
“It motivates me, but, I mean, that don’t bother me at all,” Banks said. “I’m mean I’m here to play football, man. I want to win a championship, and I’m all about the team.”
Banks went on to say, “I’ll get my chance” and expressed appreciation for what he can learn from the veteran corners ahead of him.
Bobby Rainey, who has had an excellent training camp, is the No. 2 running back on the depth chart.
“[Lovie] just let us know [the depth chart] is there and it’s real, but you have to keep doing what you’re doing or you can easily drop,” Rainey said. “It’s good to know where I stand, but I don’t get involved with that. I gotta keep doing what I’m doing. Where I’m at depth-chart-wise is fine and dandy, but as long as I know I come off the field and put everything on the line and got into position to make plays, I’m fine with that.”
Yes, Lovie said more than once at his news conference, “Don’t put too much into the depth chart,” but it was clear to Joe that Lovie’s players know where they stand and are paying attention — as it should be.
August 5th, 2014 at 7:52 pm
I think Lovie is just trying to teach the younger guys (Banks, Evans, Spence) what it means to earn your spot. Things will change and the cream will rise.
August 5th, 2014 at 8:09 pm
Exactly. This depth chart isn’t carved in stone. It will change, just like it does every season around this time. Cant wait for Sunday.
August 5th, 2014 at 8:15 pm
Correction, make that Friday night. Thought the game was on Sunday for some reason.
August 5th, 2014 at 8:19 pm
Obviously a depth chart this early in Training Camp is about as reliable as a Kardashian prophylactic, but Banks being listed as a backup to Jenkins is a freakin head scratcher. Wouldn’t you agree?
August 5th, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Spot On! bigpoppabuc
August 5th, 2014 at 8:55 pm
The first depth chart is fine by me. Just confident those not at the top now could be better than who is there. Bucs have team depth not seen around these parts in a number of years. The ship is back on course after running aground in the past.
August 5th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
The first depth chart is normally the coaches public wake up call to those who have yet to step up as expected – hope they are listening…
August 6th, 2014 at 12:28 am
Evans is not starting?!?!?!?!?! Already a bust! #sarcasm 😀
August 6th, 2014 at 1:04 am
It is still early. Let us review this same depth chart at preseason game 3; the first regular season game for week 1 and then week 8. , Injuries, players out performing others and coaches who “have to” give playing time to players based on where they were drafted/paid…this list will change. I’m sure there are a few “messages” being sent by this chart too.