Will Mark Barron Outlast Lovie?
September 19th, 2014
Mark Barron scoops up a Dixie Chicks fumble last night. The rest of the game he spent chasing down receivers with the ball. Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.
Mark Barron was drafted seventh overall in 2012. It’s time to quit babying him. He’s not getting the job done at safety.
Oh, Barron can hit. And he can tackle. And he can play the run damned well. Defending the pass? He plays like he is lost.
Being drafted so high, a guy needs to be an impact player. Barron was drafted largely because he was supposed to be able to shut down Jimmy Graham. Joe isn’t sure Barron could guard Jimmy Page in pass coverage.
In case you haven’t noticed, Barron’s impact on the Bucs it is not exactly the kind teams covet.
Barron is in the midst of a four-year guaranteed pact. Next year will be his fourth year and Joe is pretty sure Bucs general manager Jason Licht is not going to pick up the fifth-year option on Barron’s contract. In short, Barron’s contract year will be next year.
It crossed Joe’s mind last night how badly the Bucs got simply outplayed, outcoached, outhustled and chain-whipped by the Dixie Chicks; if there are any more repeats of that, who will outlast who, Lovie Smith or Barron?
September 19th, 2014 at 10:02 am
At this point we have bigger fish to fry! Something must be done about the front 4.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:03 am
Everyone in that secondary was badly outplayed, not just Barron. But let’s not blame Lovie. He is above reproach!
September 19th, 2014 at 10:05 am
Something must be done about the front 11, the back 11, the middle 11, the offensive 11, the defensive 11, the special teams 11, the 11 “alleged” coaches on the sidelines.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:05 am
Finally someone is realizing this! Barron has been overrated for a long time.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:08 am
Mark Barron is just an average NFL Safety, and that’s all he will ever be.
Luke Kuechly was there when we picked, but we messed up, and took Barron instead.
The Bucs are getting seriously outcoached, on both sides of the ball.
We will be lucky to win one game this year.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:08 am
None of the secondary did anything. Verner was just as bad. Also, Barron is from the SEC. All those guys are overrated when it comes to the NFL. Sure the SEC puts a lot of players in the draft and the NFL takes them, but I bet 85% of them don’t pan out.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:09 am
When will they finally put him at LB. This is where he belongs
September 19th, 2014 at 10:09 am
Lovie hasn’t lost me just yet. I want to see what the offense does with Tedford in charge. If not much better by the bye week then this is a quagmire of his own making.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:12 am
We need to get rid of Leonard Johnson. Time after time I see him giving up big plays. And Bowers is is bad, when can we finally realize he’s a huge bust? Those two are in the same category as Barron imo
September 19th, 2014 at 10:15 am
Yeah starting to look like that was a reach by Schiano+Dom. The apologists positive spin is we got more than if we had drafted Claibourne and actually were able to use the 4th rounder from the Jags to get Martin (at least I think that was how I remembers it playing out)
September 19th, 2014 at 10:17 am
Dammit, why must the Bucs be this kind of franchise? WHY???? I’ve been here for 14 years supporting this team and apart from the Super Bowl year the team has floundered with mediocre football or worse. Around 10:30 last night I get a text from a friend telling me, “Patriot Nation will welcome you back with open arms, brother.” See, this is why most people in this area don’t switch their allegiances.
Tampa Bay is awesome! Tampa Bay sports fans are great fans, I really believe that. You have to be a great fan to stick with the Bucs for far longer than I have. Going to the games is a great experience. This city has a great vibe to it. I’ll never leave! I just don’t understand why other teams can figure it out especially at the QB position. Sure, many teams land their franchise QBs in the first round but how is it other franchise don’t seem to miss? Philly didn’t miss with Nick Foles. Say what you will about Tony Romo but Dallas didn’t miss on Romo. The Patriots didn’t miss with Tom Brady. The Bengals didn’t miss with Dalton.
If the Bucs have a top 5 pick in next year’s draft they’re going to miss and miss big. They’re like the Browns or the Raiders….just one of those teams who can’t seemingly get out of their own way.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:19 am
It would have been much easier to admit you have to strong safeties back there and no real ball hawk, would have been easier to admit there no pass catching running back other than Sims. It’s funny how tim wright was devalued when lovie got here but like everyone else knew asj is our only pass catching threat. So far lovie looks like nothing but a liar, he himself said you have to as a defense be able to play press coverage but has anyone ever seen us play press coverage?
September 19th, 2014 at 10:19 am
Oh yeah, the Redskins clearly didn’t miss on Kirk Cousins…
September 19th, 2014 at 10:21 am
One more thing, in regards to “Will Mark Barron outlast Lovie” well if we fire Lovie at the end of the year which coach is going to be hired that is better and even more respected by players than Lovie?
September 19th, 2014 at 10:22 am
Our biggest problem on defense is the D-Line. The Tampa 2 is wide open without QB pressure. If we cant’t get any pressure on the QB with our front 4 then the zone will get picked apart.
Right now, no one on our D-Line is getting ANY pressure, other than GMC, and he is getting double/triple teamed. No one else is doing anything.
The shoddy secondary play would be masked much better with more QB sacks/pressures.
Think back to when this defense was at its best:
2000-55 sacks (tied for 2nd in the NFL)
2001-42 sacks (tied for 12th in the NFL)
2002-43 sacks (1st in the NFL)
Our secondary wasn’t ever considered one of the greatest, but they played in the system perfectly. This secondary can be good, but we can;t let the opposing QB just pick us apart.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:25 am
In all seriousness, please help me understand why Barron is playing poorly. He’s a safety so he supposed to keep everything in front of him, right? And he does. I have seen him get burnt deep yet. When guys do catch a pass he right there for the tackle. Are you referring to his lack of ints?
I seen one blown coverage last week where he came into the box for run support and the te slipped into the flat for a 5yrd gain. Other than that I’m ignorant as to why he’s so bad.
Please educated me, seriously, and try not to be a duck about it please. I’m having a rough morning. Lmao
September 19th, 2014 at 10:25 am
Who doesn’t look lost in our secondary? The other teams receivers…that’s about it.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:29 am
What has me confused is if your releasing the receiver to the safety why the help do they play so far off, first second and third receivers are always open so what’s the point of playing so far off its impossible to think that they don’t see these receivers are being given to much cushion
September 19th, 2014 at 10:29 am
Will he outlast Lovie? I hope so…Barron is paid until end of 2015 and can at least be a good ST player.
Lovie has no value and should be gone after this year. Accountability starts at the top.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:29 am
Lovie makes Raheem look like a genius.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:32 am
I’m still not worried. Lovie will either help Barron improve, or he will cut him loose when the time comes.
I remember getting a lot of flack during Barron’s first year for pointing out things that needed to be fixed. To this day, those things remain. Yet, also to this day, I’m treated like I know nothing. Even though I’m proven right time and time again. I’m tooting my own horn and darn proud of it.
Off topic, McCown getting injured is a win/win scenario for Lovie if Josh cannot return by the next game. It will allow him to put in Glennon without causing controversy.
It will be up to Glennon to keep the job.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:34 am
He is average, at best. This is not why you draft a guy that high.
If he were to develop over this season, what a bonus it would be.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:35 am
Bonzai
You would put McCown back in a game? Wow that amazes me. Side note can you explain to me what Barron does incorrectly? Please
September 19th, 2014 at 10:36 am
We are a bad football team. These are Lovies men being coached up by Lovie and his hand picked coaching staff.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:36 am
I’d hate to be in the military side by side with most of you “fans”. A couple losses and you’re throwing up your hands and turning on your own team. Never mind that there are 14 games remaining. Most of you have no idea what it means to be level headed or to stand fast in the face of difficulty. You fall apart. Like women. Like children. I’m ashamed to be associated with most of you “fans”.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:36 am
How did my fantasy bucs defense get 11 points last night? LOL
September 19th, 2014 at 10:37 am
^13 games remaining
September 19th, 2014 at 10:38 am
Dude Bonzai you have issues. You just listed the only 2 possible options that could possibly happen to Barron. He’ll either improve or get cut, good call bro!
Since we’re 0-3, let me help you with your other favorite phrase, “It WILL get better!”
You should start posting under CaptainObvious.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:38 am
Move him to LB
September 19th, 2014 at 10:41 am
LOL @ FLBoyInDallas….the TRUE FAN POLICE is here. Go away moron. This isn’t the military. We aren’t fighting wars. We aren’t mad just about “a couple losses”. We’re mad about a decade of losing.
There are 13 games remaining, not 14. What world do you live in?
September 19th, 2014 at 10:42 am
Yet, everyone wanted to draft Johnny Bench in the 1st. Same results different player.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:47 am
Bucs panicked when Dallas leapfrogged them in the draft…and panic selected Barron. He had a nice highlight reel of big hits on small school scrubs and other guys who were never going to play in the NFL. Just another overrated Alabama player…he’s just like Trent Richardson- just on the defensive side of the ball. If I recall…Lovie got a 5 year deal. What a dumpster fire…
September 19th, 2014 at 10:48 am
The #7 overall pick in a draft has to be an impact player at his position if not a Pro-Bowl starter season in and season out like Earl Thomas in Seattle or Eric Berry in KC if he was not so injury prone. Barron is not even close to being anything but a mediocre player at his position who probably would not start for quite a few teams in the NFL. Mark Dominic really dropped the ball on this draft pick; he hit a home run with Lavonte David but not on this #7 pick….
September 19th, 2014 at 10:49 am
RealityCheck, you should change your name to LittleBabyWhoCriesOverFootball. You’re about as far from reality as someone can get. Grow up. And while you’re at it grow a pair.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:49 am
Barron is awful. Last time he made an impact play? I’ll wait???
September 19th, 2014 at 10:49 am
Mark Barron stinks. The fumble was a fluke play, but the guy is completely lost out there. He has no clue in coverage and get exploited time and time again. He is good for coming up in the hole and laying a lick on somebody after the Bucs are down 42-0. That’s about it.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:51 am
I don’t know what to think about Lovie at this point I am still undecided. However, I do know people calling for his head along with reading some of the comments with the same view. All I can say is I see that real hard to happen after this year because Schiano is still on the books next year and Lovie is still under contract for three years after this season.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:52 am
This team also needs depth. We have none. There is a reason that the majority of our cuts DON’T wind up on other teams. We have not drafted well over the last few years, other than David and McCoy really.
This is going to be a long season. We overhauled the majority of our starters on offense this past off-season. 2015 will be about defense.
FS (Goldson will be a cap casualty)
MLB (Foster isn’t good enough in coverage for this defense)
DE (Do we have any???)
Those positions are CRITICAL to the Cover 2.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:53 am
What about Glennon, all the kid did was come in and complete 17-24 passes.
A lot of angry Glennon detractors out there, and it is a shame because this kid can actually play.
I can’t wait to hear the net JoeBucsFan Radio hour, can’t wait! If the host continues to dismiss Glennon this week, then Glennon will make him pay net.
Crow will be served to the radio talking heads that continue to support Freemadonna, while refusing to grasp that Glennon has potential to be a good NFL starter. HAHAHA Taking over the world, one day at a time. -MGM
September 19th, 2014 at 10:54 am
We’ve got 2-3 years after this one of Lovie as head coach, minimum. So ladies…sit back, pop a Midol, pull your panties out of your snatches and act like real fans. Stomping your feet like an 8 year-old girl who had her dolly taken away is embarrassing. More embarrassing than the Bucs.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:55 am
Pick 6. Fumble recovery.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:56 am
Bucs didn’t “panic.” It was stated that a strong, hard hitting safety that could cover was KEY to the Schiano defense. He was the one that would come up in run support and still be able to cover the TE on routes. Barron was supposed to fit that mold to a T.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:56 am
AdamBomb418 Says:
September 19th, 2014 at 10:05 am
Finally someone is realizing this! Barron has been overrated for a long time
————–
What? I was screaming that when he was drafted. All I wanted was Luke Keuchly, who is damn better than any of the other LBs we have. David has been TERRIBLE in coverage. All the LBs have been terrible, constantly biting on the play-action fakes and leaving the middle of the field wide-open. When the CBs are playing 7 yards off, the LBs need to be able to get into the passing lanes quickly but they are invisible.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:57 am
In fairness to Barron he was drafted to bring big hits back to the middle of the field that left with Lynch and then the game changed. It’s easy to say he needs to go if his coverage skills and zone play don’t improve but without them he has little trade value. Lovie and Licht tried to fix the roster to win now with FA backups ready to break out – they didn’t.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:57 am
Lol, good one bro! I make statements about how awful this team is supported by facts and you whine about the mentality of the “fans”. Anyone that talks about growing a pair and people needing to man up and stop acting like women and children has a complex. You’re not tough. Stop trying to act like an alpha male, it’s embarrassing.
I’m gonna go watch the Rocky movies and see how I can toughen up.
Ya, I’m the out of touch one here.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:58 am
Jimmy Page would bring it on home against Barron.
September 19th, 2014 at 10:59 am
That’s it, attack the fans for being upset at that incomprehensible embarrassment. Don’t put this on do-no-wrong Lovie or his lapdog Licht. What is wrong with some of you?
September 19th, 2014 at 11:00 am
Jesus FLBoyInDallas you managed to make another post showing your complex already.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:01 am
Bonzai…. You said we ran on 3rd and 7 so that we could give the kicker PRACTICE
September 19th, 2014 at 11:02 am
DB55 Says
Bonzai
“You would put McCown back in a game? Wow that amazes me.”
Wow. Where did I say that? You really need to read properly.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:02 am
Celly, you are wrong. Anyone following that draft knows Dallas bit the Bucs and the Bucs didn’t have a plan to trade down.
Btw, all defenses need a safety to stop the run and cover.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:02 am
Good posts JK.
Carolina Panthers sure don’t have much of an issue playing in their Tampa 2 because they can generate pressure from their front 4 and occasionally mix it up. We do not have the talent or depth obviously to run this system so it’s on the coaches to adapt. When the players quit it doesn’t matter. Not sure in Barron’s case if it matters either way. Just tons of poor drafts.
Also please stop with all SEC players are overrated check out most stars on teams and a lot of rookies of the year. All leagues have busts and some good players.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:03 am
Mark Barron is not overrated, he is doing what Lovie’s defense wants him to do, tackle well, dont get burned deep, and keep everything in front of you. He cannot make any plays if we don’t get pressure.
The Legion of Boom would’nt be feared if they didn’t get any pass rush, they would get picked apart also.
So Joe… when are you gonna write about on how good Glennon looked last night. No interceptions, 1 touchdown and above 70% completion percentage.
#MGM
September 19th, 2014 at 11:03 am
Fowlclowns just scored again!
September 19th, 2014 at 11:05 am
Funny how one can tell someone to “grow up”, then proceeds to say “sit back, pop a Midol, pull your panties out of your snatches”. That sounds so grown up.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:07 am
ManzielMadness Says
“Bonzai…. You said we ran on 3rd and 7 so that we could give the kicker PRACTICE”
Not accurate. I meant that they ran the ball feeling Rainey was doing well thus far and IF he did not make it, the Kicker needed to take his shot. Our kicker had never tried a field goal in the NFL until then. He did need to do it at some point you know. He DOES need practice.
Just a case of the dimwitted seeing what they want to see instead of using their heads.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:12 am
“lightningbuc Says:
September 19th, 2014 at 11:05 am
Funny how one can tell someone to “grow up”, then proceeds to say “sit back, pop a Midol, pull your panties out of your snatches”. That sounds so grown up.”
Caught that too. The irony of the self righteous!
September 19th, 2014 at 11:13 am
Bucsfan4lyf Says
“…write about on how good Glennon looked last night. No interceptions, 1 touchdown and above 70% completion percentage.
#MGM”
Pure fiction. He had three instances where he was nearly picked off but the passes were dropped. He got off lucky, because he very nearly did in just over a quarter what it took three games for McCown to do.
That said, he really didn’t have a fair chance. The team had already quit.
I hope McCown cannot go this week. I want Mike Glennon to have a shot, and injury can provide that opportunity without controversy. If he does very well, it will cause the kind of controversy that is good to have.
So, if he starts the next game, I will be rooting for him. But there are a lot of fixes to be done on the whole team if he is to have a shot at winning.
On the other hand, if the rest of the season goes like last night, we’re a lock for the first pick. I would rather win, but again…silver linings.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:17 am
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
September 14th, 2014 at 7:25 pm
I see the point of running it. James needs it and Murray needs kick practice at this point. Him getting a FG will help his confidence.
please tell me how that implies “Rainey was doing well thus far and IF he did not make it, the Kicker needed to take his shot.” I’m dimwitted so I need help.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:23 am
Joe
All we need is a leader that can lead and make the tough decisions and not play favorites or keep someone in because he said he was great. They have to go on what is real and sometimes people have a bad day, bench them in a hurry and put the next man in until you run out of men and then put in the cheerleaders, they couldn’t do any worse and they would certainly look a lot better.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:24 am
Barron is what he is and all he is basically is a hard hitting string safety with no instincts, did anyone notice how slow her was running when he coughed up that ball. Lovie is fired in my book…. HE DRAFTED HESTER your telling me there was no plan to kick away from him, unless lovie wanted to see what would happen
September 19th, 2014 at 11:27 am
Patrickbucs Says:
September 19th, 2014 at 11:02 am
Carolina Panthers sure don’t have much of an issue playing in their Tampa 2 because they can generate pressure from their front 4 and occasionally mix it up. We do not have the talent or depth obviously to run this system so it’s on the coaches to adapt.
———————-
Ron Rivera was Lovie Smith’s D-Coord in Chicago. Carolina runs this same defense and flourishes. Looking top to bottom, the Panthers have WAY more talent than we do. The players they have drafted fit the scheme of Rivera’s defense.
We drafted NO defensive players this year. Talk about square peg round hole. Lovie Smith is a smart man and a good coach. Our offense was a joke last year. He brings in Tedford and gives him toys to build an offense. After seeing us not draft any defense, I really started to think that this season was about Lovie evaluating the current defensive roster. The players that fit the mold will be brought back, the ones who don’t wont.
Look at who Lovie brought in on offense – McCown. Is he going to be a pro bowl player? No. But he is EXACTLY what Mike Glennon needs to develop. A mentor. A vet who has been around and can teach the kid.
Come September 2015, this defense is going to look drastically different. But this season is only 3 games old. This is essentially a season long interview for the current roster.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:29 am
Been a long time Bucs fan from the Windy City since 99… As much as i hate to admit this but Schiano used Barron more effectively (remember he played the linebacker in dime formations and was positioned inside the box alot more) than us thinking he can play a coverage zone mindset its painfully obvious he has some work to do if he stays… But to be fair the Cover 2 defensive scheme wouldn’t even work for the Legion of Boom with this terrible pass rush we are showing because after 3 seconds the Tampa 2 is completely broken down and anybody could throw/Scrammble for a first down… D Bowers finished last night with 0…. I repeat 0 tackles last night no assist no nothing. M. Johnson has robbed us of his entire contract so far not showing up I have yet to even see him get a pressure pass rush on a QB in the two games he’s played. Right now the personnel is not matching to what we want to do although we are stuck with Gholston he hasn’t played well either alongside Barron.
Can you dig it???
September 19th, 2014 at 11:37 am
with this D scheme and playcalling we could have all pro’s on the entire D and still be horrible.
how do you play 10 yards deep every play. the LB are clearly told to play the run, cause they bite on EVERY play action and leave the middle open. the scheme was exposed by mannin 15 years ago!!!
September 19th, 2014 at 11:38 am
Bonzai you said:
“if Josh cannot return by the next game. It will allow him to put in Glennon without causing controversy.”
Sounds like you would play him again. Fock josh McCown he can’t play flag football much less nfl. Ha
September 19th, 2014 at 11:47 am
Barron’s not anything special, but I can easily name 10 starters that are worse at their respective positions. Safety shouldn’t be a top priority (an shouldn’t have been when we wasted a top 10 pick on one.) Cut Goldson first and free up the salary cap space, draft a qb with our 1st round pick (mariota or winston) and then add offensive and defensive linemen with the rest of the draft. build up front on both sides of the ball and quit reaching for mediocre players in free agency.
September 19th, 2014 at 11:57 am
Jimmy Page, the guitarist of Led Zeppelin?
September 19th, 2014 at 11:57 am
Am I the only one wondering man if chip Kelly didn’t pull a Parcells
September 19th, 2014 at 12:03 pm
I don’t see where McCown has anything to teach Glennon about how to be a better QB.
September 19th, 2014 at 12:05 pm
I’m hoping the owners get together and tell the Glazers that it is time to sell.
September 19th, 2014 at 12:07 pm
I’m so blown with this Barron bashing! Has anyone paid attention to “The Hawk” constantly being out of position & looks just as lost!? He’s been doing it sense he got here & we wanna blame Barron!?? Everyone should really open there eye’s, “The Hawk” needs to go period! “THE WHOLE SECONDARY IS AWFUL AS WELL AS OUR PASSED RUSH.”
September 19th, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Why are you all arguing amongst yourselves like baffoons – as if it matters c’mon now. Barron is one of many problems and the lack of adjusting to the players we have is also part of the problem.
Stop it with the stupid who said what – we stink and look like the worst team in the NFL
September 19th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
I will say it again,time has passed Lovie by.Cover two is another prevent defense that won’t work.Change your defense.Coaches show some intensity,it might rub off to the players.Right now every practice squad would be favored against the Bucs.Lovie change or resign.
September 19th, 2014 at 12:41 pm
There wasn’t one thing from that game that thought, ‘well at least we look good there.’ That was horrible. Do or die. Go Bucs
September 19th, 2014 at 1:16 pm
Celly panicked and put a glamour pic on his JBF profile…looks good on you though.
September 19th, 2014 at 1:23 pm
Yeah…Barron was another wasted pick. My question is this. Who evaluates the talent and scouts the players? Does each new regime bring in its own departments for player evaluation? I only ask because it seems like regardless of the coach and GM, we always seem to miss in the Draft and free agency. What is the common denominator? Is this an ownership failure? Maybe it is just a curse on Tampa area pro sports teams since they all have been sub par lately. Only the Lightning have been consistently competitive and they have had struggles last few seasons as well.
September 19th, 2014 at 2:45 pm
CONVERT HIM TO LB
Move Goldson to SS
and find a FS who runs below a 4.6!!!!
September 19th, 2014 at 2:51 pm
Dominik screwed us!!!!
Barron is soooooooo slow!
but he’s bigger than LaVonte David,
sooooo
convert him to SLB!!!
and in nickel situations let Barron play the MLB spot.
Mason Foster should never be on the field in nickel of dime situations.
And Barron might be the slowest SS that I have ever seen!!
September 19th, 2014 at 5:59 pm
by far the dumbest player on the field…thanks rock star!
September 19th, 2014 at 6:13 pm
Been saying he’s a bust since year 1. That was a stupid draft pick. 7th overall for a safety.
Now Dominik’s failure is complete.